The Trailhead

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

Favorite Backpacking Spots
Just curious, what is everyone’s favorite backpacking spots around where you live? Both winter time and summer time? Gotta get out n about all year ya know?
APPALACHIAN TRAIL '22 NEWS
It's that time of year to load up and march forth and north. What's the chatter around the water filter about this upcoming year on the AT?
Camp Shoes
7/09 I buy el cheap-o rubber swim sandals. If I loose, C'est la Vie. These allow my pathetic feet to air - dry, hang on outside of pack, and allow me to walk over crud, and damp surfaces at night when Nature Calls. Tried bare feet, sox only, and both unsuitable. These sandals are so cheap, you can ditch them. If you wanna…
camera...
7/09/22 After reading what Denver Post professional photog, Dean Krakel, used on his Colorado Trail journey, I also use an Olympia Tough 2.1/7ft shock proof 15 m/50 ft Waterproof camera. I bought a closable lens cover, close up light thingie, extra media and wrist strap for it. The camera also serves as a WIFi hub. Takes…
Packs
Hey everyone, I would do love to hear about what backpacks you have and use. I currently have the Windrider 40 HMG and also the Zpacks Nero! I love both and I use the Windrider for longer trips and for trips that I have to carry more. Then I use my Nero for shorter and more chill trips. I would love to hear more about the…
Greetings!
7/07/22 First, a huge shout-out to Mark. He is amazing! Just returned from section-hiking Colorado Trail. I about froze! 7 items saved me: long pants, alpaca hoodie, hat, long drawers--top and bottom; full fingered gloves, carbon fiber hiking. poles, and SPF 36 lip Rx. Living in Gulf Coast Texas, HOT is a dominant feature.…
Colorado Springs or Near
Hello everyone just curious if anyone lives in or near Colorado Springs to possibly meet up to hike 🤙🏾
Cold Soaking
Hey everyone, I have been cold soaking for about a year now and I love it! I was wondering if any of you would be interested in me sharing any of my recipes?! I also would love to hear some of your recipes! Share them below and we can help each other out!
Stuff Sack Pillow
For anyone who hasn't tried out a stuff sack pillow yet, you need to! I have tried sooo many backpacking pillows and this is by far the best on the market. Inflatable pillows either never have enough loft for me as a side sleeper, or get too hot on my face overnight. I got two of the stuff sack pillows last summer for me…
Cameras
Hey everyone, I was wondering what kind of cameras do you use? Just looking for some suggestions and possibly looking at upgrading my setup! Would love to hear from you all what you find works and doesn’t work!
Leave No Trace
With the advocacy of 'Leave no Trace', it seems as though those with the right attitude do exactly this. Yet there still seems to be problems on the trails in the UK as I'm sure it is elsewhere whereby rubbish is still littered and entire camp setups seen as disposable. I know our National Parks try to help, but it seems…
Prism
The Prism is my favorite of any Hyperlite pack I’ve ever owned. From light and fast alpine missions to multi pitch ice climbing this is my workhorse pack as a guide. I even got one for my girlfriend to use and she has fallen in love with it. I wish they could take the design and make it into a larger size as there are…
Hornstrandir Backpacking Trip in Iceland
Hey everyone, Has anyone backpacked the Hornstrandir trail in Iceland? I would love to know if you have and what would be some advice you would give to someone going to do it! Was there a piece of gear that is a must bring? If you have any pics or experiences then I would love to hear about them!
KNOW THE HISTORY BEFORE YOU GO
When you travel throughout the beautiful parks and wild spaces of America there is a story and aspect of the land we often forget: this land is not ours. As I travel I am often thinking of the mileage, the risk management in the terrain and what snack I will have next. I appreciate the sights, the trails (or lack of…
John Muir Trail
Me and some friends are looking at doing the John Muir trail next year. We know that permits are extremely competitive, so any tips from anyone to possibly improve our chances on getting the permits?
Senchi
I just wanted to give a shout-out to Senchi! If you haven’t heard about them then you should check them out! They make fleece made out of an alpha direct material that keeps you warm but also help your body cool as you hike! I love the two that I own! Go check them out!!
How to become a professional ice walker
While hiking the Sierra in the early season this year I encountered a lot of snow covered passes. I had my micro spikes and my ice axe and knew how and when to use them both. I successfully and safely navigated all of the snow that came my way, I couldn't help but notice that even after 400 miles I still got a deep pit in…
Risk and Fear In the Alpine
Hundreds of feet above the glacier, no rope, and the world feels like it's melting away. The fear is settling in, and I can't get myself to go any further. The reality is that I'm standing on a fairly wide rock spine, wide enough to comfortably accommodate myself along with multiple other climbers, and yet I feel like the…
Hometown Shoutout: Ombraz
Just wanted to give a hometown shoutout to WA sunglasses brand Ombraz. Went through countless frames on my first thru hike, having always snapped the arms, but I’m happy to report 100% satisfaction with investing in a pair of Ombraz for the CDT. Crossing into WY this week and these shades are still kicking it!
