The Trailhead

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

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…
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…
Has anyone backpacked the mineral king loop near Sequoia National Park?
How many days do you recommend? Clockwise or counterclockwise? Any advice/recommendations help!
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…
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"…
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…
“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…
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.…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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!
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.…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR'S BACKPACKING LIST FOR THE ULTRALIGHT CURIOUS
Huge skies, dense forests, shades of blue and green you’ve never imagined. Climbing peaks and covering distances you didn’t think you could. The sense of accomplishment one feels navigating trails, sleeping under the stars, braving the elements, and leaving easy, everyday conveniences behind cannot be understated! What’s…
KAT'S GOT YOUR BACK: YOGA FOR SOME LOWER BACK LOVE
Words and Video from Kat Englishman @KathEnglishman In this practice focused on relieving lower back pain on the trail, we’re going to focus on releasing tension in the hips. Confused yet? Stay with me! A little-known fact about the lower back is its close relationship with the pelvis. Like all parts of our body, these two…
THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL ON THE WASHINGTON POST
Great article - check it out if you can! What are your thoughts on the constantly evolving length and route changes to this iconic and beloved trail? Try to keep it the same for years to come? Change is the only constant, so just deal? Jump in the discussion!
Ultamid 2 for Glacial Camping in the PNW
Hey, all! Acquired an Ultamid 2 earlier this year and have been loving that mid-life! I’m headed to Washington next week and will likely be doing some camping on glaciers on both Glacier Peak and Mount Shuksan. I’ve got some 8” nail stakes from Big Sky that are fantastic for my Norma backpacking and hiking uses of the UM2,…
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. Cam

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