Castaway & Gator take a moment after reaching 100 miles in 4 days; Pitamakan Pass, Glacier National Park, on the Wild West Trail in 2018.
Blaze A Trail
A trailblazer is someone who makes a new track through wild country. Part explorer, part bushwhacker; a trailblazer is a pioneer and an innovator.
The term “blaze a trail” first came about in the 18th century when people started marking forest trails with blazes, or small notches, in trees. Today, it can take on an even greater meaning, referring to a new path or method of doing something.
In the summer of 2018 we mapped and hiked the roughly 2269 mile Wild West Trail for the first time, blazing a trail through the American West that had never been done before. That trek was the culmination of years of planning, working, saving, and discussing.
Unsatisfied with existing long trail and thru hike options, we connected a number of already established trails on paper, and then took it into the real world to experience the best of the American West — all in one summer!
Some called us freaks of nature, while others referred to us simply as nature freaks. Either way, we’re okay with it.
We documented the journey in a 17-part YouTube series, which we shot in beautiful 4k and is available online for your viewing pleasure. We proudly offer maps of the entire trail, plus other trails we’ve mapped, in our shop.
Now, for the first time, we are excited to offer a physical product inspired by the trail itself!
Thoughtfully designed and thoroughly tested on the actual Wild West Trail, we present a smoking pipe for the trail ahead that’s as tough as you are.
An Ode To The Freaks Of Nature
We are the Nature Freaks,
And we are the Freaks of Nature,
Bagging mountain peaks,
And hiking up the glaciers.
Popular-losers and rule-forsakers,
We smoke under pale moon-beams,
Yet we are the Freakin’ Trail Blazers,
Of the world for ever, it seems.
#BlazeItFREAK
We first field tested our branded hand pipe on the Wild West Trail in the summer of 2018, and we have been using it ever since.
It’s made from sustainably sourced silicone, well worth every ounce of its carry weight, and has withstood everything we could throw at it. We created the Trailblazer smoking pipe with you in mind: bendable, portable, unbreakable.
“Out of every piece of equipment we brought on the trail, the silicone honeycomb smoking pipe, combined with the proper amount of therapeutic smoking leaf, was one of the most useful items in our arsenal.”
— Castaway
We don’t like to follow in others’ footsteps, unless those footsteps are in post holes. We’re inspired individuals who are passionate about being outside and creating our own path. Forget pronouns for a moment, we identify as Nature Freaks. More than a love of the outdoors, we actually feel nature inside of us – especially when we inhale.
Next time you’re out on a trek, slow it all down and take in what mother nature has brought before you. Don’t miss the mountains to make the miles; reach into your pack, pull out your Trailblazer — and BLAZE IT, FREAK!
Get Your Freak On
Take it from us, there’s no better time or place to get your freak on than when you’re in the backcountry, miles from nowhere. With both durability and portability in mind, the Trailblazer is ready when you are.
Our honeycomb silicon mold was inspired by the hexagonal construction method used by bees when making their honeycomb. The hexagon shape gives materials extra strength, which scales up to human construction as well. There is symmetry and strength found in nature, and our hope here is to tastefully imitate those qualities.
Our robust silicone pipe also makes a great gift for the hiker who likes to get their freak on from time to time but already “has everything”.
A trailblazer is an innovator, and silicone pipes are an innovation. We didn’t invent long distance hiking, but we improved it with the advent of the Wild West Trail; we weren’t the first people to bring a pipe on a thru-hike, but we were among the first to bring one made from silicone.
Our honeycomb hand pipe is the culmination of all of that learned experience, and we’re excited to put these out there for our fellow travelers.
Head over to our store now (or click the link below) and place an order while supplies last!
Silicone Smoking Pipe
Silicone smoking pipe. Honeycomb design made from unbreakable and sustainable silicone. Each pipe is branded with the Wild West Trail logo and comes with a hidden storage container and a metal tool for scraping and packing. Featuring a glass bowl which is safe to smoke out of.
(Notice the price? We’re charging roughly 1 penny for every mile of hiking on the Wild West Trail.)