$10,000 White Mountains FKT Bounties Reaction & Predictions

<p>This week I react to the recently announced White Mountains Bounty by Run the Whites. $10,000 annually to be allocated to five of the most competitive mountain running routes in the Northeast. </p><p>The Presidential Traverse - 18mi 8.5k ft vert</p><p>Pemi Loop - 29mi 9kft vert</p><p>Hut Traverse - 45mi 16k ft vert</p><p>White Mountains 100 - 95mi 34k ft vert</p><p>Mahoosuc Traverse 28mi 11k ft vert</p><p>Each route has either $1,000 or $2,000 if you set the new mens or womens FKT. If you crack the top 10, you will also be paid out amounts varying from $50 - $200. People know that the Northeast has some of the most difficult and technical terrain in the country, but not many pros stick around and put emphasis on the region. This will no doubt bring out more elite mountain runners to give a crack at these routes and help legitimize the routes and the athletes in the region.</p><p>I&#39;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! 🙏</p><p>👟FAVORITE TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:</p><p>Hoka Speedgoat 7: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/7XBr4r</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/3RdDZRS</a> </p><p>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&#39;s lighter, and slightly reduced stack from the old version and I have been loving it.</p><p>La Sportiva Prodigio Pro: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/0GB7gP</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/3T1u0Qi</a>  </p><p>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.</p><p>Saucony Endorphin Speed 5: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/6kR90V" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/6kR90V</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/4wGHWh5</a>  </p><p>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. </p><p>⛰️ESSENTIAL TRAIL RUNNING GEAR:</p><p>GPS Watch: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/VOjena" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/VOjena</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/4wT0bQq</a>  </p><p>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.</p><p>Running Vest: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/zzD3We" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/zzD3We</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/4feeEzr" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/4feeEzr</a>  </p><p>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. </p><p>Lightweight Water Filter: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/R0Djza" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/R0Djza</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/4vErYTK" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://amzn.to/4vErYTK</a>  </p><p>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 a