The Trailhead

Our community for knowledge, gear, and transformational backcountry experiences.

IT HAS RETURNED: THE 140L EXPEDITION DUFFEL!
Rarely has a week gone by since we last offered this on the website, that someone–whether they're just rad gear curious or a member of the mega-accomplished explorer set–hasn't inquired, begged, or desperately pleaded for its return. The 140L Expedition Duffel, in all of its fully-woven Dyneema glory, is back! Built for…
Gear Testing the New MID1
If you’re journeying out to the Lower John Day River you’ll see some folks pulled over on the side of the road to take in the view. While some of them are looking at the chain of cascade volcanoes to the west, just as many are taking in the 200 and counting wind turbines that cover the landscape. This area is known as the…
WHO WE ROLL/SKI/PADDLE/CLIMB WITH: BRETT DAVIS
Words and Photos from Brett Davis @bdavis WHO AM I AND WHAT DO I DO? My name is Brett Davis, though most friends and my students call me “BD.” I am fortunate to call Durango, CO home where I have lived and worked as the Director of the Outdoor Pursuits program at Fort Lewis College for the past 15 years. I have been…
WHO WE HIKE WITH: LIZ KIDDER
Words and Photos from Liz Kidder @lizkidder WHO ARE YOU & WHAT DO YOU DO? Hey! I’m Liz, AKA Handstand! I don’t think what defines me is my demographic or profession— it’s what I am passionate about and how I try to live my life: freely & fully. I’ve always been a little rebellious and rejected society’s standard for a…
TWENTY, TWENTY, TWENTY FOUR HOURS TO GO: QUICK OVERNIGHT GEAR LISTS!
Photo: @spmartin You never know when the urge might be too much to bear–you gotta spend a night outside! Even if it’s just a quick one, the restorative power of an overnight can work wonders. Go solo, bring a few friends, email your boss and tell them you might be a wee bit later than usual in the morning. If you’re lucky…
A LOVING NUDGE: TIPS FOR SHARING ADVENTURES WITH LESS OBSESSED ADVENTURERS
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg @bugglife Hello, fellow Adventurers! Do any of you have non-adventurous, or less-adventurous significant others that you would like to nudge outside of their comfort zones? After almost 17 years with my lovely-but-safety-focused wife Melissa, I’ve picked up some tips that may help you…
WHO WE BACKPACK WITH: SCOTT NECHEMIAS
Words and Photos from @snechemias Hello there! My name is Scott, and the time that I spend writing this is a brief interruption from what would have otherwise been an evening staring into the comforting electric glow of a Caltopo screen, pondering the promise of what future hiking plans will manifest from the mysterious…
Humbled, Scared, and Exhilarated on the Beckey-Davis Route
Where was the first moment you realized you were in over your head? What was the route, how were conditions, who was your partner? After having my first such moment, I'm genuinely curious how many other people have found themselves overcommitted, forced to dig deep to top out, genuinely rattled by the experience. (Before…
EATS WITH PRIDE! FIVE SIGNS IT'S TIME TO LEVEL UP YOUR BACKCOUNTRY BREAKFAST
We're stoked to introduce Hillary Pride (@eatswithpride) and her extensive knowledge about most every active person's favorite thing–FOOD! In this and future posts, she'll touch on topics from isolating potential opportunities for caloric consumption adjustments or enhancements to recipes that you'll totally look forward…
TAKE A KNEE, CAMPERS. HOW TO ALLEVIATE PAIN WITH KAT ENGLISHMAN
Words and Video from @KathEnglishman Photo: Chris Bennett Dealing with knee pain while hiking is frustrating to say the least. In fact, knee pain, or any persistent pain on the trail can really suck, and it’s easy to let your mind get sucked into a downward spiral of anger and negativity at the situation—but don’t. Pain is…
TIPS TO GREATLY IMPROVE YOUR TRAIL AND BACKCOUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY WITH MICHAEL DEYOUNG
Words and Photos by Michael DeYoung @michaeldeyoung Sunrise storm along the CDT near Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado. Camping in the alpine subjects you to the full fury of storms. But clearing storms at sunset or sunrise and approaching storms at sunrise, as is the case here, often result in the best and most dramatic light.…
THERE’S A METHOD TO THE MILEAGE: QUADZILLA GETS INTO THE PURSUIT OF THRU HIKING
