
John Ellings
Title: Editor-in-Chief (Former)
Location: Wenatchee, WA
Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, resort and backcountry skiing
- Education: MBA, Seattle University
- Years of Writing: 9
- Years of Gear Testing: 9
- Club or Association Memberships: Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust
Why I Chose This Career
I wouldn't say it was my plan all along, but the work connects a lot of things I love: creating and building something great, geeking out on outdoor gear, and adventuring in my Pacific Northwest backyard and around the world.
How I Began My Career
I met Switchback founder, David Wilkinson, while I was working at REI and part way through my MBA program in 2014. The opportunity to rethink outdoor gear testing, photography, and long-form content was too good to pass up!
Recent Articles
Best Ski Poles of 2025
Last Updated: November 26, 2024
It’s hard not to admire the utility of the humble ski pole. A pair of ski poles serves a number of purposes, from helping you set a rhythm for turns, to propelling you along flat sections of trail, to having a crutch to lean on in long lift lines. For...
Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boot Review
Last Updated: April 21, 2022
Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, it’s the Renegade GTX. We took the popular mid-height boot out backpacking and day hiking...
REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket Review
Last Updated: July 24, 2024
REI Co-op’s 650 Down has been our favorite budget-friendly down jacket for years and recently underwent a revamp. After testing the latest model in Chile, we’re happy to report that the improvements justify the $30 jump in price, including a more tear...
Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX Review
Last Updated: February 28, 2023
Adidas has really leaned into their Terrex outdoor collection of late, with a rapidly growing line of mountain-ready apparel and footwear. The Terrex Free Hiker 2 lands in a popular new segment of hiking shoes: It’s not a full-on boot, but you get over...