Iceland Food
Hey everyone, I am going to Iceland in July to backpack! And we are going to be driving around the entire Ring Road! I was wondering if you guys have any recommendations of places to eat in Iceland or something that we should see around the road! Let me know!
What's the best way to deal with Mosquitoes?
Every year around the end of spring and start of summer, the mosquito swarms begun to pop up and wreck havoc on outdoor recreationists. Especially in the Pacific Northwest, it's become a tradition to count up mosquito bites at the end of a trip and see who ended up with the most. The record in my group was ~70 mosquito…
Documenting All Of These Fantastic Trips
Hello, HMG world. One thing I've grown increasingly curious about as digital information about relatively inaccessible places has blossomed like a spring flower (or mold in a petri dish, you decide) -- how is everyone managing to document these experiences while also staying present in the moment? I recently learned that…
KNOWING WHERE YOU NEED TO BE: A BACKPACKING TRIP TO THE CENTER OF SELF
Words and Photos by Peter Gierlach No need to mince words, folks. Times are a little, uh, odd. We've all got our spots that we can rely on to clear the fuzz, or experiences we know will guarantee a recharge. Hop into the discussion and share yours! As my best friend and I pulled into the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness in the…
Trailhead Member Presentation in Portland, OR - Scott Nechemias at The Mountain Shop on the 28th!
Longtime friend of Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Scott Nechemias @snechemias, will be presenting an evening of stories about Oregon's John Day River country and his trip across the Columbia Plateau. We couldn't be more stoked to have Scott represent us and for the @mtshoppdx to host! Learn a little history and some tips on how…
Any Tips for Running in a Hyperlite?
I use my Hyperlite for trips where I'm planning on hiking, but I still like to do some running on easier portions. My pack is terribly uncomfortable when I try to run in it though. It slides up off my hips and bounces with every step, no matter what I seem to do with the straps. Any tips? PS - A really important note - I'm…
Pack Rafting with the Southwest 55
A few years ago I tried pack rafting for the first time. Armed with a Costco float, my Southwest 55, a mat and some food, I set off with some friends to try our hands at a small rather tame chunk of the Mckenzie river. I trusted my southwest to keep my clothes, my camera gear and my mat dry, which despite being flipped at…
My Backpacking Sleep System
I've tried out a lot of sleeping bags and pads over the years and have my favorites now depending on conditions. For every trip, I always use a down bag, but this year I am excited to try out a down quilt for the first time. Any quilt lovers out there? Do you have tips for a first time quilt user? Here are my favorite…
Washing Backpacks
Hey guys, happy Monday!! Question about washing your backpacks! How do you wash your Hyperlite pack? I know doing it in the bath tub is probably the easiest way….but do you use a special kind of soap? How long do you soak it? Best way to dry it? Gimme all the deets!! I’d love to wash mine before the crazy summer hiking…
Glen Canyon Packrafting and Backpacking
I've been itching to get into Glen Canyon and its many side canyons now that Powell has dropped significantly. I've been closely watching the Glen Canyon Institutes fieldwork down there and a lot of side canyons and once drowned landmarks are coming back. I just did a mini-trip that linked a slot into the colorado river…
Guide to Grays and Torreys
Start/End - Chimney Lot G&T Trailhead Miles: 8.6 Gain/Loss: 3629' Closest Towns: Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Dillon Shuttles/Public Transit: N/A Drive to the Bakerville I-70 exit. If you don’t have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle or the upper lot is full, park at the lower Chimney Lot and hike 3.0 mi (1460' gain) from the lot…
Sleeping Kits
What is everyone's go-to summer-fall alpine sleeping system? I'm about to update my bag and pad, and interested to hear what you've found that works well, packs well with pods/sacks in packs, etc. Thanks for any beta!
Laugavegur Backpacking Trip in Iceland
Hey everyone, I will be going on a trip to Iceland this summer in July. I plan on backpacking the Laugavegur trail and was wondering if anyone has done it? Anything that I should for sure take with me? I would love to hear about experiences you had on the trail!
EUROPEAN SPENDS A SUMMER IN US & CANADA: WHAT'S YOUR RECOMMENDED HIKES?