Early this spring, we had the distinct pleasure of an HQ visit from the one and only Jack “Quadzilla” Jones. Fresh off the completion of his 2022 Calendar Year Triple Crown, he was still reeling from the experience and organizing his thoughts about every aspect of the journey, from logistics, efficiency boosters, physical…
WHO WE SKI WITH: CODY TOWNSEND
WHO ARE YOU? Cody Townsend WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m a skier. It’s my job and my lifelong passion. WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE AND FOR HOW LONG AND WHERE? My primary motivation for being outside is skiing and I ski from the moment there is enough snow in Tahoe until usually June. I pretty much ski eight months of the year. But when…
SOME MUSINGS ON FORGING ADVENTURE PARTNERSHIPS
Words and Photos by Brett Davis @bdavis I made a mistake the other day of overhearing a couple of my students gossip about their adventures in dating and seeking out a true relationship. From meeting in class to swiping left or right on an app, their stories were quite enlightening about the state of today’s dating world.…
One Year Anniversary of White Mountains Tracing Goal
One year ago I started this project. I set out to hike all of the trails in the White Mountain Guidebook and the 100 Highest Peaks in New England in 15 months. I never imagined I would make it past day 34. Finishing has felt like a dream that I would never attain. I’ve allowed this silly goal to rule my time, attention,…
TEACHING THE TRAIL
Words & Photos by Tyler “Waterboy” Cosgrove The following is not a, “How to Go Backpacking for Beginners” guide. Rather, this is an article for experienced backpackers taking their first newcomer out. I’ll go over a few things to help the experienced backpacker better the experience of the newcomer. I will talk vaguely of…
GEAR LIST AND AN IDEAL BASE WEIGHT FOR HIKING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
So! You've decided to go for a 2,190-mile walk in the woods! First off, CONGRATULATIONS! The Appalachian Trail is a transformative experience for those who follow its iconic white blazes. Second, get ready for the planning! It's both intense and rewarding. Where to begin? Let's start with a pack list! We've assembled an…
BETTER GEAR + EXPERIENCE = FARTHER DISTANCE: THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT
Words and Photos by Rebecca Sperry We all see them on the trail and internally (or externally) cringe. Maybe they have on a backpack; maybe they’re just carrying a water bottle. Their footwear might be sneakers, or, in some cases, everyday sandals, and as seasoned hikers, we can’t help but judge (or worry about) them. I…
WHEN YOU'RE GOOD AND READY: PRE-SEASON YOGA WITH KAT ENGLISHMAN
Words & Video by Kat Englishman, Photo by Joe Klementovich The best and the worst part about hiking, backpacking, and traversing across rocky, untamed ground is the instability and challenge of navigating an uneven surface. In our everyday life, sidewalks and pathways are smoothed over to make walking easy. There aren’t…
TWO PEAS, BUNCHA PODS: AN INTRO TO THE NATURE OF HIKING AS A COUPLE
Words & Photos by Tina Haver Currin Long-distance hiking is all about blood and guts, exposure, and pain. It’s about falling asleep with the sun, drinking beer for breakfast, and proudly knocking back snacks so dense they’re explicitly labeled “not a low-calorie food.” It’s about listening to all fourteen hours of 50…
YOGA TO REJUVENATE AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SHOULDERS (ON AND OFF THE TRAIL)
Where our bias lies in terms of contributing to the pursuit of better travel and life outdoors is pretty straightforward. It’s certainly not lost on us, though, primarily through our experiences and those of our kindred explorers, that there’s a LOT that goes into making endeavors into the backcountry successful. Know-how…
A NON-CONFORMIST AND OUR FLAT TARP ROLL INTO A CAMPSITE
Words & Photos by John Woodruff Fleck Our Director of Wholesale and good friend John Fleck has a methodology towards overnights outside that comes from a blend of experiences and predispositions that make it nearly impossible to assign him a label. With equal parts appreciation for “old-timey ways” and technological magic…
MUD IS THICKER THAN WATER: WHERE BIKES MEET BOATS
Words and photos by Huw Oliver Huw Oliver and Annie Evans are highly experienced bikepackers, packrafters, and route finders often undertaking pursuits that require all three skillsets in abundance. Here, Huw gets into some of the planning details he utilizes when deciding how to travel through a chosen environment, what…
YOUR BEST FLY FISHING DAYS ARE ON THE LINE! ENTER OUR NEW GIVEAWAY!
