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THE INFLATE DEBATE: INFLATABLE PADS VS FOAM PADS
Words and Photos by @Abby_Evans @abbigator53 Getting a comfortable night's sleep in the backcountry is essential for a happy backpacking trip. However—what you choose to sleep on can make or break your sweet dreams. Usually, backpackers are between two options: an inflatable pad and a foam one. Below are the pros and cons…
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THE INSULATOR - FOR A CAMERA LENS?
Has anyone tried The Insulator to hold a camera lens? I love the Camera Pod so much and pretty much use it daily for work. I think the Insulator could make a perfect companion to hold an additional lens. Anyone try it?
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MUST HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, WANNA HAVE: BRETT DAVIS
We asked our friends and fellow adventurers across a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to take a look in their gear piles and pick three items–one for each of the following categories: MUST: Don’t go roam without it! SHOULD: Maybe you can still get after it without one, but you should seriously consider adding it to…
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SHAKEDOWN 2.0 – JESSICA KELLEY
Words and Photos by Jessica Kelley THE SHAKEDOWN 2.0 marches on with some familiar faces and some new contributors! Dive into what some of our favorite backpacking friends are carrying these days and why. There's sure to be some new advice, trail-earned best practices to share, and other tips and tricks to add to your own…
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LOGISTICS OF A SNOW ROLL: BIKESKIING WITH STRATTON MATTESONS
Words, Photos, and Video from Stratton Mattesons @cascadeconnections Typically speaking, a "legit adventure" is anything but "standard issue." But how we begin or reach the starting point of one of these adventures often employs fairly common tactics: driving or flying. In 2019, in the heat of the Climate Crisis,…
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Same Hike, Different Life: 10 Years Apart
October 2013 on the left, October 2023 on the right. My wife says I look much better now. It was probably the only time I ever smiled with immense joy while pumping gas. I was on the side of a country highway, somewhere in Vermont, putting the minimum amount of fuel in the tank to get me where I was headed. Running on…
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UPGRADE THE SUMMIT 30 TO MINI-PORTER
Okay so I know that the Summit is based on the Porter but why not upgrade it and start treating it like a Porter? After a few 2-4 day trips with my "Mini-Porter" I thought I would reveal the formula out there. The recipe is simple, all you'll need is: (And some of your best packing skills!) Let's break it down: The Stuff…
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THE SHAKEDOWN 2.0 – ELOISE ROBBINS
THE SHAKEDOWN marches on with some familiar faces and some new contributors! Dive into what some of our favorite backpacking friends are carrying these days and why. There's sure to be some new advice, trail-earned best practices to share, and other tips and tricks to add to your own adventuring! Gear has obviously…
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Isolation In the Waimakariri Falls Hut
Hello to everyone out there at the Trailhead, I sincerely hope all is well. This last month, I moved down to New Zealand from the PNW, a move that has made me a very very happy guy. Since arriving, I've taken on a bit of a photography project that I'll be working on and releasing in the coming year, at this time, though,…
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The Joys of an Unplanned Hike
So much of our lives are now carefully planned, fully optimized, and streamlined for maximum efficiency. And to me, that's a problem. We’re given advice to schedule every minute of every day, to create a detailed plan of our leisure time, or to map out exactly where we’ll be going on our next outdoor adventure to the…
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MAKE WAY WHEN THE SUN’S SHININ’ – A CASE FOR UP AN’ AT ‘EM ON TRAIL
Words and Photos by @Abby_Evans @abbigator53 It wasn't until a week into my Appalachian Trail thru hike that I realized the hikers that were able to do the most miles were typically waking up really early. (Or they didn't mind night hiking, but that just was not me.) When I started my day earlier, I was able to have more…
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WHEN NATURE OPENS THE BUFFET - AN ALASKA SUBSISTENCE JOURNEY
Words and Photos from Rick, Joe, and Pancho (Joe) This trip really started for all of us almost 20 years ago, when we all worked together counting fish. Bob, our supervisor at the time, found enlightenment in the adventures of his Fish Technician employees (us) at field camp, and we all quickly became friends. When…
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Five Short Long Trails in New England You Gotta Check Out
If you know anything about my hiking style you know that if I hear about a trail that is less traveled then I’m going to be instantly drawn to it. Whether it’s a day hike or a backpacking trip, the more remote the better, in my opinion. So when I stumbled upon the myriad of short long trails that are scattered throughout…
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THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE TRAIL: CHOOSE YOUR PACK WITH TINA CURRIN
Words and Photos by Tina "Cash Money" Currin, @tina @tinacurrin Ah, the transition from the icy clutches of midwinter to the tentative embrace of early spring — always an auspicious moment for hikers. The trails, once imprisoned by frost, begin their slow thaw. Long-distance permits, like tickets to an exclusive party, may…
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Alternative uses for HMG products
The above photo is me at the highest elevation I've ever visited - Tibetan Everest Base camp, 5150m or roughly 16,900 feet. It was the last and only time I've been in the Himalayas, almost 20 years ago. The release of the Halka packs got me thinking: while I certainly don't NEED another pack, is there an alternative use…
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Hoody
Hi what hoodie (gray) is that in the fifth picture just above the pack section?
