Colorado 13er Hike and Trail Run | What I'm Wearing
I left for the house around 5am so that I could get on the trail when the sun came up. I’m not quite sure if I was successful or not since the clouds and rain kept the sunrise hidden from view. The trail I was on was a bit of a brute; it gains more than 1,000 feet of elevation in the first mile.
I spent most of that first mile wondering if I had made a mistake hiking to 13,000+ feet in the rain, but the clouds never looked like they were going to turn violent so I kept on, checking the weather on my phone as I put one foot in front of the other.
After the first mile the trail splits and starts flowing all the way to the summit. Due to the rain I was the only one up there, an experience that I have to say is unique in the front range. I ran for a few miles, snapped a few photos and made it back to the car without getting wet. One of my happier moments in the mountains and a great way to start off year 34.
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid Hoody
One of my most worn pieces since it keeps me warm but thanks to the waffle pattern on the back it breathes better than any other jacket I own or have ever worn. Perfect for the 40 degree temperature when I started and easily packable once things warmed up.
Patagonia Airshed Pro Pullover
My trail running outer layer for most days. It is extremely lightweight and protects from the elements pretty well, without being too heavy once the heart really starts pumping. Part of the High Endurance Kit, I own two.
Patagonia Ultralight Capilene Base Layer
The lightest t-shirt Patagonia makes. Perfect for running, though I wish I had it in more than one color since the black can really heat up once the sun comes out.
Patagonia Altvia Alpine Pants
I don’t normally run in pants but my tights have been feeling a bit, um, tight lately. These turned out to do the job well, though next time I think I’ll bring shorts. Great for hiking though and they kept me dry.
Salomon Adv Skin 12
By far the best running vest/backpack I’ve ever used. Everything is kept in place, including my not-so-light mirrorless camera and a few liters of tea, plus there is ample room to store layers of clothing once it gets warm.
Hoka Speedgoat 4
I was going back and forth between wearing these or my Salomon Speedcross 5 trail runners. I love them both for different reasons. Thankfully the trail wasn’t super technical or I would’ve regretted my decision. I just wish they weren’t so damn expensive.
Oakley 5 Panel
I ordered this while I was high on painkillers after a nose surgery and it has become my go to running hat, hence the stains. It’s breathable, bright, and ultralight. Plus I like orange.
The North Face WindWall CloseFit Tricot Gloves
40 degrees means I need gloves. These ones do the trick while not being bulky at all allowing me to use my phone, camera, eat, drink. Bought them with my REI dividend the day before and I don’t regret it.
Seiko Landmaster
I used to run with my Garmin everywhere but all of that info can lead to overanalyzing data, at least in my case. This watch is gorgeous and super light, way lighter than any of my dive watches, and all I needed was something to tell me the time. Mission accomplished.
