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
Arc’teryx Sentinel Insulated Ski Jacket Review
Last Updated: October 9, 2024
Shell specialist Arc’teryx makes a ski jacket for just about every use case, from resort-focused designs packed with premium down fill to streamlined, backcountry-ready offerings for those who prefer to earn their turns. The women’s-specific Sentinel...
Arc’teryx Sentinel Ski Bib Review
Last Updated: July 6, 2023
Arc’teryx is a leader in the technical backcountry ski market, and their Sentinel Bib Pant (and men’s Sabre Bib Pant) slots in as a highly protective and tough design at a very competitive weight. With a mix of weather-ready Gore-Tex and a light...
Arc’teryx Nuclei FL Jacket Review
Last Updated: April 23, 2020
After a short hiatus, Arc’teryx has brought back their alpine-centric ultralight synthetic jacket. This past winter, I tested the Nuclei FL while backpacking and ski touring and was surprised with how well...
Arc’teryx Norvan Shell Jacket Review
Last Updated: September 24, 2024
Arc’teryx’s Norvan collection is purpose-built for trail running, and the Norvan Shell Jacket stands out for its trustworthy protection in a truly ultralight package. Featuring Gore’s proven 3-layer waterproof membrane and a streamlined but practical...