Places We Love
Enlightened Equipment has traveled to places all across the globe in the hands of thousands of adventurers, from thru hikers to weekend warriors. The places we recreate are incredibly important to us and so is taking care of them. Here are some photos of our gear out in the wild.
US National Scenic Trails
The Triple Crown
The Triple Crown refers to the three main US national scenic trails. These three trails each explore a specific mountain range and their unique ecosystems, cultures and history. A “triple crowner” is one who completes all three of these thru hikes. There are currently around 500 triple crown hikers recognized by the American Long Distance Hiking Association, making it a coveted feat.
The Appalachian Trail
The oldest and most popular national long-distance hiking trail. Stretching 2180 miles from from Georgia to Maine on the spine of the Appalachian mountains, thousands of hikers experience this trail annually either in a section or thru hike.
The Appalachian Trail is maintained by the Appalachian trail conservancy at appalachiantrail.com
The Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT has gained a massive following on social media recently and is a popular medium for the ultralight ethos. Our gear sees wide use on the trail, from quilts to puffies.
The trail spans 2,650 miles from Canada to Mexico thru through Washington, Oregon and California. More information on the Pacific Crest Trail can be found at pcta.org.
The Continental Divide Trail
The Continental Divide Trail is a national scenic trail stretching from Canada to Mexico through Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. Generally considered the toughest of the three national scenic trails, the CDT demands the mind of a skilled backpacker and the grit of a workman.
Learn more at https://continentaldividetrail.org/
Pacific Northwest Trail
The Pacific Northwest Trail stretches about 1,200 miles from the Continental Divide to the Pacific Ocean through Washington, Idaho, and Montana. Hikers encounter diverse terrain, including dense forests, mountain ranges, and coastal landscapes, while passing through Montana, Idaho, and Washington.
Learn more at https://www.pnt.org/
Arizona Trail (AZT)
Running 800 miles across Arizona, the Arizona Trail takes hikers on a diverse journey through deserts, canyons, mountains, and forests. This trail offers a unique perspective on Arizona's stunning natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Learn More at https://aztrail.org/
Colorado Trail
Extending approximately 485 miles from Denver to Durango, the Colorado Trail showcases the state's rugged beauty, passing through the Rocky Mountains and offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
Learn more at https://coloradotrail.org/
Florida Trail
Stretching about 1,300 miles across the Sunshine State, the Florida Trail leads hikers through diverse ecosystems like cypress swamps, pine forests, and pristine beaches, providing a unique perspective on Florida's natural wonders.
Learn more at https://floridatrail.org/
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
(IANST): Spans around 1,200 miles in Wisconsin, winding through glacial landscapes, scenic prairies, and pristine woodlands, providing hikers with a unique journey through the state's geological history.
Learn more at https://www.iceagetrail.org/
Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)
Spans over 1,175 miles across North Carolina, connecting the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers traverse a diverse range of landscapes, from the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal plains.
Learn more at https://mountainstoseatrail.org/
The Long Trail
Located in Vermont, the Long Trail is one of the oldest long-distance trails in the United States, stretching around 272 miles. It takes hikers through the rugged Green Mountains, offering a challenging and rewarding adventure.
Learn more at https://www.greenmountainclub.org/the-long-trail/
The Superior Hiking Trail
is located in our own home state of Minnesota. Many of our own staff have hiked sections of the trail including a thru-hike from Daniel who is part of our Customer Service team!
Learn more at https://superiorhiking.org/
International Long Distance Trails
Long DIstance HIking is not exclusive to the United States. Here are some of the most popular international thru hikes.
The Camino de Santiago, or Way of St. James
Is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes converging in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The most renowned is the Camino Francés, spanning about 500 miles from the French border. Thousands of pilgrims and hikers from around the world embark on this spiritual journey each year, seeking a transformative experience and cultural immersion.
Te Araroa
Is a trail that traverses the entire length of New Zealand, covering approximately 1,864 miles from Cape Reinga to Bluff. It showcases the diverse landscapes and Maori culture, offering hikers an unforgettable journey through beaches, forests, and majestic mountains.
The Tour du Mont Blanc
Is a 110-mile loop around Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. This iconic trek treats hikers to stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains, glacial valleys, and charming alpine villages.
The Great Himalaya Trail
Offers an epic adventure through the world's highest mountain range, spanning approximately 1,500 miles across Nepal. Hikers can choose between various sections, each showcasing breathtaking scenery and rich cultural diversity.
