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

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.
Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle Review
The Takeya Actives Insulated water bottle sits on a rock with a climber on a rock face behind the bottle.

Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle Review

Author
Blending a range of practical features and customization options, this insulated water bottle is affordable, stylish, and adventure-ready.
Owala FreeSip Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle Review
A person wearing crack climbing gloves and with taped fingers holds the Owala FreeSip Vacuum Insulated water bottle by its carrying handle.

Owala FreeSip Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle Review

Author
Fun and colorful, this water bottle’s innovative spout makes it a standout with dual options for both chugging and straw sipping
Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle Review
A person wearing a climbing harness holds the Nalgene Wide Mouth water bottle.

Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle Review

Author
Functional, affordable, and lasting, this water bottle is one of the most durable bottles available – an all-time classic.
Lifestraw Go Series Water Bottle Review
The LifeStraw Go Series water bottle sits on a rock with a climber sorting their gear in the background.

Lifestraw Go Series Water Bottle Review

Author
Clean drinking water is a necessity, and this bottle – with its built-in filter – ensures your water is safe to drink whether you’re traveling in the front or backcountry.
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle Review
The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth sits on a rock with a partially frozen waterfall in the background.

Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Water Bottle Review

Author
Stylish, durable, and practical – with its superior insulation and a design that’s both robust and attractive, this water bottle will keep you hydrated for years to come.
1 2 3