Hello everyone, I've just registered. Glad to be here and thank you HMG for creating this community! My name is Vincent, I'm an adventure photographer originally based in Germany. 2 years ago my wife and I embarked on a trip around the world in our converted van. We've been down in South America most of the time and have…
A MAJOR OBJECTIVE: REBECCA SPERRY AND THE WHITE MOUNTAINS: TAKE THREE
Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry In 2019, when I started on this journey, I never imagined that I would still be working on it. I also never imagined that I would be diagnosed with cancer, but here we are, it’s 2022, and I am once again going to attempt to hike all of the trails in the White Mountains of New Hampshire…
THEORIES OF RELATIVITY: JEFF GARMIRE LOOKS AT HOW DIFFERENT PURSUITS PLAY OFF ONE ANOTHER
Words and Photos from Jeff Garmire In this post, our pal Jeff Garmire (@thefreeoutside) discusses the interplay between some of his favorite activities, and how each one has lifted the other ones up. What pursuits have you found support and bolster other ones you actively do or have done? Jump in the discussion! In the…
Fall Thru-Hikes
Hello! I’m headed to the Black Hills of South Dakota this summer for work, and then I hope to hit another trail once I’m through. My season runs through Oct. 1. Does anyone have experience hiking the AZT at this time? How about the PNT? Will it be too cold? Are there other trails around that distance (500-1,000 miles) that…
WHAT DEFINES A SUCCESSFUL ADVENTURE? LET’S TALK ABOUT UNFINISHED TRIPS
Words And Photos by Neil Irwin “Well, that was an adventure!” We say it all the time, whether we’re talking about an expedition or trying to get a license renewed at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But there is often a tendency to feel like unfinished or unsuccessful trips don’t count as much as those accomplished in…
Would anyone be willing to share some beta on the Blue Mountains Trail / Eagle Cap Wilderness?
Howdy folks, just wondering if any of you intrepid hikers have made it over to the mountains of NE Oregon before, and if so if you'd have any recommendations on where to start? I'll be working all summer near Walla Walla in SE Washington, and was hoping to explore this underreported on part of the PNW a bit more while I'm…
THIS WEEKEND IN ADVENTURE HISTORY: WHAT'S THE PLAN? - 5/20/22
Who's got happy feet? (Or paddles or pedals or skis) Feed the stoke machine, people!
THIS WEEKEND IN ADVENTURE HISTORY: WHAT'S THE PLAN? - 5/13/22
You creative explorer types always have something cooking - let's hear what you're up to!
SEEKING EVEN MORE SOLITUDE?
Given the rise in popularity of backpacking and hiking in recent years, there's an increasing sentiment from a portion of the community that feels that some trails are too crowded to truly "get away from it all." Are you considering more remote backcountry travel in your trip planning?
A PATH WELL TRAVELLED (WITH SECRETS). MOUNT MONADNOCK IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
Words and Images by Rebecca Sperry "Well-travelled" or "very popular," shouldn't be a cause to dismiss a visit to a place, as Rebecca Sperry (@sockedinhikes) shares here about Mount Monadnock in The White Mountains of New Hampshire. With a little (or a lot of) leg work, she discovered all sorts of hidden gems in the park.…
A Quick Note About Notifications
Howdy, Campers! A few of you have mentioned that you aren't seeing if another community member has responded to questions or commented on a post. You can modify or reset notifications from the Edit Profile page, or by clicking the "bell" icon in the upper right corner, and clicking the icon to the right of the word,…
SNOWSHOE CAMPING: NOT YOUR TYPICAL VALENTINE’S DAY TRADITION
Words by Rachel Jones, Photos by Mike Jones I am a born and raised San Diego girl. Growing up in a city that is sunny and 70 degrees year-round, I have no tolerance for cold weather. You say it's going to be 68 out today? I'll grab my puffy! However, last year my husband convinced me to go snowshoe backcountry camping for…
ACCESSORIES TO COMPLIMENT A TRIPLE CROWN: QUADZILLA’S GEAR LIST, PART ONE
Words from Jack “Quadzilla” Jones, Photos by Chris Shane Jack ”Quadzilla” Jones is setting out this year to achieve what only a small number of backpackers have; a calendar year Triple Crown. 8,000 miles of hiking following the routes of the iconic Big Three – the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the…
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE!