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WINTER ON THIN ICE: DAVID AND LEAH JACKSON NAVIGATE WEIRD WARMTH IN ONTARIO
Words and Photos from David Jackson @davidjackson_ @exploreleahjackson Northern Ontario, that mysterious, remote region of Canada north of Minnesota, has been seriously underfed by winter this season. Typically, the cold would ruin exposed skin, snowshoes of the more traditional, wide bear paw style would be mandatory to…
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MUST HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, WANNA HAVE: KAITLYN BOYLE
Words and Photos from Kaitlyn Boyle We asked our friends and fellow adventurers across a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to take a look in their gear piles and pick three items–one for each of the following categories: MUST: Don’t roam without it! SHOULD: Maybe you can still get after it without one, but you should…
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THE HALKA 55 and 70 ORIGIN STORY: MEET ANG TSHERING LAMA
Words and Photos by Ang Tshering Lama and HMG While it may sure seem like packs made for mountaineering expeditions above 8k meters is unchartered territory for Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a handful of explorers over the years have keenly observed what thousands of backpackers and climbers have achieved with our packs from…
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FIVE THINGS: REBECCA SPERRY
Words and Photos by Rebecca Sperry @sockedinhikes What are Five Things you can do to become better at the activities you love outside? Whether they’re things you already know how to do and you’re passing those skills along, or they’re things on your to-do list to learn (and maybe all of you have some tips to share about…
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Any quick release solutions for attaching the Camera Pod?
Really like the camera pod, have used it in Iceland on 2 trips and was able to attached the provided caribeaners to the sternum strap on my camera backpack. Worked well, buckle held the pod on the strap so I could simply release the stermun strap to take off the pack and the pod would stay on the sternum strap. I now have…
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THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN: HOW ABOUT A HIKE THROUGH A HURRICANE IN THE HUNDRED-MILE WILDERNESS?
Words and Photos from Abby Evans @Abby_Evans Our famed series about potentially disastrous adventures with glorious saves is back with a new tale from Abby Evans! Based on a quote from The GRATEFUL DEAD documentary "Long Strange Trip" and perhaps their most infamous roadie, Steve Parish, it refers to one of his sayings…
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THE SHAKEDOWN 2.0 – TINA CURRIN
The Trailhead - @tina , IG - @tinacurrin Drumroll - THE SHAKEDOWN IS BACK! We're excited to unleash 2.0 after a multi-year hiatus! With some familiar faces and some new contributors, we're going to dive into what some of our favorite backpacking friends are carrying these days and why. There's sure to be some new advice,…
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THE WAYPOINT 35: STEALIN' REBECCA SPERRY'S HEART
Words and Photos from @sockedinhikes If you’ve followed along on my hiking journey for any amount of time, you know that I am a diehard Hyperlite backpack fan. Since 2019, I have worn the same backpack on 99.9% of my hikes, the Hyperlite Southwest 40, and when asked whether I recommend this pack, the answer is always a…
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ALPINE ODYSSEY: A SAGA OF DISCOVERY ALONG THE UINTA HIGHLINE TRAIL
Words and Photos by Cody Jackson, Jenner Haseltine, and Chase Ordway Smith THE EXPEDITION PARTY: Cody Jackson - Born and raised in Connecticut, Cody learned to love the outdoors through the wilds of New England. Currently, he resides in Morrison, Colorado, with his wife Kelly and their Golden Retriever Honey. His entry to…
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WHO’S HAD A HAND IN YOUR GEAR? MEET OUR FOUNDER, MIKE ST. PIERRE
Name: Mike St.Pierre Position at HMG: Founder / CEO Years with HMG: 13 Products you've worked on: All of them in some way, shape, or form. What's your background prior to working here? I was born in Pennsylvania and moved to NYC right after high school to continue my pipe dream of becoming a professional guitar player. I'm…
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Ground Control to Major Trip Planning in Arizona
SPOILER!!! This is how the trip went in video form. It's a bit like skipping to the last page of a book if you watch this first, but I won't judge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIJ7z2NkTPg The ship is waiting I was listening to Peter Schilling’s Major Tom while planning my next trip, and despite the fact that Bowie’s…
