Mary Andino author bio head shot GearJunkie
275 articles

Mary Andino

Location: Missouri
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/andino_mc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryandino

Expertise

Topics of Expertise: Climbing, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, National Parks, Land Access
Years in This Expertise: 6+
Number/Types of Products Expert Has Tested: Packs ranging from 20L to 75L, ultralight sleeping pads, over 30 different climbing harnesses, and the newest climbing shoes to hit the market.

Education & Certifications

Education: BA in History, College of William & Mary. MA and PhD in History, Washington University in St. Louis
Years of Writing: 5+
Previous Publications: Climbing, Backpacker, and Terrain.

A Word from Mary Andino

As a California native who grew up in a family of Boy Scouts, the outdoors have always been central to my life. Nothing makes me feel more powerful and confident than going on solo backpacking adventures. Since falling in love with climbing in my mid-20s, I’ve become a weekend warrior who is always at the crag, working on a sport climbing project. My two senior dogs, Olive and Bailey, are my constant outdoor travel companions.


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Close-up shot of person pouring protein powder into a shaker bottle.

black and green sleeping bag set up in a tent

Rocky forest landscape with smoke from fire in the distance

Skier jumps on snowy mountain

The Best Outdoor Deals Today (That Aren’t on Amazon)

river surrounded by forest in fall colors

Adaptive rider goes down mountain bike trail

Close up shot of trail running shoes on log

Merrell Moab 3 hiking boot

Black bear walks on trail

Leki Griffin

woman running with pit viper glasses

Alex Honnold sits in red shirt with skyscraper in background

El Capitan

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody in yellow by the water

Person climbs up large boudler

Cowboy leans against fence with horse in snowy landscape

desert with sign

Climber goes up crack

Trail runner stands in dark with headlamp

Person climbs on outside of airplane above mountains

teva trailwinder mid gtx in mud

dyneema woven compisite Hyperlite Mountain Gear

Hiker stands next to signs on trail

Rab Hypersphere 7.5 Sleeping pad

woman bouldering in fontainebleau france

Person stands next to Katadhin sign on moutnain

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person's shoes sticking out from under pile of pinecones