
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 Winter Boots of 2025
Last Updated: October 16, 2025
Winter boots remain a timeless, charming, and vital piece of gear. From classic Sorels to light and modern waterproof designs, they aim to keep your feet protected and warm from snow and frigid temperatures. Whether you live in a cold and snowy climate...
Best Men's Ski Bibs of 2025/26
Last Updated: October 16, 2025
It can be tough to sift through all the snow gear options, with new and improved products cropping up each season. The ski bib market is flush with variety—from streamlined and stretch-infused backcountry designs to burly and stylish resort models. So...
Best Down Jackets of 2025
Last Updated: April 14, 2025
Few pieces of gear are as versatile and essential as a quality down jacket. Whether you're layering up for a chilly commute or bundling up while deep in the backcountry, down offers unmatched warmth for its weight and compresses small for easy...
Trew Gear Cosmic Primo Jacket Review
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
Trew Gear is a brand on the rise, and their longstanding, core men’s ski shell is the Cosmic. Balancing weather protection, mobility, and features for resort and backcountry days, it’s a versatile piece with wide appeal. And the latest Primo version...