Our latest giveaway is for all the backcountry roamers and explorers that like to add water and fish to their adventures! Our Ultralight Fly Fishing Giveaway will set someone up with a super sweet kit valued at around $1330 give’r take, but the stoke will be priceless! 3400 Porter $389 Versa $79 Victorinox Swiss Army $17…
OFF-SEASON GEAR CARE + STORAGE
Cabins, barns, attics, garages or closets all work for storing your outdoor gear. Taking care of and storing our outdoor gear is an art we’re still trying to master. After all, outdoor gear is an investment, and for the sake of the environment (and your bank account), you want it to go the distance to avoid repeatedly…
JUST ADD WATER BACKPACKING RECIPES
Words by Kendra "Lay's" Perkins A thru hiker would tell you that food selection is less about nutrition and more about cost, convenience, and taste. Not that the two are always mutually exclusive, but when they are, it’s a question of whether you’d prefer a $1.00 honeybun from Dollar General or a $3.00 granola bar from…
OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF HIKING SOLO: TIPS FROM REBECCA SPERRY
Words & Photos by Rebecca Sperry In the past six years since I started hiking, I've spent over 90% of my time on trail hiking solo. I choose to go solo for a variety of reasons (it's easier, I can go at my own pace, I like being alone in the woods, etc.). However, the original decision to go it alone was not because I was…
ZERO EVIDENCE AT THE SCENE: THE ESSENCE AND IMPORTANCE OF LEAVE NO TRACE
Words and Photos by Rebecca Sperry Spend any amount of time in the outdoors community, and you'll be hard-pressed not to hear the three-word phrase, "Leave No Trace," pass over the lips of at least one person. As an outdoors enthusiast myself, it came as quite a shock to me when, in recent weeks, a well-known hiker, Julia…
KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GAS: HOW TO RESUPPLY LIKE A CHAMP ON A THRU HIKE, PART 3
Words & Photos from Eloise Robbins Not surprisingly, food plays a dominant role in any adventure! Depending on where you're going, it may not always be a straightforward process to make sure you can consume it. Food is one of the most challenging things to plan, especially if you're particular about what you eat. What…
Observing Shorebird Migration
The Alaska State Ferry docked in Cordova after midnight. We chose the slow and wonderfully scenic way to travel to this remote Alaskan town in the Prince William Sound. Bleary-eyed, Bjorn and I disembark with our rafts, bikes, and packs, grateful that the typical rain showers of this region have lifted as we went to find a…
1 June Tour de Mont Blanc (pre-season)
Hiking from Les Houches to Brévent. Very deep snow above 2200 meter. Trail mostly not visible. Brought crampons. Helpful but snowshoes would have been better. Conditions from Brévent summit (ski station) towards Col de Brévent too treacherous. Options: 1) go back towards Les Houches 2) Descend to Planpraz and on down to…
THE NATURE OF FINE-TUNING: MOVING ONWARD FROM SUMMER INTO FALL
Long-time friend of Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Brad Meiklejohn, keeps his downtime to a minimum as he moves through the seasons with time-tested transitional habits. With an unquenchable thirst for wild places, he prefers to get into them in an ultralight, minimalist fashion. However, different seasons have different…
THE SKILOPING TETONS TRAVERSE
Words by Kaitlyn Boyle, Photos from Ben Gavelda and Will Stubb Photo: Ben Gavelda If you Google "Top wedding and honeymoon destinations," surprisingly, the Tetons don't come up. Instead, Maldives, Hawaii, Italy, Greece, Mexico, Bora Bora, Bali, St. Lucia, Paris, the Caribbean, Thailand, Fiji, and Seychelles top the Google…
STEENS MOUNTAIN SCAMPERS WITH STRATTON AND SADIE
Words and Photos from Sadie Ford In a remote mountain range in Oregon known as the Steens, special conditions were present. There was more snow than the area had seen in last 50 years - or so I was informed by a local one-eyed handlebar-mustache-wielding all-American rancher, who would spit into his chaw bottle in between…
A LIFE OF MILES: FOR A BIG GOAL, WHAT HAVE YOU GOT IN MIND?
Words and Photos from Jeff Garmire Thirty thousand miles and always counting, give or take a few yards or inches, all done on foot. Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) is still heading out whenever he can to "make up for 2020." Some of these miles were racked up diesel engine-style, nice and steady, all day long. Some were…
Halfway Point on Hiking All of the Trails in The White Mountains
I started this journey at the New Hampshire/Canadian border on June 19, 2022 as a gentle mist fell and the trees swayed in the wind. I started this journey knowing that it would be the most difficult and beautiful thing I’ve done. On April 5, 2023, I watched as my completion reached 50.1%, a number that I never thought I…
WHO WE HIKE WITH: TINA CURRIN
Hi, I’m Tina Currin @tina! Depending on the season, I’m a park ranger, long distance hiker, gear tester, ski liftie, unemployed van dweller, etc. When I’m not hiking or guiding trips, I’m probably traveling around in a Sprinter van with my husband, two cats, and a dog. My life is basically an Instagram reel without the big…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL PACK ACCESSORIES!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets WELCOME to the final DEAL OF THE DAY from Damascus, Virginia for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’ve had a most excellent time with all the AT thru hikers past and present that came through to celebrate one of the best trails in the world! We’re stoked to share…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL STUFF SACKS AND PODS!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets Hey, everyone! As promised, we’re back with a new DEAL OF THE DAY from Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’re stoked to share some of the specials those in attendance have access to! For the next two days, we’ve got DEALS OF THE DAY on deck…
Metabolic Flexibility For Adventurers
Metabolic Flexibility for Adventurers -Bjørn Olson A wet sucking sound accompanied each step as I lifted my foot up and out of the spongy tundra. I’d then test the space between the pillowy jack-o’-lantern sized tussocks to locate the least-wet place to set my foot, then heave my laden fat-bike forward before taking the…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL TENTS AND SHELTERS!
