
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 Men's Ski Pants of 2025
Last Updated: February 14, 2025
Ski pants are an essential layer for staying warm, dry, and comfortable on the mountain, with options to suit every type of skier and budget. While resort riders often favor insulated designs to keep cozy on long chairlift rides, backcountry...
Platypus GravityWorks Water Filter Review
Last Updated: June 23, 2015
Water treatment is a sometimes annoying and always time-consuming process, but remains an absolutely essential part of any backcountry trip. In the hopes of delivering convenience...
What is a Softshell Jacket?
Last Updated: November 15, 2022
Softshell jackets fill a much-needed void between lightweight insulating pieces and waterproof hardshells. They stretch for movement and breathe well, yet still offer better protection from the elements than...
Best Hitch Bike Racks of 2025
Last Updated: May 20, 2025
If you’re searching for the best way to transport bikes, hitch-mounted racks are the way to go. Securely attaching to the receiver hitch of your vehicle, they offer unmatched versatility and ease of use. There are a wide range of options to choose from...