Our logo distinguishes us as adventurous, bold, challenging, and daring. It communicates who we are and what we stand for, and embodies our fundamental belief that we are the leader in outdoor education and wilderness training.
About
The NOLS logo has been carefully designed to push us into new, exciting visual territory while honoring our legacy as the leader in wilderness education. It consists of three parts:
The Summit
The ascent up the mountain is a challenge, often reaching a “false summit” along the way. This speaks to our philosophical ideals that real life skills and knowledge is acquired through perseverance and overcoming adversity in the wilderness.
The Sunset
A simplified sun setting beyond the mountain peaks is a natural symbol of time and nature.
The Logotype
The NOLS logotype is “stepping forward” within the negative space of the summit. Spacing has been visually optimized for maximum legibility and unification of both elements as a singular logomark.
Clearspace & Spacing
Just like how most people don’t like when you stand too close to them, our logo likes a little breathing room. Use the “N” from the logo as a good rule of thumb for clearspace.
Anchor Optional
It may be appropriate to anchor our logo from the top of some applications, such as posters, postcards, or website navigation bars, omitting the top clearspace. This adds distinction to the logo.
Minimum Size
0.625 in / 45 pt wide is the absolute smallest sizing that we should ever make our logo. We’re proud of our logo, so be sure not to make it too small.
Colorways
The NOLS logo looks great on any of our brand colors, as well as select imagery. We have logo options that are light for dark backgrounds and dark for light backgrounds.
Usage on Photo Backgrounds
We think it’s the coolest when our logo and an amazing field photograph combine forces to communicate the NOLS brand in an epic way. When doing this, remember, there are some basics to follow:
Our Logo Appreciates Clearspace
Images with lots of sky, snowy ranges and glassy lakes are a great place to start. Just make sure there’s no backpackers, birds or waterfalls interfering with the readability of our logo.
Color Matters
Select the logo colorway with the best contrast against the photograph. Sand or Forest will work best depending on the photograph.
Throw it Back
Be highly selective when choosing imagery. Some shots just won’t work as a background for a logo. It’s okay. Throw it back and fish for one that will work better.
Usage Examples
Mis-Use
❌ Don't put the logo in non-brand colors.
❌ Don't alter the logo typography.
❌ Don't squish, stretch, or distort the logo.
❌ Don't use old versions of our logo.
❌ Don't put a stroke around the logo.
❌ Don't use the logo without the word mark.
❌ Don't make the logo with more than one color.
❌ Don't add things to our logo.
❌ Don't place the logo on busy photography.
❌ Don't place photography into the logo.