Words and photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets AAAANNNDDD, we’re back with a new DEAL OF THE DAY, comin’ atcha from Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023! We’re stoked to share some of the specials those in attendance have access to! For the next three days, we’ve got DEALS OF THE DAY on deck…
ONE HUNDRED DIVIDED BY EIGHT: DEEDRA ZEEH IN THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL'S 100-MILE WILDERNESS
Words & Photos by Deedra Zeeh What do you tell others about a 100-mile walk in the woods? How do you describe it? Do you tell them that you feel more alive than you have in years? Do you tell them that there were days you hated it and convinced yourself you would never go back? Do you tell them about the distinctive sites,…
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ELEVATE 22 TECHNICAL DAY PACK! HOW CREATIVE ADVENTURERS CARRY THE DAY
Put your thinking caps, helmets, or bandanas on, Trailheaders! The new Elevate 22 technical day pack is here to accept your proposals for sunup to sundown action! Built with a blend of the ultralight, super durable, and 100% waterproof made-in-the-USA Dyneema© Composite Fabrics we trust and love, this 17.9 oz (size…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023, YOU SAY?! JOSH SHEETS HAS THE DEETS! (AND SPECIALS!!)
Words from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets, Photos from HMG Starting on Friday, May 19th, and running through the weekend, Damascus, Virginia, will once again host one of the most legendary thru hiker gatherings of each and every year – APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS! Our pal and past AT thru hiker Josh Sheets will be there…
APPALACHIAN TRAIL DAYS 2023 DEAL OF THE DAY: 15% OFF ALL PACKS!
Words from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets, Photos from Tommy Corey & HMG Howdy, all! Let's get the big info you've all been waiting for out of the way right outta the gate! We’re in Damascus, Virginia, for Appalachian Trail Days 2023, reveling in the joy, honoring the commitment, and goin’ gonzo for gear with AT…
Finding Trust On Unsure Footing
Lately I've been coming up against a challenge related to the alpine that actually occurs before I ever have the chance to step foot on snow or ice. It does, however, have just as much baring on my safety and experience as any other choice I make during a climb. The challenge is a simple one that I have yet to find a…
WHY DOES AUSTRALIA HATE SWITCHBACKS SO MUCH?! A Friendly Introduction to Backpacking Down Under
So you’re finally balling out on that big antipodean holiday to come visit me. It’s an honor! Feel free to crash on this lovely couch for as long as you want, it’s got your name all over it. And what’s that? You’re thinking of hitting some trails while you’re here? Hell yeah, glad to hear it. There’s so much wild nature to…
LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR LOCATION: INTRODUCING NATIVE LANDS, NATIONAL TRAILS
We recently received this press release from the Partnership for the National Trails System about a new free resource called Native Lands, National Trails. Read on below to learn more about the project, and visit the map linked at the bottom to see the historical native regions that some of the most iconic trails in the…
FEEL THE RHYTHM! TEN TIPS FOR THRIVING OUTSIDE THIS WINTER
Words and Photos by Taylor Bracher When the going gets cold, Taylor Bracher gets moving, continually building on a skillset that allows her to enjoy her Alaska Winters to the maximum. Wherever you experience your cold time of the year, the tips and tricks she shares in this post can help you put an end to the idea of…
THE HORROR OF SESAME SEEDS: HIKERS, LYME DISEASE, AND TIPS TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE
Words & Photos by Matthew Morelli They are tiny; they are everywhere. Drop your guard a little while exhausted in the backcountry or just while walking your dog at the park, and it can have life-changing implications. Lyme Disease is a bacterium carried by deer ticks that, at their biggest, reach the size of a sesame seed.…
PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS! YOGA TO INCREASE POWER AND STAMINA FOR SUCCESSFUL OUTDOOR PURSUITS
