🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 8 Guest: Derek Tillotson — Creator & CEO of Haven Tents In this episode, Craig sits down with Derek Tilson, the inventor behind Haven Tents, the lay-flat hammock tent that has changed the way thousands of people camp. From rough sketches and field tests to scaling a full outdoor brand, Derek shares the real story behind building one of the most innovative sleep systems in the backcountry world. We dive into: 🌲 How the idea for a flat-lay hammock was born 🛠️ The biggest challenges in designing a brand-new type of tent 💡 What it took to launch Haven Tents into a global community 🏕️ The outdoor industry lessons no one talks about 🔥 Derek’s advice for creators, builders, and anyone chasing their own idea If you love gear, innovation, or stories of entrepreneurs who push the outdoor industry forward — this episode is for you. 🌐 Connect with Haven Tents & Derek Tillotson Website: https://haventents.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haventents TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@haventents Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haventents YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HavenTents LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/haven-tents • SUBSCRIBE for more episodes with outdoor creators, innovators & adventurers Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead. #BeyondTheTrailhead #HavenTents #CampingGear #OutdoorInnovation #HammockCamping #BackpackingSleepSystem #Podcast

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Natalie Barral Summit day on Mount Whitney turned into one of the wildest survival stories we’ve ever shared on Beyond the Trailhead. In this episode, Craig talks with Natalie, a hiker who faced a brutal storm, a sprained ankle miles from the trailhead, and a night on the mountain that ended with a helicopter rescue. From hail and lightning to trail angels and real lessons in backcountry safety, this is one episode you won’t forget. ⚡ Hear how quick decisions, the right gear, and a little luck made all the difference. 🌲 Learn what to pack, what to expect, and how to keep calm when things go sideways. 🎧 Listen to more Beyond the Trailhead episodes: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead 📸 Follow Natalie’s baking & adventure journey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classicnb_jadore_manger 🎙️ Follow Craig & Unchong Obrist: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery Website: https://obristimagery.com ✅ • Share this with your trail-partner or gear-head friend Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead!

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Brian Davis — Co-Owner, Hollow Socks Join us for one of the most passionate and entertaining episodes yet with Brian Davis, the co-owner and inventor behind Hollow Socks — the ultralight, breathable socks designed to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable no matter how far the trail takes you. In this episode, Brian shares his creative journey — from designing innovative cycling and outdoor gear to launching Hollow Socks, a company born from his obsession with solving one of hiking’s biggest problems: sticky, sweaty feet. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious as he talks about the process of invention, the lessons he’s learned building products that people truly love, and what it means to turn frustration into innovation. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or just someone who’s ever hated sticky feet — this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and a ton of inspiration from a mind that never stops creating. 🔗 Connect with Hollow Socks 🌐 Website: https://www.hollowsocks.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollowsocks 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollowsocks 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hollow-socks ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HollowSocks ✅ • Share this with your trail-partner or gearhead friend Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead! #BeyondTheTrailhead #HollowSocks #OutdoorInnovation #GearTalk #Podcast

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Mike Glavin — Founder & CEO, Zenbivy Join us for an inspiring conversation with Mike Glavin, the creator and CEO of Zenbivy, the company redefining backcountry sleep with its modular, ultra-comfortable sleep systems. In this episode, we dive into Mike’s journey — from years of working for major outdoor brands to taking the leap and building his own. He shares the story behind Zenbivy’s innovative design philosophy, what makes their sleep system truly unique, and how his incredible team continues to push the boundaries of comfort and performance in the outdoors. We also talk about lessons learned in the outdoor industry, creative leadership, and the balance between innovation and simplicity. Whether you’re a weekend camper, a thru-hiker chasing miles, or just someone who appreciates a good night’s sleep under the stars — this episode is packed with insight, passion, and inspiration. 🔗 Connect with Zenbivy 🌐 Website: https://alnk.to/af19ott 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenbivy 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenbivy ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Zenbivy 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenbivy • Share this with your trail-partner or camping crew Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead! #BeyondTheTrailhead #Zenbivy #OutdoorIndustry #BackcountryGear #Podcast

