Beyond the Trailhead Podcast Ep. 17 | Minimal Gear/Cnoc Founder & CEO Gilad Nachmani

🎙️ Beyond the Trailhead Podcast — Episode 17Guest: Gilad Nachmani — Founder & CEO of Cnoc Outdoors / Minimal GearIn this episode of Beyond the Trailhead, Craig sits down with Gilad Nachmani, founder of Cnoc Outdoors, one of the most recognizable names in ultralight hydration and backpacking gear.Gilad shares the real story behind Cnoc — from launching the original Vecto water container on Kickstarter with almost no money, to scrambling to fulfill thousands of orders after an unexpected review from Darwin on the Trail. What started as a niche ultralight idea quickly became a must-have for thru-hikers worldwide.But this episode goes deeper than gear.Gilad talks honestly about the romantic myth of entrepreneurship, the realities of forecasting, manufacturing, and MOQs, and why most people underestimate how hard it is to build a product company. His advice for new founders might surprise you: sometimes the best advice is “don’t do it” unless you’re ready for everything that comes after the idea.We also dive into:💧 How the Vecto changed water carry for hikers🏕️ The ultralight gear world and thru-hiker feedback loops📦 Kickstarter lessons and early manufacturing struggles🧠 Why scaling turns you into an employer, not a maker🌲 Gilad’s love for trails and the outdoor communityIf you’re a hiker, gear nerd, or founder thinking about starting a brand — this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom.🔗 Connect with Minimal Gear/Cnoc Outdoors🌐 Website: https://cnocoutdoors.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cnocoutdoors📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnocoutdoors▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cnocoutdoors🎧 Listen to Beyond the Trailhead▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthetrailhead🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-trailhead/id1860050826🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/11g9jx9Oyd2YSHipi0mmDy?si=72d97f11c5f64ea6📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetrailheadpodcast🌐 Website: https://obristimagery.com