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THE APPROACH DUFFEL EVERYDAY CARRY
I wish I was able to spend all my time outdoors in the backcountry. Unfortunately, modern society has constructed a system where I must sacrifice 40+ hours a week to pay for expensive groceries and overpriced real estate to provide for my family. In order to justify my additional outdoor purchases, I love to find everyday…
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Hyperlite Pod Uses
Hey everyone, I would love to hear about how you use your Hyperlite Pods! I just ordered a Small Pod and I was surprised when it can hold my Ultamid, my Half Insert for the Ultamid, and my stakes! I am so happy with the Small Pod and am excited to use it on the trail! I would love to hear more about how you use yours!
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TRAILHEAD POLL: NAVIGATIONAL AIDS
The only piece of navigation equipment you need when doing an established thru hiking route is a cell phone–why or why not? Make sure you're signed in to vote, and jump in the comments below!
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First thoughts on Elevate 22
Took my new Elevate 22 pack out for a day hike over the weekend and I like it so much better than the Daybreak 17. The Elevate feels more like a technical day pack and has a lot of awesome features, but there are a few things I wish it had and would love to see on future iterations of the product. What I like: Size, 22L is…
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Camera Pod Sizing?
Would love to hear what size Camera Pod you all use for your specific camera setups. Thinking this will be helpful for everyone! I currently use a large for my Nikon D750 with 24-70 lens. It fits pretty perfectly, without the camera strap (which I barely use).
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THE SHOULDER POCKET FOR PHOTO NERDS
I have been so excited to get my hands on the Shoulder Pocket. I have absolutely fallen in love with the Camera Pod and I was assuming the Shoulder Pocket was going to complete my photography easy-access needs. I was correct. The shoulder pocket perfectly holds my two essential items when I'm outside doing anything. My…
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THE SHAKEDOWN 2.0 – ESZTER HORANYI
Words and Photos from Eszter Horanyi @eszter IG -@ez_gone_coddiwompling Our pal Eszter Horanyi has been hanging out outside, riding a bike for as long as she can remember, and is also an avid packrafter and photographer. She found her 15-minutes of fame in bikepacking, racing and setting women’s records on a variety of…
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THE SHAKEDOWN 2.0 – PETER BUGG
The Trailhead - @bugglife , IG - @plbugg Stepping next into the Shakedown 2.0 arena is our friend and frequent Trailhead contributor, Peter Bugg. As a keen learner and relentless "best-kit-for-the-task-at-hand" modifier, there's always a lot to unpack from his gear lists. No, wait - pack is probably more fitting. Let's see…
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WHEN POWDER DREAMS COMES TRUE: BACKCOUNTRY SKIING IN JAPAN WITH BRETT DAVIS
Words, Photos, Videos by Brett Davis @bdavis IG @brettdavis For those who have an unquenchable affinity for sliding on snow, a trip to the “Land of the Rising Sun” is a bucket list item. One that every powder skier and rider dreams about and covets. In most winters, Yuki (the Japanese word for snow) falls in abundance in…
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Wasatch Backcountry Ski Tour
Ever since the completion of our Appalachian Trail thru-hikes in 2021, @danofosho and I had made it a point to keep in touch and to meet up whenever feasible to chase big days in the mountains; much like we had done nearly every day while on the AT. After Dan moved out West for Salt Lake City (the Northeast hiking trails…
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MUST HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, WANNA HAVE: ABBIGALE EVANS
Words and Photos by @Abby_Evans - @abbigator53 We asked our friends and fellow adventurers across a broad spectrum of outdoor specialties to take a look in their gear piles and pick three items–one for each of the following categories: MUST HAVE: Don’t go roam without it! SHOULD HAVE: Maybe you can still get after it…
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FIVE NEEDS AND FIVE DIDN’T NEEDS FROM THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL
Words and Photos from Tina Currin (@tina) Hello from mile 2,000+ of the CDT, arguably the most rugged and remote of the “big three” American long-distance trails. As such, there’s a lot of mythology surrounding this trail, including lots of information—and misinformation—to challenge you before your shoes even hit the…
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800 Miles of Beautiful Variety through Arizona!
