Beyond The Trailhead

Wambolt Founder/CEO Scott Wambolt| Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 53

craig obrist — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 14:23:22 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Scott Wambolt, CEO and Co-Founder of Wambolt.

Scott is an ER doctor, former Air Force physician, father of five, and now an outdoor gear founder trying to solve one of the most annoying parts of family adventure:

PACKING.

The idea for Wambolt started while Scott was stationed in Alaska. His family was constantly camping, fishing, skiing and traveling around the state, which meant constantly pulling gear out of garage totes, repacking it into the vehicle, unloading everything afterward, and doing it all again a few days later.

Eventually Scott and his brother asked a pretty simple question:

Why are our garage storage system and vehicle storage system completely separate?

Wambolt's Ready-To-Go system is designed around modular storage boxes that live in your garage and then lock directly onto a hitch-mounted platform when it's time to leave.

Unclick it from the garage. Click it onto the vehicle. Go.

We talk about:

• How four years in Alaska inspired the idea
• Raising five kids while trying to get outside as much as possible
• Going from ER doctor to outdoor entrepreneur
• Why packing can stop families from taking spontaneous trips
• Building modular boxes that work in both the garage and on the vehicle
• Eliminating ratchet straps and cargo-carrier Tetris
• Why the carrier swings away so you can still access your vehicle
• Keeping the hitch receiver available for bikes or skis
• Hiring engineers instead of trying to design everything himself
• The fear of a huge company beating him to the idea
• Patents and protecting a product before launch
• Self-funding the company with his brother
• The huge cost of tooling and manufacturing
• Trying to manufacture domestically
• Using pre-sales before deciding whether to take outside investment
• Bringing an unreleased product to Outdoor Retailer
• Getting honest feedback before manufacturing
• Why Scott wants Wambolt to become the outdoor brand built around families
• His dream of eventually handing the company down to his kids

One of the coolest parts of this episode is that we're talking with Scott BEFORE the success story is written.

There aren't warehouses full of finished Wambolt systems yet.

He's still dealing with engineering, patents, tooling, funding, marketing and all the risk that comes with turning an idea into a real product.

Scott's bigger goal isn't simply selling storage boxes. He wants to remove enough friction from getting outside that families actually take the trip instead of saying, "Forget it. Packing is too much work."

If you've ever spent the night before a camping trip playing Tetris with totes, coolers, bikes, roof boxes and ratchet straps, you'll understand this one.

CONNECT WITH WAMBOLT

Website / Join the Waitlist:
https://wambolt.co

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wamboltofficial

LISTEN TO BEYOND THE TRAILHEAD

YouTube:
/ @obristimagery

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/beyond-...

FOLLOW CRAIG / OBRIST IMAGERY

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery

Website:
https://obristimagery.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and send it to the backpacker with Crocs swinging off the back of their pack.

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

ULAS Founder/CEO Scott Hannan| Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 52

craig obrist — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Scott Hannon, founder of The Ultralight Mindset and creator of the ULAS Ultralight Adventure Sandals.

Scott’s story started with a simple backpacking problem: he hated carrying camp shoes.

After long days on trail, he wanted something lightweight enough to justify packing, but still durable enough to actually protect his feet around camp.

His first prototype was made from an old sleeping pad.

That didn’t last.

Then Scott bought a $5 pair of flip-flops from Walmart, cut the bottom layer off, ground away the extra foam, added his own lacing system, and started testing.

That prototype finally worked.

After years of experimenting with materials and testing the sandals on backpacking trips, surf trips, and the Tour du Mont Blanc, Scott eventually launched The Ultralight Mindset.

We talk about:

• How Scott got into ultralight backpacking
• Getting hypothermia on his first backpacking trip
• Why he never thought camp shoes were worth carrying
• Building his first sandals from sleeping-pad foam
• Cutting apart Walmart flip-flops to make a working prototype
• Balancing ultralight weight with real durability
• Testing gear on actual trips instead of just at home
• Why surfers unexpectedly started loving the sandals
• Running a 100% direct-to-consumer cottage brand
• Learning Shopify and e-commerce from scratch
• The Instagram ad that worked TOO well
• Why Scott actually shut the ad off because too many orders came in
• Competing without obsessing over competitors
• Whether to hire employees or outsource production
• Why ethical manufacturing matters to him
• Why scaling customization can get complicated
• Why “time and flexibility” are his definition of success

The ULAS sandals weigh just 3.7 ounces per pair in a men’s size 9 and are designed to be lightweight, packable, and durable enough to actually use around camp and beyond.

If you’re into ultralight backpacking, cottage gear, outdoor business, camp shoes, or building a company around the life you actually want to live, this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH THE ULTRALIGHT MINDSET

Website:
https://theultralightmindset.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/theultralightmindset

LISTEN TO BEYOND THE TRAILHEAD

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@obristimagery

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/beyond-the-trailhead

FOLLOW CRAIG / OBRIST IMAGERY

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery

Website:
https://obristimagery.com

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and send it to the backpacker with Crocs swinging off the back of their pack.

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

DRYE Fan Founder/CEO Peter Williams | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 51

craig obrist — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Peter Williams, founder and creator of DRYE Fan.

This might be one of the biggest “why didn’t I think of that?” products we’ve had on the podcast.

If you use a hydration bladder for hiking, backpacking, trail running, cycling, hunting, rucking, or pretty much anything outside, you probably know the problem.

DRYE is a small rechargeable fan system designed to actively move air through hydration reservoirs instead of waiting days for them to air dry. Peter designed the system to be modular so different adapters can eventually work with CamelBak, HydraPak, running flasks, military hydration systems, and other reservoir designs.

We get into:

• How Peter came up with DRYE Fan
• The Utah motorcycle trip that finally pushed him to solve the problem
• Why hydration bladders are so frustrating to dry
• Going from a hacked-together fan to a real product
• Why the simplest product ideas can sometimes be the best ones
• Peter’s background running a creative and branding agency
• What he learned working around product development for companies like Samsung
• Why hiring an experienced industrial designer early was one of his best decisions
• Why manufacturing knowledge matters before you ever build the product
• Patents, NDAs, intellectual property, and protecting a new idea
• Why taking an idea from “I thought of this” to actually manufacturing it is such a huge leap
• Buying a 3D printer to prototype parts
• Why DRYE took roughly two years to develop
• Building the logo, packaging, website, trade show booth, and entire brand
• Why good marketing matters almost as much as having a good product
• What Liquid Death can teach entrepreneurs about branding
• How Peter approached his first Outdoor Retailer show as a founder
• Winning the Buyer’s Choice Award at Outdoor Retailer
• Why his booth location next to Backcountry ended up being an incredible opportunity
• How social media helped drive traffic to the booth
• Why founders need to actually look excited about their own products
• Why Peter says he’s “all in” on DRYE
• Manufacturing delays nobody warns you about
• Why something as simple as cutting microfiber strips became a production headache
• Why Peter still opens boxes and adds parts himself
• Getting his wife and kids involved in packing products
• How minimum order quantities can destroy your budget if you don’t ask about them early
• Why injection molding takes so much time and money
• Why one adapter cannot magically fit every hydration brand
• Using 3D printing to test adapters before committing to expensive molds
• What it’s like dealing with Amazon as a small business
• Listening to customer feedback without taking it personally
• Where DRYE Fan goes next

CONNECT WITH DRYE FAN

Website:
https://dryefan.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

LOWA USA GM Lance Taylor | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 50

craig obrist — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Lance Taylor, General Manager of LOWA USA.

Lance has spent nearly 25 years in the footwear industry. He actually started selling women’s shoes at Dillard’s while in college before moving into the outdoor world, where he spent years working across sales, footwear, product, and category management. About 18 months ago, he stepped into leadership at LOWA USA.

And he joined the company at a pretty interesting time.
Outdoor footwear is changing.
More hikers are reaching for trail runners instead of traditional hiking boots. Shoes are becoming lighter, softer, faster, and more athletic. So I asked Lance the question directly:

Are hiking boots dying?

His answer opens up a much bigger conversation about how a 100-year-old brand evolves without throwing away the craftsmanship and reputation that made people trust it in the first place.

We also dive into:

• Why trail runners have become so popular with hikers
• Whether traditional hiking boots are actually disappearing
• Why LOWA’s boot category is still growing
• Why younger consumers are wearing hiking boots as fashion again
• How LOWA is moving toward lighter and faster outdoor footwear
• Why simply making another trail running shoe isn’t enough
• The difference between designing a trail runner and a hiking shoe
• Why trail runners can wear out faster when hikers use them outside their intended purpose
• Finding the “Goldilocks zone” between cushioning, weight, stability, protection, and durability
• How footwear companies test materials and prototypes
• Why a shoe that works while running might cause problems while hiking
• How customer and retailer feedback influences product development
• Why brands shouldn’t let customers completely design the brand for them
• What smaller companies should know before trying to expand internationally
• Why growing too fast can hurt a brand
• Why successful footwear franchises can take years to build
• How prototype shoes are tested at races before they ever reach consumers
• Lance’s biggest “oh crap” moment taking over LOWA USA
• Moving and restructuring the company from Connecticut to Salt Lake City
• Why LOWA moved to a third-party logistics warehouse
• How military users have developed emotional connections with their LOWA boots
• Why innovation matters more than ever in today’s outdoor market
• What Lance calls “LOWA 2.0” and the brand’s upcoming Spring 2027 relaunch

Lance also shares what it was like stepping into leadership after longtime LOWA USA General Manager Peter Sachs and immediately helping restructure and relocate major parts of the company.

