I’m Matt — also known as CLT_Hiker.
I started my YouTube channel because I was learning everything from the ground up: hiking, backpacking, dialing in my kit, and figuring out what actually works on trail. Sharing that process felt natural-ish. I wasn’t trying to be an expert or a professional; I just wanted to document the journey — the mistakes, the small wins, and the views that make the miles worth it.
As the hobby grew, so did the cost of trying new gear, testing setups, and creating content. That pushed me toward MYOG, and once I started sewing, something clicked. It lined up perfectly with my original mission as a creator: provide information on affordable, high‑quality gear that real people can actually use.
That’s how CLT HIKER GEAR LAB started. I wanted to build handmade, functional, affordable gear that adds value for my viewers and anyone who spends time outdoors. The goal is simple: make products that earn their place in your pack, and keep sharing the process openly — the successes, the missteps, and the lessons learned on trail.
I’m still documenting the journey, still learning, and still building gear one piece at a time. If you’re here, you’re part of that process.
Feel free to tag our social media when you’re using our gear. Reach out via email or Instagram if you have feedback — growing is part of the plan, and I want you involved in the evolution. Leave a review and let me know what you think of these products, all handmade by me.
— Matt Diasparra
Email: CLT_Hiker@yahoo.com
Instagram: CLT_Hiker