The Arizona Trail. The “other” AT. The AZT. Whichever way you choose to refer to the Arizona Trail, you are beckoning to a National Scenic Trail that packs a lot of variety in its 800 miles. Spanning the entire length of the state, you will traverse two National Parks (Grand Canyon & Saguaro East), one National Memorial,…
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THE TRAIL PROVIDES. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Words and Photos by Abbigale Evans @Abby_Evans For me, the trail was generous at providing a multitude of experiences—cold rain, jagged rocks, relentless mosquitos, boredom, and loneliness. But just as often, a new hiker friend, sunlight through the trees, fun rock scrambles, a beautiful sunrise. The common phrase, "The…
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THE REVERSE TRAVERSE–BACKCOUNTRY SKIING WITH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
Words and Photos from Mallory Duncan @galacticbrown Skiing has been a lifelong journey for me. At times, it's been at the core of everything I love, while at others, it's been my greatest stressor. From my roots as a California weekend warrior to a ski racer to a runner to a ski coach and now a backcountry skier, the…
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New HMG Pack Design Idea
"Northrim Mini" 30L pack size Removable hipbelt with large DCHW pockets Velcro-adjustable side pockets (meaning you can cinch the top of the side pockets closed tightly with velcro when needed during hairy scrambling, mountaineering, etc.) Include drainage holes. - also made of DCHW fabric Reinforced pack bottom and rear…
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WHAT TREKKING POLES DO YOU RECOMMEND?
I recently got the Unbound 2p Tent and realized my fixed-length Leki trekking poles of 130cm weren't going to work for my tent poles. What variable length poles do you recommend? I really like the idea of the Leki Cross Shark System but I'm open to any brands and designs. Curious to what you all recommend. Thanks!
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Upper Muley Twist Canyon - Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
If you haven't been to Upper Muley Twist Canyon in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park I highly recommend putting it on your list. I'm pretty guarded with specific beta on public social media but figure "The Trailhead" is a much smaller community than somewhere like IG/FB so it feels safer to share some special places here.…
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A STEP BACK TO LOOK FORWARD: AN ODE TO BACKCOUNTRY PROGRESSION
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg @bugglife As we gain backcountry knowledge, it can sometimes be difficult to remember what it was like not having years of experience to draw on when making critical decisions about a trip. In the past six years, I’ve spent more than 70 nights below the rim in Grand Canyon National Park,…
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THE ULTIMATE ULTRALIGHT CAMERA FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
As much as I love being outdoors, my passion is even greater for photography. I love taking photos of beautiful moments and sharing them with people. I find so much joy in sharing the beauty of this world and inspiring others to get outside. One of my biggest struggles is the weight of professional camera gear. I love film…
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The Feeling of Blue
I often feel that the memories that come from different places around the world are etched into my mind with distinct colors. This is to say, some places, like the Olympic coast in Washington, are in my mind in shades of green. Others are remembered in tones of orange or purple. Iceland lives in my mind as shades of blue.…
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TRAILHEAD POLL: PERMITS
Should permits be required for heavily trafficked destination trails to manage overcrowding and protection of the environments they pass through? Make sure you're signed in, and let your community know what you think!
