Stories from The Trailhead

Backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail is a rite of passage for many adventurers, but few experience it with the same clarity as Jackson Abhau. In this episode, Jackson shares his journey from casual hikes to preparing for the PCT, detailing how upgrading to the Hyperlite Junction 55 transformed his gear system and confidence on the trail. Through his reflections on adaptation and the power of commitment, Jackson illustrates how the right gear can enhance not just your experience, but your connection to the wilderness itself.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/a-better-way-forward-jackson-abhaus-hmg-story

Baffin Island's remote landscapes offer both beauty and challenge for adventurous souls. In this episode, Caleb McDaniels shares the journey he and his friend Henry are embarking on, as they attempt a full circuit of the island, navigating its icy waters and rugged terrain. This story highlights the importance of preparation, curiosity, and the deep connection that develops when immersing oneself in the wild.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/moving-in-circles-caleb-and-henry-s-baffin-island-expedition-part-1

Zipper failures can derail outdoor adventures, but knowing how to perform field repairs can keep you on track. In this episode, Jeff Wohl shares invaluable techniques for fixing zippers on essential gear, drawing from his extensive experience in the backcountry and recent explorations in Utah and Northern Alaska. This conversation highlights the importance of preparation and adaptability, offering practical insights that empower adventurers to tackle unexpected challenges without cutting their trips short.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/field-repairs-with-jeff-wohl-a-quick-fix-that-ll-get-you-zip

What does it take to blend the thrill of cycling with the spirit of mountaineering across the Cascade Range? In this episode, Tyler Brilinski unveils his ambitious plan for the “Tour de Volcanoes,” a multisport adventure spanning three states and 16 active volcanoes, pushing the limits of endurance and creativity. Join us as Tyler reflects on the intricacies of preparation, the joy of tackling new challenges, and the transformative power of pursuing a dream that promises both risk and reward.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/an-adventure-for-lavas-not-fightas-tyler-brilinski-s-volcano-tour-plan

What exactly turns a simple trip into a true adventure? In this episode, Peter Bugg heads out in search of the answer, where unfamiliar terrain, physical challenge, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty shape a memorable weekend outside. A lively story about spontaneity, perspective, and the kind of experiences that begin the moment you decide to just go.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/if-the-shoe-fits-its-adventure-time-peter-buggs-grand-weekend

The best gear often fades into the background — not because it’s unimportant, but because it simply works when you need it most. In this episode, Chloe Hammond reflects on demanding backcountry ski traverses, long-distance hiking with her dog, and the quiet confidence that comes from trusting your systems in consequential terrain. A personal story about resilience, simplicity, and how reliable gear can create space to focus on the experience instead of the obstacles.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/a-better-way-forward-chloe-hammond-s-hmg-story

What makes a day pack worth carrying for the long haul? In this episode, the Elevate 22 gets the real-world treatment through repeated miles, varied adventures, and everyday use far beyond first impressions. From fast-paced objectives to practical daily carry, this story explores what separates gear that merely performs from gear that earns a permanent place in your system.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/rolling-with-an-elevate-22-a-long-term-high-mileage-review

What happens when a new shelter system is pushed to its limits in one of the harshest environments on Earth? In this episode, the Crosspeak 1 is tested across twenty-one demanding days in Southeast Greenland, where relentless weather, isolation, and unforgiving terrain reveal what truly matters in expedition gear. A gripping field story about endurance, trust in equipment, and life at the edge of the map.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/21-days-at-the-edge-testing-the-crosspeak-1-in-southeast-greenland

For Diana Davis, adventure isn’t just about distance traveled — it’s about discovering clarity, resilience, and connection along the way. In this episode, she shares the experiences and lessons that shaped her relationship with the outdoors and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear community. A personal story about challenge, freedom, and choosing a different path forward.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/a-better-way-forward-diana-davis-hmg-story

Long journeys have a way of changing our understanding of normal. In this reflective episode from the Rolling Tides series, shifting routines, unfamiliar landscapes, and extended time outside begin to blur the line between everyday life and adventure. A story about perspective, adaptation, and discovering comfort in uncertainty while moving across the world under your own power.

Read the full article: https://hyperlitemountaingear.com/blogs/the-trailhead/rolling-tides-what-s-normal-anyway