BusinessEntrepreneurshipSportsWilderness

Beyond The Trailhead

craig obrist

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

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#49
Tuesday · 47 min
Backcountry Garage Director JM Fabrizi | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 49
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.
- Transcript
#48
September 15 · 1 hr 15 min
Mountain House Marketing Director Seth Beiden | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 48
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.
- Transcript
#47
September 8 · 1 hr 9 min
Holey Hiker Bidet Creator Paul Bogush | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 47
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.
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#46
September 1 · 51 min
Dry Brew Ceo/Founder John Schade | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 46
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 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.
- Transcript
#45
August 25 · 44 min
Hyalite Designs Creator Katie McKinstry Stylos | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 45
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.
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#44
August 18 · 54 min
Minus33 Wool President Lawson Glidden | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 44
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.
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#43
August 11 · 1 hr 7 min
Zpacks Marketing Director Mateo Favero | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 43
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.
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#42
August 4 · 1 hr 4 min
Outdoor Element Founder Mike Mojica | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 42
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.
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#41
July 28 · 37 min
Product Gifting is Broken | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 41
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.
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#40
July 21 · 55 min
Why Everyone Loves Alpha Direct | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 40
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.
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#39
July 14 · 57 min
Skyview Tents Founder Joe Bissonnette | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 39
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.
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#38
July 7 · 43 min
Hest Founder and CEO Aaron Ambush | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 38
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.
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#37
June 30 · 50 min
Ripstop By The Roll Marketing Director Jameson MacFarland | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 37
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.
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#36
June 23 · 50 min
GreenBelly Meals CEO & Creator Chris Cage | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 36
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
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#35
June 16 · 46 min
Overwatch X Rescue CEO & Creator Greg Pearson | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 35
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.
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#34
June 9 · 1 hr 7 min
Why Small Outdoor Brands Struggle to Grow Online | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 34
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.
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#33
June 2 · 57 min
AlpackaRaft Creator & Owner Thor Tingey | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 33
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.
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#32
May 26 · 1 hr 6 min
Gryphon Gear Creator & Owner Gary Benninger | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 32
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.
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#31
May 19 · 58 min
Symbiosis Gear Creator & Owner Sarah Berkeley | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 31
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.
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#30
May 12 · 1 hr 16 min
Bearvault's Marketing & Sales Grant Breidenbach | Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 30
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.
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