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Fast, Light and Free on the JMT: My 260 Mile Adventure in the High Sierra
If you've stumbled upon this post here on The Trailhead, chances are you’ve at least heard about the John Muir Trail. In the event you haven’t; the John Muir Trail is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA, spanning roughly 210 miles from Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley to the…
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APPALACHIAN TRAIL VS. PACIFIC CREST TRAIL GEAR LIST SHOWDOWN
Words and Photos by Abbigale Evans @abbigator53 Before After I almost changed my entire gear setup from my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail to my upcoming journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Although both trails are upwards of 2,000 miles, the PCT is a very different beast. On the AT, the biggest environmental…
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APPALACHIAN TRAIL VS PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: MAJOR PREPARATION DIFFERENCES
Words and Photos by Abbigale Evans @abbigator53 The Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail are two of the most popular thru hikes in the United States. After thru hiking the AT, I've set my sights on the PCT this next summer. My preparation for the AT paid off—I was able to complete the trail with a few hiccups…
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THE TIMELESS QUESTION: AT, PCT, CDT?
Maybe you've wondered this yourself, maybe you've successfully thru hiked one or all of them and you have a few thoughts, or maybe you can't decide which one to do first or next, and a little feedback would help you choose. Let's hear it–which of the three most iconic long trails is the best? Make sure you're signed in to…
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What to Get The Hiker in Your Life For The Holidays
The holidays can be both a magical and stressful time of year. And now that we are deep in the trenches of the holiday shopping season, I figured it would be a great time to share some of the random (and not very expensive) things that I would love to find in my Christmas stocking in a few weeks. Shopping for a hiker is…
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NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS - 5 TIPS TO GET AFTER 2024
The best way to have great stories is by planning great adventures. Here are five tips for you to plan better for 2024. As they say, preparation is the key to success. Get an adventure buddy “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together” One of the best ways to get after planning for a fun year is…
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Snow Camping
After another year of backpacking, I've drifted towards a new reality...I'm not satisfied. Perhaps I didn't get out as much as I'd have liked, but the reality is the sun is pretty much gone for the next half a year, and I just can't settle for the wait. I ski, ski tour, and mountaineer to stay busy through the colder…
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A PACK IS BORN: CODY TOWNSEND SHARES THE CRUX 40 STORY
Words from Cody Townsend, Photos from Cody Townsend and Bjarne Salen NAME: Cody Townsend RESIDENCE: Tahoe City, CA YEARS SKIING: 38 Years CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: I could say the awards, contests, and accomplished peaks are the highlights, but to be honest, my biggest highlight is still being here, still getting to ski for a…
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HIKER HUNGER HANDBOOK – LET’S MAKE A COOKBOOK!
Hello, Trailheaders! We’d like to propose a community-sourced project that will benefit all of us outdoor explorer types–especially those who sometimes work up an appetite in the midst of big adventures. Show of hands–anyone here get hungry backpacking, trail running, paddling, pedaling, what-have-you? That’s what we…
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Cross Training to be a Better Hiker
I am not athletic. Or, that’s what I’ve been telling myself (and everyone else) my entire life. And although in many ways I still hold to that statement, after all the hiking I’ve done in the last eight years, to an outsider it would seem like I am not just athletic, but an athlete. But being active has never come natural…
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BE BOLD, START COLD: MY TIPS FOR STAYING WARM IN COLD WEATHER BACKPACKING
Words and Photos from @Abby_Evans @abbigator53 Backpacking in the cold can be just as fun as backpacking in the summer—if you're not shivering. Here are a few tips on how you can still have fun and not freeze your butt off. EAT MORE SNACKS What backpacker needs to be convinced to eat more snacks?! (Me, because I struggled…
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THE ALL-NEW WAYPOINT 35 IS HERE! PAIRS WELL WITH THE SEASONED BACKPACKER
Today, we’re excited to announce the arrival of our latest master of mileage, the Waypoint 35! Designed for the backpacker that’s been around the trail a few times, it’s a stripped-down, function-first, just-what-you-need pack with the perfect volume for today’s solo shelters or tarps, highly compressible quilts, and all…
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WHO’S HAD A HAND IN YOUR GEAR? MEET VICTORIA RUDE
Name: Victoria Rude Position at HMG: Director of R&D Years with HMG: 7.5 Products you’ve worked on: Most things in some capacity in the last year and a half. The River Rescue Throw Bag was one of the first things I designed when I started here. Also The Shell. What’s your background prior to working here? I grew up in New…
