Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Climbing, mountaineering, trail running, hiking and backpacking, backcountry skiing
- Education: Masters in Education
- Years of Writing: 9
- Years of Gear Testing: 9
- Certifications: PCGI certified Lead Guide
- Club or Association Memberships: American Alpine Club, Access Fund, Austrian Alpine Club
- Previous Publications: Climbing Magazine, Alpinist, Sidetracked, Adventure Journal, REI Co-op Journal
Why I Chose This Career
It feels like the other way around—this career chose me. I've always loved writing and have a fairly analytical brain, but my biggest fascination in life was with the mountains and the experiences I could have within them. Luckily, I get to combine the two!
How I Began My Career
Way back in the day, I was full-time rock climbing and living in my van and needed some extra cash to support my dirtbaggery. It made sense to write about the gear I was using and the life I was living! Fast forward almost a decade and I'm still doing just that, although my "house" got a little bigger and is no longer on wheels.
Recent Articles
Best Belay Devices for Climbing of 2025
Last Updated: August 5, 2025
Along with a harness and rope, one of the most essential pieces of rock climbing equipment is the belay device. In short, a belay device attaches the climber’s rope to the belayer, allowing the belayer to keep the rope taut, catch the climber when he...
Best Hydration Bladders of 2025
Last Updated: June 5, 2025
Whether we’re hiking, biking, running, or climbing, on-the-go hydration is an essential part of our kit. There’s simply no better way to encourage drinking consistently during activity, which is vital to performance and enjoyment (after bonking one too...
Best Packrafts of 2025
Last Updated: July 13, 2025
Packrafts are an impressive feat of modern engineering: They’re incredibly durable and capable, yet many pack up small enough to fit into a backpack or bike bag. As a result, packrafts have become popular additions to all manner of human-powered...
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody Synthetic Jacket Review
Last Updated: September 24, 2025
Merging features from Patagonia’s winter-weight DAS Parka and their fast-and-light-focused Micro Puff, the DAS Light Hoody was a quick favorite among climbers and backcountry skiers when it first hit the market in 2020. Billed as...