Karen Scott

Karen Scott has spent over 12 years doing the kind of gift research most people only wish someone would do for them — actually buying the stuff, using it, and being honest about what holds up. Based in San Francisco and originally from Fort Collins, she brings a Recreation Management background from Colorado State and a Certified Professional Organizer credential to her role as curator at GiftRanks, where she covers outdoor, workspace, and hobby gifts. Her guides have appeared on OutdoorLife.com and Wirecutter, and her newsletter reaches 18,000 readers who trust her not to waste their time. She also owns four pairs of hiking poles, which tells you everything about how seriously she takes gear research.