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Hiking All The Trails in The White Mountain Guidebook
As of October 29, 2023, I became the 96th person to hike every trail in the White Mountain Guidebook (WMG). In August 2019, I started officially working on hiking all the trails in the WMG with only 19% completed, and since then I have reset all my data three times in the hopes of completing all of the trails in under 15…
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WHO’S HAD A HAND IN YOUR GEAR? MEET TIMOTHY WENTZELL
Name: Timothy Wentzell @tjwentzell Position at HMG: Ideation Designer Years with HMG: Going on my third trip around the sun with HMG Products you’ve worked on: I've had my hands, or at least a couple fingers, in just about every product development since joining the team. What’s your background prior to working here? I…
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WHO'S HAD A HAND IN YOUR GEAR? MEET JOSH STEIN
Name: Josh Stein Position at HMG: R&D Research Coordinator Years with HMG: Three Products you’ve worked on: Headwall 55, Unbound 40, Mid 1 & Mid 1 Tarp, Crux 40, Elevate 22, Vice Versa What’s your background prior to working here? Born in Maine. I took a less-than-conventional route into the outdoor industry. I started…
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TINKERIN' AT TINKER CLIFFS: AN UNBOUND 40's MAIDEN VOYAGE
Words and Photos from @Abby_Evans @abbigator53 I took the Unbound 40 on a shakedown hike on October 15th and 16th. I was excited to try out the pack and was heading out to Daleville to hike the short 12 miles to Tinker Cliffs with my friend, who was weeks away from finishing his southbound thru hike of the Appalachian…
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WHO'S HAD A HAND IN YOUR GEAR? MEET NASH CALVIN
Name: Nash Calvin Position at HMG: Technical Pattern Designer Years with HMG: Under a year Products you’ve worked on: Elevate 22, Crux 40… Spring 24? What’s your background prior to working here? Prior to working here, I was completing my undergraduate degree at Utah State University. The degree was in Outdoor Product…
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What To Eat On Trail In Colder Temperatures
It’s not even the middle of October yet but as anyone from New England will tell you that doesn’t mean it’s not unheard of to get winter weather on the high peaks. While bringing the proper gear is imperative to having a safe and fun hike, there’s something to be said for carrying the right kinds of food (and drinks) to…
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Has anyone backpacked the mineral king loop near Sequoia National Park?
How many days do you recommend? Clockwise or counterclockwise? Any advice/recommendations help!
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PLAYIN’ FAVORITES ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL–GEAR THAT MADE THE MILES GO BY
Words and Photos from Abby Evans During my Appalachian Trail thru hike, there were several sections that made me seriously debate why it was exactly that I was voluntarily choosing to do it. The rocks in Pennsylvania that tore through my shoes. The mosquitos in New York that left me with thirty bug bites every night. The…
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Slot Canyon Photography Hack (iPhone)
So you're saving weight and want to capture the moment? Your awesome DSLR can do the trick but it's heavy and takes some fiddling in Lightroom to really get what you were after. Why not use your smartphone? I technically have my studio art degree and have formally studied photography so when I'm hiking I'm taking a "real"…
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Quitting (and Un-Quitting) The White Mountains Trace
In my last post I was grieving the loss of the 100 Highest part of my 15 month hiking project. Today, I am within sight of the end and have a lot to catch everyone up on. To summarize what I’m working on, from June 19, 2022 to September 19, 2023 I intended on hiking the 653+/- trails in the White Mountain Guidebook and the…
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“IT WILL BE FUN," SHE SAID: A FRIENDLY INTRODUCTION TO PACKRAFTING ON THE COLORADO RIVER
Words and Photos by Eszter Horanyi The sand was never-ending. Each step was an effort, and the grains of sand building up in my shoes were starting to press against my toes and the arches of my feet, grating between my heels and socks, making walking highly uncomfortable. I gave a glance behind me. Meghan had her shoes off…
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INCREASING SPEED FROM 30 TO 10: THE EVOLUTION OF A BASE WEIGHT ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Words and Photos from Abbigale Evans When I first started my Appalachian Trail thru hike, everything hurt. I woke up two days after the approach trail and could barely walk. My feet flared with intense pain every time I took a step — I wasn't even past the first thirty miles, and plantar fasciitis had taken hold of them.…
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Inquiry: Ice Age Trail
10/23 Anyone hike all or parts of the Wisconsin Ice Age Trail. Please be very specific: Best Areas, Best time of year; best clothing, Which airports, best ground transportation(s); everything you did. Please be very specific. Include your age range and gender; pounds in pack.
