Maggie Slepian

Maggie Slepian

Title: Contributing Editor

Location: Montana

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, camping, climbing, archery
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts, English / Creative Writing
  • Years of Writing: 15
  • Years of Gear Testing: 10+
  • Previous Publications: New York Times, Outside Magazine, Longreads, Backpacker, Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, The Strategist, Runner’s World, Travel + Leisure, The Trek, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Adventure Cycling, Backpacking Light, Wide Open Spaces


Why I Chose This Career

I have always enjoyed backcountry travel and writing, and somehow figured out a way to turn it into a career between writing, editing, and gear testing. 


How I Began My Career

I started as an intern with a local outdoors magazine. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail I took a job as the managing editor for an outdoor publication and continued as a full-time freelance writer from there.

Recent Articles

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2025

Last Updated: September 15, 2025

A sleeping pad is a critical—and often overlooked—element to a backpacking system. And while early backpacking sleeping pads were bulky and often weighed several pounds, plenty of current ultralight offerings pack down to the size of a water bottle.

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How to Choose a Down Jacket

Last Updated: December 17, 2024

For the best in cozy and lofty warmth, down jackets are in a class of their own. The category covers a wide range of options, from lightweight and packable designs for backcountry use to stylish and hardwearing models for your winter commutes. Below we...

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Backpacking Sleeping Bags vs. Quilts

Last Updated: July 7, 2025

For thru-hikers, bikepackers, or anyone looking to travel light and fast, an ultralight sleeping bag or quilt is a no-brainer purchase that can shave noticeable weight and bulk from an overnight kit. But the choice between the two can be tricky...

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Kühl Crossfire Parka Review

Last Updated: February 20, 2025

Kühl is known for their no-nonsense, stylish outerwear that toes the line between casual and performance. Their women's-specific Crossfire Parka follows this trend in a knee-length, high-coverage design that leaves plenty of room for layering. I have...