Expert Gear Picks from Jim DeCesare

    Expert trail running, hiking and camping gear recommendations from Jim DeCesare, KY Trail Runner, based in Bowling Green, KY.

    Jim DeCesare's 10 Products I Actually Use

    The gear I actually use and would buy again include Hoka Challengers and Cliftons, Brooks Ghost Trail, TSL Trekking Poles, Silo Crew Drop One, Precision Fuel and Hydration, Darn Tough Vermont Socks, UltraSpire Travers Pack, Goodr Sunglasses, Salomon 4L and 12L packs, and Garmin Watch

    Rendezvu
    Jim DeCesare
    Wake up, kick ass, repeat!

    Jim DeCesare

    KY Trail Runner
    Jim DeCesare
    Wake up, kick ass, repeat!

    Jim DeCesare

    KY Trail Runner
    Jim, photo 1 of 1

    About Jim

    Jim DeCesare is a 60-year-old trail runner and endurance hiker from Bowling Green, Kentucky. He spends most weekends on the trails at Mammoth Cave National Park, and his racing has taken him from local 50Ks to the canyons of the Southwest. In 2026 he completed the ~37-mile Zion Traverse in a single day and the three-day Grand Circle Trailfest across Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Antelope Canyon, and he has crossed the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim three years running. On November 14 he’ll take on his first 50-mile race, and he has the UTMB Chattanooga 50K on the calendar for June 2027. Away from the trails, Jim is a drummer and a longtime community leader in South Central Kentucky.

    Details

    DisciplineTrail Running, Hiking and Camping
    SpecialityUltra Distances and Hiking
    LocationBowling Green, KY
    JoinedNov 2026
    UltrAspire TRAVERSE 20L
    UltrAspire · $225UltrAspire TRAVERSE 20L
    Jim“Great pack for my long, unsupported runs and hikes.”
    Precision Fuel and Hydration PF 30 Gel
    The Feed · $3Precision Fuel and Hydration PF 30 Gel
    Jim“This is my go-to carb gel for all events. Great product!”
    Men's Clifton 11 Shoes
    Hoka · $155Men's Clifton 11 Shoes
    Jim“I use the Clifton's for road running. Great shoe and comfortable.”
    Men’s Challenger 8 Shoes
    Hoka · $155Men’s Challenger 8 Shoes
    Jim“These are the most comfortable trail shoes around. I've been wearing these a couple of years and they're great!”
    DROP KIT PRO I Crew Drop One Bag + Roll Drop Organizer
    SILO · $142DROP KIT PRO I Crew Drop One Bag + Roll Drop Organizer
    Jim“This bag is awesome for my trail adventures. Well designed and keeps things organized.”
    Ghost Trail
    Brooks · $150Ghost Trail
    Jim“Great shoe for my shorter trail adventures.”
    Salomon Quiver
    Backcountry · $30Salomon Quiver
    Jim“Fits great on all my Salomon packs.”
    Salomon Active Skin 4 Running Vest
    Salomon · $100Salomon Active Skin 4 Running Vest
    Jim“I use the vest a lot on my trail adventures with aid stations.”
    S/LAB ADVENTURE 20
    Salomon · $230S/LAB ADVENTURE 20
    Jim“Great vest for those long trail adventures.”
    ACTIVE SKIN 12
    Salomon · $130ACTIVE SKIN 12
    Jim“I use this on my supported trail runs where I need the extra room.”
    Forerunner® 965
    Garmin · $600Forerunner® 965
    Jim“Great watch for the price and has all the bells and whistles that I need.”