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A DESCENT INTO GLADNESS: GRAND CANYONEERING AT HORN CREEK
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg (@bugglife) It wasn’t predicted to rain, so we didn’t plan for rain. But let’s not jump ahead. On Thursday after work, Bobby, Emery, Danica, Mark, and I made the four-hour drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon, stopping in Flagstaff along the way. After burritos for dinner, Mark realized he…
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Healing through an injury
Summertime. Warm weather. Longer days. Better moods. More opportunities to get outside. Just typing about it gives me goosebumps. While I find that each season has its speciality, and a surplus of things to do/enjoy - summer is by far my favorite. I may complain about being extremely sweaty while I trudge up the side of a…
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INTRODUCING THE MID 1 - AN ULTRALIGHT SHELTER FOR SINGLES
Your pack, loaded with just what you need. Your schedule, whether it be when you wake up, your meal routine, how much you do or don’t feel like hiking in a given timeframe, and when you want to call it a day. There’s a lot to love about solo backpacking, and for those that wouldn’t have it any other way, we’re pleased to…
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Using Gear for Daily Living
Hey Everyone, One of my favourite things about my hiking gear is when I get to use it in everyday life. My UL trowel doesn't come in handy that often when I'm at home but my packs sure do! I thought it would be cool to see how people are using their HMG gear off-trail. While I don't have a picture I recently found that the…
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Climbing Gear Organization
I'm new to climbing and as those who climb know, I've become obsessed. The Southwest 55L and the Elevate 22 have become my go to packs for days out at the crag. I'm a bit of an organization freak and was curious if any of you guys have a good system in place for packing your quickdraws, carabiners and slings? I've been…
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Fast, Light and Free on the JMT: My 260 Mile Adventure in the High Sierra
If you've stumbled upon this post here on The Trailhead, chances are you’ve at least heard about the John Muir Trail. In the event you haven’t; the John Muir Trail is located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, USA, spanning roughly 210 miles from Happy Isles Trailhead in Yosemite Valley to the…
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Painting a route for comfort
This is my face after finally finding a summit route I was comfortable with. Sometimes when I look at a map I can be briefly overwhelmed with anxiety by all the things I’m not: comfortable with exposure, a technical climber, young, and fast… I'm sure I could think of more, but that seems like a good place to stop the list.…
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A VACATION OF TREKKING POLES AND A SNORKEL MASK
Words, Photos, and Video by Brett Davis (@bdavis) It was only 30 minutes after I had walked in the door from my final work trip of the year when my partner in life, Diana, interrupted a conversation we were having and confidently stated: "While you were gone, I booked us flights to Colombia for July. Do you want to be…
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Finally got to test out the Elevate 22 :-)
I have been super excited about the Elevate 22 since it came out. Seemed like the perfect day hike pack for what I do around Southern California. Luckily enough for me, my Elevate 22 came in just in time for a hike my wife and I have been training for the last 6 months or so. We decided to tackle Cactus to Clouds. Cactus…
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Cleaning suggestions?
Finished a thru hike of the Long Trail and our packs absolutely stink. BO! I don't mind the dirt and grass stains but the BO smell is bad. Any suggestions or recommendations for getting these things smelling better so we don't offend others and ourselves? Thanks!
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Top Hikes for Fall Foliage in the White Mountain National Forest
The nights are getting colder and the leaves are starting to take on that light yellow hew that can only mean one thing: fall is here. The Kangamangus Highway, North Conway, and Lincoln, NH will be bumper to bumper in the coming weeks, but if you’re looking for breathtaking color and less crowds, I’ve got the inside scoop.…
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The Art of Slow Hiking
Over the past year I've taken up the philosophy of slow hiking. I've gotten burnt-out from the hustle/optimization/productivity culture that's become so pervasive in society. And, unfortunately, I've seen it start to infiltrate the hiking community as well. I don't have anything against tracking, pacing, optimization,…
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Transcending On The Trail
There are certain hikes that change me. Not just for the time I’m on the trail. Or for the days and weeks afterwards, when the thrill is still fresh. Those hikes are great, and I love chasing that feeling. But on rare and delicate occasions, there are hikes that change my entire sense of being. There are trails that I find…
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Things To Consider When Planning A More Complicated Hiking Route
There is no question that over the last three years I have spent a significant amount of time planning more and more complicated hiking routes. With over 6,000 miles under my feet exclusively in New England, (and over 99% of those miles solo) I have learned a lot and made many mistakes along the way. But as I close out my…
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Crevasse Rescue In the Age of Glacial Recession
Each year, I find myself saying nearly the same thing, "I can't believe how much this place has changed." The unfortunate reality is that each time I say it, it's in response to the not-so-gradual recession of our glaciers and snow fields. Early season climbs now look more like mid to late season climbs, and late season…
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HOW TO TAKE BETTER PHOTOS OUTSIDE
First off, let me say I'm writing this after reading Michael DeYoung's amazing article, Tips to Greatly Improve Your Trail and Backcountry Photography. He had some great tips that you should definitely check out. I thought it would be good to share a different perspective focusing on three main ways to take better photos…
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SUMMER '23 CHECK-IN: WHAT'S YOUR GEAR BEEN UP TO LATELY?
