The Trailhead

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

Colorado Early Ski Season Conditions
Walton Creek Living in the high Rockies of Colorado certainly has its advantages. I haven’t been anywhere else that October resort skiing is a slam dunk. Arapahoe Basin opened on Sunday, October 23rd, but I was in New York watching the Rangers lose until the 26th. So my season started there on 10/27, and I can’t complain…
Guesses on new product!?
Who else saw the new gear teaser!? What do you guys think it is?? I love new product releases!!! I’m going to guess some sort of rain jacket/poncho!! Hyperlite…when will the new release be!?
Best Larch Hikes in WA
I know it's already snowing in most places, but fall in the PNW is my favorite and I'm still thinking about my favorite hikes for amazing golden larches. So here's a few suggestions for the best larch hikes in WA (in my opinion). The Enchantments - I did a one day through hike in 2021 and it was a great way to see all of…
Outdoorsy Holiday Gift Ideas
I put together a list of holiday gift ideas for the outdoor lovers in your life. If you need any gifting inspiration, check out my list below. Of course, I think HMG products make the best gifts, but had to add in some others for variety as well. Gifts for Anyone For the backpacker: Junction 40 For the photographer in…
37.81819, -108.79699: THE COORDINATES OF AN UNEXPECTED ADVENTURE
Words and Photos by Brett Davis & Cody M. Perry For 100 days, we had a drone stranded in some exceptionally rough terrain. After nailing the main sequence in a film project we're working on, the drone got sent off to start knifing shots of the surrounding landscape. We were a small group of river runners and filmmakers…
WHAT HAS YOUR GEAR BEEN UP TO LATELY?
Stories and pics if you got 'em. You have our approval to blow up this spot.
FILL IN THE BLANKS / MIX 'N MATCH GEAR LIST–SHOW US WHATCHA GOT!
'Round the end of every year, the HMG Team always looks back to see what kinds of posts all of you in our beloved orbit viewed and liked the most. As a complete shock to absolutely no one, gear lists elbowed their way to the top–our A PACKING LIST FOR MULTI-DAY HIKING TRIPS taking first place in that topic category. This…
Where to buy/find used gear?
Any suggestions on where I can find lightly used backpacking gear? Specifically, I'm leaning toward a DCF flat tarp and groundsheet. Prophet
How do you travel with HMG?
It's rare for me not to have some piece of HMG gear with me when I travel, and I am curious what everyone's favorite products are to travel with? As a solo female who is usually bouncing around locations accessibility and utility are high priority for me, so I don't go anywhere without my Versa (which I wear as a…
WHAT TO DO IN THE SHADOWS: TIPS FOR SHOULDER SEASON AND WINTER BACKPACKING (PART 1)
Words and Photos from Scott Nechemias @snechemias The Mogollon Rim in January From the Autumn Equinox to the Spring Equinox, adventures in the outdoors necessarily involve more darkness than light, changing the backcountry traveler's calculus for a wide variety of trip factors. Adjusting a few of your normal routines to…
A HIKER’S GUIDE TO GEOTAGGING
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes ) There’s no doubting the seriousness of the issues plaguing beloved public lands that have fallen victim to the crisis of popularity, sentenced to be loved to death by waves of uneducated or equally uncaring crowds. National Parks, historic landmarks, and natural wonders…
Pack rafting - Where to Begin?
