Notes From The Trail

The year is 1993. With the back of his car loaded full of hopes, dreams, and American Backcountry’s first tee shirt designs, Frank Hintz set out on his journey to the Appalachian Trail Conference’s Headquarters. He was in search of someone who would give American Backcountry the shot it deserved and he found Brian King. Brian not only agreed to try some of the designs, but also suggested setting up a booth at the annual Appalachian Trail Days festival in Damascus, VA. Frank may not have known it at the time, but that day was just the first step in a long journey to come.
Continue reading

Winter time isn’t easy on hikers and campers. Getting to trailheads can be super dangerous, and a lot of proper preparation and gear is required to make the most of a winter adventure. That said, it’s still entirely possible and can be worthwhile for views that aren’t available year round. One of the best ways to experience that is via snowshoeing, and today we’ll break down why you should give it a shot and how to get started. 

Continue reading

Our favorite lakes may be frozen over, and favorite trails fallen with layers of powder, but that won’t stop us from gearing up for clear weather adventures. With the holiday season in full swing, there’s no better time to hook up the adventurers in our lives (including yourself) with the best gear to make the most of any outdoor expedition. Check out some of our favorite picks for this year’s hiker’s gift guide. 

Continue reading