Maddie Downie

Maddie Downie

Title: Review Editor

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing, backpacking, hiking, camping, backcountry skiing, mountaineering
  • Education: MFA in Creative Writing, Western Washington University
  • 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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Women's Keen Targhee IV Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: September 15, 2025

Keen’s Targhee series remains one of the brand’s defining designs, and the latest Targhee IV hiking boot maintains the appeal of the leather clunkers of yore with some modern and eco-friendly takes. After testing this boot on several hikes...

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Winter Camping Checklist

Last Updated: December 10, 2024

Whether you're planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right camping equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips quickly can turn dangerous—or uncomfortable at the very...

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Best Snowboard Gloves and Mittens of 2025

Last Updated: November 22, 2024

Snowboarders, this one’s for you. We won’t lump you in with the skiers: You prefer one plank and comfortable boots, despise moguls, and have a penchant for style. And your hand protection needs differ, too: Since you don’t carry poles, you end up...

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Best GPS Watches of 2025

Last Updated: August 27, 2025

For hikers and mountaineers alike, a quality GPS watch is a worthy addition to your gear collection. Built to handle the extremes, GPS watches have a distinct look with durable, scratch-resistant faces and large screens flanked by glove-friendly...