If you’re into hiking boots, trail running shoes, footwear design, outdoor business, product development, or trying to figure out how an established brand stays relevant when consumer habits change, this is a really interesting episode.

LOWA USA:
https://us.lowa.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Backcountry Garage Director JM Fabrizi | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 49

craig obrist — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with JM Fabrizi, Director of Backcountry Garage.
JM has spent years on the small-brand side of the outdoor industry. He joined Coalatree in 2017 and eventually ran the day-to-day business before Backcountry acquired the brand in 2026. Coalatree became the first brand in the new Backcountry Garage program, and JM now leads the Garage while continuing to help oversee Coalatree.
That experience gives JM a pretty unique perspective: he knows what it feels like to be the small outdoor brand knocking on the door of a huge retailer, and now he’s on the other side helping Backcountry find those brands.
Backcountry Garage was created to help emerging, niche, and differentiated outdoor brands get discovered without disappearing into a massive online catalog. JM talks about how difficult it can be for a small company to tell its story next to giant brands with huge marketing budgets, and how the Garage is trying to give those companies more visibility and support.

We also dive into:

• What Backcountry Garage actually is
• What Backcountry looks for in an emerging outdoor brand
• How small brands can apply to be considered
• Why having a unique product matters more than simply having another version of something that already exists
• How Coalatree became the first Backcountry Garage brand
• JM’s experience growing a small outdoor company before joining Backcountry
• Why getting into a major retailer isn’t always as easy as it sounds
• Why some brands need better fulfillment and operations before they’re ready for big retail
• How Backcountry is trying to recreate the specialty outdoor-store experience online
• Why Gearheads are still a big part of Backcountry’s strategy
• How Backcountry Garage can help brands reach customers through e-commerce
• How marketplace partnerships like Amazon can become a huge headache for a small company
• How Backcountry can help manage some of that marketplace complexity
• Why relationships with specialty retailers still matter
• What JM learned walking Outdoor Retailer looking for emerging brands
• Why Backcountry literally put buyers at a desk for brands to come pitch
• Why growing the entire outdoor industry can be better than constantly fighting competitors
Backcountry currently describes the Garage as its program for finding and championing emerging and differentiated outdoor brands, and brands can apply directly through the Garage page.
CONNECT WITH BACKCOUNTRY GARAGE
https://www.backcountry.com/rc/backcountry-garage
Backcountry
https://www.backcountry.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Mountain House Marketing Director Seth Beiden | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 48

craig obrist — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Seth Beiden, Marketing Director at Mountain House.

If you’ve spent any time backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, traveling, or building an emergency food stash, there’s a good chance you’ve seen or eaten a Mountain House meal.

Seth brings a unique background to Mountain House. He spent nine years at CamelBak during a major growth period, then moved to the agency side, started his own PR agency, later joined Sasquatch Agency, and eventually came back in-house with Mountain House. That mix of product, PR, brand, and outdoor industry experience gives him a really interesting view of where Mountain House has been and where the brand is heading next.

We get into the history of Mountain House, the difference between freeze-dried and dehydrated food, and why “food in a bag” is not all the same. Seth explains that Mountain House is owned and operated by Oregon Freeze Dry, and that one of the biggest differences with Mountain House is that the company selects the ingredients, cooks the meals, and freeze-dries the food in-house.

We also dive into:

• Seth’s path from CamelBak to agency life to Mountain House
• What he learned from working both in-house and agency-side
• Why Mountain House is trying to honor its heritage while still modernizing
• Why freeze-dried and dehydrated food are not the same thing
• Why taste, texture, color, and nutrition matter in trail food
• Why it is risky to grab a random meal before a big trip
• How Mountain House thinks about classic meals, new recipes, and customer feedback
• Why the same handful of meals show up in stores even though Mountain House makes way more options
• How food trends, allergies, dairy-free options, vegetarian meals, and high-calorie meals affect product development
• Why marketing is involved in recipe development more than Seth expected
• What food scientists actually do behind the scenes
• Why meals have to be cooked differently before they are freeze-dried
• How Mountain House cooks massive batches of food before freeze-drying them
• Why testing meals at home is not the same as eating them after a huge day outside
• How Mountain House is listening to thru-hikers, backpackers, hunters, emergency-prep customers, and everyday outdoor people

One of the wildest parts of this conversation is hearing Seth explain that Mountain House meals are cooked in massive batches before they are freeze-dried. He talks about 1,200-pound cook pots, 53-pound blocks of butter, food scientists, and the pressure of making sure a meal tastes right after someone adds hot water in the backcountry.

Website:
https://mountainhouse.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast

Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Holey Hiker Bidet Creator Paul Bogush | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 47

craig obrist — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:34:01 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Paul Bogush, creator and owner of Holey Hiker Bidet.
This might be the smallest product we’ve ever talked about on the podcast, but it also might be one of the most life-changing pieces of backpacking gear once people finally try it.
Paul’s story starts around 2019 after he read an article about a national park no longer allowing people to bury toilet paper. At the very end of the article, it mentioned that some backpackers were turning to bidets. That sent Paul down the trail bidet rabbit hole. He ordered every portable option he could find, tested them in Vermont, and quickly realized that a backpacking bidet could completely change the trail bathroom experience.
From there, the idea turned into a middle school 3D printing project. Paul teaches sixth, seventh, and eighth grade, and during COVID he suddenly had extra time at home. He started printing, testing, tweaking, and reprinting his own bidet design. Each early version took about 65 minutes to print, and he would test it, make changes, and print another one over and over again.
We also dive into:
• Why backpacking bidets are becoming more popular
• Why packing out toilet paper pushed Paul toward bidets
• How a tiny product can still have a ton of design challenges
• Why the first versions were 3D printed
• How COVID accidentally gave Paul the time to test and improve the design
• Why he sent out around 200 tester bidets before selling them
• How feedback from AT, PCT, CDT, and desert hikers shaped the final product
• Why the early 3D printed versions started cracking
• How Holey Hiker moved from 3D printing to injection molding
• Why finding the right local injection molder took months
• Why one tiny O-ring became one of the hardest parts of the whole product
• How Paul built the business while still teaching middle school
• What he learned from his first Outdoor Retailer trade show
• How some retailers were already selling his product through distributors without him knowing
• Why the trail bathroom conversation is awkward, funny, and actually really important
If you’ve ever packed out toilet paper, dealt with chafing on trail, wondered why hikers talk about bidets so much, or secretly thought, “There has to be a better way,” this episode is for you.
Connect with Holey Hiker Bidet
Website:
https://www.holeyhiker.com
Garage Grown Gear:
https://www.garagegrowngear.com/products/holey-hiker-bidet-by-holey-hiker

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Dry Brew Ceo/Founder John Schade | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 46

craig obrist — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with John Schade, co-founder and president of DryBrew.

DryBrew is real coffee in a chewy, ready-to-eat bite. No cup, no brewing, no stopping for a bathroom break five minutes later. John explains that the first idea came from wanting coffee while driving without spilling it everywhere. From there, the team created a chewy coffee bite made with real coffee and non-dairy creamer.
We talk about how DryBrew started, why sampling is such a huge part of selling the product, and how people usually “get it” once they actually try it. John also shares how the team started by selling at farmers markets, getting direct feedback, and learning where the product could go before jumping into bigger retail opportunities.

We also dive into:

• What DryBrew actually is
• Why it feels like a Tootsie Roll or Laffy Taffy coffee bite
• Why it is not meant to fully replace your morning coffee ritual
• How cyclists, hikers, trail runners, firefighters, doctors, travelers, and busy people use it
• Why DryBrew works so well when you do not have time to brew coffee
• How the team went from farmers markets to Target
• Why food products are complicated to scale
• What it took to professionalize the business through a food startup accelerator
• How DryBrew hand-packed around 100,000 units for its first Target order
• Why a delayed packing machine created one of the brand’s biggest “oh no” moments
• How small food brands have to think about packaging, expiration dates, batch numbers, and scale
• Why sampling matters so much in stores
• How independent retailers helped DryBrew understand what customers needed
• What is coming next, including unwrapped packs and espresso bean-shaped DryBrew bites
• Why retail growth is exciting but can also expose whether your operations are actually ready

This episode is full of coffee, caffeine, outdoor retail lessons, startup grind, food business reality, packaging talk, and plenty of dad-joke-worthy “grind” moments.