So, I've backpacked for years, and obviously I'll never stop, but I'm now torn. I know for certain that I want to start pack rafting. I live in Oregon, and I've rafted for years, but never with more remote ambitions. Now, I'm trying to decide what boat is right! What pack raft is your favorite, and for what reasons??? The…
Freeze Dryer
Hey everyone, I have been thinking about getting into making my own freeze dried meals! I was wondering if any of you have any recommendations for a freeze dryer and what you do? I have made my meals for a while now but have bought the items that I wanted freeze dried. I think it would be great to be able to get a freeze…
GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE UNBOUND 40 PACK: TRIP TALES FROM A GEAR TESTER
Words and Photos and Earworm Song Quotes from Scott Nechemias @snechemias CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO ONE FOR TO GIVE YOU NO PAIN I was standing in the middle of the Dry Creek Wilderness area, looking at a bone dry stream bed labeled “Dead Horse Spring” on the map. I began to giggle to myself in a way that probably would have…
Favorite Fleece
What is your favorite fleece brand? I know there is the very popular Melanzana- which, yes, I am in love with too and have my fair share of them...but we all know they are hard to come by because you can't buy online (unless it's used, but people resell for so much.). Was curious if anyone has found a brand similar to…
HOUSTON, I’M RUNNING AWAY FROM MY PROBLEMS - A LOOK AT UNCOOL BACKPACKING
(OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE TEXAS TRAILS) Words and Photos by Taylor “Haiku” Bell To those of you that have always lived someplace "cool" - as in, an iconic magnet for outdoor activities - you've likely never felt that sort of reluctant forced friendship with the environment you call home. But, as Texan…
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW: LESSONS EARNED ON A CALENDAR YEAR TRIPLE CROWN
Words and Photos from Jack "Quadzilla" Jones Appalachian Trail Jack" Quadzilla" Jones set out this year to achieve what only a small number of backpackers have; a calendar year Triple Crown. Eight thousand miles of hiking following the routes of the iconic Big Three – the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the…
Hitting 30% Traced in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
In my last reflection I had completed forty-nine days of hiking and traced 22.9% of the trails in The Whites. Fall foliage was at its peak and October was starting off being my busiest month yet. While working two days a week and hiking three to four days, there was little down time. I entered October knowing that I had to…
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: SHAUN MITTWOLLEN AND THE HEADWALL 55
Words and Photos from Shaun Mittwollen (@shaunmittwollen) Our good friend and Tasmanian Correspondent, Shaun Mittwollen, was an early tester of our new backcountry ski pack, the Headwall 55. If you're unfamiliar with Shaun's work behind the camera, do yourself a favor and get familiar! Here he shares how he's getting along…
Ptarmigan Traverse, July 19-24, 2022 (Washington Cascades)
Here are some photos taken by my partner, Jason Griffith, from our journey this past July on the Ptarmigan Traverse (north to south). My 4400 Southwest pack was the perfect choice even though I started with 41 pounds. Get after it, John Sharp, Bellevue, WA…
North West
After spending my entire life in Oregon, I'm finally making the MAJOR jump up to Seattle! I've driven up north nearly every free weekend for the last several years, and it's now time to cut out the first three hours of that drive, and live close to the mountains I desperately want to get to know better. That leaves me with…
DIALED IN: OATS' GEAR ON THE APPALACHIAN HIGH ROUTE
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes) When I tackled my first long-distance trail in 2019, I had over 30 lbs on my back as I headed northbound from Amicalola Falls. After sustaining an achilles injury born of overuse and carrying simply too much (and after overcoming the shock of having to trade my Nalgenes for…
NEW TRAIL, NEW BETA! THE APPALACHIAN HIGH ROUTE, SECTION BY SECTION
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes) The Appalachian High Route is a 330-mile loop that offers a whirligig tour of 6,000-footers and iconic gems of the southern Appalachians. The route was established by Jennifer Pharr Davis earlier this year and utilizes existing trails and roads to form a loop through the…
BECOME UNBOUND - An All-New HMG Collection Designed for Distance!
Get a load of the all-new UNBOUND Collection! It’s been in the works for years and, like all HMG products, on the backs of trusted testers that have put the whole setup through the paces on some of the biggest trails. Each piece of the kit was designed with consideration of the others to form a system that works together…
Quilts
Hey everyone, I currently have the Thermarest Vesper 20 quilt! I love it and was thinking about getting a 30 degree quilt for trips that aren’t as cold. What recommendations do you have for quilts? I would love to hear what you guys are using!
Florida Trail, Part Two: Central and Northern Florida (Ocala, Suwannee, Appalachicola, Panhandle)
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin @tina So we’ve tackled the gear list, Big Cypress, and Southern Florida. But there’s, like, 800 more miles of trail, right? Yep, and they’re primarily a mixture of roads, rail trails, and longleaf pine forests punctuated by crystal-clear springs, old ranches, and something…
El Capitan Comes Alive at Night
Handfuls of climbers charging El Cap in the dark. Star gazing is amazing, but watching the lights travel up 3,000 feet of cliff is on a whole new level. When most of Yosemite is asleep, there is a highway of climbers working together to pull off something that seems impossible. If you are sitting close enough, you can hear…
Katahdin Backcountry Loop
Earlier this month I went Baxter State Park to see some foliage and visit some lesser traveled trails on Katahdin. The first day I left the Roaring Brook Campground and headed up the Russell Pond Trail. This trail is super mellow with only a minor amount of elevation gain. Soon before making it to Russell Pond the trail…
WHAT HAS YOUR GEAR BEEN UP TO LATELY?
