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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Best Ski Gloves and Mittens of 2025

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Nothing ruins a great day on the slopes like frozen fingers, and a quality glove or mitten can make all the difference. Choosing one that fits the conditions and type of skiing you do most is an important decision. The more you ride, the more you...

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Best Coolers of 2025

Last Updated: October 14, 2024

Whether you’re headed to the beach, tailgating before your favorite sporting event, or camping in the wild, there's a good chance you'll want to keep your food and drinks cold. Thankfully, the market is packed with high-quality coolers that excel at...

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Best Ski Boots for Beginners of 2025/26

Last Updated: November 25, 2025

If there's one piece of gear that will keep first-timers from sticking with the sport, it’s an uncomfortable ski boot. An ill-fitting, cheap boot can pinch and freeze toes, turning what could be fun into complete misery. Thankfully, there are quality...

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Oboz Bridger Mid BDry Hiking Boot Review

Last Updated: February 28, 2021

Along with their Sawtooth line, the Bridger boot is a signature product from Bozeman, Montana-based Oboz. Its design is in many ways reflective of what has made the company a success: a reliable fit, durable materials, and high levels of support and...