The Trailhead

The TrailHead

WORK TRIP: PACKRAFTING THE DEBSCONEAG LAKES WILDERNESS OF MAINE

WORK TRIP: PACKRAFTING THE DEBSCONEAG LAKES WILDERNESS OF MAINE

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 2022 HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR GUIDE FOR A PACKED, PICTURE-PERFECT DAY HIKE (LUNCH INCLUDED)

THE 2022 HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR GUIDE FOR A PACKED, PICTURE-PERFECT DAY HIKE (LUNCH INCLUDED)

Words and Photos from the HMG Team and Rebecca Sperry (@sockedinhikes) An open schedule and a sweet weather window–the foundational elements required for a great day out on a trail. Time outside co...
A BACKPACKING GEAR LIST FOR NEW HIKERS

A BACKPACKING GEAR LIST FOR NEW HIKERS

From Hyperlite Mountain Gear Huge skies, dense forests, shades of blue and green you’ve never imagined. Climbing peaks and covering distances you didn’t think you could. The sense of accomplishment...
PACKING LIST FOR MULTI-DAY HIKING TRIPS

PACKING LIST FOR MULTI-DAY HIKING TRIPS

You’ve saved up paid time off hours, spending weeknights researching trails and reading every last word on The Trailhead. The time has finally come to get out of Dodge and have the backpacking expe...
How to Suffer Correctly – The White Mountains Direttissima

How to Suffer Correctly – The White Mountains Direttissima

Words & Photos by William Peterson In late July, I set the record for the fastest thru hike of the 48 New Hampshire 4,000 footers, also known as the White Mountains Direttissima. In the course ...
Chasing Ten with Mike St. Pierre

Chasing Ten with Mike St. Pierre

How long have you been going light? I’ve been backpacking for over 20 years with the turning point towards going ultralight starting 15 years ago. After lugging huge, overly prepared packs around o...
THE SHAKEDOWN – 10: APPAREL

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,...
Tips from a Triple Crowner: Pack Like A Pro

Tips from a Triple Crowner: Pack Like A Pro

Words by Annie MacWilliams // Photos by Brian Threlkeld One of the biggest differences between mainstream brand backpacks and ultralight backpacks is the amount of bells and whistles. Removable bra...
Never Not Learning: How to Pack Light For Backpacking with Mike St. Pierre

Never Not Learning: How to Pack Light For Backpacking with Mike St. Pierre

Words & Photos by Mike St. Pierre When you’re first learning the ins-and-outs of how to pack light for backpacking, it’s important to understand that it’s a process. I still constantly refine t...
Gates of the Arctic Backpacking Traverse

Gates of the Arctic Backpacking Traverse

Words, Photos and Video by Luc Mehl The Brooks Range has always intimidated me as a logistical challenge: expensive, remote, cold in the winter and buggy in the summer. But it is the largest swath ...
Ultralight Backpacking Stuff Sacks for Thru Hikes & Backcountry Trips

Ultralight Backpacking Stuff Sacks for Thru Hikes & Backcountry Trips

Words by Mike St. Pierre It's what's inside that counts: Stuff Sacks, Pods, Waterproof Redundancy, and Organization. Most backpackers and thru hikers use stuff sacks, sometimes almost by default. ...
A Season-to-Season Guide to Ultralight Day Hiking Gear Lists

A Season-to-Season Guide to Ultralight Day Hiking Gear Lists

Words & Photos by Annie MacWilliams Add Four Season Functionality to Your Gear Lists for Day Hiking Since it’s not always an option to take five-month long hikes, I have really come to enjoy fa...
The Hardest Thru Hike in the World

The Hardest Thru Hike in the World

If not the most difficult, a hike below the rim of the Grand comes close. Learn about Ambassador Rich Rudow’s thru hike & Hyperlite Mountain Gear CEO Mike St. Pierre’s planning & prep for h...