This week I sat down with Kevin Gagnon, a Triple Crown thru hiker who completed the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail by the age of 25. Kevin showed me the ropes of ultra running and long distance endurance feats when I was getting into the sport. He has so many different stories from thru hikes, fast packing long distance routes, and ultra marathons. Cohos Trail (last week), Arizona Trail, Northern Colorado Trail, Midstate Trail, Bay State Circuit the list goes on and on. He is always putting down tons of miles. We talk about it all and why you gotta get out and see these places while you can.

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite running and hiking shoes and gear. If you have any questions, please reach out! By using the affiliate links below, I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting the channel! 🙏

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👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r OR https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS

The shoe I have worn for the most miles in the White Mountains. Its a high stack height but I like that for running fast down steep descents. The Speedgoat 7 is my favorite version so far. It's lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP OR https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi

My top pick for a super shoe in technical terrain. Light, fast, and has really good grip. Mid tier stack so fairly stable but also has some cush to absorb downhill impact. These shoes want to go.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: rei.pxf.io/6kR90V OR https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5

One of my favorite pair of road trainers. An uptempo, fast shoe which I use on my road runs to work on turnover and speed.

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: rei.pxf.io/VOjena OR https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq

In my experience, Garmin has the best GPS accuracy in thick, dense forest in the Northeast. I trust the mileage and vert data from Garmin over any other watch.

Running Vest: rei.pxf.io/zzD3We OR https://amzn.to/4feeEzr

Salomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Salomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the summer, I use a 5L and in the Winter I use a 12L.

Lightweight Water Filter: rei.pxf.io/R0Djza OR https://amzn.to/4vErYTK

A water filter top for a soft flask is one of the most essential pieces of gear for trail running. I always bring the least amount of water possible and fill up at any stream. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

🍩TRAIL FUEL

Tailwind: rei.pxf.io/NGYD17 OR https://amzn.to/4cEiam4

I always have a sugar mix in my bottles for long runs. It’s the easiest way to make sure you are getting enough calories and electrolytes in.

Energy Gel: rei.pxf.io/4aBD69 OR https://amzn.to/4wQgOfq

I like Precision, Maurten, and SIS Beta gels the most at the moment. I like mixing it up and never exclusively use one type.

Caffeine: rei.pxf.io/0GB70M OR https://amzn.to/4gvZRAN

I don’t drink caffeine and don’t like the caffeinated gels as much. These are cheap and effective for speed workouts, long runs and race efforts.