
John Ellings
Title: Editor-in-Chief (Former)
Location: Wenatchee, WA
Expertise & Background
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, resort and backcountry skiing
- Education: MBA, Seattle University
- Years of Writing: 9
- Years of Gear Testing: 9
- Club or Association Memberships: Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Chelan-Douglas Land Trust
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
Best Ski Pants of 2025
Last Updated: March 6, 2025
Ski pants are a critical barrier between you and the elements, and there’s a pair to fit every type of skier and budget. Resort-goers typically opt for a classic hardshell design with some light insulation to stay warm on the lift rides up. Backcountry...
Osprey Aether 65 Backpack Review
Last Updated: May 4, 2021
Osprey has a reputation for building comfortable packs, and the Aether line is one of their best. The brand retooled the collection towards the end of last year, splitting their core offerings in two: a standard...
27.5 vs. 29er Mountain Bikes
Last Updated: March 18, 2022
Not long ago, mountain bikers didn’t have a choice when it came to wheel sizes—26 inches was the only option. But once 29- and 27.5-inch wheels hit the market, the debate amongst bikers took off and has continued ever since. 29ers...
Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket Review
Last Updated: April 10, 2025
Cotopaxi is a brand on the rise. With their distinctive and vibrant colorways, sustainable business practices, and skillful collaborations with other brands, they’ve quickly established themselves as a serious player in the outdoor market. The Fuego...