GETTING YOUR GEAR IN ORDER FOR THE NEXT TRIP OR OFF-SEASON STORAGE Words and Photos by Tina Haver Currin It's that time of year, folks! Well, clean gear is always in season. Here, Thru Hiker and superfriend Tina Haver Currin goes through her process for keeping her equipment fresher than a Georgia Pine. Got a few tips…
A SPRING GETAWAY ARKANSAS STYLE: JEFF GARMIRE EXPLORES THE OZARK HIGHLANDS TRAIL
Words and Photos by Jeff Garmire Arkansas might not be the first place to come to mind for some premium and challenging thru hiking, but the Ozark Highlands Trail has been coming up more frequently in conversation lately as a great and rewarding route, and an alternative to some of the more highly travelled destinations.…
Planning a Shoulder Season Canoe Trip
Planning a canoe trip in November/ December or March/ April/ May, here in the north east, is no easy task. The days of relaxing evening dinners and swimming from the canoe out in the lake have long passed. The daylight hours are painfully short now and the weather could literally produce anything, from a warm sunshine to…
SIXTY-SEVEN POINTS TO POINT TO: THE GEAR LIST FOR THE NEW ENGLAND DIRETTISSIMA
Words and Photos by Will Peterson As you saw in a previous post, Will Peterson is setting out to thru hike all 67 4,000' peaks in New England on May 1st. So, what do you bring when you’re heading out for a month to cover approximately 730 miles with about 180,000 feet of elevation gain maintaining about 24 miles per day?…
NATIONAL TRAILS DAY IS EVERYDAY! REBECCA SPERRY GETS YOU READY TO DIG IN
Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry As an avid hiker, I have always felt that it is important that we, as a community, give back to the trails that provide so much to us. However, the amount of manpower it takes to maintain our trails is mind-boggling, and sadly, a lot of the people that are volunteering are becoming too…
SIXTY-SEVEN POINTS TO POINT TO: WILL PETERSON'S NEW ENGLAND DIRETTISSIMA STARTS MAY 1ST!
Our friend Will Peterson likes to do hard things in harder ways when possible. His upcoming New England Direttissima attempt will illustrate this trait of his beautifully. What's a New England Direttissima? Read on, friends. We love Will's big, bold plans, and we're always stoked when he shares them. Jump into the comments…
THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN: HUMBLY HYPOTHERMIC ON THE COLORADO TRAIL
In this post, Thru Hiker Josh Sheets shares a story about a run in with a nasty storm that led to a hypothermic situation that could have been so much worse had it not been for a serendipitous encounter with another hiker. It taught him a lot which he in turn is kind enough to share here. Have you ever had to deal with…
SHAKING DOWN YOUR LIFE BEFORE HITTING THE TRAIL
Thru Hiker Josh Sheets goes through the "not-quite-as-fun-as-the-gear-list-but-oh-so-important-list" long trail adventurers need to tackle before heading out for months on end. For those of you that have taken on long-distance trips, what were some of your experiences before you laced up your trail runners? Jump into the…
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF LONG-DISTANCE HIKING PERMITS
(My Unnecessarily Philosophical Exploration of America's Approach to Stewardship) Words and Images by Taylor ”Haiku” Bell "The mountains are calling, and I must go online to enter the JMT permit lottery." -John Muir If there's anything that we love in America more than our freedom, it's making a nice, well-timed joke about…
THE TASTE OF 2,100+ MILES IN FOUR BITES? MAX KIEL COOKED UP A RECIPE
AT Thru Hiker Max Kiel recently shared a POST on the Hyperlite Mountain Gear blog about what he considers to be four exceptional slices of the trail, with the promise of delivering some delicious experiences. Check it out if you haven't, and, if you've completed the whole route, jump in with some of your favorite sections,…
TRY ONE ON FOR SIZE: JEFF GARMIRE’S ODE TO THE SHORTER TRAILS
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…
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE TRAILHEAD
If you’re new to this sort of community interaction–sharing, learning, and stoking out your fellow adventurers–here’s a list of tips to help you get the most out of the experience. • Use the reactions. These let you share how you feel about other’s comments. The most liked content shows up on the Best Of page. • Mention…
FIVE STEPS TO CREATING ADVENTURE WITH BRETT DAVIS
Words and Photos by Brett Davis What's your strategy for planning trips? Our bud Brett Davis has a stunning multisport adventure resume that has included backpacking, fatbiking, skiing, packrafting, and even llamas. Yes, llamas. To pull these endeavors off, he employs a time-tested methodology that sets him up for repeated…
LAYERING TIPS FOR COLD WEATHER HIKING
Layering your clothing in a way that will allow you to regulate your body temperature in multiple conditions could be the difference between life and death in the White Mountains. When deciding what to wear on a hike in cold weather months, it is important to consider that you may encounter low temperatures, wind, and…
OUR FILM, "NORTH WOODS - FROM AWAY"
Spring 2021, Hyperlite Mountain Gear Marketing Room – "Remember that survey we sent out a while back? We got the answers sorted. Turns out that one of the most common responses to 'second favorite activities' is canoeing." "No foolin'? Guess it's not too surprising–it's a sweet way to travel through the backcountry and get…
TRAIL MAINTENANCE OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS – SOUTHWEST
PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
WELCOME TO THE TRAILHEAD This is where it starts. A journey into a beautiful place where you'll meet kindred adventurers, share and gain knowledge, broaden your outdoor skill sets, and validate your life decisions. You're here because you love and live for this stuff, and being outside makes you happy. Remember that –…

The Trailhead

Discussion List

Categories