My Daybreak Ultralight Pack and Camera Pod pulling double duty (photo pack & photographer's assistant) on a personal project shooting wildfire landscapes. This trip is to far Northern California in the McKinney Fire in the Klameth National Forest.
LIGHT, FAST, DELICIOUS: PICK THREE! JOSH SHEETS SERVES UP SOME FOOD OPTIONS ON TRAIL
Words and Photos from Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @Josh_Sheets If backpackers aren't talking about gear on trail, there's a good chance they're talking food. Check out some suggestions and tips from Josh here, and jump into the discussion with your suggestions, too! It takes calories to climb mountains! Approaching the topic…
Flat Tarp
Hey everyone, I have been thinking about getting a flat tarp! I have used the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp before and I really enjoyed it! So I would love to hear your experiences with the Hyperlite Flat Tarp and if you enjoyed it!! I have been wanting to get it for a while to test it out but I would love to hear from all of…
My experience on the Appalachian Trail with HMG
The bizarre part of this story is that I don't wear a HMG pack. I'm also partially sponsored by another gear company. I came to the AT determined to finish the AT - and the triple crown - as quickly as I could. I was aiming for 100 days, and I was pretty close to being on pace. But I changed my plans and took a ton of…
HMG Modifications
Yes, we know that HMG makes some amazing products, but sometimes I want to modify gear to suit my individual needs (sorry guys). The first modification I made was for the Long Trail in 2020 to remove the velcro at the top of my Southwest 55 pack and replace with KAM snaps. The velcro always caught and snagged my delicate…
How to start into pack rafting?
Hey there! I would love to get into pack rafting + would love any advice or really top gear items to have for starting out? Thanks!!!
Lets take guesses on what's next for HMG!
So I saw this short ad on facebook about "Something new coming" It looks like a new pack. The video doesn't show much, but lets alll speculate on what is to come!
Pemmican ?
What is your experience with pemmican? Please share the climate.
Where To Next?
Over the last month, I've started to obsess over what the next year may hold. Snow is on the horizon, the gear collection is growing, and ambition is through the roof. I am a fairly big believer in always pushing past preconceived boundaries while planning trips. This last year, I was proud to spontaneously hike around a…
FINDING THE BETA ON YOUR NEXT OBJECTIVE
As someone who loves to plan and go places with fewer people I try to really dig to get some beta on a future route. What do you folks do to plan your trips? What programs/sites/apps/forums do you look at? For example, I recently have been excited about the Bears Ears area and have found limited information. I prepared by…
How should a new backpacker lighten load
Background: I'm 52. Just lost 83 pounds after having a stroke in 2019. I'm not 100٪ on balance or stamina but trying out backpacking. First trip was 40-50 miles in Yosemite. Deuter 45+10 pack weighed 36 pounds with 3 liters of water, 5 days of food and mandatory bear vault. Comfort is important. Bag was Kelty cosmic down…
REFLECTIONS ON BACKCOUNTRY SKIING WITH CODY TOWNSEND AND IAN PROVO
Words and Photos from Cody Townsend and Ian Provo Maybe you heard that there’s a new member of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack family! The Headwall 55 is a backcountry ski pack for the chill people who work hard and put in long hours to get to the top, just to see it all go downhill. But they love it that way, and we’re…
What's the Gear You're Ditching?
After my recent trip, I've decided to ditch some long-held, often beloved gear for lighter or easier options. As much as I love my Platypus filter and bladder, it's simply too inconvenient and I will probably switch to a Sawyer Squeeze. I'm also considering a new stove, as my Jetboil recently had the igniter break and, if…
iPhone 14 w/ Satellite Connectivity
One of the biggest announcements that Apple made at its keynote address today was the inclusion of satellite connectivity on the newest iPhone models. As far as I know, this is the first cell phone to also act as a Garmin-type device. Hot damn, that'll save 3.5 ounces! 😂
SIX HIKING HABITS TO LEAVE WILD PLACES BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes) Sometimes we pat ourselves on the back for sticking diligently to Leave No Trace, the expectation of backcountry behavior meant to protect our public lands, and other times Mother Nature begs for us to do more. Those particularly devoted to the cause join a local trail…
PUT YOUR SHOULDER TO THE TRAIL: JEFF GARMIRE AND THE POWER OF COMMITMENT
Words and Photos from Jeff “Legend” Garmire How do you decide to do something big? What if you fail? What if you can't pull it off in the end? What if the passion leaves you? IS THERE A WAY TO COMBAT DOUBT AND WORK THROUGH IT? There are so many questions that surround big efforts, adventures, and the commitment to going…
Death Before Decaf!
