John Ellings

John Ellings

Title: Editor-in-Chief (Former)

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Expertise & Background


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

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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...

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How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Last Updated: August 19, 2025

Tents are one of the most exciting pieces of your backpacking kit—it’s your home away from home in the backcountry—but selecting the right one requires a healthy amount of research and thought. Designs in this category vary widely, from budget...

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Big Agnes Crag Lake SL2 Tent Review

Last Updated: April 22, 2024

Big Agnes specializes in quality backpacking tents, from streamlined ultralight models for ounce-counting minimalists to family-friendly designs that prioritize comfort and spaciousness. The Crag Lake falls somewhere in the middle, striking a good...

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Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2025

Last Updated: April 21, 2025

A good night’s sleep on a backpacking trip used to be a rarity, but today’s sleeping pads are much improved over their predecessors. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you...