Upon earning her BA in Political Science, Mary traded in books and city-living for a trad-rack and the mountains – backpacking and riding bikes all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and even France. Whether climbing cracks in the desert, hiking into the backcountry for alpine rock and ice climbing missions, or commuting by bicycle – this gal is on the go. Mary has over fifteen years of experience in the outdoor industry, from wrenching on bicycles and selling climbing gear, to working as an outdoor educator. After using and abusing enough gear for a lifetime, she decided to juggle her outdoor pursuits with bigger academic goals: recently finishing her MA in Politics and International Affairs from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ, before beginning a PhD in Environmental Politics and Policy from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. When she isn’t nose deep in books, you’ll find her fist-deep in granite cracks, or frolicking in the mountains.
Author Profile
Mary Witlacil
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 106 by Mary Witlacil
Best Backpacking Stoves of 2024
We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a decade, and this current review has our 20 favorites. We...The Ultimate Camping Gear Checklist for 2024
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...Best Messenger Bags of 2024
Whether you need a bag for your commute or for your job, we've taken the top 8 models and tested them in as many...10 Best Softshell Jackets of 2024
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...Best Softshell Jackets for Women of 2024
Finding the best softshell can be a challenging task due to the multitude of options available. Our experienced...How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women
Softshell jackets are fantastic mediators, striking a brilliant balance between breathability and protection from the...Best Buy
Rab Borealis - Women's Review
This shell is breathable, perfectly fitted, mobile, durable, and cheap -- easy to see why we love this low-cost...Best Hiking Shoes for Women of 2024
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...How to Choose a Camping Stove
With so many different products on the market, it can be hard to decide which camp stove is best for you. Never fear...Best Trekking Poles of 2024
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...Editors' Choice
Leki Cressida FX Carbon Review
Well-designed, comfortable, compact, versatile, and user-friendly poles that are perfect for most backcountry...Best Camping Coffee Maker of 2024
We drank enough coffee to blast-off into space to find the best coffee brewers for camping or backpacking. We...How to Choose the Right Messenger Bag
Wondering if a messenger bag is right for you? This article highlights the best uses of this bag style to help you...Top Pick
Peak Design Everyday Messenger Review
A feature-rich, weather-proof, and durable messenger bag ideal for photographers and tech geeks. It has well-conceived...Best Buy
Timbuk2 Classic Review
An iconic, affordable, and weather-resistant messenger bag with sufficient storage features, reasonable comfort, and...
Next >