LOST AND FOUND

Few people ever experience actual combat in a war. And of those who do, fewer still turn that experience into something positive. Bucky Pratt is one of these rare individuals who has faced and grappled with his inner demons instead of avoiding them or letting them consume his life. After much introspection, he has turned his passion for traveling and exploration into an example of how others may learn from his hardships.

From a young age, Bucky had a yearning to explore. Growing up in rural Oregon provided ample opportunities to roam the wilderness that he found undeniably enticing. It was a thrill to jump on a bike and pedal over the horizon to a friend’s house or grab his trusty BB gun and wander the edges of farm fields.

Early in his teens, his church provided an opportunity to go on several mission trips. Compelled to see places he had never seen, Bucky was exposed to experiences that changed the trajectory of his life forever. While traveling by bus down the West Coast of the United States to Mexico and witnessing the rich diversity of cultures along the way, Bucky became hooked.

We sat down with Bucky to ask him about what kind of lessons he’s learned about preparation and daily carry after visiting more than 20 countries around the world in less than two years.

RECOIL OFFGRID: What was the catalyst that made you start thinking about traveling the world?

The desire to travel the world has been there since I was a small boy. I was always wondering what was over the next hill