Brandon Chase

Brandon is a guide, writer, and endurance athlete from Maine. In a previous life, he was a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State and had the opportunity to explore over 60 countries while serving at U.S. 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, South Africa, and the U.S. While abroad, he picked up an affection for endurance athletics and regularly competes in ultramarathons at 50k, 50 mile, and 100 mile distances around the globe. In addition to leading wildlife and rafting trips in the Pine Tree State, he is a guide and instructor forAndrew Skurka's backpacking trips and Plan Like a Pro course.

Posts

This Rain Jacket Costs $800. Is It Worth It?

This Rain Jacket Costs $800. Is It Worth It?

Quick Verdict The Arc’teryx Beta SV is a purpose-built hardshell for serious weather and high-consequence environments. Exceptionally durable and

May 7, 2026 : Brandon Chase
Zpacks Duplex Pro Ultralight DCF Tent Review

Zpacks Duplex Pro Ultralight DCF Tent Review

Quick Verdict The Zpacks Duplex Pro refines one of the most iconic ultralight tents on trail. With a more intuitive pitch, improved storm

Apr 23, 2026 : Brandon Chase
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Pack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Pack Review

The pack that practically defined modern ultralight backpacking just got a major upgrade. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest, long revered by

Nov 3, 2025 : Brandon Chase
Topo Traverse Trail Shoe Review

Topo Traverse Trail Shoe Review

As someone who’s worn through more than a dozen pairs of Topo Athletic shoes on long thru-hikes, fast trail runs, and everything in between, it's

Jun 24, 2025 : Brandon Chase
Astral Nosobo Hiking Shoe Review

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 versatility. While

Jun 16, 2025 : Brandon Chase
Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Review

Arc’teryx Atom Hoody Review

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody (previously known as the Atom LT) has long been a staple in the outdoor market, renowned for its lightweight warmth,

Dec 12, 2024 : Brandon Chase
Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Review

Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Review

The Patagonia R1 lineup has earned legendary status in the outdoor world, renowned for its versatile mid-layers and fleece garments that have been a

Nov 7, 2024 : Brandon Chase
Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review

Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket Review

When it comes to outdoor gear, few brands command as much respect as Arc'teryx, and the Beta SL jacket is a prime example of their commitment to

Oct 8, 2024 : Brandon Chase
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Pack Review

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Contour 35 Pack Review

The backpacking brand that thru-hikers know and love, Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG), has recently broken the mold of their tried-and-true lightweight

Sep 18, 2024 : Brandon Chase
Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 Trail Runner Review

Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 Trail Runner Review

I won’t sugarcoat it: I’m a big fan of Topo Athletic footwear. My admiration began during my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike, when I urgently sought

Aug 5, 2024 : Brandon Chase