The Trailhead
Every journey has a first step. And some of the greatest, most meaningful journeys begin at trailheads. Welcome to ours! Here you’ll learn about gear, see route and trail intel, and dive into stories, images, and videos from our global community of adventureheads like you. Think of it like "The Third Place"–not home, not work, but your other most important/favorite place. The spot to hang out around like-minded people and have your life decisions and priorities validated. You won't need to justify your latest gear purchase or explain why you're using up all your paid time off hours to this crowd. They get it. Let’s go!
And Now For a Look at the Weather. Introducing Meteorologist and Photographer, Michael DeYoung
Words & photos by Michael DeYoung
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...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 13: TREKKING POLES
QUADRUPEDALISM – IS GOING BACKWARDS GOING FORWARDS?
One of the easiest ways to reveal where your pack and accessory weight is vs. your center of gravity is by hiking without trekking poles. On un...
Best Multitool for Backpacking
IF I HAD A HAMMER
Like headlamps, you’ll never know how perfect a small multi-tool would be for the conundrum at hand until you don’t have it. There are too many variations on the multi-tool to c...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 11: HEADLAMPS
CONSIDERATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF DARKNESS
If you’re staying out past dark, or even if you didn’t plan on staying out, having a good headlamp in your kit can be the difference between safety and you...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 10: APPAREL
ANTS IN YOUR PANTS TO GET OUTSIDE (WITHOUT ACTUAL ANTS).
The right clothing setup can make or break your pursuits – simple as that. The wrong ensemble can absorb sweat and water, restrict movement,...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 09: WATER TREATMENT
MOUTH WATERING HYDRATION TIPS.
Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink? Not likely. There are myriad ways to ensure that if there’s some of that precious liquid around, you’ll be able to...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 08: HYDRATION VESSELS
LETTING THE GENIE OUT OF YOUR HYDRATION VESSEL.
Consider that a liter of water weighs close to two lb. What you carry that essential liquid in shouldn’t add to that already substantial weight. Ther...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 07: KITCHEN COOKWARE
ACCESSORIES FOR THE CHIEF COOK AND BOTTLE WASHER
A trusted mug, pot, or spoon can be favorite pieces of gear in a backpacker’s kit. Despite discoloration from flames, dents, dings, and permanently...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 06: STOVES
A HIKER MARCHES ON THEIR STOMACH.
Alcohol stoves, small burners screwed into fuel canisters, JetBoils, and even open fires. There are quite a few choices when it comes to heating and cooking food...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 05: SLEEPING PADS + PILLOWS
THE ONLY THINGS BETWEEN YOU AND THE COLD, HARD GROUND
If you’re the type of person that can fall asleep anywhere, or you have a propensity to push yourself in your chosen pursuits until you can ...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 04: ULTRALIGHT SHELTERS + TENTS
TAKE YOUR SHELTER AND GO HOME.
From pyramids to tarps to as-of-yet-unnamed geographic shapes, there are plenty of options and degrees by which you can protect yourself from the elements. At their...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 03: STUFF SACKS + PODS
KEEPING MOISTURE AT BAY WHEN YOU STRUT YOUR STUFF
We talk a lot around here about efficiency, but to clarify, it’s not solely about robotic, austere speed. More than anything it’s about knowing t...