Words & Video by Katherine Englishman // Photo by Joe Klementovich No matter what it is, every outdoor pursuit requires a certain amount of strength to do it and enough stamina to see it through. We all have varying levels of skill, ability, and of course, different objectives in mind. However, the essence of feeling…
KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GAS: HOW TO RESUPPLY (AND EAT) LIKE A CHAMP ON A THRU HIKE, PART 2
Words and Photos from Eloise Robbins Tell anyone you hike long distances, and one of the first questions they'll ask you is about food. What do you eat? How do you carry all of your food for five months? (Spoiler alert, you don't.) How much does it weigh? And aren't you hungry? Food is one of the most challenging things to…
A LOVELY TRIBUTE TO A VISIONARY: JOSH SHEETS HIKES THE BENTON MACKAYE TRAIL
Words and Photos by Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets Benton MacKaye Trail – Thru Hike, April 2023 - 300 miles of pristine Southern Appalachia wilderness Imagine a trail that starts on Springer Mountain and winds its way through the Southern Appalachians. It is marked with white [diamond] blazes and traverses the…
DO IT FOR THE TOOTSIES: YOGA TO RELIEVE FOOT PAIN WITH KAT ENGLISHMAN
Words and Video by Kat Englishman Photo: Joe Klementovich (@klementovich) You’re halfway through mile eight with four more to go until you get to camp, where you can tear off your hiking shoes as fast as humanly possible. With every step, there seems to be a new spot on your foot that yelps in pain as you hike, and all you…
KEEP YOUR FEET ON THE GAS: HOW TO RESUPPLY LIKE A CHAMP ON A THRU HIKE, PART 1
Words & Photos by Eloise Robbins Tell anyone you hike long distances, and one of the first questions they'll ask you is about food. What do you eat? How do you carry all of your food for five months? (Spoiler alert, you don't.) How much does it weigh? And aren't you hungry? Food is one of the most challenging things to…
SO, YOU'VE GOT A THRU HIKER IN YOUR LIFE. NOW WHAT?
Words and Photos from Tina Haver Currin With longer days, hotter afternoons, and the dreaded arrival of biting insects, late spring is once again sliding into summer—which also means it’s thru hiking season. Northbound (NOBO) hikers are at least a few weeks into their treks, while southbound (SOBO) hikers are likely…
LET’S MEET IN THE MIDDLE: HIP STABILITY AND STRETCHING FOR THE TRAIL
Words and Video by Kat Englishman, Photo by Joe Klementovich One of the quintessential ailments of a hiker and backpacker is feeling tight in the hips, hamstrings, and lower back muscles. It makes sense that these would be hurtin’ when you think about the effort it takes to walk uphill and back down again. The body works…
RETIRING INTO ULTRALIGHT: A SHAKEDOWN ON THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL FOR SOME ELDER GO-GETTERS
Words, Photos, and Video from Garrett Martin The adventure set in the thru hike community is known for its generosity and concern for its fellow backpackers. One gesture that demonstrates this beautifully is when one hiker offers to share their experience and wisdom by doing a "Shakedown" for another hiker. Having a…
A LIFE OF MILES: JEFF GARMIRE HAS SOMETHING QUICK TO SAY ABOUT THE FKT
Words & photos by Jeff Garmire Thirty thousand miles and always counting, give or take a few yards or inches, all done on foot. Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) is still heading out whenever he can to "make up for 2020." Some of these miles were racked up diesel engine-style, nice and steady, all day long. Some were covered…
ZAC BOSTON'S GUIDE TO HIKING THE MAINE 4,000-FOOTERS IN SEVEN DAYS, MAYBE LESS
Words and Photos by Zac Boston One of our favorite local dudes, Zac Boston, is nothing if not goal oriented. Just before leaving for a southbound hike of the Appalachian Trail, he was kind enough to share this awesome “how-to” about summitting all the 4,000-foot peaks of Maine in a way that fits in nicely with modern, busy…
CAPTURING THAT CRISP AUTUMN LIGHT: TIPS FOR SHOOTING PHOTOGRAPHY IN FALL
Words & Photos from Michael DeYoung A person can have all the top-of-the-line backpacking gear. However, good equipment doesn’t guarantee a smooth and successful adventure, nor does it compensate for experience, knowledge, and judgment. The pursuit of excellence in photography is no different. Real growth as a photographer…
HERE’S A LAUNCH IN THE TRUEST SENSE! THE NEW RIVER RESCUE THROW BAG!
