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 Approach Shoes of 2025
Last Updated: September 26, 2025
Combining the features of hiking shoes, climbing slippers, and even mountaineering boots, approach shoes are in a category of their own. For climbers, they’re an essential piece of footwear that provides stability and traction on rock in addition to...
Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags and Quilts of 2025
Last Updated: May 5, 2025
For all the minimalist backpackers, bikepackers, thru-hikers, and ounce-counters, the lightweight gear world is full of options to complete your sleep system. While many of the leading backpacking sleeping bags will get the job done, for those looking...
Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2025
Last Updated: July 29, 2025
Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...
La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Review
Last Updated: March 19, 2021
Designed for long, demanding missions in the mountains, La Sportiva’s Trango Tech GTX effectively bridges the gap between a hiking and mountaineering boot. We took the hybrid (both the men's and women's versions) on an expedition into the Alaska Range...