I've always found I'm more successful when I remain in the field for several days and move along with the elk. My gear needs to be lightweight, functional, and it easy to setup at night and repack each morning. I’ve found that a simple bivy sack, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag system are all I need for most nights. I also carry a lightweight tarp that I pitch in a closed a-frame fashion for weather protection if I do encounter some rain or snow. All my gear is there to help me kill a bull, break one down and haul it off the mountain, or keep me safe and in the field hunting. Anything that does not help me achieve those doesn’t make the list.

Growing up in rural southern Utah, the outdoors and hunting have been an integral part of Trail’s life from a very early age. In his own words, “I love everything about hunting, the research, planning, preparation, gear, adventure, peace, challenge and sense of accomplishment it provides.” “There is nothing like it, it's all consuming for me.” Trail has hunted almost every state in the west and Alaska and continues to apply and research every opportunity to explore and hunt more each year.