Field Notes
Guides, stories, and observations from the places and culture that shape Habilis.
After the Last Chair
Mammoth has been one of the West’s great ski mountains for generations, but its après-ski culture developed differently from places like Aspen, Park City and Vail. From early nightlife and the condo boom to the Village and today’s gatherings on the mountain, After the Last Chair looks at how geography, development and generations of Southern California visitors shaped what happens when the lifts stop turning.
Fishing the Owens River: Current Conditions & Eastern Sierra Guide
A practical guide to fishing the Owens River, with live flow data, recent trends, weather and water temperature alongside access, seasonal conditions, regulations and local Eastern Sierra resources.
Mammoth Lakes in Winter: A Field Guide to the Eastern Sierra
A winter field guide to Mammoth Lakes, from skiing and snowboarding Mammoth Mountain to snowshoeing, winter fishing, Highway 395 and exploring more of California’s Eastern Sierra.
How to Comment on a Public Lands Proposal—and Make Your Comment Count
A straightforward guide to finding the right public comment period, understanding what’s being proposed, and writing a clear, useful comment that helps make your voice heard in decisions affecting America’s public lands.
The Best Time to Visit America's National Parks: Seasonal Guide & Road Trip Itineraries
Planning a national park adventure? Discover the best time to visit nine of America's most iconic national parks, along with carefully curated road trip itineraries that take you beyond the park gates. From Yosemite and Yellowstone to Acadia and the Great Smoky Mountains, explore seasonal highlights, travel tips, and unforgettable destinations that turn every visit into a longer journey.
Why Every Backpacker Should Carry a Backcountry Bidet
Lightweight, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective, a backcountry bidet is one of the simplest ways to improve hygiene while reducing waste on the trail. Learn how portable bidets work, compare popular options, and discover an easy DIY solution that helps you Leave No Trace without adding unnecessary weight to your pack.
The Complete Guide to Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
This guide covers everything you need to know to successfully hike Half Dome: the best time to go, permits, where to stay, mistakes to avoid, and tips that will make the experience even better.
Vintage-Inspired Outdoor Style for Everyday Wear
A closer look at the Habilis approach to vintage-inspired outdoor style — relaxed graphic tees, softened layering, trail-influenced utility, and everyday clothing designed to feel just as natural in town as it does on the road.
How to Set Up a Hammock: A Beginner's Guide to the Perfect Hang
Whether you're relaxing at camp, spending a day in the park, or creating a comfortable place to unwind outdoors, a properly set up hammock can make all the difference. This beginner-friendly guide walks through the basics of hanging a hammock safely, comfortably, and with minimal impact on the environment.
Hiking The Narrows in Winter: A Complete Zion National Park Guide
Winter transforms The Narrows into one of Zion National Park’s most unforgettable hikes. With fewer crowds, dramatic canyon light, and a quieter experience in the Virgin River, the colder months offer a completely different perspective on one of America's most iconic trails.
Hilton Lakes Trail Guide: Hiking & Backpacking in the Eastern Sierra
A detailed trail review of Hilton Lakes near Mammoth Lakes, California covering hiking conditions, camping, permits, elevation gain, fishing, and what to expect on this scenic Eastern Sierra alpine lake trail.
What to Wear to National Parks (A Practical + Timeless Guide)
Not sure what to wear to national parks? This practical guide covers simple layering, essential gear, and versatile outfit ideas to keep you comfortable on the trail and beyond.
Grand Canyon Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? This complete travel guide covers the best viewpoints, hikes, when to visit, and what to pack so you can make the most of your time at one of America’s most iconic national parks.
Hiking the John Muir Trail: What to Know Before You Go
Plan your journey along the John Muir Trail, one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the Sierra Nevada. This guide covers key sections from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney, along with essential tips, planning advice, and what to expect on the trail.
The Ultimate Guide to Joshua Tree National Park: Hikes, Hidden Gems, Where to Stay & What to Pack
Explore Joshua Tree National Park with this in-depth travel guide covering the best hikes, scenic spots, and essential desert tips. From sunrise views among the iconic Joshua trees to stargazing under some of California’s darkest skies, discover how to plan your trip, what to pack, and what to wear for the unique Mojave landscape.
Leave No Trace - A Legacy Worth Protecting
At its heart, Leave No Trace is more than a slogan — it’s an outdoor ethic that asks us to care for the natural world, minimize our impact, and ensure that future generations can experience the wonder of nature as we did.
The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite National Park
If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park, this is the only guide you’ll need.
From iconic granite cliffs to roaring waterfalls and alpine wilderness, Yosemite is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States — and one of the most visited national parks in the country.
The Ultimate Zion, Bryce & Moab Road Trip Guide
Plan the ultimate Zion to Moab road trip through southern Utah, with stops at Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. This 5–7 day itinerary covers the best route, hikes, scenic drives, and essential trip-planning tips.
The Forgotten Outdoor Movement: The History of the Camp Fire Girls
Long before modern outdoor brands, national park road trips, and hiking culture filled social media feeds, there was another movement encouraging Americans—especially young people—to build a relationship with nature. It was called the Camp Fire Girls.
Ultimate Guide to Big Bend National Park
Planning a trip to Big Bend National Park? This ultimate guide covers the best hikes, scenic drives, places to stay, and expert tips for exploring one of the most remote and spectacular national parks in the United States.