Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Title: Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Aspen, Colorado

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, backcountry skiing, travel
  • Education: B.S. in News-Editorial Journalism from University of Colorado at Boulder; M.Ed (emphasis on Special Education) from Regis University
  • Years of Writing: 20
  • Years of Gear Testing: 15
  • Certifications: AIARE Level 1, CPR, CrossFit L1
  • Club or Association Memberships: North America Travel Journalists Association
  • Previous Publications:Backpacker, Outside, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, REI, Men’s Journal, Sierra, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Ski, Trails, Cross Country Skier


Why I Chose This Career

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl, penning stories in the publishing center of my elementary school. But my love for the outdoors came in college when I left behind a 15-year dancing career to move into backpacking and mountaineering. In the 20 years since then, I’ve been able to interweave my love of the mountains with my love of content creation — and my fascination with the technical intricacies of outdoor gear. Best of both worlds!


How I Began My Career

After graduating with a journalism degree, I immediately realized that magazines at that time all required a 6-month unpaid internship. As a single woman, that wasn’t financially possible so I moved onto Plan B: sold my belongings, broke my lease, and spent four months riding my bicycle across the country while living in my trusty Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 2 tent (RIP). When I reached Miami, I bought a one-way ticket to South America where I dirtbagged my way around the continent for 18 months, climbing peaks and working on my Spanish until I ran out of money. This was circa 2005 so social media didn’t exist then, but a new thing called “weblogs” did. So, I started a blog detailing my adventures to reassure my parents that I was alive and well. Over time, the blog grew to be one of the largest outdoor websites in the country, leading to my career as a freelance writer and editor.

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Paul Kalifatidi

Paul Kalifatidi riding bike

Paul Kalifatidi

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Mountain Biking, Gravel Biking, Bikepacking, Climbing
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology from The University of Minnesota Twin Cities
  • Years of Writing: 3
  • Years of Gear Testing: 2
  • Certifications: CPR, WFR, AMGA SPI
  • Club or Association Memberships: AAA
  • Previous Publications: The Radavist, Bikepacking.com, Pinkbike


Why I Chose This Career

At heart, I'm a creative with lots of opinions on equipment. Gear testing is the physical incarnation of what happens in my head, but I also get to take photos of my friends and contribute to a community. It's a fun pastime that combines so much of what I love.


How I Began My Career

Becoming a freelance photographer and writer happened on accident. I enjoyed taking photos of my friends, one of whom worked for an online mountain bike publication. They needed a photographer on very short notice, so I took the job. It was only once I accepted it did I realize I'd also be writing the associated article. After that, I started pursuing more of this kind of work.

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Ben Ketler

Ben carrying snowboard

Ben Ketler

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Leavenworth, Washington

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Snowboarding, splitboarding
  • Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
  • Years of Gear Testing: 1


Why I Chose This Career

I have been a snowboarder most of my life, and the sport has taken me to some epic locations around the world. This passion, coupled with my background in mechanical engineering, has given me a keen eye for gear testing. I love developing testing regiments and getting out to my local resort—Steven's Pass in central Washington—or touring into the North Cascades backcountry to push equipment to their limits.


How I Began My Career

Though I've been playing around with snowboarding gear since I can remember, I started officially testing gear for Switchback Travel in 2024. Beyond gear testing, I have worked as a snowboard instructor at Steven's Pass for a number of years.

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Peter Terwilliger

Pete partaking of his favorite activity: snacking

Peter Terwilliger

Title: Gear Tester

Location: Truckee, CA

Expertise & Background


Why I Chose This Career

As someone who constantly uses gear, I am passionate about helping folks figure out what gear is right for them. Switchback Travel allows me to educate and engage with people so that they can pursue their passions to the fullest. 


How I Began My Career

I began guiding as a means to help people realize their goals and adventure into places they may have otherwise never been. Often, in guiding, you help to facilitate a learning experience through teaching, coaching, and mentorship. Reviewing gear and guiding feel very complementary, as it is all about honesty and helping folks grow in their outdoor pursuits. 

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Calvin Godbey

Calvin Godbey

Calvin Godbey

Title: Gear Tester

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Skiing
  • Years of Writing: 1
  • Years of Gear Testing: 1
  • Certifications: OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care)
  • Club or Association Memberships: NPS Member, Mission Ridge Ski Patrol


Why I Chose This Career

I started testing gear for Switchback because I enjoy being outside and know the importance of using the right gear to be safe and have fun. 


How I Began My Career

I grew up in Arizona hunting, fishing, building questionable forts, and galavanting in the desert of the Navajo reservation. This upbringing planted the seed for me to continue exploring the outdoors in British Columbia as a mountain guide, and ultimately brought me to Wenatchee, Washington, where I work on ski patrol seasonally at Mission Ridge Resort.

