Intentional adventure.
Impactful storytelling.

Emily Hopcian is an award-winning writer, editor, and content producer with a focus on character-driven stories of outdoor adventure and social and environmental impact.

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telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
telling stories for
National Geographic logoREI Co-op logoOsprey logoArcteryx logoSidetracked Magazine logoShe Explores logo
Portrait of Emily sitting on a dock
ABout

Hey there! I'm Emily.

I’m passionate about telling truly local stories that carry universal themes to inspire global understanding, connection, and action. I work in the lifestyle I live and come alive in the space where adventure, community, creativity, curiosity, storytelling, and the natural world collide.



Based between Northern Michigan and Patagonia, I’ve written, edited, directed, and produced stories for National Geographic Adventure, REI, Osprey, Cotopaxi, Arc’teryx, Traverse Magazine, Sidetracked Magazine, RANGE Magazine, and more.

Emily writing in a journalEmily in Bariloche, Argentina
services

Impactful storytelling to connect, engage, and inspire.

From ideation through publication and promotion, I partner with my clients—and other creatives—every step of the way to deliver all writing and supporting visuals. In weaving narratives that speak to each client’s mission, values, and audience, I aim to share truly local stories that carry universal themes to inspire global understanding, connection, and action.

Let's Collaborate
Emily in Bariloche, Argentina
Testimonials

My clients are valued creative collaborators.

I admire and respect the work they do and am grateful for their belief and partnership not only in bringing meaningful stories to life but also in giving them a home. Here’s what a few of my clients say about our work together.

“Emily is an out-of-the-box thinker, a talented writer, and a true team player. From day one, Emily wrapped her head around the REI Co-op brand and was quick to dream up story ideas that would resonate with our audiences. As a writer, she submits flawless copy, and she’s a true pleasure to collaborate with throughout the editing process. She’s easy to work with, amenable to edits, and clearly relishes the creative process. If you’re looking for someone with big, bold ideas and a true knack for storytelling, go with Emily!

Jessica Bernhard
,
REI Co-op

“Emily is such a pleasure to work with. She’s an inspiring and extremely talented individual who applies herself fully to her work. I can safely say she’s one of the most thoughtful, creative people I’ve worked with. She is passionate about the outdoors and driven to make a difference in every path she takes—through work or her own personal goals. I can’t recommend her enough!”

John Summerton
,
Sidetracked Magazine

“Emily is an incredible collaborator and absolute pleasure to work with. Proficient at anything she applies herself to, Emily navigates the world with grace and efficiency. Acting as the managing editor on several issues of RANGE Magazine, her passion for the outdoors and her creative approach to storytelling elevated our work to another level. Emily is rock solid, always optimistic, and brings a level of professionalism to the table that is unparalleled.

Jeanine Pesce
,
RANGE Magazine
Blog

Thoughts from the trail, the road, and the moments in between.

Magic Moments: A Creative Collaboration

Earlier this year, my friend Mayura Sen and I were both feeling a bit stumped creatively. We weren’t finding the creative time, space, energy, and inspiration we once had—each in our own ways, each for our own reasons. So we connected in early February to chat about creativity and the creative slumps we were in. Mayura is a visual artist. I’m a writer, a wordsmith. I can’t quite remember what we spoke about that day. A mix of the above, I suppose. But the text messages that followed were synchronistic, serendipitous and just … a little bit magic.
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