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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Hiking Shoes vs. Trail Runners

Last Updated: September 8, 2025

As lightweight gear gains popularity among outdoor enthusiasts, above-the-ankle hiking boots are quickly becoming obsolete. For a major bump in comfort and weight savings, hikers and backpackers are now opting for lightweight hiking shoes and trail...

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Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Fleece Jacket Review

Last Updated: June 28, 2021

Arc’teryx has built their reputation around technical outerwear, which makes the casual Covert Cardigan a bit of an outlier. But this fleece has been a long-time favorite for a reason: its fit, build quality, and...

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Best Sites to Buy Outdoor Gear

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

For those who love the outdoors, the options for buying gear and clothing online continue to expand. Below we’ve picked the best sites to buy outdoor gear in 2019, from the mega stores to top discount and used gear sites. Along with a detailed...

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Best Cheap Down Jacket: REI Co-op 650

Last Updated: June 27, 2024

Here at Switchback Travel, we’re passionate about our down jackets. We’ve tested a huge range of models over the years, from entry-level options from Outdoor Research and Columbia to premium alternatives from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and Montbell. While...