Website:
https://drybrew.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drybrew

TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@drybrew

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/drybrew

Hyalite Designs Creator Katie McKinstry Stylos | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 45

craig obrist — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Katie McKinstry Stylos, the artist, graphic designer, professional climber, and creator behind Hyalite Designs.
Katie is based in Bozeman, Montana, and Hyalite Designs is named after Hyalite Canyon, a place close to where she lives and climbs. She shares how the canyon, the mountains, and the places she loves outside continue to inspire her work.
The main part of Katie’s work is something incredibly unique: she takes retired climbing rope and turns it into one-of-a-kind mountain-inspired wall art. These ropes have lived real lives. They have protected climbers, traveled through the mountains, been part of big days, scary moments, and personal memories. Instead of throwing them away once they can no longer be used safely, Katie gives them a second life as art.
We also dive into:
• How Katie went from the horse world to climbing
• Why she chose graphic design as a career path
• How Hyalite Designs started while she was still in school
• Why she registered her business before graduating
• How old ropes from the climbing gym became her first art material
• Why she stopped making rugs and focused on wall art
• How pricing artwork became one of the hardest parts of the business
• Why galleries helped her understand the real value of her work
• Why every rope art piece is one-of-a-kind
• How custom pieces, design fees, edits, materials, and shipping all affect pricing
• The mental side of running a creative business
• How saying yes too much led to burnout
• Why she had to email clients and admit she could not take on every project
• How she balances rope art, graphic design, climbing, and time outside
• Why building your own brand can be harder than building one for clients
• The ventilation and safety side of cutting and melting rope
• Why professional communication is better through email than Instagram DMs
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Katie’s honesty about creative burnout. She talks about how saying yes to too many commissions eventually started hurting the quality of her work, and how she had to step back before she ruined the thing she had worked so hard to build.
This episode is full of art, climbing, business, creativity, pricing lessons, burnout lessons, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn a very niche idea into a real business.

Connect with Hyalite Designs
Website:
https://www.hyalitedesigns.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hyalite_designs

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Minus33 Wool President Lawson Glidden | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 44

craig obrist — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Lawson Glidden, President of Minus33, a merino wool clothing brand based in Ashland, New Hampshire.
Minus33 is part of a much older family textile story. Lawson shares how his family’s wool business, L.W. Packard, began in 1916 on the Squam River in Ashland, New Hampshire, making wool broadcloth for suits, peacoats, and other wool goods. After much of the textile industry moved overseas, the family had to rethink what the business could become. One of the companies that came out of that transition was Minus33.
Lawson joined the family business in 2018 after a career in tech and software. One of his first big moves was flying to Italy, buying sock machines, and helping bring sock manufacturing back into the same New Hampshire mill buildings where his family had been making wool products for generations.
We also dive into:
• How Minus33 got its name from a freezing New Hampshire snowmobile trip
• Why Lawson left the tech world to join the family wool business
• What it takes to program and run modern sock machines
• Why Minus33 brought sock manufacturing back to Ashland, New Hampshire
• The difference between making a product that looks good and one that actually works
• Why merino wool is so useful for hiking, hunting, snowmobiling, kayaking, running, and layering
• How Minus33 designs base layers, socks, hats, gloves, neck gaiters, and outdoor apparel
• Why consistency matters when customers want the same favorite product years later
• The danger of chasing trends and getting stuck with inventory
• The wild story of turtleneck sales after Steve Jobs passed away
• Why Minus33 once rejected a huge shipment instead of selling something they weren’t proud of
• How customer feedback turns into product changes
• Why divers wearing Minus33 under wetsuits actually makes sense
• What wool does when it gets wet and why it still insulates
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how deeply Lawson understands both the technical side and the human side of making clothing.
This episode is full of merino wool nerdiness, family business history, product design lessons, textile manufacturing, outdoor stories, and some really funny moments about socks, gaming, turtlenecks, and why the best outdoor gear sometimes starts with a very practical problem.
If you’ve ever worn a wool base layer, packed extra socks “just in case,” or wondered why merino wool doesn’t stink like synthetic gear, this episode is for you.

Website:
https://www.minus33.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/minus33merinowool

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Zpacks Marketing Director Mateo Favero | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 43

craig obrist — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Mateo Favero, Director of Marketing and Design at Zpacks.
Mateo has been with Zpacks since 2010, back when the company was still being run out of a garage. He started by learning how to sew from scratch and has now been part of Zpacks for more than 16 years, helping shape the brand’s marketing, product design, and ultralight gear development.
Zpacks was founded by Joe Valesko in 2005 after he started making his own gear for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike. He wanted gear that was lighter, simpler, and more functional than what was available at the time. Other hikers started asking him to make gear for them, and the company slowly grew from apartment sewing, to after-work orders, to a full-time ultralight backpacking brand.
We also dive into:
• How Zpacks started from Joe Valesko’s Appalachian Trail gear experiments
• How Mateo joined after asking Joe and Cheryl out to lunch
• Why Zpacks ended up based in Florida
• What it was like sewing in the garage in the early days
• Why Zpacks was an early adopter of DCF, formerly called Cuben Fiber
• The learning curve of working with Dyneema Composite Fabric
• Why ultralight gear is performance gear, not bombproof forever gear
• Mateo’s “race car tire vs Toyota Corolla” analogy
• Why premium ultralight gear costs more
• How Zpacks keeps looking for new fabrics, clips, buckles, and design ideas
• Why most innovation comes from small details, not reinventing the wheel
• The problem with people yelling “ripoff” in the outdoor industry
• Why enthusiasm matters more than trade secrets
• How Zpacks’ South Korea fan community started organically
• Why Zpacks gives back to trail organizations and public land access groups
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Mateo’s advice for people with big ideas: the only difference between a dream and a plan is putting it on your calendar.
If you’ve ever wondered why ultralight gear costs what it does, why DCF is so widely used, or what it takes to build gear that helps people go farther with less weight, this one is for you.
Connect with Zpacks
Website:
https://zpacks.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zpacks
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@zpacksofficial
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Zpacks

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Outdoor Element Founder Mike Mojica | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 42

craig obrist — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Mike Mojica, founder of Outdoor Element, a family-run outdoor gear company making adventure survival tools, fire-starting carabiners, knives, camp accessories, and small pieces of gear built to help people feel more prepared outside.
Mike’s story started after moving from Texas to Colorado while working in aerospace. After hiking Mount Yale, helping an injured hiker with a rolled ankle, and having what he described as a peaceful “revelation” moment on the summit, Mike realized he wanted to build a company around two ideas: be prepared when something goes wrong and get outside more often.
That eventually became Outdoor Element.
We also dive into:
• How Mike went from aerospace to outdoor entrepreneurship
• Why Outdoor Element started as a side hustle
• The story behind the Firebiner fire-starting carabiner
• How Kickstarter helped prove people understood the idea
• Why his boss encouraged him to chase the business full time
• What it was like leaving a stable job with a wife and four daughters
• Why partnerships can be tricky if you do not have clear agreements
• The importance of standard operating procedures in a small business
• Why selling knives and fire-starting tools creates advertising headaches
• How international shipping laws can get complicated fast
• Why California Prop 65 cost him thousands of dollars
• What he learned from working with retailers like Ace Hardware and REI
• Why packaging, QR codes, and in-store education matter
• How Outdoor Element keeps trying to build useful, eco-conscious gear
One of the funniest parts of this conversation is Mike explaining how platforms like Google, Meta, Amazon, and others can treat outdoor knives like weapons, even when the product is designed as cutlery or survival gear. He also shares the painful lesson of having products rejected, confiscated, or restricted because different countries have different knife laws.
This episode is packed with small business lessons, survival gear talk, Kickstarter stories, product design headaches, retail lessons, and plenty of laughs.
If you’ve ever packed a tiny knife, a fire starter, or one of those “just in case” tools before heading outside, this one is for you.
Connect with Outdoor Element
Website:
https://outdoorelement.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.element/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@OutdoorElement

