Maddie Downie

Maddie Downie

Title: Review Editor

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, mountaineering
  • Education: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
  • Years of Writing: 8
  • Years of Gear Testing: 4+
  • Certifications: CPR, AIARE Level 1
  • Previous Publications: GearJunkie, Mount Baker Experience Magazine, various creative writing magazines


Why I Chose This Career

Writing for Switchback Travel is the perfect blend of my two favorite things: playing outside and playing with words. 


How I Began My Career

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.

Recent Articles

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Best Coolers of 2024

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

Whether you’re headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, there's a good chance you'll want to keep your food and drinks cold. Thankfully, the market is packed with high-quality coolers that excel at...

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Best Stand Up Paddle Boards of 2024

Last Updated: August 24, 2024

Stand up paddle boards (SUPs, for short) are taking the boating scene by storm, and it’s easy to see why. These compact vessels are easy to transport (no car rack required for inflatables), surprisingly durable, stable and efficient on the water, and...

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Best Synthetic Insulated Jackets of 2024

Last Updated: August 24, 2024

Synthetic insulation might not offer quite the warmth-to-weight ratio of down, but it resists moisture, breathes better, and is more cost-efficient. With the choice of both types of jackets in our gear closet, we find ourselves consistently reaching...

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Best Ski Jackets of 2024

Last Updated: August 24, 2024

Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most—skinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades is far different than bracing...