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!
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-...
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...
THERE’S A METHOD TO THE MILEAGE: QUADZILLA GETS INTO THE PURSUIT OF THRU HIKING
Early this spring, we had the distinct pleasure of an HQ visit from the one and only Jack “Quadzilla” Jones.
SUCCESS AT LAST: NEIL IRWIN AND THE CAPE WRAITH TRAIL IN SCOTLAND
Words and Photos from Neil Irwin @neil_irwin
After a battery (pun intended) of unexpected obstacles the first time Neil and his friend Benn embarked on the Cape Wraith Trail, they made their return...
FALL ON VERMONT'S LONG TRAIL WITH MAX KIEL
Words and Photos by Max Kiel
Fall is the best hiking season of the year. Just my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, I love being out there any time of the year, but that window from late September thro...
WHY NOLS INSTRUCTORS RECOMMEND HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR: JEFF WOHL AND JEREMY CRONON
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...
STUCK IN WATER CANYON*: AN AMERICAN DISCOVERY TRAIL SURVIVAL STORY
Words and Photos by Briana DeSanctis
*Water Canyon is no longer on the official route of the ADT
It was October in the isolated Nevada desert, and there I was, thousands of miles into my American ...
SHOP VISIT: ALPENGLOW SPORTS
They’re the essence of a “Happy Place”–a great local gear shop produces its own kind of serotonin! Get to know Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, California.
You know what your local gear shop means t...
WHY THIS CALENDAR YEAR TRIPLE CROWNER (AND PROFESSOR) LOVES THE CONTOUR 35
Words and Photos by Carl “Professor” Stanfield I’ve been a part of the long-distance hiking community for just over six years. In that time, I’ve racked up about 16,000 backpacking miles, most of w...
THE ACROPOLIS ADVENTURE WITH SHAUN MITTWOLLEN AND THE ELEVATE 22
Words and Photos by Shaun Mittwollen @shaunmittwollen Summer quickly transitions into winter down here in Tasmania.
GEARING UP FOR THE COLORADO TRAIL WITH JENNER HASELTINE
Words and Photos by Jenner Haseltine @jennerhaseltine To the hiker trash it may concern–My name is Jenner, and I’ll be starting the Colorado Trail in Denver on August 12, 2024.
