FIELD NOTES
Guides, stories, and observations from the places and culture that shape Habilis.
Gifts for People Who’d Rather Be Outside
Gift ideas for people who would rather be outside, inspired by national parks, road trips and the places they keep going back to.
Yosemite in Winter: The Case for Visiting Outside the Summer Rush
Winter brings a different rhythm to Yosemite. A guide to weather, road access, Badger Pass, skiing and snowshoeing, seasonal closures, and what changes when you visit outside the summer rush.
Big Bend, the Border & the Future of a National Park
Big Bend National Park has always been shaped by what lies beyond its borders. From an unrealized international park to returning black bears, the Rio Grande and the community of Boquillas, its history reveals a landscape deeply connected to Mexico—and raises new questions about its future.
The Buttermilks: Climbing, History & a Guide to Buttermilk Country
West of Bishop, enormous granite boulders sit beneath the eastern Sierra Nevada. A field guide to the Buttermilks, from Smoke Blanchard and the origins of “Buttermilking” to modern bouldering, geology, climbing seasons and the history of Buttermilk Country.
Why We Make What We Make
Habilis started with a simple idea: make things connected to the places that stay with us. A look at the experiences, design decisions and sometimes slow process behind what we make—and why the place still comes first.
California Highway 1 Road Trip: Big Sur and the Central Coast
Follow California Highway 1 from Santa Barbara to Carmel through beach towns, working harbors, redwood forests and the cliffs of Big Sur. This Central Coast road trip guide covers the places worth stopping along the way, from Morro Bay and Hearst Castle to McWay Falls, Nepenthe, Bixby Creek Bridge and Point Lobos.
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.