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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Kuat Transfer v2 2-Bike Rack Review

Last Updated: April 10, 2024

In the wide-ranging hitch bike rack market, Kuat’s Transfer v2 hits a real sweet spot in price and performance. The platform-style rack is user-friendly, can handle an impressive array of wheel sizes and tire widths, and carries two bikes with no frame...

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Blizzard Rustler 10 Ski (2024) Review

Last Updated: August 29, 2023

Blizzard’s original Rustler was consistently one of our favorite all-mountain skis thanks to its focus on fun over all-out power and speed. The design has gotten a big revamp for 2024, including changes to the construction (Titanal now runs the length...

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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review

Last Updated: March 19, 2021

Big Agnes’ Tiger Wall blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model backpacking in Utah’s Canyon Country and found that the mixture worked: the two-door...

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Patagonia Ski Jackets: How to Choose

Last Updated: October 8, 2023

From resort days to deep backcountry missions, Patagonia’s ski jacket lineup covers nearly the full gamut of possible designs. At the time of publishing, a grand total of nine different models...