Maggie is an avid outdoor adventurer and a dedicated nature enthusiast. As a young girl growing up just a few hours south of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, she completed an American Canoe Association mastery paddling course. As a teenager, she started teaching canoeing skills and leading hiking expeditions in Girl Scouts. Attending Iowa State University, Maggie earned her BS in Biology and a Masters in Physical Anthropology. For eight years, Maggie worked in numerous research laboratories, assisting in scientific studies of everything from local frog communication strategies and white-tailed jackrabbit life cycles to bison seed dispersal in tall-grass prairies and the mechanism behind temperature sex dependence in turtles. Completing her Master's thesis on chimpanzee behavior took her to the savannahs of Senegal and the forests of Zambia, all the while guiding backcountry paddling and backpacking trips for ISU's Outdoor Recreation Program. After leaving her home state, Maggie designed and led hands-on study abroad courses, guiding and teaching high school and college students while backpacking in Andean cloud forests, trekking in Lesotho's high mountain ranges, swimming in Galapagean waters, and exploring Caribbean jungles. She spent several years managing youth backpacking and educational programs in the Lake Tahoe area, planning, outfitting, and guiding teens on multi-day expeditions through the Sierra Nevadas. Maggie has slept under the stars in all hemispheres, living out of a backpack, a teardrop trailer, and a camper van. She's an avid hobbyist runner, racking up miles on the pavement and on trails, and medaling in local races — just for fun. With over 15 years of professional guiding experience under her belt and close to 30 years spent paddling, cycling, running, hiking, skiing, and road-tripping around the world, Maggie has been bringing her passion for finding the right gear for any situation to GearLab since 2016.
Showing 1-15 of 284 by Maggie Nichols

Best Water Gear
Enjoy a day on the water. Our ultimate list of the best water gear is adventure worthy. We considered everything you...
The Best Dry Bags
Unless you are willing to gamble with your gear, carrying water-sensitive essentials across any body of water calls...
The Best Life Jackets
Be safe and comfortable by wearing the right life jacket on the water. Since 2019, we've tested dozens of the best...
Best Buy
NRS Vapor Review
An easy-to-fit vest that is no-frills, comfortable, and costs less than the comparable competition.![the ultimate camping gear checklist for [year]](https://d1nymbkeomeoqg.cloudfront.net/photos/24/10/362565_20297_M2.jpg)
The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist
Looking for the best camping gear on the market? Waste no time and get in here to see the best of the best when it...
The Best Camping Chairs
When choosing the best camping chair, we have a lot of demands. It must be portable and last through lots of use and...
Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women
Searching for a UV-protective sun shirt to hide out from the sun's powerful rays? Each year, we test the most...
Editors' Choice
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Long Sleeve Hoody for Women Review
This hoody beat out some intense competition to be our all-around favorite sun shirt for the second year in a row...
Best Buy
REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie for Women Review
A smooth, soft shirt with a baggy, comfortable fit, this more affordable top takes advantage of the breeze to help...
Top Pick
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie for Women Review
Impressively, this hoody is light and breathable enough to wear under a hot sun without feeling like you're melting...
Best Windbreaker for Women
Searching for the essential layer for just about any three-season adventure? Since 2015, we've tested the top women's...
The Ultimate Travel Packing List
Looking to travel? Let us help you prepare with our Ultimate Travel Packing list!
Editors' Choice
Rab Vital Hoody for Women Review
The Rab is an impressive performer, with excellent wind and water resistance. Available for a relatively low cost...
Top Pick
Fjallraven High Coast for Women Review
The High Coast is a fashionable windbreaker that combines decent functionality with a style you can be at home...
Top Pick
Patagonia Houdini for Women Review
The Houdini was first introduced years ago. It's been a favorite ever since. This hard-charging windbreaker is still...
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