Author: Brandon Chase

Brandon Chase is a writer, endurance athlete, and guide based in Maine. He is a former Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State and spent nearly a decade overseas serving at embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan. Along with a 98-day thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, he has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiked the West Highland Way, fastpacked in the Himalayas, and trekked around New Zealand and South Africa. He also regularly competes in ultramarathons at the 50k, 50-mile, and 100-mile distances. He is a Lead Guide for Andrew Skurka Adventures and the New England Outdoor Center.

March 10, 2026 Brandon Chase

Winter Roundup: Gear and Fuel I Reached for This Season

Winter in Maine is a pretty good filter for gear. Between icy trail runs, snowy walks, cold errands, and long

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February 25, 2026 Brandon Chase

Quick Gear Review: AeroPress Go Plus

I’m pretty non-negotiable about coffee. Whether I’m at home, guiding, traveling, or waking up in a random hotel room somewhere,

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February 3, 2026 Brandon Chase

My Winter Path Projects Kit: The Layers I Actually Trust When It’s Cold and Wet

Winter is where good gear gets exposed. Anyone can make something that feels great on a crisp October morning. Winter—real

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February 2, 2026 Brandon Chase

The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to GORE

There are gear brands you try, brands you rotate through, and then there are brands that quietly become part of

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November 7, 2025 Brandon Chase

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Pack Review

This article first appeared on TheTrek The pack that practically defined modern ultralight backpacking just got a major upgrade. The

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September 3, 2025 Brandon Chase

Gear Roundup: Summer Field Notes

Every summer I put a mix of new gear to the test — sometimes on long trail runs, sometimes on

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July 8, 2025 Brandon Chase

Astral Nosobo Hiking Shoe Review

Astral Designs is a go-to brand for paddlers, guides, and outdoor lovers thanks to its focus on performance, sustainability, and

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July 1, 2025 Brandon Chase

Topo Athletic Traverse Hiking Shoe Review

This article fist appeared on TheTrek. As someone who’s worn through more than a dozen pairs of Topo Athletic shoes,

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June 5, 2025 Brandon Chase

Lightweight Gear That Earned a Spot in My Pack This Spring

As someone who spends a lot of time outside—hiking, running, guiding, or just trying to stay ahead of Maine’s blackflies—I’m

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May 21, 2025 Brandon Chase

First Look: Teva’s New Hiking Sandals and Boots Are Built for More Than Just the River

Teva has long been a go-to for river guides, travelers, and just about anyone who wants a comfortable, dependable sandal

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