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!
Bear In Mind: The Sorts of Things You Should Know for Successful and Respectful Encounters with Bears
A frequently visited shelter on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont was closed recently for an extended period due to reports of encounters with a seemingly fearless and aggressive bear. After enough...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 14: HYGIENE
PROPER PLANNING FOR A CLEAN GETAWAY
There’s the “must’ve been out for a hike” scent, and then there’s the “thawed out from permafrost after a thousand years” aroma. Depending upon how long you’ve...
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...
“This Should Be Good. Unless…?” – Accepting the Never “Final Pack List” on a Thru Hike
As thru hikers start to share their excitement about their chosen trails for 2019, so too are they sharing their gear lists. The result provides all the evidence anyone needs to show how addictive...
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 ...
