John Ellings

John Ellings

Title: Editor-in-Chief (Former)

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Expertise & Background


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

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Best Camping Mattresses of 2025

Last Updated: August 9, 2025

Well-versed campers are comfort experts, and one item they often don’t compromise on is a sleeping mattress. Unlike backpacking, where weight and packed size are limitations, car camping mats emphasize plush cushioning and support with thick foam and...

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Sleeping Pad Weight Comparison Chart

Last Updated: May 5, 2016

There are a number of ways backpackers trim total packed weight, but one of the simplest and most affordable is their sleeping pad. And the beauty in getting a...

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Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Tent Review

Last Updated: March 19, 2021

Big Agnes’ Tiger Wall blends two of their best backpacking designs—the popular Copper Spur and Fly Creek—into one intriguing ultralight package. We took the UL2 model backpacking in Utah’s Canyon Country and found that the mixture worked: the two-door...

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Arc’teryx Macai Ski Jacket Review

Last Updated: January 3, 2024

Sitting atop Arc’teryx’s venerable ski lineup is the Macai: a Gore-Tex-equipped, down-insulated ski shell built for frigid conditions and serious resort use. Two of our testers put the Macai through a season-long test in Washington State and found it...