TEST PILOT SPOTLIGHT: MICHAEL MURRAY

GIVE US A BRIEF RUNDOWN OF WHO YOU ARE (NAME, AGE, LOCATION), AND WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT.
Hey all, my name is Michael Murray. I am 28 years old working in the mountain space as a guide and avalanche educator based out of many different places (Montana, Washington, and for the past few months Oregon). From a young age I felt the call of the mountains. Something about the size and geologic timescales of these incredible ranges and formations captured my imagination, and I have dedicated my life to better understanding and navigating these complex and delicate environments. Like many of you, I am very passionate about spending time outside seeing what this world has to offer. While most of my time is spent in the snow of the mountains, I try to get around water as much as possible too. Be it whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, fishing, surfing and hopefully some wing foiling this summer.

WHAT’S YOUR DISCIPLINE?
As previously mentioned, I dabble in any activity I can get access to, but climbing and backcountry skiing are where the majority of my focus is allocated. Working as a guide and avalanche educator, I have had the unique opportunity to not only participate in these activities, but also to share them with other people. I find it very fulfilling to help others achieve their own goals, as well as provide meaningful education to help further their own future alpine endeavors.

WHAT’S THE NEXT CHALLENGE FOR YOU IN THE OUTDOORS?
That is a very good question. I was fortunate enough to be able to do some climbing in the Southern Hemisphere this winter in Ecuador and Argentina, and since then I have been trying to ski as much as possible while mixing in some relaxing and visiting friends and family. Only recently I have started planning the next big thing. Most of the summer will be spent guiding on Mt. Rainier with the possibility of heading back up to Denali for the spring, and I am currently looking into a personal trip to the Himalayas for the fall to climb something there but that is all I can say at the moment.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR DISCIPLINE?
Another difficult question but I would say the accomplishment I am most proud of is that I have been able to work my way up to being able to guide in some pretty exotic places around the world. As a kid growing up in Minnesota, these dreams felt so far away and almost impossible to me at times. So to be able to chase that dream and turn it into a reality is something I am profoundly proud of, more so than any individual climb/ski/paddle/etc.

WHAT PIECE OF FLORENCE GEAR DO YOU TEST THE MOST?
One piece of gear that has been tested rigorously and rarely leaves my head is the Sun Runner hat, the lightweight material is excellent for high output activities, and the five panel construction fits great under a climbing helmet due to it not having a button on the top. Hands down the best hat I have worn to date. A close second would be the Sun Pro Adapt Long Sleeve Hooded UPF Shirt. The crossover design and large hood are phenomenal, providing maximum sun coverage and even fitting great over the top of a climbing helmet. Definitely my new go-to baselayer for all activities. I was able to test out a few more items in South America but stay tuned for a more in depth review on that later.