Calvin Godbey

Calvin Godbey

Title: Gear Tester

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Skiing
  • Years of Writing: 1
  • Years of Gear Testing: 1
  • Certifications: OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care)
  • Club or Association Memberships: NPS Member, Mission Ridge Ski Patrol


Why I Chose This Career

I started testing gear for Switchback because I enjoy being outside and know the importance of using the right gear to be safe and have fun. 


How I Began My Career

I grew up in Arizona hunting, fishing, building questionable forts, and galavanting in the desert of the Navajo reservation. This upbringing planted the seed for me to continue exploring the outdoors in British Columbia as a mountain guide, and ultimately brought me to Wenatchee, Washington, where I work on ski patrol seasonally at Mission Ridge Resort.

Recent Articles

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REI Co-op First Chair GTX Ski Jacket Review

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

REI Co-op is a consistent leader when it comes to value, and their First Chair GTX Jacket is a case in point. Boasting proven 2-layer Gore-Tex protection and a full suite of resort-ready features, the First Chair proved to be a great match for downhill...

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REI Co-op First Chair GTX Ski Bibs Review

Last Updated: October 7, 2024

REI Co-op’s in-house gear often strikes a nice balance between price and performance, and the First Chair GTX ski collection is no exception. I put the men’s bibs through their paces on several spring ski days in Washington state last winter and came...

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Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Ski Jacket Review

Last Updated: January 27, 2025

Helly Hansen is a trusted name in the ski community, and their Ridge Infinity Shell Jacket is a clear reflection of the brand's longstanding expertise. We put this jacket through its paces over an entire season in eastern Washington, encountering...

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Helly Hansen Ridge Infinity Shell Ski Bibs Review

Last Updated: January 28, 2025

Helly Hansen is a leader in the ski apparel market, and their Ridge Infinity kit was quick to impress us throughout a full season of testing last winter. Along with the jacket, we put the bibs through their paces in eastern Washington and came away...