1,336 articles

Mary Murphy

Title: Managing Editor
Email: mary@loladigitalmedia.com
Location: Denver, CO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marym-murphy/

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, traveling, and cooking.

Want to Raft This Spring? Alpacka Packrafts Are ‘Ready to Ship’

When you order from Alpacka Packrafts, your raft will be delivered in just two days, thanks to its new ‘Ready to Ship’ program.

Written by Mary Murphy March 24, 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 March 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 & Nick Belcaster March 17, 2023

From Tokyo to the Trails: Dylan Bowman’s Jaunt to Japan

This short film proves that even pro ultrarunners have bad days — and it’s all about how you make the most of them.

Written by Mary Murphy March 10, 2023

Kokopelli Chasm Lite Review: Touring on the Most Packable SUP Ever

Rarely do I look at a piece of gear and doubt its efficacy due to its size. Never fear, once inflated, this packable SUP speaks…

Written by Mary Murphy March 10, 2023

No Cold Spots, Full Send: Gordini Elias Gauntlet Gloves Review

By utilizing ‘Thindown,’ Gordini promises the warmest down-insulated pair of gloves you’ve ever met. (And if you don’t want all that warmth, no worries, the…

Written by Mary Murphy March 09, 2023

SCARPA’s Ribelle Run Kalibra G Is a Winter Trail Running ‘Juggernaut’

The SCARPA Ribelle Run Kalibra G borrows from mountaineering boots to open up winter mountain running terrain possibilities.

Written by Mary Murphy and Bergen Tjossem March 08, 2023

Win a Bear Canister and $500: BearVault Announces Adventure Brand Ambassador Program

Now’s your chance to join the BearVault team, and show off how you use a bear canister in bear country.

Written by Mary Murphy March 07, 2023

Bill Parks, Founder of Northwest River Supplies, Passes Away

A whitewater legend, business professor, and brand founder has died.

Written by Mary Murphy March 06, 2023

The Perfect All-Condition Alpine Sunglasses: Dynafit Ultra Pro Review

The photochromic powers of the Dynafit Ultra Pro sunglasses are nearly unbeatable. For me, they worked for everything from shady and cloudy ski days to…

Written by Mary Murphy March 03, 2023

Propane Traeger, Moosejaw Coolers, Hybrid HOKAs, Adventure Chess, and More Emerging Gear

From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design.

Written by Adam Ruggiero, Mary Murphy and Austin Beck-Doss March 02, 2023

Don’t Be Fooled by ‘False Spring’: 5 Late-Winter Gear Deals

Find great deals on outdoor gear. That’s our goal each week. This week save on ski pants, jackets, goggles, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy March 01, 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 & Chris Carter March 01, 2023

Animated Ski Short Classic: It’s Time to Watch ‘Hors Piste’ If You Haven’t Already

The animated short ‘Hors Piste’ is like a Pixar short crossed with a harrowing search-and-rescue story. It’s funny, unexpected, and a hilarious take on a…

Written by Mary Murphy February 28, 2023

The Best Down Booties of 2023

We tested the best down booties of the season with options for every budget. Top picks include Sierra Designs, Western Mountaineering, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy February 27, 2023

I Lived Out of This Backpack for 3-Plus Months: Matador Globerider45 Review

Matador aims to have the “ultimate adventure travel backpack” with its Globerider45. We used it and abused it for months to see how it fared.

Written by Mary Murphy February 24, 2023

The Best Ski Socks of 2023

Winter is in full swing, and if you’re like us, that means you’ll be spending a lot of time in the snow. These are the…

Written by Morgan Tilton & Mary Murphy February 24, 2023

The Best Winter Boots for Women of 2023

We tested the best winter boots for women in 2023, including winter hiking boots, snow boots, extra-warm boots, and winter rain boots.

Written by Mary Murphy February 24, 2023

East Meets West: Running Brands Janji and Oiselle Announce Merger

Independent running brands Janji, based on the East coast, and Oiselle, based in the West, have joined forces.

Written by Mary Murphy February 22, 2023

SOAR Run Tights Review: Stay Warm on Cold Runs in Razor-Thin Tights

By far the lightest pair of running tights I own, the SOAR Run Tights weigh just 3.8 ounces, yet are perfectly optimized for cold-weather wear.

Written by Mary Murphy February 21, 2023

Primus Offers Free Stove Repair Parts in Push for Longevity, Sustainability

Do you know what’s cooler than a 4-ounce backpacking stove? A 4-ounce backpacking stove that will last forever.

Written by Mary Murphy February 16, 2023

More Than a Ski Film: Trevor Kennison Shows Personal Growth After Injury With ‘Full Circle’ Sit-Ski Stunt

Sit-ski athlete Trevor Kennison is back at it again with some impressively confident skiing.

Written by Mary Murphy February 16, 2023

Paddlesports Industry Leaders, Brands Form First ‘Paddlesports Trade Coalition’

The water or ‘paddlesports’ industry is quickly growing — enough that brands joined together last month to form an industry-first Paddlesports Trade Coalition.

Written by Mary Murphy February 15, 2023

No Yard? No Problem: Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit Review

Just slightly larger than a Nalgene, Solo Stove’s latest fire pit isn’t built for the backyard, it’s built for the opposite: smaller outdoor spaces.

Written by Mary Murphy February 14, 2023

The Best Women’s All-Mountain Skis of 2023

Our team of powderhounds found the best all-mountain skis for women in 2023, including top picks from Atomic, Blizzard, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton & Mary Murphy February 14, 2023

The Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023

We tested the best women’s ski pants for both resort and backcountry. Top picks are from The North Face, Arc’teryx, Helly Hansen, and more.

Written by Morgan Tilton & Mary Murphy February 14, 2023

The Best Women’s Ski Jackets of 2023

We tested the best women’s ski jackets of 2023 with options for every budget. Top picks include Outdoor Research, Patagonia, and more.

Written by Mary Murphy & Morgan Tilton February 13, 2023

Solo Stove Unveils ‘XL’ Version of Its Mini Mesa Fire Pit

Solo Stove now offers three full-size fire pits and two new tabletop fire-pit options.

Written by Mary Murphy February 10, 2023

Rossignol Rallybird 92 Ski Review: A Not-So-Agro, Softer Ski That Still Rips

Rossignol’s Rallybird 92 is a buttery smooth and soft ski ideal for intermediate skiers that want to explore all of the mountain.

Written by Mary Murphy February 09, 2023

Ruffwear Overcoat Fuse Review: Clever Jacket-Harness Combo for Dogs

Some dogs are just meant to be outside. My dog, for example, loves the snow — to chase it, eat it, sniff it, play in…

Written by Mary Murphy February 07, 2023