The Trailhead

The TrailHead

WHAT 60 YEARS OF CARRYING HEAVY PACKS HAS TAUGHT NOLS ABOUT HOW TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

WHAT 60 YEARS OF CARRYING HEAVY PACKS HAS TAUGHT NOLS ABOUT HOW TO LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

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!

A Wild Alpine Rock Route in the Darran Mountains, Fiordland NZ

A Wild Alpine Rock Route in the Darran Mountains, Fiordland NZ

In New Zealand's South Island, in Fiordland National Park, there is a mountain range known as the Darrans.
LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF LONG-DISTANCE HIKING PERMITS

LIFE, LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF LONG-DISTANCE HIKING PERMITS

(My Unnecessarily Philosophical Exploration of America's Approach to Stewardship) Words and Images by Taylor ”Haiku” Bell "The mountains are calling, and I must go online to enter the JMT permit lo...
Florida Trail, Part Two: Central and Northern Florida (Ocala, Suwannee, Appalachicola, Panhandle)

Florida Trail, Part Two: Central and Northern Florida (Ocala, Suwannee, Appalachicola, Panhandle)

Words and Photos from Tina “Cash Money” Currin @tina So we’ve tackled the gear list, Big Cypress, and Southern Florida.
TO THE ARRIGETCH WE MUST GO

TO THE ARRIGETCH WE MUST GO

Words, Photos & Video by Eric Bernhoft Gates of the Arctic National Park is one of the most difficult places to reach that I’ve traveled to.
GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE UNBOUND 40 PACK: TRIP TALES FROM A GEAR TESTER

GETTING IN TUNE WITH THE UNBOUND 40 PACK: TRIP TALES FROM A GEAR TESTER

Words and Photos and Earworm Song Quotes from Scott Nechemias @snechemias CAUSE THERE AIN’T NO ONE FOR TO GIVE YOU NO PAIN I was standing in the middle of the Dry Creek Wilderness area, looking at ...
THE SKILOPING TETONS TRAVERSE

THE SKILOPING TETONS TRAVERSE

Words by Kaitlyn Boyle, Photos from Ben Gavelda and Will Stubb Photo: Ben Gavelda
Finding Trust On Unsure Footing

Finding Trust On Unsure Footing

Lately I've been coming up against a challenge related to the alpine that actually occurs before I ever have the chance to step foot on snow or ice.
Quitting (and Un-Quitting) The White Mountains Trace

Quitting (and Un-Quitting) The White Mountains Trace

In my last post I was grieving the loss of the 100 Highest part of my 15 month hiking project.
STEPS TO STAY SAFE ON WINTER BACKPACKING TRIPS

STEPS TO STAY SAFE ON WINTER BACKPACKING TRIPS

Words and Photos from Rebecca Sperry @sockedinhikes In the last month, two hiking deaths have occurred in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
THE 30L APPROACH DUFFEL CALLED, LOOKING FOR YOUR GEAR

THE 30L APPROACH DUFFEL CALLED, LOOKING FOR YOUR GEAR

We're stoked to announce the return of our popular 30L Approach Duffel! The last time we made these available, they vanished pretty fast. Don’t panic, though!
TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE!

TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE!

GETTING YOUR GEAR IN ORDER FOR THE NEXT TRIP OR OFF-SEASON STORAGE Words and Photos by Tina Haver Currin It's that time of year, folks!
INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ELEVATE 22 TECHNICAL DAY PACK! HOW CREATIVE ADVENTURERS CARRY THE DAY

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ELEVATE 22 TECHNICAL DAY PACK! HOW CREATIVE ADVENTURERS CARRY THE DAY

Put your thinking caps, helmets, or bandanas on, Trailheaders!