
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
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 40 Backpack Review
Last Updated: April 11, 2024
Dyneema is a hot ticket in ultralight gear, and for good reason: It's one of the strongest materials in the world relative to its weight, resists moisture very well, and is incredibly light. Maine-based Hyperlite Mountain Gear leads the charge in...
Black Diamond Mercury Mitts Review
Last Updated: February 11, 2025
Mittens offer the ultimate in warmth for cold hands and cold climates alike, and Black Diamond’s Mercury Mitts are a perennial favorite. The design features a protective outer shell with a removable liner, which is insulated with lofty synthetic fill...
Scarpa Rush TRK GTX Hiking Boot Review
Last Updated: July 11, 2022
Scarpa’s Rush is their do-it-all trail shoe, and the Rush TRK GTX adds a bump in support and protection for high-mileage backpacking objectives over varied terrain. I took the women’s version to Peru’s..
Saucony Peregrine 6 Review
Last Updated: December 13, 2016
Saucony’s Peregrine has long been a favourite among trail runners, so much so that introducing changes could be seen as a risky move. With their sixth version of the Peregrine...