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!
DIANA DAVIS AND THE SUBJECTIVITY OF SUFFERING
Words by Diana Davis, Photos by Brett Davis
“I don’t like to suffer just to suffer,” a friend told me on a particularly long hill climb. Bikes heavy with gear, hot sun bearing down. The huff and p...
VISIONS OF THE OVERLAND TRACK WITH SHAUN MITTWOLLEN
Words and Photos by Shaun Mittwollen @shaunmittwollen
The evening was completely calm as the soft summer glow of sunset bowed out towards the west, and the sounds of night became apparent under t...
A FLOW THROUGH THE BOB
Words Ian Provo / Photos by Sean Kerrick Sullivan, Ian Provo, & Neil Provo A few summers ago, my brother and I set out to recreate our first grand adventure.
PRETTY INSANE OUT THERE: IZZY CHECK-IN #2 FROM THE PCT
Words and Photos by Izzy "Spoons" Tonneson @izzytonneson
“It’s only insanity if you fight it,” a trail angel told me as we bumped along the winding mountain road from Idyllwild back to the Pacific ...
WHEN THE IDEA FOR A FREESTANDING TENT WAS PITCHED: NASH CALVIN AND THE CROSSPEAK 2
Words by Nash Calvin, Photos by Bridget Williams, Mike Borchard, Miah Watt
Nash Calvin, one of our R&D Team's esteemed Product Designers, loves a good challenge. Look no further than the pro...
GET THE DEETS FROM SHEETS: BARTRAM TRAIL, NORTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA
Words and Photos by Josh "Soulslosher" Sheets @soulslosher
LENGTH: 114 miles
WHEN TO HIKE: Spring, Summer, & Fall
WHY HIKE: Different views, healthy dose of solitude, well-maintained trail, ...
A CALENDAR YEAR TRIPLE CROWN FOR THE PEOPLE - MEET IZZY TONNESON
Words and Photos by Izzy Tonneson @izzytonneson
Friends and family often ask me, “What’s your favorite part about thru-hiking?” usually trying to wrap their heads around why I’d commit to something...
THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN! BROKEN IN BAJA WITH BRETT AND DIANA DAVIS
Words and Photos by Brett Davis @brettrdavis
From the bed of the pickup, I focused on the fingers that lightly grasped and pushed up the truck's hood. The shutter clicked. This snapshot of time w...
MILES COVERED, KNOWLEDGE EARNED. GOING LIGHTWEIGHT WITH SENIOR NOLS INSTRUCTOR, MARCO JOHNSON
Words and Photos by Marco Johnson, Senior NOLS Instructor
When I began my career in Outdoor Education, and took my NOLS Field Instructor Course in 1985, the idea of being lightweight, as we think o...
GET TO KNOW THE APA: PADDLE, PROTECT, AND EXPLORE
Words by Sarah Kilborne, Photos by Sarah Kilbourne and Jack Henderson
Hi, I’m Sarah Kilbourne, the Executive Director of the American Packrafting Association (APA) and a passionate packrafter. Pack...
PETER GIERLACH'S CURE FOR CABIN FEVER
Words and Photos by Peter Gierlach, @Pete Gierlach
Looking out the window, I had absolutely zero reason to step outside.
It was pitch black, a presumably starry sky blocked by thick layers of cloud...
WHAT 60 YEARS OF CARRYING HEAVY PACKS HAS TAUGHT NOLS ABOUT HOW TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
By Jeremy Cronon, NOLS Partnership Director
Since 1965, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) has been at the forefront of outdoor education, empowering hundreds of thousands of participant...
