Sasha Brown
Title: Writer & Gear Tester
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, backpacking, bikepacking, hiking, mountain biking
- Years of Writing: 12+
- Years of Gear Testing: 12+
Why I Chose This Career
I've spent my life playing in the mountains, and my husband Brian and I have chose to spend our lives exploring as much as possible. Our adventures require gear, and we are often in harsh—though beautiful—locations, so gear testing felt like a natural fit.
How I Began My Career
In 2012, I was selected as a Trail Ambassador for The North Face in Canada. In that role, I tested TNF trail running gear and wrote about it for Canadian Trail Running. My relationship with Switchback Travel started a few years later, after I discovered their great beta on trails on Norway’s Lofoten Islands. My husband and I started testing gear for Switchback shortly after that, and the rest is history.
Recent Articles
Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Review
Last Updated: February 11, 2025
Mittens offer the ultimate in warmth for cold hands and cold climates alike, and Black Diamond’s Mercury Mitts are a perennial favorite. The design features a protective outer shell with a removable liner, which is insulated with lofty synthetic fill...
Arc’teryx Alpha Parka Review
Last Updated: January 26, 2022
Arc’teryx is a leader in technical mountain apparel, and the winter-ready Alpha Parka slots in as their warmest belay jacket built for harsh mountain environments. Replacing the Firebee AR in their lineup, I brought the Alpha on a trip to Nepal’s...
Salomon Speedcross 6 Trail Running Shoe Review
Last Updated: June 26, 2025
The latest version of Salomon’s Speedcross raises the bar for trail running on muddy, snowy, and soft terrain. The real magic lies in the outsole...
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Bikepack Tent Review
Last Updated: July 31, 2025
The bikepacking version of this popular semi-freestanding tent has shorter pole segments and a bike-specific carry case with all the other original benefits of a fast-pitch shelter with good space-to-weight ratio