Trail Notes exists because outdoor media is overrun with aspirational gear lists and elite-athlete trip reports that don't apply to most people. We write for the person who has two free days and wants to spend them outdoors without going broke.
Hiking is the most accessible form of wilderness experience that exists. You don't need expensive gear, a season of training, or a two-week block on your calendar. You need a good pair of shoes, a trail, and a free Saturday.
We believe most outdoor media serves the gear industry more than the reader. When every review assumes a $600 pack is the entry point, you've defined your audience as wealthy. We don't do that.
Every article we publish asks: what does a normal person with a normal budget actually need to enjoy this? That's the question we answer.
Former field guide for a Colorado-based outdoor education nonprofit. Callum has led beginner groups on everything from afternoon loops to week-long Sierra Nevada traverses. He started Trail Notes because he was tired of reading "budget gear" lists that started at $300.
Dev tests every product before recommending it. He owns a storage unit full of returned gear and a running log tracking every mile tested. His rule: if you can't say exactly why it failed, you don't know gear.
Twelve years as a wilderness instructor before joining Trail Notes. Mara has hiked every National Park in the lower 48 at least once. She writes the trail guides from field notes — actual notes, on paper, in a waterproof notebook.
Reyna runs the budget-first trip reports and tracks every dollar because she spent three years doing long-distance hiking on a teacher's salary. She knows the difference between "affordable" and "affordable if you already own half the gear."
Theo shoots trails and landscapes for Trail Notes and several other outdoor publications. He uses a mirrorless camera that cost $400 used, which he considers part of the mission. His rule: if you can't carry it yourself, you shouldn't own it.
No brand sponsorships influence editorial decisions. Gear reviews are our honest opinion.
Every recommendation includes a budget-appropriate alternative. Price is part of the review.
We don't review gear we haven't used. If the review doesn't mention trail conditions, it's not from us.
We cover trails reachable by car from major US cities. Not everyone can afford a flight to Patagonia.
More independent publications from our network
Independent editorial. We earn commissions on some links.