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!
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...
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
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
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
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...
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
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!
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
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
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
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-...
