This week, I’m talking about search and rescues in the White Mountains. It feels like there are more and more rescues in the news and social media. I try to give a bit different of a perspective than much of the online hooplah. I pulled in some facts, talked about how missions are funded and tried to think about how we most effectively educate people to prevent avoidable scenarios. I also share a story from my first sunrise hike up Monadnock and being wildly unprepared for extreme mountain conditions when I was a teenager. I finished off with some Q&A covering everything from how to convert pace on technical trails, to listening to music during runs, to 200 mile race scene thoughts. And I give a quick look at some upcoming July races.

Over the years I have refined my ideal kit and gear for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite pieces of running and hiking gear. 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! 🙏

⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:

GPS Watch: 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.

Summer Running Vest: 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 because I am usually bringing less gear. 

Lightweight Water Filter: 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. 

Winter Running Vest: https://amzn.to/4aVAoP7 

Solomon has been the gold standard for trail running vests. I have always worn Solomon vests and still have all my original packs. In the winter, I use a 12L because I am bringing extra gear and it all fits fine. 

👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

Hoka Speedgoat 7: https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS

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

La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi 

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

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: 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.

🎤PODCAST & CAMERA EQUIPMENT:

RodeCaster Pro II: https://amzn.to/4wCO0XR

Initially I recorded the podcasts through my laptop and a mixer box but it was a nightmare. I fully suggest anyone looking for podcast equipment to get an all-in-one audio production studio that handles mixing, processing, and internal multi-track recording. 

Shure SM58 Mic: https://amzn.to/4fdhEvQ 

The gold standard in microphones. 

Insta360 Go 3S: https://amzn.to/3RdE344 

I recorded my first handful of videos using this. Super tiny 4k camera that you can clip to your hat and get really cool POV videos.

Portable Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/4f4rbqb 

This is what I use to run my RodeCaster Pro II from my truck bed. Will run the unit for several hours on a single charge.