It's hard to explain to people outside of the climbing community the prolific impact Fred Beckey has had on North American climbing culture, the evolution of the outdoor industry and pursuit of adventure. Before we began romanticizing vagabond climbing culture though the non-conformist ideals of abandoning a desk job, living out of a van and traveling from crag to crag with raggedy flannels and a stockpile of canned beans, there was Fred. He was Yvon Chouinard's climbing mentor. He was the original "dirtbag" — defining the lifestyle for what is now the standard iconography that ever outdoor manufacturer strives to build their brand around. Never married, no kids, no career to speak of (if you don't count climbing), Fred has left behind a legacy that will be hard for any climber to match: thousands upon thousands of first ascents around the world. So many that even he can't remember them all.

Fred Beckey, 88, received the Underhill Award for Outstanding Climbing Achievement this past February at the American Alpine Club's Annual Dinner, held in Seattle, WA. After accepting the award, Beckey said that in his view he should have received the “Bad Housekeeping Award” for knocking over the oatmeal while tent-bound below Devils Thumb.

Above: A Fred Becky Montage // Below: The 88 year-old and I