Behind the Lens: Where We Filmed Our Promo Video

One of the most common questions we get after people watch our promo video is: Where did you film this? And the short answer is—yes, we filmed it ourselves, and every location was a real adventure.

We believe the places we explore shape the gear we build. That’s why our trips aren’t just getaways—they’re field tests for Papago sunglasses. Here’s a closer look at three of the standout spots that made it into our video: Olympic National Park, Lost Dutchman State Park, and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic was a true challenge. The terrain pushed us hard, with intense inclines and sharp descents that tested both our legs and our gear. The views of Mount Olympus made it worth every step, though—absolutely breathtaking. At higher elevations, we had to level up our gear closet with ice axes to handle icy passes. While bugs weren’t too bad, several grueling days forced us to pivot our route during what was originally planned as a four-night trip. Scattered alpine lakes along the way gave us much-needed moments of peace in between the climbs.

Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona

Located just outside of Phoenix, Lost Dutchman was a series of day hikes with towering desert peaks and a hint of mystery. The Superstition Mountains offer stunning views, especially in winter when the weather makes hiking more forgiving. There’s a local legend about a hidden gold mine—the fabled Lost Dutchman’s Treasure—and although we didn’t find it (this time), we found plenty of epic scenery. The higher you go, the more the desert seems to stretch on forever. It's a rugged, iconic Arizona experience, and a place we always recommend to visitors.

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Kenai Fjords was, hands down, our favorite. This place felt untouched—wildlife everywhere, pristine glacial waters, and thick forests surrounded by snowcapped peaks. We saw whales, dolphins, eagles, and even bears. The solitude made it feel like we had discovered something secret. A multi-day kayak trip gave us easy access to remote spots and let us get some of our favorite drone footage. Every day brought something new, and the glaciers were surreal—massive, silent, and humbling. We’re already planning our return to explore a new section.

We have been to a lot more places to this, and we will start outlining all of our trips in greater detail in the comings months.  And while we are there our adventures aren’t just about (or even primarily for) creating content for Papago—they’re about exploring new places and finding some of the most beautiful places across the globe! If you're curious about where Papago goes next, stay tuned. And if you're looking for gear that performs wherever your next trip takes you, you’re in the right place.