Meg Carney is a freelance writer for GearJunkie. Meg has been writing about hiking, camping, paddling, backpacking, and dogs for about eight years and was first published with GearJunkie in 2019. Since then, Meg has written for Field and Stream, Popular Mechanics, US & World News, The Boston Globe, and outdoor industry businesses like Ruffwear and Helly Hansen. Her journalism also extends to her original podcast productions, Outdoor Minimalist and Forever Chemicals. Based in Washington, Meg spends her free time out on the water or trails with her three dogs, Ash, Leo, and Tundra.
Topics of Expertise: Sustainable product design, outdoor gear, hiking, backpacking, camping, paddling, bikepacking, and outdoor activities with dogs
Years in This Expertise: 10+
Number Of Products & Number Of Hours Expert Has Tested: 500+ products, 2500+ hours
Education & Certificates
Education: Bachelor’s of Communication Arts & Literature, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Years of Writing: 8
Previous Publications: Field and Stream, Popular Mechanics
Experience
I was born and raised in the quaint, rural corner of Southwest Minnesota. I spent my childhood roaming around on my grandparent’s farmland until my parents moved us into a town of around 1500 people, where they opened a used bookstore. This early introduction to the open prairie as my backyard, paired with being surrounded by books day in and day out, gave me deep appreciation for all things outdoors and literature.
After studying Teaching Communication Arts and Literature in Duluth, MN, I moved west to Colorado and pursued teaching. I soon discovered that the lifestyle of a teacher didn’t truly suit my personality. So, I continued my journey west to Utah. I’ve moved around and lived in Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, Arizona, and now call Washington home.
Wherever I was living, I worked in the outdoor industry as a backpacking guide, rock climbing instructor, and even working as an organic market farmer. Alongside these various job pursuits, I’ve always been writing. Then, around eight years ago, I decided I should share my knowledge with others.
I started out my freelance writing career working in the health and wellness industry, but I slowly shifted my focus to outdoor and environmental writing. Health and wellness are still a large part of my daily life, but I am drawn to the mission of sharing the outdoors with others and now split my time between writing for outdoor publications and producing outdoor industry-focused podcasts.
Career Highlights
Publishing first book, Outdoor Minimalist: Waste Less Hiking, Camping, and Backpacking
Producing two original podcasts, Outdoor Minimalist and Forever Chemicals
Outdoor Minimalist being nominated for Best Podcast of 2023 by the Outdoor Media Awards
Testing Isle paddleboards on white water in Moab
Paddling 30 miles up Lake Chelan in Washington with my dog, Ash
Being invited back to the University of Minnesota, Duluth as a speaker
A Word from Meg Carney
Since I can remember, I’ve been a writer and environmental advocate. Becoming a writer wasn’t my initial career path, but it allows me to combine my passion for being outdoors and telling stories. I’ve always worked in the outdoor industry, but it took me some time to find my path as a writer. About eight years ago, I started a budding freelance writing side gig that became a full-time pursuit just a few years later. Writing primarily in the outdoor industry gives me a chance to get outside for my writing. I get outside for at least one hour each day (preferably more) to hike, paddle, bike, or do yoga on my back patio. If I’m not writing or playing outside, you’ll find me researching new stories and producing original podcasts.
