Jory has hiked 17,000 miles over the past fifteen years while shifting his perspective from “live to work” to “work to live.” In 2017, he voluntarily walked away from a successful career as a professor to pursue writing opportunities more aligned with his commitments and passions—including his love of hiking, paddling, and adventure travel.

Growing up in the Midwest, Jory has since lived and worked across much of the United States and Australia, hiking the Grand Canyon, Rockies, Appalachians, Tour du Mont Blanc, Australia’s Great Ocean Walk, and Tasmania’s Overland Track. His gear chops were honed at Appalachian Outdoors and Backcountry, where he was a Gearhead Expert and Copywriter for hike, camp, paddle, fish, travel, and outdoor lifestyle gear.

When he’s not pecking at his keyboard or tromping down the trail, Jory is probably taste-testing New Mexico chiles or scheming a trip with his wife that involves a hodge-podge of hiking, paddling, wine tasting, live music, and foodie experiences.