Kaylee grew up on her family’s farm in Montana, chasing her ski patrol dad around on the slopes as soon as she could walk, and spending long summer days on mountain trails. Curiosity and a love of wild places have shaped her life. After studying English/Writing and French at MSU - Bozeman, Kaylee did a stint of teaching French in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Upon returning home, she followed a strong draw northward to Alaska, where she discovered sharing the outdoors through guiding, a passion she has developed for the past decade. She’s traveled widely around the world to ski and climb but thinks the most satisfying adventures can be found in her own backyard. Her current home base is 9800 feet in the San Juan Mountains. Kaylee is an American Mountain Guides Association Aspirant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide (ASC), and has completed a Pro Level 2, the capstone of avalanche education in the U.S. She guides year-round in southwest Colorado, with a focus on backcountry skiing and teaching avalanche courses, and guides spring ski expeditions and mountaineering ascents of Denali. These pursuits have brought about a deep fascination (obsession) with gear, centered around the value of having precisely the right kit to have your back.
Author Profile
Kaylee Walden
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 23 by Kaylee Walden
10 Best Down Jackets of 2024
We're constantly testing the best down jackets on all our adventures. We tested down jackets for women and men, and...Best Hardshell Jackets for Women of 2024
Our testers live and breathe mountains - and guide them, too. We researched over 40 women's hardshell jackets before...10 Best All-Mountain Skis of 2025
After testing 45 pairs of skis throughout last winter, our panel of experts have hand-picked their favorites. This...Best Insulated Jackets for Women of 2024
Need an insulated jacket? We've researched over 80 of the best models and selected the creme de la creme. We promptly...Best Down Jacket for Women of 2024
As you venture into the mountains or around town, a good down jacket can do wonders to make your adventures more...Best Avalanche Airbag Packs of 2024
We bought the best 11 airbags and tested them throughout several seasons in the backcountry. Our review highlights...How To Choose an Avalanche Airbag
What is an avalanche airbag, how do you choose one and how does it work? Below we look at the technology and point out...Editors' Choice
Ortovox LiTRIC Freeride 28L Review
Not to be hyperbolic, but this is it. This is the airbag pack you've been looking for, with solid comfort, a smooth...Best Buy
Arva Switch Ride 18L & Tour 32L Review
This avalanche airbag is essentially two packs in one. The carbon canister air system is intuitive to setup, and the...Top Pick
Backcountry Access Float E2 25L Review
Durable but still lightweight, this pack utilizes Alpride's revolutionary E2 airbag system. With it's comfortable ride...Top Pick
Scott Patrol E2 30L Review
This sleek, lightweight and thoughtfully featured avalanche airbag pack would be our first choice for days that take...Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket - Women's Review
The Beta AR is a truly balanced and versatile hardshell jacket. It is durable where it needs to be, and light where it...Top Pick
Ortovox Ortler 3L - Women's Review
This highly-breathable yet protective hardshell is among the first we'd reach for when we needed waterproofing but...Editors' Choice
Patagonia DAS Light Hoody - Women's Review
A lightweight, warm, and packable insulated jacket. We can't help but fall in love with this seemingly perfect outer...Top Pick
Arc'teryx Atom Hoody - Women's Review
This jacket is different from most the rest, with a soft fabric and a performance that's both weather resistant and...
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