1,375 articles 223 comments

Mary Murphy

Title: Managing Editor
Email: mmurphy@gearjunkie.com
Location: Denver, CO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marym-murphy/
Pronouns: she/her/hers

Expertise

Topics of Expertise: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Running, Paddleboarding, Mountain Biking, Sport Climbing, Skiing
Years in Expertise: 10+
Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 700+ products, 3,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English, Creative Writing, Minor in Journalism, Colorado College
Years of Writing: 7+
Certifications: WFR, CPR, ACA Flatwater Rescue, SSI/PADI
Club/Association Memberships: AORE, Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI)
Awards/Recognitions: The John Hopkins Book Award
Previous Publications: 5280 Magazine, Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado College Alpine Journal/Outdoor Journal

A Word from Mary Murphy

I began writing professionally for my college’s alpine journal and outdoor publications, and soon after began my career in the outdoor industry working in outdoor education while also writing for various publications here in Colorado. I’ve written for daily papers, city magazines, and worked as a freelancer and on staff for digital publications. It’s been my dream and love ever since I was young to intertwine writing and the outdoors. My personal interests include hiking, pack-paddleboarding, cooking, 1000-piece puzzles, and traveling the world. When I’m not writing, you can find me hiking around Colorado with friends and family, or spending quality time with my black lab.

The Best Backpacking Chairs of 2023

Planning to hit the trails but don’t want to sacrifice comfort at camp? Invest in a backpacking chair.

Written by Miya Tsudome and Mary Murphy September 16, 2023

Make the Most of Yoga at Home: How to Build Routines

Ever felt inspired after a yoga class to practice on your own but don’t know where to start? Follow these instructors’ tips to create your…

Written by Mary Murphy September 14, 2023

The Best Merino Wool Shirts of 2023-2024

Looking for the best merino wool T-shirts out there? Check out our favorite merino layers for hiking, biking, running, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy and Katie Griffith September 08, 2023

The Best Standup Paddleboards of 2023

Looking to invest in a standup paddleboard but don’t know where to start? Check out our list for the best paddleboards of 2023.

Written by Mary Murphy and Morgan Tilton September 07, 2023

The Best Hiking Socks of 2023

Get ready to hit the trail with the best hiking socks of 2023. From epic thru-hikes to quick day hikes, we have you covered.

Written by Mary Murphy and Andrew Potter September 06, 2023

Capable Roof Cradle That Folds Down Small: Küat Class 4 Kayak Rack Review

This folding kayak roof rack seems neat on spec, but is even more awesome than we thought after rigorous testing.

Written by Mary Murphy September 06, 2023

Gerber Zilch Pocket Knife Review: $25 Knife Does the Job

For a low-price knife, the Gerber Zilch is light, capable, and carries well as an EDC tool.

Written by Mary Murphy August 31, 2023

Hiking Over to Drop Into ‘Perfect’ Whitewater: Sending Cali’s Cherry Bomb Gorge

Is there a better section of whitewater river in the world? With this crew, their stoke, and based on this edit, I’d say no.

Written by Mary Murphy August 29, 2023

How to Wash a Backpack: Tips to Keep Your Pack Fresh

Backpacks are bound to get dirty. Dust, dirt, spills, and germs are just some of the things you don’t want to carry around on your…

Written by Mary Murphy and Jake Starr August 25, 2023

The Best Running Shorts for Women in 2023

We tested the best running shorts for women in 2022, including top picks from Patagonia, Outdoor Voices, Smartwool, Nathan, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy, Rebecca Ross and Chelsey Magness August 23, 2023

The Best Daypacks of 2023

We tested the best daypacks of 2023 with options for every budget. Top picks include Osprey, Cotopaxi, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy and Miya Tsudome August 22, 2023

The Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2023

We tested the best backpacking water filters and purifiers for your next trip into the great outdoors.

Written by Mary Murphy and Chris Carter August 21, 2023

A Portable Pizza Oven Anyone Can Use: Solo Stove Pi Prime Review

There are already plenty of pizza ovens on market — but none as affordable and easy to use as the Solo Stove Pi Prime.

Written by Mary Murphy August 18, 2023

The Best Insulated Water Bottles of 2023

We tested the best insulated water bottles for 2023 with options for every budget. Top picks include YETI, Hydro Flask, and more!

