Beyond The Trailhead

craig obrist
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Beyond the Trailhead Podcast is where the outdoor world comes alive. We sit down with the people shaping the industry—founders, designers, and adventurers—to hear the stories behind the gear and the journeys that inspire it. From trailhead conversations to trail-tested reviews, this series dives into what makes the outdoor community unique, real, and worth exploring. Whether you’re a gear junkie, a weekend warrior, or someone who just loves trail talk, this is your spot to discover what’s happening beyond the trailhead. Guest suggestions or you would like to be on the show email at info@craigobrist.com

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

    2일 전

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

    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.

    1시간
  2. Hilltop Packs Creator | Ben McMillen on Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 21

    6일 전

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

    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.

    58분
  3. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 20 | Trail Goods Co. Creator Luke Pearsall

    2월 25일

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

    🎙️ 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.

    1시간 14분
  4. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 19 | Farm to Summit Creator/Owner Louise Barton

    2월 18일

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

    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

    1시간 4분
  5. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 18 | Leichtmut Creator & Owner Jacob Muth

    2월 11일

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

    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

    1시간
  6. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 17 | Minimal Gear/Cnoc Founder & CEO Gilad Nachmani

    2월 4일

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

    🎙️ 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

    1시간 4분
  7. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 16 | Outdoor Vitals Founder & CEO Tayson Whittaker

    1월 28일

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

    🎙️ 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

    52분
  8. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 15 | Lisa-Jae Eggert - Founder of 3 Moms Organics / TickWise

    1월 21일

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

    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

    1시간 15분
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소개

Beyond the Trailhead Podcast is where the outdoor world comes alive. We sit down with the people shaping the industry—founders, designers, and adventurers—to hear the stories behind the gear and the journeys that inspire it. From trailhead conversations to trail-tested reviews, this series dives into what makes the outdoor community unique, real, and worth exploring. Whether you’re a gear junkie, a weekend warrior, or someone who just loves trail talk, this is your spot to discover what’s happening beyond the trailhead. Guest suggestions or you would like to be on the show email at info@craigobrist.com

정보

  • 제작진
    craig obrist
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    22
  • 등급
    전체 연령 사용가
  • 저작권
    © 2025 craig obrist

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