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Product Gifting is Broken | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 41

craig obrist — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Derek Tillotson, founder of FirstShake and CEO of Haven Tents.
Derek has been on both sides of the creator world. Before building Haven Tents, he worked as a family travel content creator, reaching out to hotels and brands and often getting ignored. Later, as a brand owner, he experienced the other side: creators reaching out for free product, brands sending gear, and then hoping the creator actually followed through.
That problem led to FirstShake.
FirstShake is a Shopify app and creator marketplace that helps brands connect with creators through a cashback challenge model. Instead of brands gifting product and crossing their fingers, creators buy the product first, complete content challenges, and earn cash back through refunds when their content is approved. Derek explains that the goal is to create a win-win: brands get content and lower-risk creator relationships, while creators get access to brands they actually want to work with.
We also dive into:
• Why traditional product gifting is broken
• How brands get ghosted after sending free gear
• Why smaller creators often get ignored
• How FirstShake lets brands say yes to more creators
• Why creators buying first creates “skin in the game”
• How creator challenges and cashback refunds work
• Why a small creator with 1,800 followers created one of the best videos Derek had seen
• Why creative briefs matter for creators and brands
• How FirstShake works through Shopify
• Why product gifting can become a profit center instead of a total loss
This episode is a great one for outdoor brands, cottage companies, creators, influencers, affiliate marketers, Shopify store owners, and anyone trying to figure out how brands and creators can work together without wasting time, money, or gear.
Reel Example: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZsfdMoOK8q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Connect with FirstShake
Website:
https://tryfirstshake.com
Shopify App:
https://apps.shopify.com/firstshake
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tryfirstshake
Connect with Derek / Haven Tents
Haven Tents:
https://haventents.com
Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Why Everyone Loves Alpha Direct | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 40

craig obrist — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Joe La Pointe, founder of FarPointe Outdoor Gear, a small cottage gear company based on the Oregon coast making ultralight fleece, sunwear, camp pants, socks, hats, and trail-focused apparel.
Joe started FarPointe in 2021 after getting into Alpha Direct fabric and making his first small batch of beanies on a tiny sewing machine. He sold those early pieces on Reddit, started taking custom orders, and eventually grew the business from his garage into a full in-house production shop with a small team in Newport, Oregon.
We also dive into:
• How FarPointe started with Alpha Direct fleece
• Why Joe fell in love with ultralight hiking apparel
• How the Colorado Trail helped inspire the brand
• Why custom orders were fun but hard to scale
• The difference between in-house production and overseas manufacturing
• Why Joe chose to keep cutting and sewing in his own shop
• What makes Alpha Direct so popular with hikers
• The shedding and microplastic concerns around Alpha Direct
• Why FarPointe is moving into TecnoWool and blended fabrics
• The challenge of hiring, training, and building a sewing team
• Why cash flow can get scary when you grow a small gear company
• How FarPointe works with Garage Grown Gear and other retailers
• What Joe sees as the future of technical fabrics
One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing how hands-on Joe is with materials. He talks about testing fabrics himself, getting outside almost every day, and only putting products into production when he feels confident they are something he would actually use on trail.
This episode is full of cottage gear wisdom, ultralight fabric talk, small business lessons, trail stories, and a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make gear in-house.
If you’ve ever worn Alpha Direct, obsessed over fabric weight, or wondered how a garage gear idea becomes a real outdoor brand, this one is for you.
Connect with FarPointe Outdoor Gear
Website:
https://www.farpointeog.com
Shop FarPointe:
https://www.farpointeog.com/stock
Garage Grown Gear:
https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/farpointe-outdoor-gear
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/farpointe_og

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Don’t forget to:
• Like 👍 and Subscribe 🔔
• Share this with your hiking crew
Let’s go Beyond the Trailhead.

Skyview Tents Founder Joe Bissonnette | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 39

craig obrist — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:55:43 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Joe Bissonnette, founder of Sky View Tents, a Colorado-based tent company building what Joe calls a true stargazing tent.
Sky View Tents started from a simple frustration: Joe loved sleeping under the stars, but hated the usual rainfly problem. If you leave the fly off, you get the incredible open-sky experience — but you risk bugs, critters, wind, and a surprise 2 a.m. rainstorm. If you put the fly on, you stay protected — but you lose the stars.
So Joe designed a tent with a patent-pending internal rainfly system that can be opened or closed from inside the tent in seconds. The result feels like cowboy camping, but with mesh protection, bug protection, and fast weather coverage when conditions change.
We also dive into:
• How Sky View Tents started from a late-night beach stargazing idea
• Why Joe thought most “stargazing tents” were just normal tents
• How the internal rainfly system works
• Why clear mesh matters so much for the experience
• The challenge of designing a tent that feels open but still handles weather
• Why Gen 1 started as more of a fair-weather tent
• How Gen 2 was tested in heavy Oregon coast rain and Buena Vista wind
• The reality of sewing tents by hand while trying to run a business
• Why Joe had to move from local production to factory production
• The stress of raising money before the business ran out of cash
• Why getting into stores could be huge for Sky View Tents
This episode is full of invention, product design, startup stress, stargazing, tent talk, and honest lessons from a founder still deep in the grind.
If you’ve ever stared at your rainfly and thought, “I wish I could see the sky right now,” this one is for you.
Connect with Sky View Tents
Website: https://skyviewtents.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyviewtents
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skyviewtents
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyviewtents
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxkkYqB79iQaiEZ-FJbtuZA
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skyviewtents

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Hest Founder and CEO Aaron Ambush | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 38

craig obrist — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Aaron Ambuske, founder and CEO of HEST, the outdoor comfort brand known for premium camping mattresses, pillows, chairs, and sleep systems built to make sleeping outside feel a lot more like sleeping at home.
Aaron has been in the outdoor industry for more than 30 years, starting in Jackson Hole, working in product design, and eventually spending 18 years at K2 Skis, where he worked on skis, ski boots, poles, snowboards, and the full product development process.
The idea for HEST came from a simple pain point: Aaron was getting ready for a river trip and dreading the usual air mattress routine — finding holes, figuring out how to pump it up, and knowing he probably wasn’t going to sleep well. That frustration led him to research what makes a home mattress comfortable: pressure point relief, body alignment, and temperature regulation. From there, HEST was born.
We also dive into:
• How HEST started from one real camping problem
• Why air mattresses work for backpacking but not always for car camping
• What outdoor brands can learn from home mattress design
• Why Aaron believes prototypes matter more than focus groups
• How HEST launched with only 75 sleep systems
• Why customers pulling out a credit card is the real test
• How REI discovered HEST early on
• The difference between DTC and brick-and-mortar retail
• Why cash flow can be one of the hardest parts of building a product brand
• How HEST is helping people enjoy the outdoors through comfort
This episode is packed with outdoor product design lessons, startup reality, camping comfort talk, and honest advice for anyone building a physical product brand.
If you’ve ever woken up camping with a sore back, a deflated air mattress, or the thought “I love camping… but I hate sleeping out here,” this one is for you.
🛏️ Connect with HEST
Website: https://hest.com
Shop Mattresses: https://hest.com/pages/mattresses-collection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hestoutdoors
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hestoutdoor

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Ripstop By The Roll Marketing Director Jameson MacFarland | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 37

craig obrist — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:58:29 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Jameson MacFarland, Marketing Director at Ripstop by the Roll, live from Switchback in New Orleans.
If you’ve ever made your own gear, dreamed about starting a cottage brand, or wondered where small outdoor companies get technical fabrics like ripstop nylon, Dyneema®, X-Pac, mesh, webbing, and pack materials, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Ripstop by the Roll.
Jameson shares how Ripstop by the Roll started with DIY hammock makers who simply couldn’t find the fabric they wanted. What began with rolls of hammock fabric has grown into a company that helps everyone from backyard makers and MYOG hobbyists to outdoor brands designing custom materials for real production.
We also dive into:
• How Ripstop by the Roll started in the hammock camping world
• Why hammock people might be the nerdiest gear people on earth
• What “one yard to one million yards” really means
• How small brands can prototype without buying massive fabric minimums
• Why the right fabric can make or break a product
• The difference between lab specs and real-world performance
• What goes wrong when custom fabrics do not cooperate
• The hilarious “bird’s nest” fabric development disaster
• Why Ripstop helps makers choose what they need, not just what they want
• How DIY makers and cottage brands keep pushing outdoor gear forward
This episode is a fun look into the fabric side of the outdoor industry — the part most of us never think about until we start asking why one pack feels better, lasts longer, stretches differently, makes less noise, or handles weather better than another.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could make that,” this one is for you.
Connect with Ripstop by the Roll
Website:
https://ripstopbytheroll.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ripstopbytheroll/

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Don’t forget to:
• Like 👍 and Subscribe 🔔
• Share this with your hiking crew
Let’s go Beyond the Trailhead.

GreenBelly Meals CEO & Creator Chris Cage | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 36

craig obrist — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Chris Cage, CEO and creator of Greenbelly Meals, the backpacking food brand known for ready-to-eat, high-calorie meal bars made for hikers, thru-hikers, bikepackers, climbers, and outdoor adventurers.
Chris did not start out in the food world. After college, he worked as an accountant, realized it was not the path he wanted long-term, saved up money, quit, and spent nearly two years traveling, volunteering in Asia, bicycle touring through New Zealand, and eventually thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.
After all of that, he came home with very little money left, moved back in with his parents, and started experimenting with backpacking food ideas in his mom’s kitchen. The first concept was a high-calorie “gloop” made with peanut butter, honey, and anything else he could pack calories into. Eventually, that idea turned into Greenbelly Meals.
We also dive into:
• Why Chris left accounting and chose adventure instead
• How the Appalachian Trail inspired Greenbelly
• Why early Greenbelly recipes started in his mom’s kitchen
• What it was like working with a food scientist
• The stress of making food, shipping orders, and doing everything himself
• How Kickstarter helped Greenbelly get off the ground
• Why Joe Rogan gave the brand a major bump
• How SEO helped Greenbelly grow in the early years
• Why Chris started putting his face behind the brand
• The pros and cons of direct-to-consumer vs retail
• Why YouTube became a major marketing channel for Greenbelly
This episode is full of founder lessons, trail food talk, business mistakes, marketing strategy, and honest insight into what it actually takes to build an outdoor food brand.
If you’ve ever eaten something terrible on trail and thought, “There has to be a better way,” this one is for you.
Connect with Greenbelly Meals
Website: https://www.greenbelly.co
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Greenbelly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenbellymeal
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenbellyMeals

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

Overwatch X Rescue CEO & Creator Greg Pearson | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 35

craig obrist — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Use Code BEYOND15 to get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue! You need this!