Whats up team, I am a caffeine fiend, I cannot go without my coffee. When I lay down at night the last thing I think of is how excited I am to wake up and have some coffee. On a recent thru hike I phased through a couple of variations but ultimately burned out on all of the them. I was initially using coffee tea bags, then…
How Much Food to Bring?
I thought it would be interesting to hear how everyone goes about deciding how much food to bring on a trip. The idea came to me after I attempted my first FKT a couple of days ago and I really struggled to know how much food I would need. I have a great understanding of how much I would need on a standard hike, whether…
.3L drawstring stuff sack- What do you use it for?
Just received this little guy + now that I have it in hand I’m wondering what y’all use it for? Without thinking of it’s actually size I was hoping to use it to pack the electronics in but that isn’t going to happen! 😂 Any + all suggestions are appreciated!!!
Outdoors / Adventure book recommendations?
Any good book (audio or physical) recommendations for when I can't be out on the trail? Here are a few recent ones that I have enjoyed. I tried to pick books that were maybe a little less obvious, but there are still some classics in here as well. Emerald Mile - Great intro to Grand Canyon. Unfortunately no longer…
Rain Rain Go Away
Hey everyone, I’m looking at getting a new rain jacket. I’m currently looking at Montbell and Arc’teryx. What do you all recommend. I want something light but also durable!
How do y'all stay motivated when a thru-hike doesn't pan out like you expected?
Whether you're on the PCT facing reroutes due to snow or wildfire, you're off trail due to an injury, or you've only got a few weeks to tackle a trail but things don't go according to plan... this question is for you. This question is sparked by my two most recent thru-hike plans falling through. I was originally going to…
DID SOMEONE SAY GEAR LIST? HERE'S JOSH SHEETS FROM THE '22 PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Words and Photos from Josh Sheets Here it is, folks—a coveted Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) gear list. This was the gear that accompanied me on my PCT thru hike this year! I suppose I should let you know what you’re getting into when you browse this list. So, full disclaimer: this gear list is tailored more towards pared-down…
Junction 40 vs 55
Hi, I have a Junction 40 and always seem to be just out of space. I ordered a 55, and am wondering what others experienced with these 2 sizes. Is there that much more room or is it just enough extra room for the ounces?
TINA CURRIN'S FLORIDA TRAIL 2022 GEAR LIST - BASE WEIGHT ~7.5 LBS
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin - @tina Despite many thousands of trail miles under my (hip)belt, the 1,150-mile Florida National Scenic Trail (FT) required the trickiest kit I’ve assembled yet. I spent my early childhood in Florida, so I wasn’t completely out of my depth; however, there was something oddly…
Gear hacks / modifications
Any favorite gear hacks or modifications? I've got a few, but one of the simplest and most successful is / are the mods I've made to my Snow Peak pot. I wasn't happy with the original lid because it didn't stay on very well (the Vargo lids look much better on this front) but I was able to find a good aftermarket one at…
Thoughts on Slow Hiking?
Hi all, Over the past few months I've been practicing something I call slow hiking. I've noticed over the past few years I've become too obsessed with metrics. Distance, pace, elevation, photos, etc. It's almost as if my watch at the map app have become more important than the hike itself. Hikes started becoming another…
Climbing in The Bugaboos
In July my partner and I spent four days in The Bugaboos climbing. This is such an amazing climbing destination, but also a very beautiful backpacking trip. We each had about 15lbs of climbing gear and a ton of food on top of our sleep system and cloths, so we decided to make two trips in and carried all our food and tent…
SPREAD THE LOVE AROUND. AND DIRT, ROCKS, AND BRUSH–NEW GIVEAWAY!
