Marion Tucker
Gear Analyst

Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Marion grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Midwest, spending her childhood learning to camp, kayak, and canoe and, later, working as a guide in
the Northwoods. With a background in motion picture and still photography, much of Marion’s professional experience comes from working behind the camera, but she remains an avid outdoors-person with a strong environmental ethic and interest in issues of equity and access to wilderness spaces.

Marion’s passion for backpacking, paddling, and climbing have taken her across the United States and abroad- everywhere from Wyoming’s Wind River Range to the alpine of New Zealand’s South Island. This time on backcountry trails and waters has introduced her to a wealth of stories, sights, and skills that come with being enmeshed in the outdoors and connecting to the people met along the way.

Whether working on a film set or scrambling through a boulder field, Marion maintains her love of stories and moves through the world with curiosity and a desire to share her experiences. She currently
lives out of her van, searching for the next mountain peaks and waterways to explore.

Articles by Marion Tucker

Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L Cooler Review
The Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L cooler sits on a rock with mountains in the background.

Hydro Flask Carry Out 20L Cooler Review

Author
This stylish soft shell cooler is a great choice for casual outings and day trips. With its eye-catching look and portability, it’s a spacious cooler with an elevated aesthetic that comes at an incredibly reasonable price.
Coleman Steel Belted Cooler Review

Coleman Steel Belted Cooler Review

Author
A 1950s throwback oozing with vintage charm, this cooler is thoroughly modern in its portable functionality. Encased in stylish metal plating, this cooler is reliable and affordable with maximized storage to accommodate a mid-size group.
REI Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler Review
A person with their back to the camera walks with the REI Cool Trail Split Pack on their back.

REI Cool Trail Split Pack Cooler Review

Author
At first glance, this cooler might look like a traditional backpack. However, featuring a split design, its bottom half is a cooler with plenty of room to accommodate day trip needs for maximum portability on and off the trail.
RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Review
A person carries the RTIC Soft Pack cooler over their shoulder. Their back is turned towards the camera as they walk down a path with mountains in the distance.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler Review

Author
This burly soft shell cooler is designed to be used outside and is equipped to handle adventures on and off the water. The only cooler we reviewed that floats, its fully waterproof design and rugged exterior shell is built to withstand the roughest usage.
RTIC Ultralight 52 Cooler Review
A close up of a person carrying the RTIC Ultralight 52 cooler by its built-in molded side handles.

RTIC Ultralight 52 Cooler Review

Author
Built to keep weight to an absolute minimum, this cooler weighs significantly less than comparable models, while still having plenty of room for all your cold storage needs. Combining high volume with light weight, it’s a product that’s uniquely portable.
Coleman 316 Series 70 QT Cooler Review
The Coleman 316 Series 70QT cooler sits on rocky terrain with mountains in the background.

Coleman 316 Series 70 QT Cooler Review

Author
Affordable and reliable, this cooler is able to hold over 100 cans, making it the biggest cooler we tested. Pairing large volume with an impressively minimal weight, when you have a lot to keep cold, it’s a high value cooler with a low price tag.
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Review
The YETI Tundra 65 sits on the ground with boulders in the background.

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Review

Author
Tough enough to withstand a grizzly bear, this cooler is made with high-quality and lasting materials. It’s designed with durability in mind and built to stand up to the harshest environments and roughest usage, all while providing top-notch insulation.
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler Review
A person carries the YETI Hopper Flip 12 using the shoulder strap. Their face is not visible.

YETI Hopper Flip 12 Cooler Review

Author
This top-of-the-line soft shell cooler not only has a stylish design, but is built for maximum durability and portability. With plenty of space for your day trip needs and the insulation to keep it all cold, it’s a high performance soft shell.
XSpec 60 QT Cooler Review
The XSpec 60QT cooler sits on the ground with its lid open, revealing a layer of ice cubes along with several canned beverages.

XSpec 60 QT Cooler Review

Author
This cooler impresses with its rugged durability and superior insulating capabilities- all at an affordable cost. Featuring a rotomolded design and insulation style, it is built to withstand the toughest outdoor usage.
YETI Roadie 48 Cooler Review
A person with their back to the camera pulls the YETI Roadie 48 cooler by its periscope handle down a path. There are mountains in the distance.

YETI Roadie 48 Cooler Review

Author
Durable, portable, and featuring top-of-the-line temperature control, this is one of the best coolers out there.
Yomious Glass Water Bottle Review
Man playfully pouring water from a purple glass water bottle into his mouth outdoors.

Yomious Glass Water Bottle Review

Author
Ergonomic and attractive all at an affordable price, this glass bottle pairs sleek design with sustainability for a plastic-free option that is sturdy and stylish.
YETI Rambler Water Bottle Review
The YETI Rambler sits on a rock with a climber standing in the background.

YETI Rambler Water Bottle Review

Author
Built to take on the toughest conditions, this water bottle can handle the ups and downs of the roughest environments while maintaining your drink’s temperature.
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