We’re stoked to present the latest version of our River Rescue Throw Bag, long a favorite of packrafters and paddlers everywhere, with improvements that make it the best yet! The River Rescue Throw Bag is built with ultralight, super-tough, 100% waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabrics, and it contains 65 ft of Ultraline Water…
SMOOTH OPERATOR: HOW TO MAXIMIZE BACKPACKING EFFICIENCY WITH GARRETT MARTIN
Words and Photos by Garrett Martin Hyperlite Mountain Gear Superbud, Garrett "Pricepoint" Martin (@somedudewalking), has picked up a thing or two about using time wisely on his thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and this summer's journey up the Pacific Crest Trail. When life is about constant movement, shortcuts and…
SAVINGS YOU CAN FEEL: TINA CURRIN'S TOP TIPS FOR GETTING ULTRALIGHTER ON THE CHEAP
Words and Photos by Tina Currin If ultralight backpacking has a reputation for anything, it's tiny gear at a hefty price. Dive into any heady discussion with ultralight enthusiasts and you'll eventually find someone running calculations of cost per ounce; that is, how much they're willing to spend to reduce their load by…
A MULTIMODAL MASTERPIECE: SKIRAFTING UTAH WITH MIKE CURIAK
Words, Photos, and Video from Mike Curiak @mikesee What do you call a guy that devises some of the most creative omniterrain traverse ideas going? And that willingly and silently carries more than his share of group gear? Who breaks trail all day, and when you finally drag your ass into camp he's already melting snow for…
FOR EVERY SEASON, THERE IS A THING: PACKING FOR FALL HIKING WITH REBECCA SPERRY
Words and Photos by Rebecca Sperry In 2015, I started hiking solo and vowed that I would never hike once the seasons began to change. By 2016, I was buying microspikes and researching cold-weather gear and haven’t looked back. There is no off-season for hiking, so long as you have the proper equipment and good…
MAKE WAY WHILE THE SUN'S SHINING - A SELECTION OF FAVORITE DAY HIKES
Even though we are known for designing and producing ultralight backcountry gear that lets you get away for a long while, let’s face it, the hustle of modern life cares not for how long you’d always like your escapes to last. You need to get your outdoor fix within the time you’ve got, and a great day hike – if only…
THE OTHER KIND OF THRU HIKER FUNK: ADAPTING TO LIFE AFTER THE TRAIL
Words & Photos by Garrett Martin Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist, and everything in the following article is anecdotal and from my own experiences and opinions. There are many other articles and resources on Post-Trail Depression, and if you feel like I might have missed something or undervalued some aspect of life…
Far and Wide
The next couple of years are shaping up to be wild ones! First off, I will absolutely never complain when life feels difficult to plan, because I believe monotony is the fastest way to forget large portions of your life. To help me find some structure, and potentially to learn about some great opportunities I'd otherwise…
Looking for feedback on an App I am building: Don't Forget The Spoon
I have been working on a building out a Hiking mobile app called Don't Forget The Spoon. The idea came to my wife an I while sitting in the cold snow in Yosemite National Park, the night before hiking up Clouds Rest. We had a long days worth of hiking in the cold to get to our campsite, set up and were ready for a nice…
PASSAGE GRANTED: HIKING PRECIPITOUS BLUFF IN TASMANIA WITH SHAUN MITTWOLLEN
Words and Photos by Shaun Mittwollen A tangled mess of Scorparia stifles forward progress at all costs pushing back with springy woody branches. Outside the spring flowering season, the plant is as unappealing as it sounds, with stiff leaves that penetrate bare skin like tiny hypodermic needles. Underfoot viscous mud bakes…
Bivvy Chat
Hi, all— Avid and happy ground cloth user here looking to (potentially) get into the bivvy lifestyle on the CDT. What I've noticed, however, is that folks often use a ground cloth underneath a bivvy with a DCF floor. Can anybody explain this to me, outside of preventing the inevitable wear & tear? I use a HMG DCF ground…
WITH SPRING COMES UNICORNS: AN ODE TO BACKCOUNTRY SKIING’S BRIGHTEST SEASON
Words and Photos from HMG Friends and Contributors: Shaun Mittwollen, Taylor Bracher, Ian Provo, Brett Davis, and Kaitlyn Boyle Spring just hits different on the slopes! We reached out to friends to get their take on what makes this time of year so special for backcountry skiing, and the following love fest spells out all…
A FRENCH ALPS DISPATCH: SKIING WITH CROISSANTS, ESPRESSO, AND THE POPE
Words and Photos by Jessica Normandeau @jessnormandeau Between the conception of an idea and its actualization, a lot happens. In the case of skiing, it’s often a lot of walking, and in the case of French skiing, it’s often a lot of walking in ski boots. I’ve never seen a culture so happy going about their lives in ski…
Ok how about anyone trying: INFINIT?
1/ 10/23 Anyone try infinit meal replacement? Thanks.