Good People, there’s a new giveaway on deck, and boy howdy are we stoked to present it to both you, and your favorite routes through the woods! Trails provide us so much joy, and this prize package will set one lucky winner up with the chance to give them the care they deserve in return. Check it out: TRAIL BOSS…
DRESS LIKE AN ONION: PEELING BACK THE LAYERS FOR EFFECTIVE AND COMFORTABLE HIGH DESERT BACKPACKING
Words and Photos from Scott Nechemias @snechemias Oregon Canyon Mountains The vast majority of my shoulder and winter season hiking takes place in the Oregon High Desert and Great Basin. This unique climate can throw so many different kinds of weather at you that my partner and I have invented a couple of terms to better…
THE PERFECT PACK EXISTS! – CHECK OUT THE NEW GEAR MATCH QUIZ
One possible name the HMG team came up with for this was Pack Tinder, but for obvious reasons, we needed to let that one go. Really, though, if you’re looking for something that will always have your back, carry you in and out of good times and bad, be just what you need but never be in your way–you’re looking for…
SO WE'VE BEEN ASKING, "WHAT'S YOUR ESSENTIAL?" LET'S TALK ABOUT NATURE
It should go without saying, without nature, we wouldn't have as much to talk about here on The Trailhead! Within this passion we all share for the outdoors, it is the most essential of all essentials. But, while it can mean the same thing to all of us, our reactions to and needs for it can be uniquely different. So, we'd…
Florida Trail, Part One: Southern Florida (Big Cypress, Seminole, Lake Okeechobee)
Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin @tina The 1,150-mile Florida Trail gets a bad rap. Sure, hikers have to slosh through swamps, endure rubble-strewn road walks, and constantly scan the path for alligators and venomous snakes. But as you skip through shiny new shopping malls to boggy wetlands, wide-open bike…
I AM THE PASSENGER: HOW TO GET TO WHERE YOU’RE GOING TO HIKE WITHOUT A CAR
Words and Photos from Scott Nechemias Every hike starts and ends somewhere and getting there and back after your hike is often one of the more interesting parts of trip planning. Wilderness access often coincides with a lack of populated metro areas and transportation options. Gas and rental cars are expensive and may not…
Flag guy
If you've spent a significant amount of time on the trail, perhaps you have experienced the old-fashioned way in which news travels. Not by tweets or snapchats or whatever the kids are using these days - but by word of mouth. In a similar manner to the old mantra "loose lips sink ships", the spoken word really travels…
Turning Sleeping Bag Inside Out?
Is there any reason why I can't turn my HMG quilt inside out for a slightly more varied experience? The inside of mine is silver and the outside is navy. If it's warmer, would turning the silver toward the sun better reflect light, rather than reflecting heat back towards my body? Is there something about this approach…
Favorite backpacking breakfast
What is your go-to breakfast item while backpacking? I need some new/yummy ideas! I seem to just do bars, so definitely looking for easy items. I do love pancakes, oatmeal, etc.! Thanks :) Sasha
Gates of the Arctic
Hello All! I've been dreaming of Alaska more than normal these days...Which is certainly to say that I'm always dreaming of Alaska. My last trip was largely touristy. We stayed in some cabins, took a flight, visited some glaciers, etc... I'm scheming a trip to Gates of the Arctic national park now, as it seems like…
Best Electrolyte Mix
Hey hey! Just curious what everyone’s favorite electrolyte mix is? I’m looking for quick and easy powder mixes to add to my water, especially for longer hikes. I love water just as it is, but also like adding flavor to it to give myself more of a variety while hiking. I have used Liquid IV a ton, but haven’t really…
The Importance of Staying Flexible
Last week I was fortunate enough to spend a week with my partner in the Canadian Rockies. This place has always been special to me and last summer we thru-hiked the GDT, traversing nearly the entire range. Our plan was to start picking away at the remaining overnight hikes in the Banff area as we had done nearly all of…
NEED TO HAVE, WANT TO HAVE: THE ESSENTIALS AND YOUR ESSENTIALS
Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry It’s no secret that I love hiking and spending time outdoors. Since 2015, this love has grown exponentially, but in contrast, the gear I carry in my pack has shrunk (in a good way). I went from hitting the trails carrying the most generic first aid kit my local outfitter had to offer…
Sock Recommendations
Okay guys- What are your sock recommendations? I have used Smartwool for years. They are great, but just looking for other brands. I also have a pair of Darn Tough that I like! Thanks! Sasha
BLOWING STORMS AND BLOWING MINDS ON ASPEN'S MAROON BELLS FOUR PASS LOOP
Words and Photos by Max Kiel I think it's safe to say that most hikers have their own "dream hike." That one on the bucket list we find ourselves daydreaming about while at the office. The one route that makes us pour over trip reports and constantly watch YouTube videos. The adventure that we swear that we'll go on…
HOW ARE YOU POWERING YOUR EXPEDITION?
