Maddie Downie
Writing for Switchback Travel is the perfect blend of my two favorite things: playing outside and playing with words.
My writing experience is rooted in poetry and fiction, and I graduated in 2022 with a Master's Degree in Creative Writing from Western Washington University. Though I was raised camping, 14er-bagging, and horseback riding in Colorado, I quickly fell in love with the rugged North Cascades and dove head-first into rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and the art of PNW bushwhacking—anything that gets me to the top of those peaks.
Last Updated: November 7, 2024
You won’t get very far from the lodge without a good snowboard pant or bib, which guards against cold and wet chairlift seats, keeps snow at bay during a wipeout, and offers ample ventilation for sidecountry hiking or bluebird powder days. A quality...
Last Updated: March 19, 2025
Ski goggles are a specialty of ours: We’ve tested, reviewed, and all-around debated the merits of more than 50 designs over the years. It’s a dynamic market, but the good news is that no matter your experience level or budget, there is a great ski...
Last Updated: July 8, 2025
Let’s get right to the point: We love windbreaker jackets. In our opinion, a good windbreaker is the most versatile outdoor jacket money can buy. These small but mighty outer layers pack a punch, offering serious protection from the elements for hikers...
Last Updated: March 25, 2025
REI Co-op’s Trailmade 60 pack initially caught our team's interest with its $179 price tag and has since won us over with its performance on a range of multi-day treks across the western United States...
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