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!
THEN AND NOW: 50 YEARS OF THE COLORADO TRAIL
Words from Jenner Haseltine (Kardi) Photography by Cody Jackson (Feathers) 8/19/2024 “Imagine a hiking trail that will trace a 350-mile (now 486-mile) route through some of the most interesting and...
Feeling Young Again While Gear Testing the Contour 35
Over time, gear can become a little bit like any other sensory input that triggers a memory… seeing a particular model pack or tent I used to hike with can be a little bit like hearing a song I had...
HOUSTON, I’M RUNNING AWAY FROM MY PROBLEMS - A LOOK AT UNCOOL BACKPACKING
(OR, HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE TEXAS TRAILS) Words and Photos by Taylor “Haiku” Bell To those of you that have always lived someplace "cool" - as in, an iconic magnet for outdoor acti...
Gates of the Arctic
Hello All! I've been dreaming of Alaska more than normal these days...Which is certainly to say that I'm always dreaming of Alaska.
THE HALKA 55 and 70 ORIGIN STORY: MEET ANG TSHERING LAMA
Words and Photos by Ang Tshering Lama and HMG While it may sure seem like packs made for mountaineering expeditions above 8k meters is unchartered territory for Hyperlite Mountain Gear, a handful o...
Beautiful Things Don't Ask For Attention
It doesn’t matter how beautiful the scenery is around me. The reality is that I am scared, in over my head, and want to quit.
Fast, Light and Free on the JMT: My 260 Mile Adventure in the High Sierra
If you've stumbled upon this post here on The Trailhead, chances are you’ve at least heard about the John Muir Trail.
SAME ADVENTURES THROUGH THE AGES: ULTRALIGHT FOR OLDER BACKPACKERS
Words and Photos from “No Spring Chicken,” Michael DeYoung (New trail name: Second Chance)
My first real life-changing event was a two-week backpack trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 19...
YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW: LESSONS EARNED ON A CALENDAR YEAR TRIPLE CROWN
Words and Photos from Jack "Quadzilla" Jones
Jack "Quadzilla" Jones set out this year to achieve what only a small number of backpackers have; a calendar year Triple Crown. Eight thousand miles of ...
DID SOMEONE SAY PCT GEAR LIST?
Josh Sheets shares his Pacific Crest Trail gear list that prioritizes lightweight comfort over gram-counting. Because sometimes the best gear decisions have nothing to do with base weight.
SIX HIKING HABITS TO LEAVE WILD PLACES BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM
Words and Photos from Katie Houston (@oatshikes)
Sometimes we pat ourselves on the back for sticking diligently to Leave No Trace, the expectation of backcountry behavior meant to protect our publ...
RO(U)TE LEARNING: QUADZILLA’S TAKEAWAYS FROM DAYS ON THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL AND PACIFIC CREST TRAIL
Words and Photos from Jack “Quadzilla” Jones
Jack "Quadzilla" Jones is setting out this year to achieve what only a small number of backpackers have; a calendar year Triple Crown. 8,000 miles of hi...
