Six years ago, September 23rd, 2019 to be exact, Hilltop Packs began in the corner of a basement with a single sewing machine and a crazy idea. What started as a small fabric printing experiment quickly grew into something much larger, a brand known not just for custom ultralight gear but for the people and stories behind it. A story that continues to write new chapters.
From Basement to Workshop
The first pieces of gear were stitched on a $100 sewing machine in a family basement, made for hikers who wanted something different, something personal, and built to last. Those early days were fueled by determination, family support, and plenty of creativity. Today, Hilltop Packs has grown into a bustling workshop producing gear carried on trails all around the world. Even with the growth, the spirit that started it all remains the same.
Built on Family and Teamwork
Family has always been at the heart of Hilltop Packs. From the very beginning, loved ones pitched in with cutting, sewing, and packing. As the company grew, so did the team, bringing together a small but mighty crew who treat the workshop as more than just a workplace. Every stitch, every printed design, and every idea is a shared effort, grounded in the belief that making gear should feel personal and purposeful.
Customers Who Became Part of the Story
Hilltop Packs would not be here without the community that believed in us from the start. Loyal customers have carried our gear through rainstorms on the Appalachian Trail, sun-soaked days on the PCT, and thousands of hikes around the world. Along the way they have shared their photos, stories, and milestones with us, turning a simple purchase into a shared journey.
We have celebrated with them when they reached a trail’s end, when they achieved a personal goal, and when they simply found joy in the little things on a weekend backpacking trip. Their stories inspire us, and in many ways, their adventures are stitched into the fabric of our gear. That ongoing connection between maker and hiker is something we never take for granted.
Staying Approachable, Staying Real
As Hilltop Packs has grown, one thing has never changed: our commitment to staying accessible and approachable. We are still a small team where you can email, message, comment, or even stop by the shop and meet in person. We listen to feedback, laugh with customers, and celebrate life changing events together because we know this brand only works when it is grounded in people and real experiences, not just products.
Here’s to the Next Chapter
Six years in, Hilltop Packs is still fueled by the same things that started it all: family, teamwork, and community. Every item that leaves our shop carries more than just hiking supplies; it carries stories, trust, and the spirit of adventure.
To our crew, to our family, and to every loyal customer who has walked beside us on this journey, thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us. Here’s to six years behind us and to many more trails ahead.
Read more about the current Hilltop Packs staff here