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Greg Pearson, CEO and creator of Overwatch x Rescue, a 24/7 emergency assistance subscription service built for people who live, work, and play beyond reliable cell service.
Greg’s background is not your typical outdoor startup story. He spent years working in the world of risk, crisis response, military, law enforcement, private security, and global emergency operations before creating a service designed to answer one simple question:
“I need help… what now?”
Overwatch x Rescue was created to help coordinate emergency assistance and help cover the financial exposure that can come with a rescue, ambulance transport, helicopter evacuation, or other emergency response situation. Greg explains why many hikers hesitate to call for help, why rescue bills can be terrifying, and how Overwatch x Rescue works differently from traditional insurance models.
We also dive into:
• What Overwatch x Rescue actually does
• Why satellite signal alone does not get you rescued
• How their 24/7 emergency response system works
• Why hikers hesitate before pressing SOS
• The difference between insurance and first-payer rescue support
• How Overwatch x Rescue connects with Globalstar and SPOT devices
• Why more smartphones may soon have satellite connectivity
• How Greg built a service around crisis response and human decision-making
• Why preparation matters before you ever hit the trail
• The future of outdoor safety and backcountry rescue
This episode is a great one for hikers, backpackers, travelers, hunters, overlanders, paddlers, photographers, and anyone who spends time outside cell service.
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens after you hit SOS… this one is for you.
🚨 Connect with Overwatch x Rescue
Website: https://overwatchxrescue.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overwatchxrescue
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/overwatchxrescue
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/overwatch-x-rescue

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Why Small Outdoor Brands Struggle to Grow Online | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 34

craig obrist — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Bekah Whitney, owner and creator of Ecoteric Marketing, a marketing agency focused on helping eco-conscious outdoor brands build marketing systems that actually get executed.
Bekah’s story started while living full-time on the road in a cargo trailer. She quit a stable remote job without a clear plan, picked up her first clients, and slowly built her business from freelance social media work into a full marketing agency for small outdoor brands.
Now, she helps brands connect the pieces that often get separated: social media, email marketing, website messaging, blogs, customer journey, content libraries, and overall strategy.
We also dive into:
• Why social media alone usually isn’t enough
• How small brands can stop winging their marketing
• Why strategy matters before running ads
• The importance of email marketing and customer journeys
• Why founders need to show their face more online
• How behind-the-scenes content builds trust
• Why polished content is not always what performs best
• The biggest mistakes small brands make with marketing
• Why execution matters more than another unused Google Doc
• How outdoor brands can show up consistently without losing authenticity
This episode is a great one for any small brand, creator, founder, or outdoor business trying to figure out how to grow online without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’ve ever said, “We need to post more,” but had no real plan behind it… this one is for you.
🌿 Connect with Ecoteric Marketing
Website: https://ecotericmarketing.com
Contact: https://ecotericmarketing.com/contact
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecotericmarketing
Ecoteric Marketing focuses on social media management, email marketing, blog writing, content creation, and marketing strategy for eco-conscious outdoor-focused companies.
Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

AlpackaRaft Creator & Owner Thor Tingey | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 33

craig obrist — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Thor Tingey, CEO and co-founder of Alpacka Raft, one of the most iconic brands in the world of packrafting.
Alpacka Raft started after Thor completed a massive traverse through Alaska’s Brooks Range using boats that were never really built for that kind of adventure. The idea worked… but the gear didn’t.
So Thor went to his mom, Sheri Tingey, who had a background in outdoor clothing design and kayaking, and asked her to build something better.
That moment helped spark what would become Alpacka Raft and the modern version of packrafting we know today.
We also dive into:
• The early Alaska trips that started everything
• Why packrafting was so limited before Alpacka
• How Sheri Tingey helped design the modern packraft
• The challenge of building rafts in the early days
• Why Alpacka keeps manufacturing in Mancos, Colorado
• How packrafts changed backcountry travel
• The difference between whitewater, flatwater, and expedition boats
• Why slow growth can be a smarter business strategy
• The realities of running an outdoor brand through hard seasons
• What happens when private equity enters the outdoor industry
This episode is packed with adventure stories, business wisdom, product design insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at the brand that helped make packrafting what it is today.
If you’ve ever looked at a lake, river, or remote wilderness route and thought, “I wish I had a boat right now…” this one is for you.
🚣‍♂️ Connect with Alpacka Raft
Website: https://alpackaraft.com
Our Story: https://alpackaraft.com/our-story
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpacka_raft
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpackaraftllc
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlpackaRaft

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Gryphon Gear Creator & Owner Gary Benninger | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 32

craig obrist — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Gary Benninger, creator and owner of Gryphon Gear, a small handmade gear company known for quilts and sleeping bags built with serious warmth in mind.
Gary’s story goes way back from reading about Admiral Byrd’s South Pole expeditions, to working as a research scientist at NASA, to spending more than 100 nights sleeping on snow. His love for cold-weather adventure eventually turned into a company focused on building sleeping bags and quilts that are not just light, but actually warm when the temperature drops.
We also dive into:
• How Gryphon Gear got started
• Why Gary has such a passion for cold-weather camping
• The science behind down, loft, heat loss, and overfill
• Why Gryphon Gear uses 80% overfill in their bags and quilts
• What a vapor radiation barrier actually does
• Why condensation matters in winter sleeping bags
• The difference between warmth ratings and survival ratings
• Handmade gear, custom sizing, and small business realities
• Why marketing is often harder than making the product
This episode is packed with gear science, old-school outdoor stories, winter camping wisdom, and the kind of technical knowledge only someone like Gary can bring.
If you’ve ever wondered why some sleeping bags keep you warm and others don’t… this one is for you.
Connect with Gryphon Gear
Website: https://www.gryphongear.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gryphongear

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Don’t forget to:
• Like 👍 and Subscribe 🔔
• Share this with your hiking crew
Let’s go Beyond the Trailhead.

Symbiosis Gear Creator & Owner Sarah Berkeley | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 31

craig obrist — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:25:10 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Sarah Berkeley, creator and owner of Symbiosis Gear, a woman-founded backpacking gear company making packs for people with boobs.
Sarah’s story started on the Pacific Crest Trail, where she went through three different backpacks and still couldn’t find one that fit her body well. She saw men using small, sleek ultralight packs, but when she looked closer, the designs often didn’t offer the adjustability or fit she needed.
So she reached out to a company with a simple design suggestion.
They never wrote back.
Instead of waiting for someone else to fix the problem, Sarah eventually built the pack herself.
We also dive into:
• Why many ultralight packs don’t work well for women’s bodies
• The story behind Symbiosis Gear
• What makes the Aspen backpack different
• Why S-curve straps and adjustability matter
• The reality of launching a product as a small brand
• Ordering 500 backpacks and realizing that might be a lot
• Getting scammed through a “try before you buy” app
• Why women-specific gear still matters in the outdoor industry
• The balance between listening to mentors and trusting yourself
This episode is full of founder lessons, gear design insight, business mistakes, and honest conversation about building something that should have existed a long time ago.
If you’ve ever worn a backpack that just didn’t feel like it was made for your body, this one is for you.
Connect with Symbiosis Gear
Website: https://www.symbiosisgear.com
The Aspen Backpack: https://www.symbiosisgear.com/products/the-aspen
Find a Retailer: https://www.symbiosisgear.com/pages/find-a-retailer
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/symbiosisgear
Garage Grown Gear: https://www.garagegrowngear.com/collections/symbiosis-gear

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Bearvault's Marketing & Sales Grant Breidenbach | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 30

craig obrist — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Grant Breidenbach, Sales and Marketing Manager at BearVault, the company behind some of the most recognized bear-resistant food containers in the outdoor industry.
If you backpack in bear country, there’s a good chance you’ve carried a BearVault… loved it, hated it, sat on it, stuffed it into your pack, or fought with it at the end of a long day.
Grant shares the story behind BearVault, how the company started from a need to reduce human-bear conflict in the Sierra, and why their mission is about more than just protecting your food. It’s about keeping bears wild and keeping people safe outdoors.
We also dive into:
• The history of BearVault
• The 5-year design process behind the new BV ONE
• Why bear cans are required in so many wild places
• How bears actually test these products
• The truth about “bear-proof” vs. bear-resistant
• Why the BV ONE collapses as your food stash shrinks
• What went wrong during freezing rain testing
• Counterfeit bear cans and why certification matters
• The challenge of marketing a product people already own
This episode is packed with gear design, wildlife education, product testing stories, and plenty of funny bear-can reality.
If you’ve ever complained about carrying a bear can… this one is for you.
Connect with BearVault
Website: https://bearvault.com
BV ONE: https://bearvault.com/products/bv-one
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearvault

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Garage Grown Gear's Lloyd Vogel | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 29

craig obrist — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, we sit down with Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear. The platform that has helped launch and grow some of the most innovative brands in the outdoor industry.

