Mary Andino author bio head shot GearJunkie
252 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.


Person on surfboard lifts up off into the air on the ocean

Lion Eats Meat - Danish Zoo Pets

Fitness,Woman,Trail,Runner,Running,In,Grassland

Woman wearing helmet rides on three-wheeled e-bike with a dog in a carrier. Riding down a neighborhood street with trees.

Two people carry canoes above their heads in a desert like landscape

Person in red jacket stands with forest in the background wearing a blue backpack

LifeStraw Go_stainless steel_white_lifestyle_kauai_half filling_adam barker_Exp 2025

Four hikers carrying power stations walk along a trail with river to the right and trees in the background

beachman 64 e-bike hero

Two climbers hike up a steep amount of snow

Heavy smoke fills air with mountain background

HOKA Speedgoat 6

Biscayne,National,Park,,Florida,-,05/25/2014:,Woman,Kayaks,On,A

Man in front of lake hangs food on large pole

ombraz refugio

The,Marymere,Falls,Trail,In,Olympic,National,Park,,Usa

Gifts from Huk for moms who love being on the water

Man walks carrying surfboard in front of Porsche

Walmart Storefront blue and yellow building

Injured climber with SAR member in mountains

Babsi Zangerl El Capitan

person using her laptop thanks to the power of the Jackery 1500 Pro

Francois-DHaene-2024-Hardrock-100-Rainbow-Trail

Long-haired chihuahua sits on a glacier

specialized tour de france bike

rtic 16 qt road trip cooler

Janja Garnbret of Slovenia competing in a 2023 IFSC World Cup

two people standing next to sea to summit bikepacking tent

yellow Knockaround sunglasses

PARLEE Z-ZERO GT purple close up