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!
KNOW THE HISTORY BEFORE YOU GO
When you travel throughout the beautiful parks and wild spaces of America there is a story and aspect of the land we often forget: this land is not ours.
BE BOLD, START COLD: MY TIPS FOR STAYING WARM IN COLD WEATHER BACKPACKING
Words and Photos from @Abby_Evans @abbigator53 Backpacking in the cold can be just as fun as backpacking in the summer—if you're not shivering.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN AVOCADO TOAST AND PIZZA: NEVADA’S TOIYABE AND TOQUIMA MOUNTAIN RANGES
Words and Photos by Scott Nechemias @snechemias In an early June, I found myself putting an ice ax on my pack in 87-degree heat.
Ultralight Tents + Shelters
From pyramids to tarps to as-of-yet-unnamed geographic shapes, there are plenty of options and degrees by which you can protect yourself from the elements.
Hydration Vessels
Consider that a liter of water weighs close to two lb. What you carry that essential liquid in shouldn’t add to that already substantial weight.
Stuff Sacks + Pods
We talk a lot around here about efficiency, but to clarify, it’s not solely about robotic, austere speed.
ONE HUNDRED DIVIDED BY EIGHT: DEEDRA ZEEH IN THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL'S 100-MILE WILDERNESS
Words & Photos by Deedra Zeeh What do you tell others about a 100-mile walk in the woods? How do you describe it?
FINDING DIFFERENT GEMS IN THE GRAND CANYON: THE HERMIT-BOUCHER LOOP WITH PETER BUGG
Words and Photos from Peter Bugg @bugglife Over the past few years, I’ve been making an active effort to accept when plans have to change.
Chasing Ten With Rebecca Sperry
How long have you been going light? I have spent my entire life being a minimalist.
YOU’RE ENTERING A WORLD OF PAIN: JEFF GARMIRE TALKS ABOUT THE CAVE WHERE IT DWELLS
The "pain cave" is commonly used in running, FKTs, and ultramarathons. But is it applicable to thru hiking? Find out what writer/author Jeff Garmine has to say about it.
A SWING AND A HIT: FAT BIKING AND PACKRAFTING FROM KOTZEBUE TO POINT HOPE, ALASKA
Words and photos by Bjorn Olson @Bjørn Kim and I stopped riding our expedition-loaded fat bikes so I could point my camera at a weather-worn and information-filled sign.
WHY DOES AUSTRALIA HATE SWITCHBACKS SO MUCH?! A Friendly Introduction to Backpacking Down Under
So you’re finally balling out on that big antipodean holiday to come visit me. It’s an honor!
