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 107 by Mary Witlacil
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 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...Best Softshell Jackets for Women of 2024
It can be challenging to find the best softshell because there are so many types and styles. Our reviewers have spent...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...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...Top Pick
Mission Workshop Monty Review
This bag is durable, comfortable, weatherproof, stylish, and sufficiently featured without being overwhelming. It...How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Women
Softshell jackets are fantastic mediators, striking a brilliant balance between breathability and protection from the...Top Pick
Timbuk2 Especial Stash Review
If you like excellent features, weatherproofing, and durability in your daily bag, look no further than this one. It...Editors' Choice
Chrome Buran III Review
Great organization, rugged materials, and user-friendly design combine to make this messenger bag ideal for tech...
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