Beyond The Trailhead

craig obrist
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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

    20H AGO

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

    Guest: Louise Barton — Founder of Farm to SummitJoin 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 missionFrom 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.comBuy 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

    1h 4m
  2. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 18 | Leichtmut Creator & Owner Jacob Muth

    FEB 11

    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 disagreesIf 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

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

    FEB 4

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

    🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 17Guest: Gilad Nachmani — Founder & CEO of Cnoc Outdoors / Minimal GearIn 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 communityIf 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

    1h 4m
  4. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 16 | Outdoor Vitals Founder & CEO Tayson Whittaker

    JAN 28

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

    🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 16Guest: Tayson Whittaker — Founder & CEO of Outdoor VitalsIn 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 businessIf 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

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

    JAN 21

    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 businessThis 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

    1h 15m
  6. Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 14 | NEVE Owner/CEO Nora Fierman

    JAN 14

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

    🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 14Guest: Nora Fierman — Founder of NEVEIn 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

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

    JAN 6

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

    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

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

    12/23/2025

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

    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.

    1h 17m
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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    craig obrist
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 craig obrist