Joe Flannery's Ski, run Gear & Expert Recommendations
CEO
San Diego, CAConfidence is quiet. Stoke is contagious.
I’m Joe Flannery—lifelong sports guy, longtime gear nerd, and someone who’s tested product from every angle: as an operator and end-user, and as a brand leader. I’m a former CEO of Canadian Mountain Holidays (world's largest heli-ski company), previously CMO of The North Face, and I spent years in footwear management at Nike and adidas. These days, I’m not trying to prove anything by stacking huge miles—I’ve done that chapter. Now I’m all about the sweet spot: performance you can trust + comfort you’ll actually choose, whether it’s a quick run, a training week, or a big day outside. On Rendezvu, you’ll find me covering: • Front-country and back-country alpine skis • Mid-distance road and trail running shoes • Technical shells and layering systems (the “stay warm, stay dry, don’t overthink it” kind) My take is practical and honest: what’s worth it, what’s overhyped, and what quietly becomes your go-to—because it just works.
Discipline: Ski, run
Specialty: Alpine
Led 1st LEGAL Heli-Biking expedition in Alaska - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tordrillo-mountain-lodge-unveils-2018-summer-season-heli-adventures-and-resort-enhancements-300636726.html
Expert Gear Picks from Joe Flannery
Expert ski, run gear recommendations from Joe Flannery, CEO, based in San Diego, CA.
Joe Flannery's My First List
Your first gear list to get started
Joe Flannery recommends the Salomon S/LAB ULTRA 12 — Best running vest I’ve owned. The S/LAB Ultra 12 carries hydration, fuel, keys, and a phone better than anything else I’ve used. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and remarkably stable, with a fit that stays close to the body and never feels bulky or distracting. The storage is smart and easy to access on the move, and the included two 500ml soft flasks make it ready to go right away. At 12 liters and about 205 g before accessories, it has impressive capacity without giving up that barely-there feel.
Joe Flannery recommends the Brooks Ghost Trail — I love this shoe. The Brooks Ghost and Ghost Trail have been my go-to marathon training shoes because they strike the perfect balance of cushion and support. They fit my feet exceptionally well, and I’ve had none of the usual issues with abrasion or blisters that I’ve experienced in other running shoes. For long training miles, that combination of comfort, protection, and consistent fit is hard to beat. The ride feels soft enough to keep my legs fresh, but still supportive enough that I feel stable and confident on the run. My only complaint is that the padding on the upper back heel area tends to wear out sooner than I’d like. That said, I like this shoe so much that I still buy multiple pairs every year. For me, that says it all.