The West Highland Way
Stretches 96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland, providing a spectacular journey through the Scottish Highlands. Hikers encounter rugged landscapes, tranquil lochs, and historic castles along this renowned trail.
The Bibbulmun Track
Is a 620-mile trail in Western Australia, offering hikers a remarkable journey through diverse landscapes, including pristine forests, coastal stretches, and wildflower-filled plains.
Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls Pass
Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls offer a unique 50-mile trek through Iceland's otherworldly terrain, passing by hot springs, colorful mountains, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes.
The Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is a 26-mile route leading to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Hikers tread in the footsteps of the Incas, discovering awe-inspiring ruins, cloud forests, and Andean panoramas.
The Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail is a 140-mile hike through the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges in Australia's Northern Territory. It showcases striking red gorges, vast desert plains, and stunning sunsets.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path extends 630 miles along the coastline of England's southwest peninsula, offering picturesque views of cliffs, sandy coves, and charming fishing villages.
The Hexatrek
The Hexatrek is a 3,034 km long-distance hiking trail that crosses France from the Vosges Mountains to the Pyrenees. It is divided into six stages, each of which passes through one or more of France's 14 national parks. The trail follows the highest mountain ranges in France, and offers stunning views of the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Massif Central.
The Shikoku Pilgrimage
The Shikoku Pilgrimage is a 1,200-kilometer circular pilgrimage that takes in 88 temples on the Japanese island of Shikoku. It is one of the oldest and most popular pilgrimages in Japan, and is said to bring good luck and enlightenment to those who complete it. Pilgrims typically walk the route, but it can also be traveled by bicycle or car. Along the way, they visit the temples, offer prayers, and meditate. The pilgrimage is a journey of both physical and spiritual transformation, and is a way for pilgrims to connect with their inner selves and with the natural world.
Does EE Attend any Tradeshows?
Yes. Enlightened Equipment attends the three major trail days (AT, CDT and PCT trail days) as well as Outdoor Retailer.
Appalachian Trail Days
AT Days is a vibrant celebration that brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and local communities in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. This annual event, held in Damascus, Virginia, honors the legendary 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail, fostering a sense of camaraderie among thru-hikers and section hikers alike. Packed with exciting activities, visitors can enjoy live music, gear demonstrations, workshops, and inspiring stories from experienced hikers. The festival also offers a unique opportunity to resupply, exchange trail tales, and share the love for nature. Appalachian Trail Days is a must-attend gathering for those seeking adventure and a true sense of the trail community.
PCT Trail Days
PCT Trail Days is an exhilarating annual gathering that unites passionate hikers and nature enthusiasts to celebrate the renowned Pacific Crest Trail. Held in a picturesque setting along the trail, this event serves as a hub for thru-hikers, section hikers, and outdoor adventurers from all walks of life. From informative workshops and gear showcases to captivating presentations and entertainment, PCT Trail Days offers a diverse range of activities for attendees to enjoy. It's an opportunity to bond with fellow hikers, exchange trail experiences, and immerse oneself in the vibrant trail culture. For anyone with a love for adventure and the great outdoors, PCT Trail Days is a must-attend celebration of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.
Continental Divide Trail Days
CDT Days is an exhilarating annual celebration that brings together hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and trail advocates to commemorate the challenging and breathtaking Continental Divide Trail. Nestled amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, this event serves as a rallying point for thru-hikers and nature lovers alike. Offering a range of engaging activities, CDT Days features informative workshops, gear exhibits, inspiring talks, and live performances, creating a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie and adventure. It's a prime opportunity to share stories, forge new connections, and deepen the appreciation for the untamed wilderness of the Continental Divide. For those seeking an unforgettable experience immersed in the spirit of the trail, CDT Days is a not-to-be-missed celebration of the iconic Continental Divide Trail.
Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer is the ultimate gathering for the outdoor industry, where manufacturers, retailers, and enthusiasts converge to celebrate their shared passion for adventure and exploration. This bi-annual event showcases the latest and greatest in outdoor gear, equipment, and technology, providing a glimpse into the future of outdoor recreation. From innovative product demos to engaging seminars led by industry experts, Outdoor Retailer offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. It serves as a platform for networking, fostering collaborations, and promoting sustainable practices that preserve and protect the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor professional or an avid adventurer, Outdoor Retailer is a dynamic and essential event that ignites the spirit of exploration and fuels the love for the great outdoors.
