Austin Murphy

Hi, I'm Austin, founder and writer at OutdoorHiking.
I started OutdoorHiking because gear decisions matter more on the trail than almost anywhere else. The wrong boots, a bottle that leaks, a pack that doesn't fit, these turn a good day outside into a miserable one. I wanted a place that cuts through the marketing and helps people choose gear that actually holds up.
I hike regularly here in Arizona, where the heat, the dry air, and the terrain test gear in ways a mild climate never would, so a fair amount of what I write about footwear, hydration, and hiking essentials comes from real time on the trail. I've spent some time fishing too. For the gear outside my direct experience, I research it carefully: comparing specifications, weighing real tradeoffs, and leaning on what experienced users consistently report rather than guessing.
OutdoorHiking covers hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation gear, with honest comparisons meant to help you spend on equipment that lasts. If a recommendation helps and you buy through an Amazon link on the site, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which keeps the site ad-light and funds the time to research gear properly.