A high-altitude mountaineer, pilot, and medical device sales professional, Nate Douglas finds tranquility and motivation in the outdoors. 

His journey into climbing began just 10 years ago on Mt. Rainier and has since  taken him through the Seven Summits of the world. When he isn’t summiting mountains himself, Nate spends his time promoting sustainability in Himalayan mountain communities, leading friends on climbs, or enjoying nature in any way he can.

Continue reading to learn more about Nate’s journey, his lucky base layer, and how Athletic fits into his training regimen, as we highlight him in our April Ambassador Spotlight.

How did your journey into climbing begin? 

I grew up in Seattle, and my family was always hiking, backpacking, and camping. Being outdoors was such a way of life that we named our dogs after mountains: Shasta, Rainier, and McKinley. From early on, I had always dreamed of climbing Mt. Rainier, but never fully committed to it. 

In 2016, I decided that was the year I was going to climb Mt. Rainier. I started researching and buying gear, and talking to friends about how to train. Then three weeks before I was scheduled to climb, my dad passed away unexpectedly.

His death took a heavy toll. I decided to follow through with my climb though, and I brought him with me. While it’s still painful that he didn't get to see me reach the summit, bringing his ashes meant we climbed Mt. Rainier together. That first climb was emotionally riveting and life-changing for me. After that, my love for climbing caught fire. It became a challenge to see how high I could go, what I could tolerate, and what I could learn about myself while climbing.

How did you discover Athletic Brewing Company? 

In 2023, I set my sights on climbing Denali. It’s a brutal, unique beast of a mountain; you’re hauling a 50-pound sled while carrying a 50-pound pack through some of the most extreme environments on Earth. I knew I’d be out there for three weeks, so I wanted to do everything I could to be ready.

To prepare, I hired a nutritionist to help me pack on muscle and cut body fat. His first piece of advice was to drop the alcohol. He suggested I try Athletic Brewing instead. I’d never heard of Athletic at the time, but I was blown away by the taste. It became a go-to for me; Being able to enjoy a cold brew after a grueling workout or a training climb was awesome.

Do you have a memento or any specific piece of gear you bring on your climbs?

My lucky baselayer. Yellow is my favorite color, so when I saw this green, blue, and yellow combo, I knew I had to have it. I wore it on a climb up Mt. Shasta in 2017 and loved it. Wore it on Rainier again, Mt. Hood, then for a couple volcanoes down in Ecuador all that same year. The one time I didn’t wear it? We didn’t summit Chimborazo. I swore to never climb without it again. Five years later, I went back to Chimborazo with my lucky baselayer and summited. 

To this day, I’ve worn it on every ascent. Since then, it’s become my good luck charm. Every time I’ve worn it, I’ve summited on the first try without a single injury. I’ve taken my lucky baselayer around the world and climbed over 30 mountains wearing it. 

What are some of your future climbing goals? 

I try to stay in consistent enough shape to climb a mountain at a moment’s notice. That way if a friend reaches out or an opportunity presents itself, I’ll be ready to say yes.  In the next 12 months, I would love to climb Alpamayo in the Peruvian Andes. Nanga Parbat is definitely on my radar, and K2 is my ultimate goal.

What has been one of your most rewarding experiences?

I didn’t get into mountaineering to chase famous peaks. I got into mountaineering for the love of the environment and the lessons I learn about myself while training and at altitude. I have been fortunate enough to complete the Seven Summits - a feat only about 500 people have achieved. 

While reaching a peak for yourself is incredible, nothing compares to watching a friend or family member reach their first summit and seeing their “summit dance”.  At this point for me, getting my sister to the top of Mt. Rainier would be a bigger mountain to climb, and more rewarding, than summiting K2. 

Do you have an influential person in your life that inspires you? 

My love for the outdoors came from my dad, and everything I do now reminds me of him. He was a true family man who always encouraged me and my sister to chase whatever made us happy.

I am a high-energy person with a naturally high level of intensity, so when I lost my dad, I found I didn't have 100% to give. Having to dig deep within myself to show up gave me more compassion and understanding for teammates, colleagues, or friends who may be going through their own hard times. Navigating the loss of my dad ultimately made me a more sympathetic and well-rounded person.

What do you enjoy about being an Athletic Ambassador?

I enjoy telling people about Athletic Brewing and getting them to experience a delicious non-alcoholic beer. I also love Athletic’s commitment to the outdoors and being active in general, and how Athletic is “Fit For All Times”. 

What is your favorite Athletic Brew?

Run Wild IPA and Free Wave Hazy IPAs are my go-to styles! I love that I can find them locally so easily.