Contributing Writers

Amber King, Jessica Haist, and Trish Matheny

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Amber King
Review Editor

After finishing up her B.Sc and B.Ed in 2009, Amber moved to the U.S.A from Canada. Drawn in by dreams of climbing perfect cracks and exploring new areas, she found herself in a few new places like Utah, Washington, and Arizona. When getting to the San Juans of Southwest Colorado - she found home. Along her journey she discovered trail running as a new found love. Completing her first half-marathon, full-marathon, and ultra-marathon within one year, she continues her education in becoming an endurance athlete. When taking a rest day, she can be found playing with her pack raft or split boarding in the backcountry. When she is working , you can find her tinkering with experiments as a high school science teacher.

Jessica Haist
Review Editor

Jessica is a recovered fashion major and urbanite who now spends all of her time living, working and playing in the mountains. Jessica originally hails from Toronto, Canada and now calls Mammoth Lakes California home. She is an avid skier, rock climber, backpacker, gardener and mountain biker. She has lived and worked all over North America pursuing her outdoor passions and work as an outdoor educator and guide. Jessica has recently completed her Masters Degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College in Arizona.

Trish Matheny
Review Editor

In 2009, Trish Matheny left her home state of Oklahoma to follow her heart to the Rocky Mountains and never looked back. Overwhelmed by her passion for adventure and exploration, she began traversing the mountain ranges surrounding her new home, Teton Valley, Idaho on her splitboard and learned the importance of dialing in your gear, especially when you carry it all on your back. Everything got turned upside down when she discovered rock climbing in 2016, and now she spends her time chasing warm weather and dry rock near Bishop, California. When she’s not out climbing, she enjoys trail running, yoga, and cooking with friends.

Amber King
Review Editor

After finishing up her B.Sc and B.Ed in 2009, Amber moved to the U.S.A from Canada. Drawn in by dreams of climbing perfect cracks and exploring new areas, she found herself in a few new places like Utah, Washington, and Arizona. When getting to the San Juans of Southwest Colorado - she found home. Along her journey she discovered trail running as a new found love. Completing her first half-marathon, full-marathon, and ultra-marathon within one year, she continues her education in becoming an endurance athlete. When taking a rest day, she can be found playing with her pack raft or split boarding in the backcountry. When she is working , you can find her tinkering with experiments as a high school science teacher.

Jessica Haist
Review Editor

Jessica is a recovered fashion major and urbanite who now spends all of her time living, working and playing in the mountains. Jessica originally hails from Toronto, Canada and now calls Mammoth Lakes California home. She is an avid skier, rock climber, backpacker, gardener and mountain biker. She has lived and worked all over North America pursuing her outdoor passions and work as an outdoor educator and guide. Jessica has recently completed her Masters Degree in Adventure Education from Prescott College in Arizona.

Trish Matheny
Review Editor

In 2009, Trish Matheny left her home state of Oklahoma to follow her heart to the Rocky Mountains and never looked back. Overwhelmed by her passion for adventure and exploration, she began traversing the mountain ranges surrounding her new home, Teton Valley, Idaho on her splitboard and learned the importance of dialing in your gear, especially when you carry it all on your back. Everything got turned upside down when she discovered rock climbing in 2016, and now she spends her time chasing warm weather and dry rock near Bishop, California. When she’s not out climbing, she enjoys trail running, yoga, and cooking with friends.

Stories by the Author

Gear Lab: The 5 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

We tested backpacking water filters and treatment systems to find the best option for your adventures.

Amber King, Jessica Haist, and Trish Matheny

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March 3, 2025

Gear Lab: The Best 5 Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

We tested backpacking water filters and treatment systems to find the best option for your adventures.

Amber King, Jessica Haist, and Trish Matheny

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November 22, 2024

Gear Lab: The 5 Best Backpacking Water Filters of 2025

We tested backpacking water filters and treatment systems to find the best option for your adventures.

Gear Lab: The Best 5 Backpacking Water Filters of 2024

We tested backpacking water filters and treatment systems to find the best option for your adventures.

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