Mary Beth Skylis is a Colorado-based freelance writer who specializes in adventure, travel, and news and is columnist for Backpacker Magazine. Her by-lines appear in Travel + Leisure, 5280, Outside Magazine, Climbing Magazine, Trail Runner Magazine, Going, REI, Business Insider, Boulder Magazine, Women’s Health, SELF, Gear Junkie, and Alaska Magazines. She spends most of her free time in the mountains. When she isn’t adventuring, she can typically be found with a good book and a cup of coffee somewhere in the world. REI Co-op Member since 2015.