What started as a small side hustle in a basement turned into a powerhouse marketplace supporting 300+ small outdoor brands and Lloyd’s story is one every founder needs to hear.

We dive into:
• How Garage Grown Gear actually started (hint: it involved a giveaway)
• The reality of building a business from scratch
• Why small brands struggle to scale — and how to fix it
• The truth about competition, copycats, and innovation in ultralight gear
• What separates brands that make it… from the ones that don’t

Lloyd also shares behind-the-scenes insight into how they discover new brands, what makes a product stand out, and why most founders burn out before they succeed.

If you’re building a brand, love gear, or just want to understand how the outdoor industry really works this episode is packed.

👉 “Adversity isn’t a setback… it’s the process.”

🎙️ Follow Lloyd & Garage Grown Gear

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garagegrowngear
Website: https://www.garagegrowngear.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast

Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Outdoor Retailers Lindsay Hubley & Sunny Stroeer | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 28

craig obrist — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:52:25 GMT

Is Outdoor Retailer still worth attending?
That’s the question a lot of outdoor brands have been asking.
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Lindsay Hubley and Sunny Stroeer of Outdoor Retailers to talk about the future of Outdoor Retailer and why they believe trade shows are evolving.
We talk about:
• Why Outdoor Retailer changed locations
• Why some brands stopped attending
• The creator economy changing outdoor marketing
• Why influencers now matter just as much as retail buyers
• Their partnership with Popfly
• Why small brands may actually benefit the most
• The future of retail, media, and outdoor storytelling
• How brands can actually win at trade shows today
They also address why some people feel OR “lost its magic” and what they’re doing to rebuild it.
This was one of the most interesting business conversations we’ve had on the podcast because it touches retail, creators, marketing, and where the outdoor industry is headed next.

Learn More:
Outdoor Retailer
https://outdoorretailer.com
Popfly
https://popfly.com
Garage Grown Gear
https://www.garagegrowngear.com
Founded Outdoors
https://www.foundedoutdoors.com

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Enlightened Equipment CEO Chris Schawlow | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 27

craig obrist — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

What does it take to build one of the most recognized brands on trail?
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, we sit down with Chris Schabow, CEO of Enlightened Equipment, to talk about the real story behind the brand… and the journey that almost didn’t happen.
From sewing gear in a basement…
To quitting a stable career…
To helping lead one of the most trusted ultralight brands in the world…
Chris shares the ups, the risks, and the moments that changed everything.
We also dive into:
• How Enlightened Equipment actually started
• Why quilts changed backpacking forever
• The real challenges of scaling a gear company
• Product design, mistakes, and constant refinement
• Why doing fewer things REALLY well matters
• The story behind the Torrid jacket
• Leadership, risk, and building a team you trust
If you’ve ever used a quilt on trail… there’s a good chance it traces back to this story.

Follow Chris + Enlightened Equipment
Website: https://alnk.to/eZKBiae
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedequipment
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedequipment

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Sawyer Products Community Manager Katie Houston | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 26

craig obrist — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT

USE CODE BEYOND20 for 20% on your sawyer most of your Sawyer orders

What if the gear you carry on trail could actually save lives?
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Katie Houston (trail name “Oats”), Community Director at Sawyer, the company behind the iconic Sawyer Squeeze.
We dive into how a simple water filter became one of the most impactful tools in the outdoor industry and how it’s being used around the world to bring clean water to communities in need.
Katie shares her story from eating dry oats on the Appalachian Trail (yes… really) to helping lead a brand that donates over 90% of its profits to clean water initiatives globally.
We also get into:
• The real story behind the Sawyer Squeeze
• What actually happens inside your filter
• Why most people use their gear wrong
• How Sawyer responded during Hurricane Helene
• The impact of clean water around the world
• The reality of working in the outdoor industry
• And how one small piece of gear can change everything
Some of these stories are wild… and some hit pretty hard.
If you’ve ever carried a Sawyer filter, this will completely change how you see it.
Follow Katie / Sawyer
Sawyer Products: https://www.sawyer.com/
Sawyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sawyerproducts/
Make a Tax Deductible Donation to www.sawyerfoundation.org
(Katie): https://www.oatshikes.com/
💬 Drop a comment:
Have you ever used a Sawyer filter on trail?

Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Angry Pika CEO/Founder Shaun Durkee | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 25

craig obrist — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:44:21 GMT

What do you do when you lose 75% of your business overnight?
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Shaun Durkee, founder of Angry Pika Food (formerly Alpenfuel).
What started as a side hustle selling backpacking meals turned into a full-blown business… until tariffs, a rebrand, and a legal battle forced everything to change.
This episode dives deep into the real side of building an outdoor brand.
We talk about:
• The moment everything started to fall apart
• Losing 50–75% of website traffic overnight
• The forced rebrand from Alpenfuel to Angry Pika
• The reality of tariffs and product costs
• Building high-calorie backpacking food from scratch
• Why most outdoor businesses don’t make it
This one is raw, honest, and a must-watch if you’re building something of your own.
🥾 Check Out Angry Pika Food
Website: https://angrypikafood.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angrypikafood
Dealer Locator: Available on website
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angrypikafood
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Essential Provisions CEO/Creator Robin Gentry McGee | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 24

craig obrist — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Use code BEYOND15 to save 15% off your next order on essentialprovisions.com.

What happens when you realize the food meant to help people… might actually be hurting them?
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Robin Gentry McGee, founder of Essential Provisions.
Her journey started with a life-changing moment after her father’s traumatic brain injury… and what she discovered inside hospital nutrition completely shifted her path.
That moment led to the creation of a product that would go on to change clinical nutrition… and eventually evolve into what she’s building today with Essential Provisions.
We talk about:
• The moment that started it all
• Building a company from scratch (twice)
• The ups and downs of scaling and losing a business
• Why most “healthy” food isn’t what it seems
• Creating real, whole-food meals for the outdoors
This one is all about resilience, purpose, and doing things the right way… even when it’s harder.
🥾 Check Out Essential Provisions
Website: https://essentialprovisions.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialprovisions
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Aarn Packs CEO Daniel Farber | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 23

craig obrist — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Daniel Farber, owner of Aarn Packs, one of the most unique and innovative backpack companies in the hiking world.
If you’ve ever seen a backpack with balanced front pockets and wondered why it looks so different from traditional packs,this episode explains everything.
Aarn Packs were designed around a simple but powerful idea: balance the weight of your pack so hiking becomes easier, safer, and more comfortable.
Daniel shares the fascinating story behind the company, the design philosophy that separates Aarn Packs from traditional backpacking gear, and how innovation in load distribution can dramatically change the hiking experience.
We also dive into the engineering behind their packs, the challenges of building niche outdoor gear, and why thoughtful design matters so much in the outdoor industry.
Whether you’re a thru-hiker, gear nerd, or someone curious about the future of backpack design, this episode is packed with insight.
🏔️ In this episode we cover
🎒 Why most backpacks are poorly balanced
⚖️ The philosophy behind Aarn’s balanced pack design
🏔️ How load distribution affects hiking performance
🧠 The engineering behind front balance pockets
🌲 Why innovation in backpack design is so difficult
📦 The realities of running a niche outdoor gear company
🥾 What hikers get wrong when choosing backpacks
Daniel also shares why comfort, efficiency, and body mechanics are often overlooked in backpack design — and how Aarn Packs approaches gear differently.
🌄 Connect with Aarn Packs
Website
https://www.aarnpacks.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/aarnpacks
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AarnPacks
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@aarnpacksofficial
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Durston Gear Creator Dan Durston | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 22

craig obrist — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Dan Durston, founder of Durston Gear and the mind behind some of the most talked-about ultralight tents in the backpacking world.
If you’ve spent time on trails like the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, chances are you’ve seen an X-Mid tent in the wild.
But the story behind Durston Gear is just as fascinating as the gear itself.
Dan shares how his obsession with ultralight backpacking gear started on hiking forums and long trails, eventually leading to the invention of the X-Mid tent design — an idea that first formed while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.
beyond-the-trailhead-podcast-da…
We dive into the early days of the brand, licensing the design to a larger company, and the moment Dan had to remortgage his house to launch Durston Gear independently.
This episode is packed with insights for hikers, gear nerds, and anyone curious about building a company in the outdoor industry.
🏔️ In this episode we cover
🥾 How the X-Mid tent idea started while hiking the PCT
🎒 The evolution of ultralight backpacking gear
🏕️ Designing tents that balance weight, simplicity, and durability
📦 The risks of launching a gear brand
💸 Remortgaging a house to fund the first Durston Gear product launch
🌲 How community feedback shaped Durston Gear
🧠 Advice for entrepreneurs creating products in the outdoor industry
Dan also shares stories from the trail and explains why simple design often wins over complicated gear.
🌄 Connect with Durston Gear
Website
https://durstongear.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/durstongear
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@durstongear
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Hilltop Packs Creator | Ben McMillen on Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 21

