Chances are, if you're reading this, you are or suspect someone you know to be a dirtbag trail-runner.

I'm here to set the record straight and throw some of my awesome dirt-bag friends under the bus a bit (sorry guys, it's for the greater good of the dirtbag community).

We've all read the article that compares ultrarunners to hipsters. And loved it.

However, I'm not sure that hipster is the right word for us. We simply aren't that clean. Or trendy.

I think dirtbag is more appropriate. It's like a hybrid of hipster, homeless person and adventure junkie.

If you wonder about your own (or want to determine someone else's) dirtbag status, here are ten signs:

1. You are nomadic. You either a) Live in your car/ RV/ tent , b) Are planning on living in your car/ RV/ tent , or c) Are couch-crashing long-term. Traveling is a must for every dirtbag trail runner (unless you live in Boulder, Colorado, in which case I hate you. ....can I sleep on your couch?)




2. Showering is a complete and total luxury. If you've found that even after home from an adventure that you still take a shower only when completely necessary, chances are you're a dirtbag. Double-points if you have ever worn your running clothes straight into the shower, because it just. Makes. Sense. 

3. Flannel is worn all-year-round (even on your runs) and preferably in a disheveled manner. Patagonia Houdini jacket? Puh-leasseee.



4. Buffs are basically another name for the Dirtbag Hair Whisperer. In fact, you can't imagine life before buffs. They keep your hair where it should be, are stylish as hell, and in a bind can be used as TP (note: never touch an abandoned buff in the wilderness). Second to buffs are trucker hats. Every dirtbag must own a trucker hat. Race t-shirts are another must for the dirtbag trail-runner.

5. You rarely (or never...) wash your handhelds, hydration packs, ect. Because that takes entirely too much effort. Black mold? Who cares! If you're going to get sick from something it's going to be that sketchy pool of murky water you drank from on your last trail run.

6. You have a love affair with craft beer (or PBR-- the gauntlet tends to swing in both directions). Double-points if you have a cooler in your trunk that is literally just for beer. (And always filled with beer to look forward to at the end of your longer trail runs. Sometimes you wonder if that's the reason you trail run at all.)



7. Speaking of beer....You've also done a beer mile.

8. You have a beard (or mustache). Ladies, for us this means pretty much not shaving anything and giving absolutely no fucks.


9. You've wandered into a public place post-long run and wondered why the hell everyone is staring. Because, I mean, salt caked on your face and dirty legs are totally normal. It's not like you're walking around naked or something. Double-points if you have ever taken a hobo shower in the bathroom of a public place.



10. All of your friends also fall into the above categories. This is called your dirt-bag trail running posse. Double-points if you guys already have a nickname for your group. Oftentimes also referred to as your running tribe.