Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Rock climbing, mountaineering, thru-hiking, backpacking and hiking, trail running, travel
- Education: Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies and Community Development, Covenant College
- Years of Writing: 6+
- Years of Gear Testing: 9
- Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, CPR, PADI Open Water Diver
- Club or Association Memberships: SCC
- Previous Publications: Wayfinder Magazine, GearJunkie
Why I Chose This Career
We all want our stories to be heard, and we rack up some darn good ones when romping around the world. So, I suppose that’s how I started. Whether it’s writing, painting, or filming, getting to tell my tales with either a lens or pen—nestled within the outdoor community—has been an incredible ride.
How I Began My Career
Weaving an increasingly complicated web of freelance video gigs, copyediting, and journalism in the outdoor industry, the past several years found me doing whatever I could to wrangle enough funds for my adventures. It was fun but not the most consistent existence. Eventually, the creative energy I got from writing about my exploits and the gear that got me through them won out. I’ve been clacking away at the keyboard ever since… and living a slightly more settled life.
Recent Articles
At the Feet of Giants: Climbing Island Peak in Nepal's Khumbu Valley
Last Updated: February 28, 2025
"I guess I just really want to do something different—something I'm not comfortable doing. Something aside from hiking." I quickly threw "Imja Tse" into Google, gripping the phone between my shoulder and ear as details unfolded. "It'd be about a month...
How to Pack a Backpack
Last Updated: July 17, 2025
One of the first steps to enjoying a backpacking trip is learning how to load your pack properly. There are a lot of considerations that go into a well-packed backpack, from nailing the capacity and balancing your pack's contents to keeping critical...
Best Hiking Shoes of 2025
Last Updated: November 25, 2025
The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. You do lose some ankle support when carrying a heavy pack or traversing rocky trails, but the weight...
Best Men's Hiking Shirts of 2025
Last Updated: September 29, 2025
All it takes is one muggy day on trail in a full cotton shirt to illustrate the importance of a hiking shirt. The lightweight, moisture-wicking nature of these trekking tops makes them well-suited for long, hot days, and they generally feature a good...