craig obrist — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Ben McMillen, founder of Hilltop Packs, one of the most recognizable custom gear companies in the ultralight backpacking world.
Hilltop Packs is known for their one-of-a-kind custom printed food bags, stuff sacks, backpacks, and ultralight gear that hikers proudly carry on trails across the world.
But the story behind the company is just as fascinating as the gear itself.
Ben shares how a photography studio, a print shop, and a simple idea to customize backpacking gear turned into a thriving outdoor brand.
We dive into the early days of Hilltop Packs, the explosive growth during COVID, and the huge risk Ben took when a Dyneema shortage threatened the entire company.
🏔️ In this episode we cover
🥾 How Hilltop Packs started in a basement
🎨 The origin of custom printed backpacking gear
📈 How COVID unexpectedly launched the brand forward
🧵 The challenge of sewing and producing one-off custom gear
📦 Why Hilltop focuses on small customizable items
⚠️ The massive risk Ben took buying nearly $100k of Dyneema
🧠 Lessons from running multiple businesses at once
🌲 The mindset required to grow an outdoor brand
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a gear company from scratch or why so many hikers carry Hilltop gear — this episode is packed with insight.
🌄 Connect with Hilltop Packs
Website
https://hilltoppacks.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/hilltoppacks
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@hilltoppacks
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 20 | Trail Goods Co. Creator Luke Pearsall

craig obrist — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

🎙️ Episode 20 – Luke Pearsall | Founder of Trail Goods Company
What happens when you pour everything into your dream… and it almost disappears overnight?
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, I sit down with Luke Pearsall, founder of Trail Goods Company, to unpack one of the most honest founder stories we’ve had on the show.
Luke went from a 20-year career in commercial photography to building a premium backcountry food brand — only to lose his manufacturer, his inventory, and nearly his entire business in one blow.
At one point, he had just $575 left in the bank before heading to a major trade show.
This conversation is raw, real, and packed with insight for anyone building something in the outdoor industry.
In this episode we cover:
🥾 Why most freeze-dried meals miss the mark
🔥 The true cost of sampling food at trade shows
📦 What it means to lose your entire inventory for 8 months
💸 Bootstrapping when everything is on the line
🏭 USDA regulations, freeze-drying, and manufacturing reality
🧠 The mindset required to survive as a small brand founder
🎄 The “Christmas miracle” that saved Trail Goods
Luke doesn’t just talk about food — he talks about resilience, risk, and what it actually takes to build something from scratch.
If you’ve ever considered launching a product-based business… this episode will hit home.
🌄 Connect with Trail Goods Company
Website: https://trailgoodscompany.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailgoodscompany
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

For those asking about safety gear we use outdoors — you can get 15% off Overwatch x Rescue with code BEYOND15.

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 19 | Farm to Summit Creator/Owner Louise Barton

craig obrist — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Guest: Louise Barton — Founder of Farm to Summit
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Louise “Lou” Barton, founder of Farm to Summit, a Durango-based company making dehydrated backpacking meals sourced from local farms and up-cycled produce.
Lou shares how a 23-day Yellowstone backcountry research trip — and watching her coworkers struggle on low-quality trail food — sparked the idea for Farm to Summit. What started with a home dehydrator and farmers markets has grown into a mission-driven brand focused on sustainability, flavor, and fueling real adventures.
In this episode we dive into:
🥕 Sourcing thousands of pounds of produce from local farms
🌱 Using up-cycled vegetables to reduce food waste
📈 Growing slowly and sustainably instead of scaling too fast
👩‍👧 Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the outdoors
🥘 Why taste tests and quality control matter more than hype
🏔️ How the outdoor community shapes their meals and mission
From feeding thru-hikers and climbers to families and even diplomats abroad, Farm to Summit meals are showing up in some unexpected places — and the stories behind them are powerful.
If you love backpacking, food, or founder stories, this episode is packed with insight and heart.
🔗 Connect with Farm to Summit
🌐 Website: https://www.farmtosummit.com
Buy on REI https://app.rockporch.com/mlink/qIi4bkn5nv
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmtosummit
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmtosummit
📍 Store Locator: https://www.farmtosummit.com
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 18 | Leichtmut Creator & Owner Jacob Muth

craig obrist — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Jacob Muth, founder of Leichtmut, a small but innovative brand creating ultralight camera bags for hikers and outdoor photographers.
Jacob shares how frustration with heavy camera carry systems and wet gear on trail pushed him to start designing his own solutions. What began as a MYOG (Make Your Own Gear) hobby turned into a real business focused on ultralight, waterproof, and quick-access camera bags for people who refuse to leave their camera behind.
We dive into:
📸 Why most camera bags fail on trail
💧 How Jacob designed a zipper-free, waterproof system
🧵 The trial-and-error of sewing and prototyping gear himself
🌍 How a crisis and career pivot led to launching Leichtmut
📦 Learning advertising, pricing, and scaling as a one-person brand
🎒 Why ultralight hikers are told to ditch their camera — and why Jacob disagrees
If you’re a photographer, thru-hiker, or dreaming about building your own gear brand, this episode is packed with honest lessons and creative problem-solving.
🔗 Connect with Leichtmut
🌐 Website: https://www.leichtmut.de
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leichtmut.gear/
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 17 | Minimal Gear/Cnoc Founder & CEO Gilad Nachmani

craig obrist — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 17
Guest: Gilad Nachmani — Founder & CEO of Cnoc Outdoors / Minimal Gear
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Gilad Nachmani, founder of Cnoc Outdoors, one of the most recognizable names in ultralight hydration and backpacking gear.
Gilad shares the real story behind Cnoc — from launching the original Vecto water container on Kickstarter with almost no money, to scrambling to fulfill thousands of orders after an unexpected review from Darwin on the Trail. What started as a niche ultralight idea quickly became a must-have for thru-hikers worldwide.
But this episode goes deeper than gear.
Gilad talks honestly about the romantic myth of entrepreneurship, the realities of forecasting, manufacturing, and MOQs, and why most people underestimate how hard it is to build a product company. His advice for new founders might surprise you: sometimes the best advice is “don’t do it” unless you’re ready for everything that comes after the idea.
We also dive into:
💧 How the Vecto changed water carry for hikers
🏕️ The ultralight gear world and thru-hiker feedback loops
📦 Kickstarter lessons and early manufacturing struggles
🧠 Why scaling turns you into an employer, not a maker
🌲 Gilad’s love for trails and the outdoor community
If you’re a hiker, gear nerd, or founder thinking about starting a brand — this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.
🔗 Connect with Minimal Gear/Cnoc Outdoors
🌐 Website: https://cnocoutdoors.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnocoutdoors
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnocoutdoors
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cnocoutdoors
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 16 | Outdoor Vitals Founder & CEO Tayson Whittaker

craig obrist — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:55:08 GMT

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 16
Guest: Tayson Whittaker — Founder & CEO of Outdoor Vitals
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Tayson Whitaker, founder and CEO of Outdoor Vitals, for one of the most honest conversations yet about building a gear company the hard way — slowly, intentionally, and without shortcuts.
Tayson shares what it was really like starting Outdoor Vitals at 23 years old with no money, why he rejected outside funding, and how a decade of pivots, patience, and painful lessons shaped the brand Outdoor Vitals is today. We go deep into product design, manufacturing realities, testing limits, and the moments where one wrong decision could have sunk the entire company.
This episode dives into:
🤔 The quiet doubts and heavy decisions founders don’t talk about
🏕️ How Outdoor Vitals designs and tests gear over years, not months
💡 Why perfection doesn’t exist — and when to finally ship a product
💸 The danger of “overnight success” and scaling too fast
🧠 Lessons learned from 12 years of building, failing, and refining
🌲 How Tayson keeps his love for the outdoors alive while running a business
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, gear nerd, or entrepreneur trying to build something meaningful — this episode is packed with clarity, perspective, and long-game thinking.
🔗 Connect with Outdoor Vitals
🌐 Website: https://alnk.to/cSL4LQW
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoorvitals
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutdoorVitals
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorVitals
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6
📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 15 | Lisa-Jae Eggert - Founder of 3 Moms Organics / TickWise