In our device dependent travels, how are you balancing power and weight? As I head out for a trip I wince as I pack my Anker Powercore 20100mAh battery pack. It weighs 12.5oz and it’s dead weight when out of charge. But I’m thinking of 3 main devices for several weeks - my inReach Mini, iPhone and DSLR. What ratio of power…
Ultamid
Hey everyone, I have the Ultamid and I love it so far! I have the half insert and I am thinking about possibly getting the full insert or even just the net. What are your experiences with the Ultamid and do you have any suggestions?
GOAT Tote + Colors
Hey guys! I’m super interested in getting a Goat Tote- probably the 70L one. Just curious if anyone currently has one? If so, what do you use it for? I was thinking of keeping it in the back of my car to store extra snacks + gear. Also- what color do you generally get? I have a black 2400 Southwest and love it because it…
Ultamid 2 - How Best to Use?
I've slept in more tents than I can recount in many different conditions. Each have had their pros and cons, but none have honestly checked each possible box. That is until I found the Ultamid. The theory behind the Ultamid, in my eyes, is ultimate practicality. The ideal combination of minimalism, durability, and weight…
SUNKEN COSTS HAVE NO BUSINESS IN SMART ADVENTURING
Words from Diana Davis, Photos by Brett Davis This could be bad. I feel a few sprinkles mist my face as I look up at the looming gray moving in overhead. Hiking in the rain, paddling in the rain, camping in the rain–no problem. I have solid rain gear and an awesome Hyperlite shelter. Climbing on loose rock, surrounded by…
Peruvian Treks
A couple months ago my partner and I had an incredible experience hiking around Ausangate, a fairly remote peak near Cusco. It wasn't until the very last second (the night before we had to board a bus wherever we were going) that we decided Ausangate was the right objective. Despite some wild weather (we hiked in the rainy…
Andy Neal on Hiker Podcast, Plus-Sized Modeling, and Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword
Hello, my name is Oats, and today I’m excited to chat with Andy Neal, host of the Hiker Podcast, outdoor influencer, creator, and hiker extraordinaire. Now, the last time Andy and I chatted was in 2020. I lived in a school bus and was fresh off the Colorado Trail, and he was in the midst of season one of Hiker Podcast.…
WHO'S GOING TO WIN BIG AT PCT DAYS? SEE YOU THERE!
Three members of our marketing team - Christina, Marina, and Sara - are headed to Cascade Locks, Oregon this weekend for Pacific Crest Trail Days! Who's gonna be there? Besides the opportunity to make their awesome acquaintances, we'll also be hosting one of our legendary raffles! This one is gonna be PHENOMENAL! Check it…
Canyoneering specific pack - wet canyons
I would really love to see a canyoneering-specific pack for wet canyons. I use a Porter 55 for dry canyons and it works great - no frills design, fits everything I need, very comfortable to wear. For wet canyons, I would love to see something that is either more waterproof (so nothing gets wet) or less waterproof (lots of…
Get a Grip on Trekking Pole Cork Repair
This is not a how-to tutorial. However, I wanted to relay some success I had repairing the cork grips on my BD trekking poles. Recently I was fortunate enough to take in an overnight stay at Horn's Pond along the A.T. while visiting the fine state of Maine. Everything went exceedingly well until the next morning. I lifted…
Twenty-Five Hikes, Ten Percent Traced, Entering August
“A gentle mist kissed my cheeks as I strapped on my pack and headed towards the US/Canadian border. A cold front had blown in overnight and the trees swayed in front of me. It felt like a dream and from the moment that I got out of my car, I smiled. This time I wanted to take it all in, to go slow and stay present. Last…
UltaMid 4
I am going to buy an UltaMid 4 with the half insert. Does the half insert work as well if you place it on the back wall instead of one of the sides? Without seeing one in person, it looks like a better option to me, am I missing something?
Versa Kayaking!
HIKING WITH DOGS
What are your absolute best tips or tricks for hiking or adventuring with your doggos?
Camping/Backpacking with kids
Happy Friday!! Anyone here have kids and have advice on camping/backpacking with them? I’m a (somewhat) new mom- my daughter turned 1 in June and my husband and I would love to start camping with her. I’d love any and all advice (do you use a sleeping bag for them? If so, what kind?). What age were your kids when you first…
FLY FISHING GIVEAWAY!
