Maggie Slepian

Maggie Slepian

Title: Contributing Editor

Location: Montana

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backpacking, bikepacking, trail running, camping, climbing, archery
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts, English / Creative Writing
  • Years of Writing: 15
  • Years of Gear Testing: 10+
  • Previous Publications: New York Times, Outside Magazine, Longreads, Backpacker, Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, Huffington Post, The Strategist, Runner’s World, Travel + Leisure, The Trek, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling Magazine, Adventure Cycling, Backpacking Light, Wide Open Spaces


Why I Chose This Career

I have always enjoyed backcountry travel and writing, and somehow figured out a way to turn it into a career between writing, editing, and gear testing. 


How I Began My Career

I started as an intern with a local outdoors magazine. After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail I took a job as the managing editor for an outdoor publication and continued as a full-time freelance writer from there.

Recent Articles

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Best Trail Running Shoes of 2025

Last Updated: July 10, 2025

Running on varied and challenging trails is a welcome break from the monotony of pounding pavement (or even worse, the belt of a treadmill). Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into and requires only minimal gear. Our team has...

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Hoka Speedgoat 2 Trail Running Shoe Review

Last Updated: July 22, 2025

The Hoka Speedgoat 2 was my favorite version of this shoe, and the rerelease is a nearly identical throwback, from the stellar comfort, fit, traction, colors and throwback logo

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Best Running Hydration Vests and Packs of 2025

Last Updated: May 20, 2025

Whether you’re training for an ultra-marathon, embarking on a leisurely trail run, or tackling a ridge scramble in the alpine, a running vest is the perfect tool for hauling your essentials. These designs have a shape and fit that’s comfortable while...

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Best Ultralight Sleeping Pads of 2025

Last Updated: September 15, 2025

A sleeping pad is a critical—and often overlooked—element to a backpacking system. And while early backpacking sleeping pads were bulky and often weighed several pounds, plenty of current ultralight offerings pack down to the size of a water bottle.