Written by Mary Murphy and Nick Belcaster August 11, 2023

Versatile, Functional, but Minimalist to a Fault: CamelBak A.T.P. 20 Travel Pack Review

CamelBak is launching the most sustainable pack it’s ever created — dubbed the Adventure Travel Pack. Naturally, we had to test it.

Written by Mary Murphy August 10, 2023

The Best Camping Stoves of 2023

We tested the best camping stoves from Coleman, Camp Chef, Primus, and more for this review. Check it out to see how each performs and…

Written by Mary Murphy and Nick Belcaster August 07, 2023

The Best Backpacking Stoves of 2023

The right stove makes life on the trail better. From ultralight canisters to four-season and multifuel options, we’ve found and tested the best backpacking stoves.

Written by Mary Murphy and Chris Carter August 07, 2023

Paddle Like a Kayak, Stand Like a SUP: STAGE 2SIDE Double-Sided Paddle Review

Can one paddle really do it all? The double-sided, adjustable, multi-configuration STAGE 2SIDE SUP Paddle is one of the most versatile paddles on the market…

Written by Mary Murphy August 01, 2023

Hot Pants! Salewa ‘Lavaredo Hemp Light’ Keeps You Oh-So-Cool

Salewa says its Lavaredo Alpine Hemp Light pants are for climbing. I say they’re for anything.

Written by Sean McCoy and Mary Murphy July 11, 2023

PACT Outdoors Pact Lite Review: Has the Ultimate Poop Kit Finally Arrived?

The PACT Lite takes everything you’d need in a outdoor backcountry bathroom kit and packs it into a skinny, ultralight, Pez-dispenser-like package.

Written by Mary Murphy July 06, 2023

Living the Interim Van Life: First Look Review at Dave & Matt Vans’ LV5 Series

I had an unexpected chance to test out the van life last year. Check out my full review of the 2023 Dave & Matt Vans…

Written by Mary Murphy June 27, 2023

King of the Alps Extreme Kayaking World Championship: Watch the Winning Run

The King of the Alps Extreme Kayaking Race requires skill, knowledge, but above all, confidence to take on some of the biggest water in the…

Written by Mary Murphy June 23, 2023

The E-Bike of Watersports, Electric SUPs: Awesome Innovation, or Just a Fad?

There are very few electric paddleboards (e-SUPs) on the market. The SUP community at large wonders if they’re a gimmick or a true innovation.

Written by Mary Murphy June 21, 2023

First Packraft Descent of the Little White’s Class V — Including Spirit Falls

Warning: Attempt Class V whitewater packrafting at your own risk.

Written by Mary Murphy June 05, 2023

Adventure Wagon Campervan Review: Modular Minimalism for the Win

The Adventure Wagon is not like other campervan builds you’ll see. It’s completely modular, adaptable, and makes for a fantastic basecamp.

Written by Mary Murphy May 26, 2023

The PFD Women Actually Want to Wear: Astral Layla PFD Review

The Astral Layla PFD has been a longtime favorite among female paddlers for over 20 years for its women’s-specific fit. It’s ideal for active water…

Written by Mary Murphy May 26, 2023

‘Little White Salmon’ Kayak Race: Best-Kept Secret in the PNW?

If you’re not part of the whitewater community, you would probably never know about this epic kayak race in the Pacific Northwest.

Written by Mary Murphy May 25, 2023

Climbers Make History: 2 Mountaineers Become First Deaf Americans to Reach Everest Summit

In the wake of harsh conditions and a high death toll already this season, today’s summit victory by one team brings positive news from Everest.

Written by Mary Murphy May 22, 2023

Cooler Than Skijoring? In New Zealand, Ride a Horse on Your Next Ski Approach

Forget driving into the backcountry. Or skinning in. Instead, rise a horse. This Kiwi-produced short film from Patagonia tells how.

Written by Mary Murphy May 18, 2023

At ‘World Class Kayaking School,’ the Legendary Zambezi River Is the Classroom

Need to up your river skills? There’s no better place to learn, apparently, than at this World Class Kayak Academy.

Written by Mary Murphy May 17, 2023