MIND OVER MILEAGE: FINDING FORTITUDE ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Words and Photos by Max Kiel Fortitude /ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage I'm not going to lie; my time spent thru hiking the Appalachian Trail pushed me to close my psychological limits. Day after day, week after week, month after month, I…
YOU’RE ENTERING A WORLD OF PAIN: JEFF GARMIRE TALKS ABOUT THE CAVE WHERE IT DWELLS
Words and Photos by Jeff Garmire Thirty thousand miles and always counting, give or take a few yards or inches, all done on foot. Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) is still heading out whenever he can to "make up for 2020." Some of these miles were racked up diesel engine-style, nice and steady, all day long. Some were…
GETTING TO WORK OUT IN THE FIELD: STRETCHING ON TRAIL WITH KAT ENGLISHMAN
Words and Video from Kat Englishman, Photo by Joe Klementovich When it comes to stretching, repetition is a really, really, good thing. I don’t think that most people need to be convinced that just doing something once will bring change or noticeable results. I’m not posture-shaming here, but much like the forward carriage…
AN APPALACHIAN TRAIL EXPERIENCE IN FOUR PARTS: MAX KIEL GETS INTO THE BEST SECTION HIKES
Words and Photos by Max Kiel If you're a backpacker or a regular reader of this blog, you have probably heard of the Appalachian Trail before. You may have even hiked on the trail at some point. If so, then what comes to mind when you think of the Appalachian Trail? Is it the rugged, mountainous landscape of the White…
CASH RULES EVERY TRAIL AROUND ME: A GUIDE TO FINANCING A THRU HIKE
Words & Photos by Garrett "Pricepoint" Martin Every year, bright-eyed hiker hopefuls set out on our long trails to conquer the beast and accomplish a thru hike. Some prepare for years, some prepare for months, and some don't prepare at all. By definition, a thru hike means completing a hiking trail from one terminus to the…
FINDING DIFFERENT GEMS IN THE GRAND CANYON: THE HERMIT-BOUCHER LOOP WITH PETER BUGG
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg @bugglife Over the past few years, I’ve been making an active effort to accept when plans have to change. Sometimes, you don’t get to do what you wanted to, but if you can let go of your frustration, you’re likely to have an equally good time doing something else. This was precisely the…
APRIL GIVEAWAY! #THIS IS PACKRAFTING!
Packrafting just might be the ultimate way to travel. Imagine throwing everything you need for a few days in a pack, along with a boat, a life vest, a dry suit, a paddle, and all the safety gear you need for being on the water. Now imagine carrying all this gear with you into the mountains. You’re searching for water; a…
A LIFE OF MILES: PUSHING FORWARD WHEN THE TRAIL GROWS COLD
Words & Photos by Jeff Garmire Thirty thousand miles and always counting, give or take a few yards or inches, all done on foot. Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) is still heading out whenever he can to "make up for 2020." Some of these miles were racked up diesel engine-style, nice and steady, all day long. Some were covered…
Q&A: TWO FRIENDS PACKRAFTING THRU KAMCHATKA, RUSSIA
Words & Photos by Nathan Shoutis and Thomas Kinsley Thomas and I started packrafting in the early days of Alpacka Rafts – around 2005- when it was still a one-woman operation working out of a garage in Eagle River, Alaska. We first met on the south end of Kodiak Island, Alaska, working at a remote field camp for Fish and…
AN ALASKAN ODYSSEY BY WHEEL AND WATER
Words by Bjorn Olson Howdy, Trailheaders! I wanted to introduce myself along with the rest of the small team that will be joining me this fall on a previously un-attempted fat bike and packraft trip through an intriguing and rarely visited corner of Alaska. Our little cadre of three will be made up my girlfriend who is,…
YOU DON'T NEED AN ANKLE TO PACKRAFT
Photos by Jessica Kelley One of three recipients of the Kyle Dempster Solo Adventure Award, Jessica Kelley followed a circuitous broken-ankle led journey through a variety of modes of wilderness travel to finally hatch her own 1,300-mile bike and packraft trip in Alaska. Can we have an introduction to who you are – the…
A DESERT FISH OUT OF WATER
Words & Photos by Rich Rudow What a South Westerner learned on a week-long Appalachian Trail section hike from Rangeley to Caratunk, Maine. Roots. Millions, and millions of roots. Within 100 yards of leaving the trailhead at the Highway 4 crossing of the Appalachian Trail (AT) outside of Rangeley, Maine, I realized that…
STILL ON THE LOOSE
Words by Brad Meiklejohn A recent news story described me as “an aging adventurer.” After my initial indignation, I checked the mirror and seeing age 58 reflected, I had to agree. Better distinguished than extinguished, I suppose. We are all getting older. I never thought that I would live this long. I’ve been a skier,…
LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE IN THE DEAD OF WINTER: A HIKE UP MOUNT MARCY
Words by Max Kiel @Max_Kiel_Trail , Photos by Dan Oliver @danofosho and Max Kiel Many outdoor enthusiasts might view winter as an off-season of sorts. Several feet of snow cover our favorite trails, sub-freezing temps make it hard to find motivation to leave the couch, and limited daylight hours make adventures more…
TOE-TO-TOE WITH THE DEVIL: A DUEL WITH THE MOST DIFFICULT TRAIL ON THE EAST COAST
Words and Photos from Max Kiel @Max_Kiel_Trail Located in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, the Devil's Path has gained a reputation of being a particularly challenging and dangerous traverse. Even the name in itself is intimidating. Not many people have heard of the Catskill Mountains before, as they often get…
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN AVOCADO TOAST AND PIZZA: NEVADA’S TOIYABE AND TOQUIMA MOUNTAIN RANGES
Words and Photos by Scott Nechemias @snechemias In an early June, I found myself putting an ice ax on my pack in 87-degree heat. It actually got hot to the touch just in the time I took my pack out of my car and made my final few minutes of preparation before starting my hike. An interesting week was about to commence. "If…
HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR PEOPLE? JOIN A GROUP ON THE TRAILHEAD!
