At HeadPointe we supply hiking gear and outdoor accessories to everyone while supporting local homeless organizations
About HeadPointe
HEADPOINTE was established in 2022 with one mission: to bring a minority-owned high-quality hiking gear store to the Pacific Northwest. Our passion for excellence inspired us in the beginning and continues to drive us today. We pride ourselves on offering a superior shopping experience and on the long-term relationships we’ve built with our customers. Pay us a visit and try it for yourself!
When you're going on an outdoor adventure, it's important to be prepared AND to have the right gear for your particular needs. Whether you are Trekking Tour du Mont Blanc, Europe, preparing for a climb at Smith Rock, Oregon, or doing a day hike in Olympic National Park, we have the information you need and the equipment specifically suited for your adventure! Wherever you go and whatever you do...Find the right gear right here!
About Me
I started hiking and backpacking about 6 years ago when I met my girlfriend, Cristina. She was an avid hiker, runner, workout fanatic, and healthy eater. I was none of those. In fact, I was overweight, out of shape, and getting worse every year. In my younger years, I was a collegiate athlete. I ran Track and Field, played basketball, tennis, and was a standout in my specialty which was the 800 meters. It wasn't until my late 40s that I stopped working out and started gaining weight.
So when Cristina and I started working out every day and going running it was like finding my old self again! We also started hiking and doing winter outdoor activities like snowshoeing. Of all the activities we did, I liked hiking the most. The novelty of carrying a pack, a whistle, a knife, bear spray, and what I call my "beatdown stick" made me feel like I was doing something most African American men never do or never choose to do. Learning how to start a fire without matches made me feel confident when I was out camping. Understanding GPS navigation and terrain gave me confidence that I knew what I was doing out there.
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In my opinion, there is no better feeling than being out in the wild and not feeling like prey.
I started HeadPointe because I wanted to chronicle my experiences as an African American hiker, backpacker, and rock climber. Not all my experiences are earth-shattering, but they give me the opportunity to share the beauty of nature with my readers from my unique point of view.
The products I sell on this site are products I would use (in some cases have used) myself. When I do product reviews, I connect with industry professionals (and other experts I've gotten to know) before I recommend them. I write and share with the hope that my experiences will inspire someone to get off the couch and experience life to the fullest degree possible for them and to provide great outdoor products so they can do it safely and have fun. Life is short. Keep climbing!