Expert Gear Picks from Michael Murphy

    Expert outdoor recreation gear recommendations from Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner, based in Philadelphia, PA.

    Michael Murphy's Clothing

    I've been in the outdoor industry professionally for 12 years, and an avid outdoorsman since I was old enough to be outside. These items are tried and true.

    Michael Murphy's Ice Climbing

    These items are expensive, so I only endorse them if I wholeheartedly think they're good.

    Michael Murphy's Movement

    Things that help me move

    Michael Murphy's Guide Kit

    This is what I carry every time I go out, no matter what. It's ever evolving, but here's what is on my harness as of Fall 2026.

    Michael Murphy
    If it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing. -The Mythbusters, probably

    Michael Murphy

    Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
    Michael Murphy
    If it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing. -The Mythbusters, probably

    Michael Murphy

    Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
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    About Michael

    Michael’s passion is to share the outdoors with anyone and everyone. Since 2018, he’s been working on honing his craft as an instructor. After helping to assist the rock climbing program at the summer camp he worked at, he received his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification. In March of 2020, he was ready to take over their climbing program. After two trips as the lead instructor, the pandemic shut everything down. In December 2023, he recertified as an AMGA Single Pitch instructor, and in 2025, he completed his Rock Guide Course. He has explored the sheer granite in the Wasatch, Potrero Chico’s soaring limestone cliffs, the Wind River Range, the Tetons, and many of the best routes the East offers. He is beyond psyched to get nerdy and talk about the nitty-gritty of gear, anchoring techniques, and all things climbing. When he’s not climbing, he’s usually hanging out with his wife, Maddy, or playing video games with his friends.

    DETAILS

    DisciplineOutdoor Recreation
    SpecialityRock Climbing, Hiking, Backpacking, Being Stoked about anything outdoors
    LocationPhiladelphia, PA
    Joined RendezvuFeb 2026

    HIGHLIGHTS

    Incredibly average, which means that you too can do stuff like me.
    Onsighted Epinephrine in Vegas in 12 hours, car to car.
    Walked the entire Maryland AT in a 16 hours. ~43 miles.
    Photo 1

    About Michael

    Michael’s passion is to share the outdoors with anyone and everyone. Since 2018, he’s been working on honing his craft as an instructor. After helping to assist the rock climbing program at the summer camp he worked at, he received his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor certification. In March of 2020, he was ready to take over their climbing program. After two trips as the lead instructor, the pandemic shut everything down. In December 2023, he recertified as an AMGA Single Pitch instructor, and in 2025, he completed his Rock Guide Course. He has explored the sheer granite in the Wasatch, Potrero Chico’s soaring limestone cliffs, the Wind River Range, the Tetons, and many of the best routes the East offers. He is beyond psyched to get nerdy and talk about the nitty-gritty of gear, anchoring techniques, and all things climbing. When he’s not climbing, he’s usually hanging out with his wife, Maddy, or playing video games with his friends.

    DETAILS

    DisciplineOutdoor Recreation
    SpecialityRock Climbing, Hiking, Backpacking, Being Stoked about anything outdoors
    LocationPhiladelphia, PA
    Joined RendezvuFeb 2026

    HIGHLIGHTS

    Incredibly average, which means that you too can do stuff like me.
    Onsighted Epinephrine in Vegas in 12 hours, car to car.
    Walked the entire Maryland AT in a 16 hours. ~43 miles.