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Deed — Founder & CEO, RecPak Join us for a powerful conversation with Deed, the creator and CEO of RecPak, the high-calorie, ultralight meal system built for serious expeditions, thru-hikes, and demanding backcountry missions. In this episode, we dig into the origin of RecPak — how a search for reliable nutrition on long expeditions turned into a full-scale performance meal company. Deed shares the challenges of building trust in a crowded outdoor marketplace, the science behind RecPak’s formulation, and why fueling adventure is about more than just calories. We also talk about expedition prep, endurance mindset, and what it takes to build gear (and food) that people truly depend on in extreme environments. Whether you’re a thru-hiker, mountain athlete, or someone curious about how innovation fuels adventure — this episode delivers practical wisdom and trail-tested inspiration. Buy RecPak : https://amzn.to/47gAChc 🔗 Connect with RecPak 🌐 Website: https://www.recpak.co 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recpak.co 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recpak.co 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recpak (if applicable) ✅ • Share this with your trail-partner or backcountry crew Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead! #BeyondTheTrailhead #RecPak #BackpackingMeals #OutdoorNutrition #Podcast

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Holly Jaleski — Chief Creative Officer, Grubcan Join us for an inspiring conversation with Holly Jaleski, Chief Creative Officer at Grubcan, a brand bringing innovation, humor, and true personality to the world of backcountry bear safety and wildlife gear. In this episode, we dive into Holly’s creative journey, the story behind Grubcan’s bold identity, and how they’re changing the way outdoor brands connect with real adventurers. We talk about product design and why Grubcan is more than just gear — it’s a movement rooted in education, safety, and unforgettable branding. Holly also shares behind-the-scenes insights on launching products, building community trust, and the importance of not giving up in the outdoor industry. Whether you’re a gear junkie, designer, or just love brands with heart and humor — this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 🔗 Connect with Grubcan 🌐 Website: https://grubcan.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grubcan 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grubcan ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@grubcan (if applicable) 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grubcan Don’t forget to: • Like 👍 and Subscribe 🔔 for more episodes• Share this with your trail-partner or creative crew Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead! #BeyondTheTrailhead #Grubcan #OutdoorIndustry #GearInnovation #Podcast

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Guest: Maximilian Lenk — CEO of X-BIONIC Join us for a fascinating conversation with Maximilian Lenk, CEO of X-BIONIC, the Swiss brand redefining high-performance apparel through science, innovation, and cutting-edge design. In this episode, we dive into the story behind X-BIONIC’s revolutionary technologies, how they’ve blended biology and engineering to create gear that helps athletes perform at their peak, and Maximilian’s perspective on leading a company that pushes the limits of outdoor and sports apparel. We’ll also talk about their incredible line of performance shoes, built with the same innovation and precision that made X-BIONIC famous in the endurance world. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, weekend adventurer, or just curious about how innovation shapes the outdoor industry — this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 🔗 Connect with X-BIONIC 🌐 Website: https://www.x-bionic.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xbionic 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XBIONICOfficial ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@xbionic 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/x-bionic ✅

Share this with your trail-partner or training crew Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead! #BeyondTheTrailhead #XBIONIC #PerformanceGear #OutdoorIndustry #Podcast

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🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast

Guest: Scott Jensen — Founder & CEO of Near Zero

Join us for a deep and inspiring conversation with Scott Jensen, the creator and CEO of Near Zero, a company on a mission to make lightweight, high-quality backpacking gear more accessible and user-friendly.

In this episode, we dive into Scott’s outdoor roots, how the famous DEAN backpack came to life, and what it takes to grow a gear brand that truly serves the hiking community. We’ll also talk about Near Zero’s new rental program, their latest product updates, and the future of ultralight adventure gear.

Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker, weekend backpacker, or just curious about the business of outdoor gear — this episode is packed with insights and stories you won’t want to miss.

🔗 Connect with Near Zero

🌐 Website: https://nearzero.co

📖 About: https://nearzero.co/pages/about

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nearzero_outdoors

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nearzerogear

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nearzero_outdoors

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/near-zero

✅ Don’t forget to:

• Drop a comment — what part of Scott’s journey inspired you?

• Share this with your trail-partner or hiking group

Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead!

#BeyondTheTrailhead #NearZero #Backpacking #OutdoorGear #Podcast