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!
LOST BREATHS: A FAMILY BACKPACKING TRIP IN THE CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH
Words and Photos by Sam Bugas, @swbugas
I’m afraid to tell him that I feel a heat in my chest, that each breath is more labored than the last. I barely remember the last few hours of hiking, and...
CHLOE AND PIPER DO THE WOO WOO SKI CHU
Words and Photos by Chloe Hammond
WHAT DREW US TO THIS MISSION
In May 2023, Outdoor Pursuits (OP) at Fort Lewis College had this same ski traverse scheduled to be a student trip. It was called t...
THE WILD BUNCH FILM: AN INTERVIEW WITH MODERN OUTLAWS
Words from Brett Davis, Diana Davis, Steve "DOOM" Fassbinder, and Greg Cairns, Images from Brett, Greg, and DOOM
WHO ARE YOU, AND WHO'S IN YOUR CREW?
BRETT - I'm Brett Davis (aka BD or just" Davi...
PITCHING YOUR SHELTER ON SLICKROCK, WITH NOLS INSTRUCTOR, JEFF WOHL
Words, Photos, and Video by Jeff Wohl
A remote canyon in the Southwest.
There is nothing quite like the clear skies, slickrock travel, and beautiful colors of spring and fall travel in the Southwes...
DIANA DAVIS AND THE SUBJECTIVITY OF SUFFERING
Words by Diana Davis, Photos by Brett Davis
“I don’t like to suffer just to suffer,” a friend told me on a particularly long hill climb. Bikes heavy with gear, hot sun bearing down. The huff and p...
VISIONS OF THE OVERLAND TRACK WITH SHAUN MITTWOLLEN
Words and Photos by Shaun Mittwollen @shaunmittwollen
The evening was completely calm as the soft summer glow of sunset bowed out towards the west, and the sounds of night became apparent under t...
PRETTY INSANE OUT THERE: IZZY CHECKS IN FROM THE PCT
Words and Photos by Izzy "Spoons" Tonneson @izzytonneson
“It’s only insanity if you fight it,” a trail angel told me as we bumped along the winding mountain road from Idyllwild back to the Pacific ...
GET THE DEETS FROM SHEETS: BARTRAM TRAIL, NORTH CAROLINA AND GEORGIA
Words and Photos by Josh "Soulslosher" Sheets @soulslosher
LENGTH: 114 miles
WHEN TO HIKE: Spring, Summer, & Fall
WHY HIKE: Different views, healthy dose of solitude, well-maintained trail, ...
WHEN THE IDEA FOR A FREESTANDING TENT WAS PITCHED: NASH CALVIN AND THE CROSSPEAK 2
Words by Nash Calvin, Photos by Bridget Williams, Mike Borchard, Miah Watt
Nash Calvin, one of our R&D Team's esteemed Product Designers, loves a good challenge. Look no further than the pro...
THE SITUATION IS THE BOSS, MAN! BROKEN IN BAJA WITH BRETT AND DIANA DAVIS
Words and Photos by Brett Davis @brettrdavis
From the bed of the pickup, I focused on the fingers that lightly grasped and pushed up the truck's hood. The shutter clicked. This snapshot of time w...
A CALENDAR YEAR TRIPLE CROWN FOR THE PEOPLE - MEET IZZY TONNESON
Words and Photos by Izzy Tonneson @izzytonneson
Friends and family often ask me, “What’s your favorite part about thru-hiking?” usually trying to wrap their heads around why I’d commit to something...
GET TO KNOW THE APA: PADDLE, PROTECT, AND EXPLORE
Words by Sarah Kilborne, Photos by Sarah Kilbourne and Jack Henderson
Hi, I’m Sarah Kilbourne, the Executive Director of the American Packrafting Association (APA) and a passionate packrafter. Pack...
