Mary Murphy
331 articles

Mary Murphy

Contributing Writer

Title: Contributing Writer
Location: Denver, CO
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marym-murphy/
Pronouns: she/her/hers

 

Expertise

  • Topics of Expertise: Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Running, Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Sport Climbing, Ice Climbing, Skiing, Dog Gear
  • Years in Expertise: 10+
  • Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 700+ products, 5,000+ 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 & Swiftwater Rescue, SSI/PADI
  • Club/Association Memberships: AORE, Colorado 14ers Initiative (CFI), Backcountry Beauties
  • Awards/Recognitions: The John Hopkins Book Award
  • Previous Publications: 5280 Magazine, Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado College Alpine Journal/Outdoor Journal

Career Highlights

  • Section-hiking on the AT, CT, and CDT
  • Setting a self-supported SUP circuit record in Bowron Lakes, BC, Canada
  • Gravel biking in St. George, Utah
  • Running rapids on the Colorado River (whitewater SUP and kayak)
  • Running SufferFest trail runs
  • Ice climbing at Ouray Ice Festival, Lake City Ice Fest, and All In Ice Fest
  • 5/8 Colorado Via Ferratas and counting
  • Countless powder days while gear testing

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 at the top of a local 14er.


rhonex kipruto running 10k

two men building an undulating bike track out of wood through forest

two men preparing to wingsuit off very tall mountain with view of water below

screenshot of view out of helicopter on SOS rescue by Alaska State Troopers

Today’s Bargains: 3 Can’t-Miss Gear Sales

Katie Burrell and four other skiers skinning uphill

Eukarya origin wooden headlamp with red strap resting in snow

Emerging Gear: Facial Recognition Bike and Snowboard Footrest

view from top of steep run at Silver Mountain, Idaho

geoff wilson with his sled and skis resting on a bank of snow

Amazfit HomeStudio with Smart GLASS Screen set up in front of connective Treadmill

Best Outdoor Gear Deals of the Week

5 outdoor-related book covers against black background

Man sitting on track wearing earbuds and putting on NURVV Run biometric and app-connective Insoles

skiers traverse above moon-lit town in night skiing film

Smoke billowing from the Dunns Road fire Australia

Erik Weihenmayer paddling through whitewater in a Kokatat kayak down the grand canyon

Santos Tour Down Under women's cyclist racing in pack

People Hiking

Trek roscoe 6 hardtail bike shown on trail

Two cyclists traveling through Tajikistan looking towards big mountains ahead

Mikaela Shiffrin holding up glass trophy, atomic skis and Leki poles on podium

climber in blue jacket ice and mixed climbing in Utah

Red Gerard boarding in X Games film JOY

Christina Koch

XQUAD tracker device being used on a hike near coastline

REI Camping Sale

Flash Forest drone in aerial view over red and yellow trees

Cho Oyu

Call Me Crazy – Mike Wiegele Film