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Adam Zukowski

Adam skiing on the Paradise Glacier

Adam Zukowski

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backcountry skiing, hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, mountaineering
  • Education: B.A in Chemistry from Western Washington University
  • Years of Gear Testing: 3
  • Certifications: AIARE Level 1 and 2, WFR, Petzl PPE Competent Person


Why I Chose This Career

When I am not tied down by work, my time is spent preparing for, daydreaming of, or doing mountain-related activities. I am the textbook definition of a weekend warrior, so having gear that performs well is important to me because I have limited time to do what I am passionate about. I found myself gear testing before I even knew it was a field of expertise: I have a tendency to be really hard on gear in an effort to perfect my kit.


How I Began My Career

As manager of a local gear shop for a guide service, I spent an ample amount of time preparing groups for mountain objectives. By the end of my stint, I was in charge of ordering, organizing, and operating a retail space that specialized in selling and reviewing niche alpine climbing and skiing equipment. Needless to say, I get gear.

 

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Sofie Gard

Sofie Gard

Sofie Gard

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backcountry skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and backpacking
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology - Pre-Healthcare Professions from Western Washington University
  • Years of Gear Testing: 3


Why I Chose This Career

I've always been drawn to the mountains, whether it's skiing, hiking, climbing, or mountaineering. My three years working in an alpine equipment shop deepened my passion for finding the best gear for any situation. I love pushing gear to its limits and seeing what it can truly handle. Combining my love for the outdoors with my expertise in gear, testing outdoor equipment was a perfect fit for me.


How I Began My Career

In 2022, I began working at an alpine equipment shop in Bellingham, Washington, where I developed a keen interest in gear. This led to an invitation to join a backcountry ski gear testing trip with Switchback Travel on Mount Rainier in 2024. That experience sparked my transition into climbing gear testing, blending my outdoor passion with my gear expertise.

Recent Articles

Ben Stalheim

Ben Stalheim

Ben Stalheim

Title: Review Editor

Location: San Diego, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Trail running, road running, hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, rafting
  • Education: Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Conservation from Humboldt State University
  • Years of Writing: 3
  • Years of Gear Testing: 1
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Marine Boating License
  • Previous Publications: Mount Baker Experience Magazine, Birding Magazine


Why I Chose This Career

I wanted to start testing gear to help inform others and myself about the products available. I particularly need camping and running gear that can handle any terrain to access mountain, desert, wetland, and marine habitats. I am excited to share my experience and learn along the way as I work to help the federally endangered Loggerhead Shrike on San Clemente Island in California. 


How I Began My Career

I grew up running in the Cascade Mountains when I was a teenager. That experience launched me into a state of wonder as a runner and biologist. I have since lived and traveled around the country (and world) camping, running, and birding. 

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Chris Crossen

Chris Crossen

Chris Crossen

Title: Senior Editor

Location: Truckee, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backcountry skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, climbing, trail running, backpacking, hiking, surfing, mountain biking
  • Education: MFA in Creative Writing, University of Notre Dame; MBA from UC Berkeley
  • Years of Writing: 20+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 20+
  • Certifications: Wilderness EMT, AIARE Level 1&2
  • Club or Association Memberships: Shralpinist's Society
  • Previous Publications: Powder, Outside, Couloir, Backcountry, Telemark, Tahoe Quarterly, Backpacker, Oxygen


Why I Chose This Career

I need to be outside as much as possible.


How I Began My Career

I started writing seriously while working as a backcountry ranger in Canyonlands, National Park. From there, I was able to craft those stories and others about time spent in the mountains, deserts, rivers, and oceans into various articles and publications focused on being outside, why it's important, and how to do it well. 

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Brooke Maushund

Brooke Maushund

Brooke Maushund

Title: Contributing Editor

Location: Stanley, ID

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Avalanches & backcountry skiing, climbing (big wall, trad, sport, alpine), trail running
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Resource Sciences, UC Berkeley
  • Years of Writing: 8+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 4+
  • Certifications: Avalanche PRO 2, EMT, WFR, Psychological First Aid (J. Hopkins), Technical Rope Rescue & Search and Rescue Squad Leader (TRT1 & SRT1 from NPS), AMGA Apprentice Ski & Rock Guide
  • Club or Association Memberships: American Avalanche Association Pro Member, Access Fund, American Alpine Club
  • Previous Publications: The Avalanche Review, Sawtooth Avalanche Center forecasts, Mt. Rainier Climbing Ranger Blog, multiple scientific publications


Why I Chose This Career

Through years of work in SAR and the avalanche industry, I have grown to love using my experiences in the mountains to provide folks with well-written information to make better choices. Getting to work at Switchback Travel allows me to continue down this path by helping folks choose the right gear for their unique adventures outside. 


How I Began My Career

My first professional writing experiences were as an off-grid energy researcher and a contracted author for international energy conferences. After getting to write route descriptions, conditions blogs, observations, and avalanche forecasts during my time as a climbing ranger and avalanche forecaster, I am now convinced that writing about the mountains is what I look forward to doing in some capacity for the rest of my career. 

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