Howdy!
My name's Dustin Varga. I'm a native of Indiana. My family and I live in Jackson, Wyo., and my calling to journey out west began with a love for the mountains and rivers.
Growing up, I spent summer days racing road bikes and dreaming of the mountains. In 1982, skiing stole my heart, and just like that the simple pleasure of sliding down a mountain had forever changed me. In the summer of 1989, I made the decision to head west, and eight months later I serendipitously landed in Jackson. Echoes of Babe Winkleman and Warren Miller were my soundtrack, and it was on to the mountains and rivers of my dreams.
I spent every minute I could in the Tetons, honing my mountaineering skills and thoroughly enjoying the gearhead aspect that came with it. The summers beckoned me to the creeks and rivers, and fly fishing became an addiction—along with the countless other endeavors that the Yellowstone Caldera has to offer!
Over the past 36 years of strolling banks, trailheads, campsites, and singletrack, one becomes a student of the mountains. Accepting a role of accountability, and a steward of responsibility, learning to pick up after others becomes a habit. We not only want our national parks to stay clean, but everywhere we go. Summer trails, winter lots, skin tracks, and ridge tops all bear the attention of well-used zones.
A huge part of a mountain community—and the lifestyle—is supporting our local brands with pride. 3BIRD apparel is a perfect example of land and water function paired with everyday style and durability. Sourcing sustainable materials like NetPlus® and SeaWool® make the gear just that much better. Using a jacket like the Switch for the past year makes it a quiver-killer in that it functions in all seasons. The Frigate Windshirt is a go-to as well, light and breathable, and just enough fabric to block the wind. And, when I'm just doing my everyday thing, their range of tops and bottoms are easy to wear and versatile for all day long.
Three years ago, I embarked on a film project to create an art piece highlighting my love for fly fishing with my friends, and my personal goal to clean up every spot we fish. Lots, ramps, banks, and all the water in between. The premise of the short film is simply to bring awareness to everyone who shares public lands, to create and sustain a healthy environment that remains pristine, and to capture the absolute joy that anglers experience.
My good friends at 3BIRD have supported this project and been kind enough to share the local experience and killer gear to help along the journey! I’m at a near wrap on content, and have a healthy start on the edit along with my good friend Kevin McCarty.
So, here’s to a healthy, happy lifestyle of full gas in the mountains and slow drifts on the river!
Find out more about Dustin & his upcoming short film HERE.