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.
Showing 1-15 of 106 by Mary Witlacil

The Best Backpacking Stoves
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 [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...
Editors' Choice
Soto Windmaster Review
This stove is light, easy to use, and features a great piezo igniter and generous pot supports. It's good at simmering...
Best Buy
Soto Amicus Review
This ultralight, fuel efficient, canister stove performed consistently well across every metric. It is easy to use...
Best Buy
BRS-3000T Review
This tiny stove impressed us for being ultracompact, ultralight, and performing decently in all our metrics. It does...
Best Camping Coffee Maker
We drank enough coffee to blast-off into space to find the best coffee brewers for camping or backpacking. We...
Top Pick
JetBoil MiniMo Review
This integrated canister stove is a boiling champ. When dehydrated meals are your backcountry reality, this model is a...
The Best Trekking Poles
Looking for the best trekking poles for your next hike or backpacking trip? Whether you're concerned with comfort...
The Best Hiking Shoes for Women
We're here to help you sort through the options for the best women's hiking shoes. We tested the market's leading...
The Best Messenger Bags
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
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...
Best Softshell Jackets for Women
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 for Women Review
This shell is breathable, perfectly fitted, mobile, durable, and cheap -- easy to see why we love this low-cost...
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...
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