Catch of the day, People! Check out the Fly Fishing Giveaway happening RIGHT NOW! One lucky winner is going to find themselves right in the strike zone for great times on the water! This prize package is worth over $900, and features: Porter 55 Versa Fanny Pack Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Orvis Clearwater Fly Reel Scientific…
How to best repair mesh pouch?
I absolutely love my Junction 40, it was my first HMG pack and is still my favorite! But, I have a small hole in the front mesh pouch and am worried it will get bigger with time. Does anyone have suggestions on how to fix the hole? Or should I just leave it and hope for the best? I know there are dyneema patch kits, but…
Fairies and bluebirds on The AT?
8/08 If flying fairies and talking blue birds suddenly appeared, I would not be surprised. The hypnotic magic of the AT cannot be explained- it's other-worldly.
THERE'S GOTTA BE A BETTER WAY TO MAKE... THE PIECE OF GEAR YOU MOST WISH FOR
When we think about the number of essentials required to set up a trail-ready, overnight backpacking kit, we can whittle the list down to 10 categories. If you could pick any one of them, which one do you wish could just be...different? What's this crucial bit of gear missing? What do you wish it/they could do that isn’t…
What is your favorite vegetarian or vegan backpacking meal?
Vegetarian here (but vegan a lot of the time), and looking to start making more of my own backpacking meals. What is your go to veg or vegan meal for on the trail? I'd love some new options that other athletes on here enjoy! Also, I'm interested in the Repack for backpacking but not sure how much I would use it. If you…
What do you keep your water in?
For the past 5+ years I’ve been carrying my water in either a Hydro Flask or water bladder. Hydro Flasks are definitely heavy, so adds more weight of course. Just curious how you pack/carry your water? I just got one of the water carriers from Hyperlite, so I plan to change things up and maybe just carry a water bottle…
MEGA PINTS AND MEGA VERT ON THE GR20 IN CORSICA
Words and Photos from Dan Oliver It started with one of those nights where the forest sounds like an ocean, the winds gusting with such force that you lay awake, fighting to recall how well you checked for dead limbs above you before setting up camp. This time, however, it was jet lag that had me up, not the lingering…
How to keep mosquitos away
Here is my best advice on how to keep mosquitos away when on the trail and at camp. I am the type of person who gets tons of mosquito bites on trips and my skin reacts really badly to them. So, after a lot of trying different products, I finally created a system that works well for me and I wanted to share it to help out…
Backpacking Pillow
Hey hey! what are your guys recommendations on a pillow for backpacking? I know, I know….it’s added weight lol BUT it’s a luxury item I feel like I need. I sleep horrible in a tent, and feel that having a pillow would help tremendously! Thanks!! Sasha
TRAIL MAINTENANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS - NORTHEAST
Grab your favorite shovel and gloves. Where's the work happening in the Northeast Region of the U.S.?
Do Your Sleeping Bags Get Heavier Over Time?
My first nice sleeping bag was a Western Mountaineering Highlite that I didn't take the best care of and it gained a significant amount of weight in what I assume is dirt over the years and had some trouble staying lofted. It was 15 oz when I bought it, and 20 oz when I replaced it. I currently have an EE quilt that I've…
How do You Ensure a New Adventure Buddy is Prepared for Your Adventure?
Hey Everyone, I just settled into a new area in a foreign country. The amount of opportunity to go out and get rad in the mountains here is endless. I am excited start exploring more locally. I recently took a short bike trip with someone and they really did not have a good time. Full blown type 3 fun for them, while I was…
Emily AKA Dim Sum and Her Advice for International Thru-Hikers Following in Her Footsteps
Hi y’all, Oats here! This week, our spotlight is shining on Trek Blogger Emily who flew to the PCT from London and has been making stellar updates, sharing photos, tales from the trail, and details on all things new and unexpected in sunny Southern CA ever since. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The…
Wish list - Hydration-specific pod
OK, hear me out. I'd love a pod/bladder. Something akin to a MSR dromedary, but it fits perfectly inside your pack - no wasted space. I currently use a 6L drom inside a 4400, and a 4L drom for the 2400/3400 size, and they both fit "good enough," but HMG has never been about "good enough." The valve system of the droms…

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