Introducing Groups! Want to get even more in the weeds or woods about the things you love to do outside? Find like-minded members that want to go there, too! We’ve created a few to get things rolling, but if there’s something specific you’d like to start that you don’t see here, making a group of your own is easy! Start by…
The O-Circuit in Torres del Paine
This past February, my partner and I backpacked the O-Circuit in Torres del Paine, Patagonia. I asked a few questions in the trailhead leading up to it and got amazing answers from some of you. For anyone interested in doing this trek, I wrote a detailed blog post about the trip with everything you need to know. Here is…
AND NOW FOR A LOOK AT THE WEATHER. INTRODUCING METEOROLOGIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER, MICHAEL DEYOUNG
Words & photos by Michael DeYoung (@michaeldeyoung) I’m Michael DeYoung, and I am a former Air Force meteorologist. For the past 30 years, I have been a travel and adventure photographer with a commercial career that’s seen thousands of publication credits in magazines, books, calendars, and advertisements. Two years ago,…
AND NOW FOR A LOOK AT THE WEATHER: A LITTLE CONVERSATION WITH THE CLOUDS
Words & photos by Michael DeYoung (@michaeldeyoung) Former Air Force meteorologist and professional photographer Michael DeYoung continues his series about the weather with a deep dive into the clouds. They hold a lot of useful information you can use in the midst of an adventure if you know what to look for. Grab a…
METEOROLOGICAL CRYSTAL BALLS: HOW TO GET ACCURATE FORECASTS FOR BACKCOUNTRY LOCATIONS
Words & Photos from Michael DeYoung (@michaeldeyoung) Spencer Glacier, like most Alaska glaciers, is disappearing. I've seen dramatic shrinking in my lifetime (I've been photographing the same glaciers for 30 years) just as I have of other nearby, accessible glaciers such as Portage. This gorgeous tucked away gem's…
AND NOW FOR A LOOK AT THE WEATHER: DECIPHERING MOUNTAIN MYSTERIES
Words & photos by Michael DeYoung Former Air Force meteorologist and professional photographer Michael DeYoung continues his series about the weather with a look at the complexity of forecasting what’s going on in the mountains. Like all his posts, this one’s highly detailed and busting with information you can use to grow…
AND NOW FOR A LOOK AT THE WEATHER: UNDERSTANDING THE WONDERFUL, WILD, AND WACKY DESERT
Words and Photos by Michael DeYoung A backpacker on the eastern Tonto Trail in Grand Canyon National Park starts hiking before sunrise to avoid heat stress later in the day. The Tonto is largely shadeless, and on this day in late April, afternoon temperatures soared into the 90s. The presence of only high clouds doesn't…
REUNITED WITH RIBBONS–BACK INTO THE REAL WORLD ON CANADA'S GREAT DIVIDE TRAIL
Words & Photos from Eloise Robbins If any trail could heal my soul, it would be this one. Wild and remote, the Great Divide Trail follows the squiggly line on the border between British Columbia and Alberta for over a thousand kilometers. It showcases some of the best scenery in the Canadian Rockies, maybe in the entire…
WATER FILTRATION! TRAIL TESTIMONIALS FROM TINA CURRIN
Words and Photos from Tina Currin @tina Like lots of people, my very first thru-hike was also my very first extended backpacking trip. Sure, I had gone on weekend trips and car camped like a boss, but I never went anywhere for long enough that I couldn’t haul in water. Water’s one of those things that’s somehow free and…

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