About HTG:
I live and sew in Berlin, where I design and prototype my gear. I have tested all my products on my own hikes and continuously optimized them until I was satisfied. New products will be added over time - depending on whether I feel confident selling them and whether the sewing effort makes sense for production.
(A) Definition:
"Hiker Trash" is a self-deprecating term used by long-distance hikers who embrace a minimalist, often scruffy lifestyle during their journeys, deliberately leaving behind societal norms like cleanliness and material possessions. It describes a subculture of hikers who take pride in their nonconformity, resourcefulness, and deep connection to nature.
My Long Journey to Hiker Trash Gear (HTG):
My hiking journey began in 2010 with the Urwaldsteig around the Edersee. My plan was to complete the circuit in three days with a friend – and almost everything went wrong. The car broke down, so we had to take the train instead. We started way too late and had to navigate in the dark using cheap keychain flashlights we had hastily bought on the way. After about half the distance, we had to quit on the third day due to foot pain. Despite everything, my love for hiking was born. What followed were amazing hikes in Mallorca, Tenerife, Norway, a crossing of the Alps, Bulgaria, Nepal… The list is quite long by now!
Over time, my gear evolved significantly. I kept making it lighter, simpler and more efficient. In 2020, I ordered "real" ultralight (UL) gear from the U.S. for the first time. It was ridiculously expensive – but also incredibly light. Switching to UL gear completely transformed the way I hike. I quickly realized that ultralight hiking was about more than just equipment, for me it became an entirely different approach to hiking - almost like a separate discipline.
In 2023, I fulfilled my dream of thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Five months, 4300 km, and hikers from all over the world. The trail became my home - brushing my teeth and eating while walking became as normal as doing it in front of the mirror at home. I realized how essential simplicity and minimalism in hiking gear are. I saw how little one actually needs and how well some items work together. On the trail, I also met hikers using homemade gear. One thought grew stronger in my mind: "My next gear, I’ll sew myself."
Back in Germany, half of my gear was worn out from the PCT. I seriously got into "Make Your Own Gear" (MYOG) and started learning to sew. Somehow, I found it incredibly fun. My first project was sewing some pouches from an old tent - turning hiking trash into new gear. That’s when the idea for Hiker Trash Gear was born. I believe that when an idea becomes too big to stay in your head, you should put it out into the world - et voilà.
YouTube:
Since around 2021, I’ve also been running a YouTube channel documenting many of my hikes and showcasing some of the products I now offer here. Here is a Shortcut to my Channel 😉.