Devan Dowd
Growing up in Massachusetts, Devan has been an athlete all her life. Starting at the age of 4 as a competitive gymnast, she learned quickly the joy that comes from hard work, determination, and a jammed packed schedule. Eventually, gymnastics led to competitive lacrosse, which resulted in her growing some wings and heading to the PNW to pursue a DI College Lacrosse opportunity at the University of Oregon.
On the single off-day each week, she quickly learned to see Mother Earth as her playground and wanted to use every second of free time to find chase AOTDs (Adventures of the Days). These AOTDs were the inspiration for her blog Dabbling in Traveling & youtube channel.
From waterfalls, to snow covered mountains, to sand dune hikes – one thing was certain, something always went awry on these AOTDs. But hey, memories were always made! Not only was UO an incredible college experience, Oregon sparked her love for the outdoors & traveling across the country for games helped introduce her to Colorado in 2014. Staring up at the Flatirons on CU Boulder’s campus, she knew one day she would call Colorado home!
After returning to the east coast upon graduation, Devan’s heart never stopped longing to live in Colorado one day. But luckily the pandemic brought a newfound acceptance for remote work and in Nov. 2021 her dream came true!
By day, Devan is a Product Manager at Capital One. By afternoon, she is a personal trainer, coaching group Crossfit classes at Axistence Athletics (the best Adventure gym you will ever find!). By evening, she pours her heart into nonprofit work, specifically focused on driving sustainable change in Haiti through the Brace for Impact 46 organization (Fun fact – she has been traveling to Haiti since 2015, accumulating 7 trips and 7 months of living down there!).
Brace for Impact works in Northern Haiti to provide sustainable, multifaceted approaches to support child development, education, medical care, job development, and implementation of clean water & sanitation across the community, which touches 40,000 people each day! (Want to learn more? Check out their website www.braceforimpact46.com )
As her friends would tell you (despite trying), Devan does not slow down and is always trying to fit AOTDs into each open moment. Whether it be hiking, paddleboarding, road-biking, running, Crossfitting, weight-lifting, snowboarding or simply exploring different parts of CO with her favorite furry friend Bailey & her husband Jeremy, it’s safe to say Devan has found her “Home” here in Colorado!
Fun fact – Devan had reconstructive hip surgery in 2016 (actually called a Periacetabular Osteotomy… but that’s a tongue twister). After a 22 month recovery period, she proved doctors wrong, returned to play her senior of lacrosse continues to use this experience as motivation to encourage everyone she interacts with to truly treat movement as a gift and to never take it for granted. With that being said, to keep her body active, she needs to make sure her gear can support her so she can remain #PAOStrong!
Devan is excited to join the Engearment team!
Articles by Devan Dowd
Devan’s reviews cover women’s outdoor apparel, sunglasses, winter gear, and lifestyle footwear – tested through her Colorado adventures and tied to her #PAOStrong approach to movement as a gift. Here are her 12 articles for Engearment.
Dragon Alliance DR9012 Prescription Glasses
September 17, 2024 — Devan follows up her Rowan Polarized review by trying Dragon Alliance’s DR9012 prescription frames for day-to-day indoor vision.
Dragon Rowan Polarized Lifestyle Sunglasses – Eye-Catching Color
June 6, 2024 — A review of Dragon’s Rowan Polarized sunglasses, aimed at anyone refreshing their summer sunglasses game or replacing a misplaced pair.
Zeal Optics Lookout Goggles x Haa Aani Alliance
March 28, 2024 — Devan reviews the limited-edition Zeal Optics x Haa Aani Alliance Lookout goggles, a partnership focused on protecting indigenous lands.
Malibu Westward Clog – A Sleeping Bag For Your Foot
March 26, 2024 — A review of the Malibu Sandal Westward Clog, tested through a Colorado arctic vortex as cozy cold-weather footwear.
Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Jacket – Everyday Chic
March 4, 2024 — Devan pitches Patagonia’s Re-Tool Hybrid Jacket as the campfire-chic everyday fleece for eco-minded wear.
Patagonia Maipo Mid Impact Bra – Did I Just Find The Best Sports Bra?
March 4, 2024 — A candid review of Patagonia’s Maipo Mid Impact Bra, aimed at women looking for one sports bra that works from trails to gym to running.
Marmot Highlander Down Hoody – Dependable and Damn Good Looking
January 22, 2024 — Devan tests Marmot’s Highlander Down Hoody against a Colorado arctic vortex, pairing alpinist dependability with style.
Krimson Klover Ava Top and Leggings – Cozy & Toasty for All the Winter Activities
January 1, 2024 — A review of Krimson Klover’s Ava base layer set as the 2024 ski season kicks off.
Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra Backpack – Ultra Light and Very Versatile
November 25, 2023 — Devan evaluates the CS40 Ultra for weekend warriors, thru-hikers, and endurance trail runners who prioritize light carry weight.
Allbirds Golf Dashers – Look Good, Play Good
November 24, 2023 — A review of Allbirds’ Golf Dashers as a sustainable pick for anyone prepping for next golf season.
Toad and Co Taj Hemp Pants and Cottonwood Overalls – Brighter Colors, Brighter Moods
July 22, 2023 — Devan reviews Toad and Co’s summer hemp collection in vibrant colors suited to patio dining and city revival.
BAERSkin Women’s Tactical 2.0 Hoodie – Warm and Burly
June 29, 2023 — A review of BAERSkin’s Tactical 2.0 Hoodie for hunting, cold camping, or anyone who wants to feel like they’re wearing a blanket outdoors.