Triple Crown Finisher and Fastpacking Enthusiast Kevin Gagnon

<p>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.</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 and can help out in a pinch as well.</p><p>🍩TRAIL FUEL</p><p>Tailwind: <a href="http://rei.pxf.io/NGYD17" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">rei.pxf.io/NGYD17</a> OR <a href="https://amzn.to/4cEiam4" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener nore