This week I sat down with Lyle Cordes. He is a runner, biker, and climber who grew up in Pennsylvania, went to school at UVM, and now lives in New Hampshire, and the past couple years has been ripping around the White Mountains. He’s got impressive race results under his belt, including a second place finish at the Jigger Johnson 50 Miler, 24 hours at Mt. Ascutney secured a full Everest, and most recently a podium finish at the World's End 100K. We talk about how he got started in endurance sports through mountain biking, his transition to trail running, and how he accidentally started a viral outdoor blog back when he was ten years old after deciding to sleep outside in a tent for the entire year of 2013.

HOW TO FIND LYLE

https://strava.app.link/5l0oeamfe5b

I've tried a lot of different trail running gear over the years and have refined my ideal kit and gear for the mountains. Below are some of my favorite pieces of running and hiking 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! 🙏

⛰️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. Super easy to use and can help out in a pinch as well.

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. Its a high 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 so fairly stable but also has some cush 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.