The Trailhead

CRUX 40 VS HEADWALL 55 SKI PACKS: DIG IN WITH CARVER CULBECK

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!

THE PROFESSOR SINGS SWEET HOME ALABAMA: HIKING THE PINHOTI TRAIL IN WINTER

THE PROFESSOR SINGS SWEET HOME ALABAMA: HIKING THE PINHOTI TRAIL IN WINTER

Words and Photos by Carl “Professor” Stanfield  @prof_carl Folks in the long-distance hiking community have come to know and appreciate the beloved communities around our Triple Crown trails. Anyon...
PUT A PIN ON IT: JOSH SHEETS ON THE PINHOTI TRAIL, ALABAMA AND GEORGIA

PUT A PIN ON IT: JOSH SHEETS ON THE PINHOTI TRAIL, ALABAMA AND GEORGIA

Words and Photos by Josh “Soulslosher” Sheets @soulslosher QUICK HITS: ·      Length:  335 miles ·      When to Hike:  Spring and/or Fall; winter if you’re hardy ·      Why Hike:  Robust trail town...
YOU WANNA BACKPACK IN A SHOULDER SEASON? TIPS FROM THE PROFESSOR

YOU WANNA BACKPACK IN A SHOULDER SEASON? TIPS FROM THE PROFESSOR

Words and Photos from Carl "Professor" Stanfield @prof_carl Love backpacking but getting tired of ruining your gear with all that sweat? Stoked to spend days on end outdoors but can't stand all tho...
PITCHING AN ULTAMID 2 IN SNOW WITH NOLS INSTRUCTOR, JEFF WOHL

PITCHING AN ULTAMID 2 IN SNOW WITH NOLS INSTRUCTOR, JEFF WOHL

Words, Photos, andVideo by Jeff Wohl After wrapping up the summer season with trips in Alaska, the Rocky Mountains, and the canyons of Utah, I get excited to head out into the winter wonderland for...
THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN: LET THE SCOTS SKI!

THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN: LET THE SCOTS SKI!

Words and Photos by Huw Oliver @topofests Wise words. I’m not much of a Deadhead, so instead, I picture HMG’s own Mark Sirek nodding sagely, stroking his magnificent beard, and encouraging me to s...
SOMEWHAT SELF-SUPPORTED SKI TOURING: THE ALASKA MOUNTAIN WINTER WILDERNESS CLASSIC

SOMEWHAT SELF-SUPPORTED SKI TOURING: THE ALASKA MOUNTAIN WINTER WILDERNESS CLASSIC

Words and Photos by Eric Parsons, Founder of Revelate Designs “It’s DEAD!” came spewing from my mouth as I flung the expensive chunk of aluminum that was our stove into the snow. More swearing fle...
TRAIL REPORTAGE WITH JOSH SHEETS: THE ALLEGHENY TRAIL, WEST VIRGINIA

TRAIL REPORTAGE WITH JOSH SHEETS: THE ALLEGHENY TRAIL, WEST VIRGINIA

Words and Photos by Josh "Soulslosher" Sheets @soulslosher THE ALLEGHENY TRAIL QUICK HITS Length:  315 miles Time to Hike:  Spring and/or Fall Why Hike: Unique, remote, wild & wonderful, suppor...
LIZ KIDDER AND THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL–PREP TIME!

LIZ KIDDER AND THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL–PREP TIME!

Words and Photos by Liz Kidder @lizkidder I am going to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail this year. A bold statement–as if I have full control over being able to hike all of its 2,650 miles. Unfor...
ANY EXCUSE FOR ADVENTURE

ANY EXCUSE FOR ADVENTURE

Words and Photos by Peter Gierlach As soon as I step onto the icy, rocky shore, the wind cuts through my skin like a frozen knife. My gloves are powerless to the assault - my fingers begin to send ...
WHY NOLS INSTRUCTORS RECOMMEND HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR: SANJANA GOVIND AND LINDSAY PRIEFERT

WHY NOLS INSTRUCTORS RECOMMEND HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR: SANJANA GOVIND AND LINDSAY PRIEFERT

Since 1965, the instructors and students of the nonprofit global wilderness school, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), have immersed themselves in backcountry settings or through course...
MID 1 TENT MUSINGS WITH THE PROFESSOR: A FULLY ENCLOSED WIN FOR THE SOLO BACKPACKER

MID 1 TENT MUSINGS WITH THE PROFESSOR: A FULLY ENCLOSED WIN FOR THE SOLO BACKPACKER

Words and Photos by Carl "Professor" Stanfield @prof_carl This summer, I had the privilege of exploring Maine out of the cozy Mid 1 Ultralight Tent. Weighing in right around a pound, it's a hyper-...
DREAMER TO SCHEMER: PROFESSOR CARL’S EVOLUTION AS A BACKPACKER

DREAMER TO SCHEMER: PROFESSOR CARL’S EVOLUTION AS A BACKPACKER

Words and Photos from Carl “Professor” Stanfield @prof_carl   “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Wise sentiment though it may be, I’d dissent from this ancient Chinese prov...