craig obrist — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Lisa-Jae Eggert, founder of 3 Moms Organics and creator of TickWise, a plant-based bug and tick spray born from a life-altering personal battle with tick-borne disease.
Lisa-Jae shares her harrowing journey—from a single tick bite that led to years of misdiagnosis, neurological Lyme disease, and devastating health consequences, to building a product with one clear mission: help prevent others from ever going through what she did.
We dive into:
🦠 How Lyme disease nearly destroyed her family
🌿 Why she had to create a natural alternative to DEET and permethrin
🧪 The intense EPA process required to prove TickWise works as well as DEET
📦 Bootstrapping production from her basement to tens of thousands of bottles
🧠 Why education and prevention matter more than profit
❤️ What it means to truly build a mission-driven business
This is not just a founder story — it’s a conversation about health, prevention, and protecting families, hikers, kids, and pets outdoors.
If you spend time outside, this episode could change how you think about ticks forever.
🔗 Connect with TickWise / 3 Moms Organics
🛒 Shop: https://amzn.to/4r9URpf
🌐 Website: https://www.3momsorganics.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3momsorganics
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3momsorganics
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthetrailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=be0cf2ba11a447de
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 14 | NEVE Owner/CEO Nora Fierman

craig obrist — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 14
Guest: Nora Fierman — Founder of NEVE
In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Nora Fierman, founder of NEVE, a plant-based smoothie pouch designed for athletes who want real nutrition in the backcountry.
Nora shares the full, honest story behind NEVE—from noticing athletes fueling with baby food in the backcountry, to spending six years navigating food science, manufacturing, and rejection before finally launching her brand. We dive into why flavor matters, why every ingredient has a purpose, and how NEVE fits perfectly between energy bars and gels.
This conversation goes beyond food. Nora opens up about being a solo founder, balancing a full-time job, building thicker skin, learning to ask for help, and staying connected to the outdoors while growing a business. We also talk inclusivity in outdoor nutrition, why fueling shouldn’t feel intimidating, and how NEVE has unexpectedly helped people far beyond endurance sports.
If you’re an athlete, founder, or someone standing at the trailhead of a big idea—this episode is for you.
🔗 Connect with NEVE & Nora
🌐 Website: https://eatneve.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eat_neve
🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatneve
🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery
🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 13 | GiantMouse Knives Co-Creator Jim Wirth

craig obrist — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Guest: Jim Wirth — Creator, GiantMouse Join us for a deep and fascinating conversation with Jim Wirth, co-founder and CEO of GiantMouse Knives — a boutique knife brand known for thoughtful design, premium materials, and unforgettable storytelling. In this episode, Jim shares how a lifelong passion for knives, a chance meeting at a New York knife show, and a bold leap from the corporate world led to the creation of GiantMouse. We dive into the meaning behind the GiantMouse name, why limited runs matter, and how Scandinavian design principles shape every knife they make. Jim also opens up about the oh-crap moments of running a product brand — including production setbacks, supply-chain realities, and learning when to delay a launch in order to protect quality and trust. We talk everyday carry, why knives are more relevant than ever, the crossover between watches and knives, and how GiantMouse balances creativity with business discipline. Whether you’re into EDC gear, knives, design, or building a brand from the ground up, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and passion you don’t want to miss. 🔗 Connect with GiantMouse Knives 🌐 Website: https://www.giantmouse.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giantmouseknives 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giantmouseknives ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@giantmouseknives 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giantmouse-knives 🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=be0cf2ba11a447de 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery 🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 12 | Tim Hunt | Inside the Mind of a Tent Designer at SlingFin

craig obrist — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:29:51 GMT

Guest: Tim Hunt — Lead Designer, SlingFin In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Tim Hunt, lead designer at SlingFin, to break down how some of the most respected tents in the outdoor industry actually come to life. This conversation goes deep into design thinking, real-world testing, and the constant problem-solving that happens long before a tent ever hits the trail. Tim walks us through how SlingFin approaches structure, materials, storm-worthiness, and why design decisions are rarely simple — even when they look that way from the outside. We talk about: ⛺ How SlingFin designs tents for real conditions, not just specs 🧠 The design tradeoffs most people never think about 🧪 Prototyping, field testing, and learning from failure 🌬️ Why small structural changes can make or break a tent 🎒 How experience in the field directly shapes better gear If you’ve ever looked at a tent and wondered why it’s built that way — this episode pulls back the curtain. Whether you’re a gear nerd, designer, engineer, or just someone who sleeps outside a lot, this one is packed with insight. 🔗 Connect with SlingFin 🌐 Website: https://www.slingfin.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slingfin ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SlingFin 🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthetrailhead 🍎 Apple 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery 🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com

Let’s go beyond the trailhead.

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 11 | Devin Ashby | Creator of Backcountry Exposure Bags!

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Guest: Devin Ashby — Creator & Owner of Backcountry Exposure In this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Devin Ashby, the creator behind Backcountry Exposure — a brand built one stitch at a time, often late at night, at a sewing machine in his own home. Devin shares the real, unfiltered journey of turning a decade of YouTube experience into a growing soft-goods business. We talk about what it’s like fulfilling 300+ bag orders solo, why small design details matter more than flashy features, and how years of relationship-building in the outdoor industry helped him survive legal battles, business pivots, and burnout. This episode dives into: 🧵 What it’s really like being a one-man gear brand (with a little help from family) 🎒 Why Devin is intentionally not making backpacks 🧠 The thinking behind food bags, ditty bags, and modular organization ⚖️ Navigating trademark issues, scaling limits, and work–family balance 💡 Why Devin has 6–7 new product ideas but refuses to rush them 🤝 How genuine relationships (not transactions) shape long-term success If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of cottage gear brands — or dreamed about building something of your own — this episode is honest, grounded, and incredibly relatable. 🔗 Connect with Backcountry Exposure 🌐 Website: https://backcountryexposure.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryexposure ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BackcountryExposure 🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery 🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com • SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more gear creators & outdoor founders Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead.

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 10 | Josh Bryson | CEO & Creator of the FKT GEAR Glasses

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:23:46 GMT

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast In this episode, Craig sits down with Josh Bryson, the creator of FKT Gear, a brand redefining what trail sunglasses should be. Frustrated with flimsy frames, foggy lenses, and gear that couldn’t keep up with real mountain conditions, Josh set out to engineer sunglasses that are tougher, clearer, lighter — and built specifically for hikers, runners, and adventurers pushing their limits. Josh breaks down: 🕶️ The exact moment he realized trail sunglasses needed a serious upgrade 🔧 How he engineered frames + lenses that survive real outdoor abuse 🌤️ Why clarity, contrast, and trail visibility matter more than people think 📦 The challenges of sourcing materials and building a product pipeline as a solo founder 💡 The unexpected lessons learned while launching a gear company from nothing 🌄 The FKT mindset — and how it shapes his design philosophy Whether you’re a thru-hiker, trail runner, gear nerd, or someone who has broken way too many sunglasses on trail — this story is going to hit home. 🔗 Connect with FKT Gear 🌐 Website — https://fktgear.com 📸 Instagram — https://instagram.com/fktgear 📘 Facebook — https://facebook.com/fktgear 🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery 🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com SUBSCRIBE for more creators, innovators & outdoor entrepreneurs Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead. #BeyondTheTrailhead #FKTGear #TrailSunglasses #OutdoorGear #UltralightGear #BackpackingGear #TrailRunningGear #GearInnovation #Podcast

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 9 | Shawn Willette | CEO & Creator of the AntiMatter Chair

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:21:19 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Willette, the solo founder, designer, and engineer behind one of the most talked-about ultralight innovations in recent years — the AntiMatter Chair from No Matter. Shawn takes us through: • The exact moment the idea for the AntiMatter Chair hit him • How he engineered a chair that weighs almost nothing but holds full body weight • The brutal realities of being a one-person outdoor gear company • Sourcing materials, solving engineering failures, and navigating manufacturing • The emotional highs, lows, and “why am I doing this?” moments behind the brand • What’s next for No Matter — and why innovation always comes with risk If you love stories of grit, clever engineering, and the passion behind outdoor gear creation, this is an episode you won’t forget. 🔗 Connect with No Matter / AntiMatter Chair 🌐 Website: http://www.nomatterproducts.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomatterproducts 🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead YouTube: https://youtube.com/@Beyondthetrailhead • SUBSCRIBE for more stories from outdoor creators, innovators & trail legends Thanks for tuning in — let’s go beyond the trailhead. #BeyondTheTrailhead #AntiMatterChair #NoMatterGear #UltralightGear #Backpacking #OutdoorInnovation #GearDesign #EntrepreneurStory #HikingGear #Podcast

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 8 | Haven Tents Creator | The Tent You’ve Never Seen Before!

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:19:34 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 7 | How One Misstep on Mount Whitney Led to a Helicopter Rescue

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:17:55 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 6 | Hollow Socks Co-Founder | He HATES Sticky Feet!

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:14:05 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 5 | Zenbivy CEO | How Zenbivy Changed the Game

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:11:13 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 4 | RecPak CEO/Creator Nutrition Built for the Wild

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:09:35 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 3 | Grubcan CCO From Bear Safety to Brand Identity

craig obrist — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:07:15 GMT

🎙️ 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 Ep. 2 | X-Bionic CEO Talks Reinventing Performance Gear

craig obrist — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 16:40:55 GMT

🎙️ 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

Our Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/obristimagery

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 1 | Near Zero Creator & CEO Talks Backpacking & Camping Gear

craig obrist — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:52:24 GMT

🎙️ 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