Adam skiing on the Paradise Glacier

Adam Zukowski

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Backcountry skiing, hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, mountaineering
  • Education: B.A in Chemistry from Western Washington University
  • Years of Gear Testing: 3
  • Certifications: AIARE Level 1 and 2, WFR, Petzl PPE Competent Person


Why I Chose This Career

When I am not tied down by work, my time is spent preparing for, daydreaming of, or doing mountain-related activities. I am the textbook definition of a weekend warrior, so having gear that performs well is important to me because I have limited time to do what I am passionate about. I found myself gear testing before I even knew it was a field of expertise: I have a tendency to be really hard on gear in an effort to perfect my kit.


How I Began My Career

As manager of a local gear shop for a guide service, I spent an ample amount of time preparing groups for mountain objectives. By the end of my stint, I was in charge of ordering, organizing, and operating a retail space that specialized in selling and reviewing niche alpine climbing and skiing equipment. Needless to say, I get gear.

 

Recent Articles

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Scarpa Maestrale RS Ski Boot Review

Last Updated: March 19, 2025

Scarpa's Maestrale RS ski boot has been a consistent leader in the backcountry ski market for years, and the beloved design received some notable updates for 2024. These focused on fit—including a wider last, revamped toe box, and narrower heel cup—as...

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Big Agnes Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad Review

Last Updated: October 14, 2024

Big Agnes is well known in the backpacking space for their quality take on everything from ultralight tents to sleep systems. Built for 3-season backpacking, the Divide Insulated Sleeping Pad is no exception, offering solid comfort and durability at a...

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Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Hoody Review

Last Updated: January 24, 2025

We love sun hoodies for everything from hiking to rock climbing, paddling, and backcountry skiing—basically, any activity that involves a solar reflector like rock, water, or snow. Among the myriad options, Mountain Hardwear’s Crater Lake Hoody was...

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Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bibs Review

Last Updated: March 14, 2025

With “tour” literally in their name, it’s no surprise that the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bibs are a beast in the backcountry. The breathable, lightweight, and stretchy hybrid construction (hardshell on the bottom and softshell along the...