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, I started making my own gear, and once I began 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.
The Dyneema gear in the shop — ditty bags, dry bags, stake bags — I make by hand in my workshop in Charlotte, NC.
The down quilts and sleeping bags are different: they're made by Ice Flame, a specialist in ultralight down sleep systems. I used their quilt for over a year before I partnered with them, and I only carry gear I'd use myself. You can read more about them on our About Ice Flame page.
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 CLT_Hiker on Instagram 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. Our Dyneema gear is all handmade by me.
_ Matt Diasparra
Email: CLT_Hiker@yahoo.com
Instagram: CLT_Hiker