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
Rock Climbing Checklist
Last Updated: August 14, 2024
Whether you spend your days climbing indoors or scaling multi-hundred-foot monoliths, it’s always helpful to know what you need. Our detailed climbing checklist below covers the critical gear for different styles of climbing: gym climbing, bouldering...
Choosing the Right Climbing Rope Diameter
Last Updated: August 1, 2024
There are so many considerations that go into purchasing a rock climbing rope: Do you want a bi-pattern rope or one with a middle mark? How long does it need to be? Should you buy a dry-treated or standard rope? And one of the most crucial—and often...
Best Duffel Bags of 2025
Last Updated: May 14, 2025
Whether you’re traveling by air, driving up to a cabin for the weekend, or venturing across the world on an expedition, you’ll likely be using a duffel bag to get your gear from one place to the next. Duffels are popular among all kinds of travelers...
James Baroud Odyssey Rooftop Tent Review
Last Updated: September 10, 2025
The James Baroud Odyssey is easily one of the most premium, luxe, and well-designed rooftop tents (RTT) on the market. It has some of the more intuitive features I've seen on an RTT...