Photo: @spmartin Whatever methods you use to date and measure the season, there's no doubt it sure feels like and looks like summer here in the states! While it's been raining seemingly non-stop here in Maine, the trailhead lots are still full of stickered-up Subarus, and backpackers are making the best of the situation.…
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DAILY DRIVER SETUP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
I work in the outdoor apparel industry at Florence, a new brand made for thriving in the elements. My coworker JP Olson and I end up shooting a lot of the photos for our brand out in the environment. While we’re on the run we try and pack light and bring only what we need so we can focus on moving fast and getting the best…
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METHOW RIVER TO THE "C"
Words and Photos from Jessica Kelley The Methow River starts deep in the North Cascades, a tiny rivulet near Methow Pass. As it trickles down past jagged peaks and through clouds of mosquitoes, it is labeled on maps as the "West Fork Methow," although an East Fork does not appear to exist. When it reaches the valley floor,…
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WHO WE RIDE/PADDLE/HIKE WITH: ANNIE LE
Words and Photos from Annie Le @AnnieLe WHO ARE YOU? Annie Le WHAT DO YOU DO? I'm a general outdoor freelancer; I do a mix of outdoor education, taking people hiking and camping in the mountains, as well as adventure tourism, gorge scrambling, rafting, and so on. My specialist skills would be cycling and bikepacking, and…
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Tropical Mountaineering to the Summit of the Ko'olaus
Last summer, my friend and coworker JP Olson and I, met up with Test Pilot, Ryan Moss to hike to the top of the Ko'olau Mountain Range, Kōnāhuanui summit via the Pali Notches. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The only “research” and knowledge I had was Ryan Moss is notorious for sandbagging. I didn’t see any…
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A MYTH Approach to the AT
A MYTH Approach to the AT There are many articles, blogs, videos, and stories about thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or any lengthy trail. This article is about a hiking MYTH. One definition of the word myth is “a misrepresentation of the truth.” MYTH, for the purpose of this article, also stands…
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THE 30L APPROACH DUFFEL CALLED, LOOKING FOR YOUR GEAR
We're stoked to announce the return of our popular 30L Approach Duffel! The last time we made these available, they vanished pretty fast. Don’t panic, though! This time around, they’re here to stay! We like to keep things light, even in those times in transit from one big endeavor to the next, and once you get a taste for…
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A Wild Alpine Rock Route in the Darran Mountains, Fiordland NZ
In New Zealand's South Island, in Fiordland National Park, there is a mountain range known as the Darrans. Home to arguably the best quality rock NZ has to offer, with glaciated peaks and untouched forests as far as the eye can see. Climbing grades are sandbagged, and approaches to routes can take multiple days, so if…
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WILL PETERSON OWNS VERMONT'S LONG TRAIL UNSUPPORTED FKT
*This is an exceptionally awesome and exciting story to share. We've known Will for a while, and his determination and head space around these challenges he sets out to complete - win or lose - never fails to impress and inspire. From all of us at Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a hearty congratulations, Will! You've earned it,…
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Paddling the Wild; A Four Day Expedition Along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, located in the far northern reaches of Maine, has been a highly sought after destination for paddlers from all over the world for decades. A journey along the Allagash grants an experience that can be hard to find elsewhere; consisting of 92 miles of remote and pristine river and lake…
