Matt Maar

Matt walks up a steep hill with a backpack and the ocean in the distance

Matt Maar

Title: Gear Tester

Location: Bozeman, MT

Expertise & Background


Why I Chose This Career

As a backcountry guide for nearly a decade, I spend the majority of my working hours backpacking or ski touring, depending on the season. Testing gear in the field is part of my job, including skis, tents, footwear, and apparel layering systems. Progressing to reviewing and writing about gear on a professional level was a natural fit. 


How I Began My Career

I started working as a backpacking guide nearly 10 years ago, then became an avalanche instructor and ski guide to keep the outdoor work going year-round. I split my time between my home base in Montana, where I ski, backpack, and mountain bike, and guiding across the US and abroad. I have backpacked, bikepacked, skied, and hiked all over the world, and I spend summer and shoulder seasons working in the Utah and Yellowstone backcountry, then winters abroad for ski guiding. I started testing for Switchback Travel as a way to share my field knowledge in a more comprehensive format. 

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Shannon Flynn

Shannon Flynn

Shannon Flynn

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Snowboarding and skiing, splitboarding, mountain biking, bikepacking, camping and hiking
  • Years of Writing: 1
  • Years of Gear Testing: 4+
  • Certifications: AIARE 1, Sidas Ski Bootfitting Certification 
  • Club or Association Memberships: Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, American Avalanche Association 


Why I Chose This Career

My goal is to help people get outside and enjoy it as much as possible. With 5+ years of retail experience with the outdoor industry and over 7 years of ski, snowboard, and mountain bike coaching experience, I know first hand how much of a difference gear can impact a person's experience outside. 


How I Began My Career

I began my career in the outdoor industry when I started snowboard instructing in 2018. Eventually this led to a life of sharing what I love by snowboard/ski instructing, mountain bike coaching, being a ski technician and bootfitter, and working with gear shops as the buyer for retail spaces.

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Dominique Edgerly

Dominique Edgerly

Dominique Edgerly

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, Washington

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Mountain biking, snowboarding and splitboarding, alpine and backcountry skiing, backpacking, hiking and camping, packrafting, kayaking
  • Education: Bachelor of Arts in English Creative Writing and Environmental Studies, St. Lawrence University
  • Years of Writing: 1
  • Years of Gear Testing: 10+
  • Certifications: Wilderness first responder, AIARE level 1, PSIA level 1, BICP level 1 
  • Club or Association Memberships: Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition


Why I Chose This Career

I have worked in the field as a guide or instructor in multiple outdoor pursuits (including ski and snowboarding and mountain biking) for the past 15 years, and I tend to put my gear through the wringer. I love using my experience to help others of all backgrounds and levels of expertise find the best gear for their hobbies and objectives!


How I Began My Career

My entire life and career revolves around being outside in almost any capacity, so writing for Switchback seemed like a no-brainer! I also love being able to stretch part of my brain that loves writing and analyzing. I started testing snowboard gear for Switchback in the winter of 2024 and have since taken on testing for mountain biking gear. 

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Kira Walters

Kira bouldering

Kira Walters

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing (bouldering and sport), gravel and road cycling
  • Education: B.S. in Biology from Western Washington University
  • Years of Gear Testing: 3+
  • Certifications: CPR


Why I Chose This Career

I spend most weekends outside bouldering or gravel biking, so I need gear I can rely on. I put all of my gear through the wringer, whether I'm bike packing in the San Juans or projecting routes across British Columbia and Washington state. I am someone who sticks with the gear I like, so it takes a lot for a new piece of gear to impress me. My high standards don't deter me from testing, however, and I love it when I'm surprised by the performance of something new. 


How I Began My Career

I have been climbing for over half my life now and biking even longer. My dad introduced me to biking soon after I learned to walk, and I joined the local indoor rock climbing team as soon as I was old enough to. As I grew up, I narrowed down my interests mainly to gravel and road biking and outdoor bouldering, though I've spend plenty of time mountain biking, sport climbing, and alpine rock climbing as well. My gear closet has slowly grown more refined over the years as I figure out what works (what breaks) and what doesn't. I have a lot of opinions on gear, but only because I've spend the majority of my life relying on gear to keep me safe and having fun.
 

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Nick Estrada

Nick Estrada

Nick Estrada

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Bellingham, WA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Thru hiking/backpacking, hiking, camping, trail running, split boarding/snowboarding
  • Education: BS in Exercise and Wellness, Arizona State University
  • Years of Writing: 1
  • Years of Gear Testing: 4+
  • Certifications: WEMT, LNT Level 2 Instructor, AIARE Level 1, AASI Level 1


Why I Chose This Career

 I have focused my career on helping people discover recreation in the outdoors. Working with people of all abilities and backgrounds gives me the opportunity to help discover the right equipment and tools to access whatever their pursuit is.


