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. He writes about his adventures here on TheTrek as well as TheStringbean.co and his personal blog, Fit For Miles

Posts

Weekly Trail Update Nine: Days 57 – 62

Weekly Trail Update Nine: Days 57 – 62

Welcome back for another trail update! Day 57: Zero Day at Rock N Sole Hostel As mentioned before, I decided to take a zero day here to let

May 28, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update Seven: Day 43 – 49

Weekly Trail Update Seven: Day 43 – 49

Welcome back for another trail update! Day 43: Zero Day in Waynesboro I took today off, and boy did I need it. The last 100 or so miles have

May 19, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update Eight: Days 50 – 56

Weekly Trail Update Eight: Days 50 – 56

Welcome back for another trail update! Day 50: Harper's Ferry to Pine Knob Shelter - 24.1mi I woke up at the Quality Inn feeling rested, and

May 19, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update Five: April 23 – April 29, 2018

Weekly Trail Update Five: April 23 – April 29, 2018

Welcome back for another trail update! Day 29: Chestnut Knob Shelter to random spot @ mm594 - 24.8mi As I mentioned before, the shelter last

May 18, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update Six: April 30 – May 6, 2018

Weekly Trail Update Six: April 30 – May 6, 2018

Welcome back for another trail update! Day 36: Johns Spring Shelter to Troutville, VA - 18.2mi I finally had a night without rain and my tent

May 10, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update Three: April 9 to April 15

Weekly Trail Update Three: April 9 to April 15

Welcome back for another trail update. Day 15: Jerry Cabin Shelter to Bald Mountain Shelter - 25.6mi Last night was another subfreezing

Apr 19, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update #2: April 2 – April 8, 2018

Weekly Trail Update #2: April 2 – April 8, 2018

Welcome back for another trail update. Day eight: Cable Gap Shelter to Russell Field Shelter - 21.6 miles Today was one of my shortest days.

Apr 13, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Weekly Trail Update #1: March 25 – April 1, 2018

Weekly Trail Update #1: March 25 – April 1, 2018

Welcome to my first update from the trail! Here I'll give a day-by-day account of my hike and everything that goes along with it. Please excuse the

Mar 31, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Lessons Learned From a Successful FKT Attempt

Lessons Learned From a Successful FKT Attempt

Recently, I completed an unsupported FKT attempt of the 255-kilometer Beşparmak Trail in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. My total time was

Mar 19, 2018 : Brandon Chase
Energy Gels for Hiking: Yay or Nay?

Energy Gels for Hiking: Yay or Nay?

Disclaimer: I am sponsored by Manuka Sport and I support and recommend their products in this post.  As the worlds of ultralight backpacking and

Mar 16, 2018 : Brandon Chase