Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy has been writing about hiking, running, climbing, camping, skiing, and more for eight years, and has been on staff at GearJunkie since 2019. Prior to that, Mary wrote for 5280 Magazine in Denver while working as an outdoor instructor teaching climbing, kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and the love of nature to kids. Based in Denver, Colorado, Murphy is an avid hiker, runner, backpacker, skier, yogi, and pack-paddleboarder.

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.