Hi! I’m Rebecca, an accidental outdoor writer. The only time I ever thought of becoming a writer was at the age of ten, when I wanted to write books for myself and my friends. Well, it turns out, nearly thirty years later, I came full circle... sort of. After earning my master’s in epidemiology, I needed a break and found my life quite literally hanging off cliffs and mountainsides for the fun of it. People then became interested in learning about why a black woman like me dropped a stable career to climb mountains. Soon after, I started writing for clients on a freelance basis.

Published Articles

  • I’m a Mountaineer. Polar Exploration Was a Lesson in Humility—and Joy

    What’s harder than mountaineering? Before completing the Polar Academy in January of this year, I wouldn’t have had an answer for you. Now I do: It’s polar exploration, hands down…Backpacker

  • The North Face Recon Backpack Review: The EDC Pack That Put My Life in Order

    At any given moment, I probably own around six backpacks — and not a single one of them functions perfectly the way I need it to. As an outdoor freelance photographer, writer, and outdoor athlete, I can’t seem to find a standalone backpack that does it all… GearJunkie

  • Hear the World, Feel the Music: Suunto Wing Open-Ear Headphones Review

    Who has two thumbs and can’t wear in-ear headphones? This gal! I have never been able to wear in-ear headphones because they simply won’t stay in my ears. My ears are not designed for AirPods, earbuds, earplugs, or anything else that’s meant to be smushed into them, and that’s because I lack the cartilage to keep them in place…GearJunkie

  • The Best Hiking Sandals for Women of 2023

    Whether you need footwear that can keep up with your hiking boots, a set to slide into after a strenuous climb, or just an everyday sandal, we've got your feet covered when it comes to the best hiking sandals for your outdoor activities…GearJunkie

  • Cold Digits No More: Eddie Bauer Launches Artificially Intelligent Heated Gloves

    Looking for a truly innovative outdoor accessory this winter? Look no further than Eddie Bauer’s clim8 Guide Pro Smart Heated Gloves. Designed to monitor and adjust temperature in real time, these gloves push the envelope for heated apparel…GearJunkie

  • Fun and Functional: 10 Women-Owned Brands You've Likely Never Heard Of

    Outdoor apparel for women can be boring. More often than not, outdoor apparel comes in neutral colors, has zero flair, or is only made to look cute without lasting power, durability, or functionality… GearJunkie

  • Apply Now: Alpine Ascents' First BIPOC Guide Training Program

    Via a new partnership, Alpine Ascents International and Edgeworks Climbing now offer a program designed to increase the representation of BIPOC individuals in the mountain guiding industry... GearJunkie

  • The Best Hiking Pants for Women in 2022

    After months on the trail, we found the best hiking pants for women. Our carefully curated list will help you narrow in on the best hiking pants for your trail-blazing excursions… GearJunkie

  • Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois Base Layers Review: Reliable Warmth, Fewer Winter Layers

    Hot Chillys Micro-Elite Chamois is a midweight foundation layer that is soft and warm, has lots of elasticity, and reduces the need for additional layers… GearJunkie

  • The Progression of Plastic to Rock: Education Programs Helping Climbers Fill in Gaps

    Ever since rock climbing debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and inspiring films like “Free Solo” and “Dawn Wall” were released, there has been a surge of people taking up the sport… GearJunkie

  • Field Report: Crossing the Finish Line with the Kindness of Strangers and a Lot of Luck

    One by one, the racers make their way across the finish line in Ketchikan, Alaska. And while I’m accustomed to hunting down racers for their stories, it just so happens that Boris and Nathalie of Team Loustic SuperSonic have some time on their hands—waiting until July 2nd to head back home to France… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Fierce Competition

    For many racers, the goal of Race to Alaska is solely to make it across the 750 miles of ocean to the finish line. For others, it’s twofold: making it to the finish line and beating their competition. And now I know it’s the latter for Team Don’t Tell Mom… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Knowing Her Craft: Lillian Kuehl Builds Her Own Boat for Race to Alaska

    Lillian Kuehl is no newbie to racing or even Race to Alaska. In 2019, previously known as Team Quilbillians, she pedaled her way to the finish line with her father and uncle on their custom-made 27’ boat… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Behind the Scenes: The Unsung Volunteers

    Race to Alaska has been one hell of an adventure for me as a field reporter. I made many stops between Port Townsend, WA, and Ketchikan, AK… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Lagoon Cove: A Forced Perspective of Beauty and Community

    As the Race to Alaska continues for many, so does the film crew’s chase to track down racers to photograph and interview. On board a 44’ steel Diesel Duck named Seaducktress, we make our way through Queen Charlotte Strait and catch up with Teams Don’t Tell Mom and Let’s Row Maybe?… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Having What It Takes to Finish Race to AlaskaNew List Item

    If you’ve been following Race to Alaska, you know how unbelievably challenging the race is— especially for the human-powered teams… Race to Alaska

  • How to Stay Warm: Tips for Hiking in Winter

    Being diagnosed with Raynaud’s Syndrome (a debilitating circulatory response to cold) has taught me creative ways to stay warm while hiking in winter. I hope these tips will help you enjoy getting out during the colder months too… 57Hours

  • Best Cold Weather Sleeping Pads of 2021-2022

    If you are a climber, polar explorer, or anyone considering an expedition in subfreezing temperatures, you’ll need a suitable cold-weather sleeping pad. At a minimum, the right pad gives proper insulation for a good night’s sleep in cold weather… Explorersweb

  • 5 Great Places to Rent Ski Apparel for This Season

    Skiing and snowboarding are great at fighting off the winter blues. But if you are new to sports, buying everything you need can be daunting and sometimes expensive… GearJunkie

  • 10 Things to Do to Care for the Planet: Earth Day Challenge

    Earth Day is a chance to take some time out to invest in our planet and support the environment. The great outdoors provides us with many opportunities to engage in our favorite activities, so carving out time to help preserve and conserve the beautiful land around us is vital… Decathlon

  • Field Report: Part 1: Don't Tell Mom

    Leigh and Clare of Team Don’t Tell Mom appear to have their oar-powered system dialed. So dialed in fact, that they end day three the same way they ended their fifty-four miles of rowing on day one–by stretching in unison… Race to Alaska

  • Field Report: Part 2: Let’s Row Maybe?

    Carling and Michelle of Team Let’s Row Maybe? have been showing everyone what they are capable of by displaying true grit, impressive determination, and the ability to catch up and keep up with other teams—Team Don’t Tell Mom, specifically… Race to Alaska

  • Leading the Way Up Pico de Orizaba

    I had December 11th, 2018 circled on my calendar since the beginning of the year when I opened an email confirming that I had received Mazama’s Monty Smith Grant to fund my very first mountaineering expedition… Melanin Base Camp

  • Conflict in the Mountains of Georgia

    I stopped mid-way. My climbing partner shouted out, “Do you want me to send the rope down?”. I paused—I should be able to climb a simple 45-degree slope or at least that was the maximum steepness according to our research… Intrepid Magazine

  • Mountaineering as a Woman of Color

    I didn’t grow up in an affluent household. More importantly, I didn’t grow up with an understanding of how to manage my finances… Melanin Base Camp

  • How Mountaineering Changed My Perspective on Beauty

    Most women, at some point in their lives, get discouraged about their appearance because they may not possess the ideal body, according to societal standards. I was no different… The Climbing Zine

  • Women in the Wild: Rebecca Ross

    As part of Outdoor Project's Women In the Wild series this summer, I have had the honor of working with outdoor women from all over the industry to dig a bit deeper into who they are, how they got to where they are now, how they approach the outdoors, and more… Outdoor Project

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