How I Began My Career

I started working in the outdoor industry in outdoor education, where I pursued taking young people outside and promoting positive lifestyle through challenging experiences in outdoor spaces. I have moved around the country learning about what people seek in outdoor spaces and strive to instill passion for exploration and environmental stewardship by teaching the skills necessary to recreate outside responsibly.

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Michael Bishop

Michael standing next to the ocean wearing a wetsuit and holding a surfboard

Michael Bishop

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: O'ahu, Hawai'i

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Surfing, paddle boarding, free diving, trad and sport climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding, trail running, hiking, camping, zip-off pants.
  • Education: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, University of Idaho
  • Years of Writing: 10+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 2
  • Certifications: First Aid, CPR, HAZWOPER, SPRAT Level 1
  • Club or Association Memberships: Hawai'i Climbing Coalition - Founding Vice President
  • Previous Publications: Civil Beat, The Inertia, and literary work that can be found in About Place Journal, Boulevard Magazine, The Normal School, River Teeth’s Beautiful Things, and elsewhere.


Why I Chose This Career

I've found that having great gear makes adventures even better. As an ocean and mountain athlete, I've also found that risky pursuits demand trustworthy gear, so I enjoy sharing that hard-earned wisdom through personal experiences and reviews.


How I Began My Career

Following a long stint as a climbing guide in Hawai'i, writing travel journals eventually led me to become a devotee of literary nonfiction; I then earned an MFA in creative writing. In addition to publishing in literary magazines, I've been testing and reviewing gear for The Inertia for the last couple of years.

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Nick Bruckbauer

Nick carrying skis on a sunny day at Palisades resort in Lake Tahoe, CA

Nick Bruckbauer

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, trail running, running, cycling, camping, backpacking, stand up paddling, kayaking, downhill skiing
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Purdue University
  • Years of Writing: 7+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 7+
  • Certifications: 20-day Ski Mountaineering Leadership and Guide Course, Alaska Mountain Guides
  • Previous Publications: OutdoorGearLab, TechGearLab, GearJunkie, The Inertia, iRunFar


Why I Chose This Career

After beginning my career in the technical field of engineering and project management, I wanted a way to utilize my technical skills while creating an outlet for more creative expression. I’m also a gear nerd and love playing outside, no matter the season. Whether I’m hiking, running, biking, paddling, or skiing, I love adventuring with the right gear, and sharing my experiences and feedback with readers.


How I Began My Career

After feeling stuck in my previous profession for a number of years, I got my big breakthrough in 2019 when I began freelance gear testing and review writing for OutdoorGearLab. I treated every assignment like an ongoing job interview and an opportunity to showcase my passion and enthusiasm for the work. When a full-time job opened up, I tried to make it easy for them to hire me, which they did. From there, I blended my technical skills, creative abilities, and love for the outdoors to continue making an impact in this industry with other publications. 

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Eve O'Neill

Eve O'Neill

Eve O'Neill

Title: Managing Editor

Location: Truckee, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Freediving, whitewater rafting, surfing, snowboarding
  • Education: BFA, Directing for Film, North Carolina School of the Arts
  • Years of Writing: 18+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 9+
  • Certifications: AIARE I & II, AIDA 3 Freediver, First Aid, CPR, Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue
  • Previous Publications: Wirecutter, Self, Editorialist, Sunset Magazine, NYTimes


Why I Chose This Career

When I first started working as an editor, the ethos of what we did was grounded in one thing only: service to the reader. This appealed to me deeply. It added purpose and motivation to the task of writing, and as review sites became more and more commonplace, it remained a guiding force that kept me interested. My friends are sometimes surprised when they ask me a gear question and I don’t know the answer (because don’t I test gear all day?!), but for me, it’s never been about the gear.


How I Began My Career

I began working for Wirecutter, one of the earlier online review sites, in 2015, and my career in publishing took hold from there. Prior to that, it was a decade-long zig zag through filmmaking, food, wine, magazines – it took a long time to find something that fit me, and it’s an approach that’s served me well.

Recent Articles

Emily Malone

Emily hiking through fall colors

Emily Malone

Title: Freelance Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Chattanooga, TN

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, backpacking, car camping, family travel, outdoor leadership
  • Education: Master of Social Work, University of Alabama
  • Years of Writing: 3+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 5
  • Certifications: PCPR, Wilderness First Aid


Why I Chose This Career

Writing for Switchback Travel allows me to blend creative storytelling with my love for the outdoors, helping others discover the tools, trails, and gear that make adventure more accessible and enjoyable for all people—beginners, and seasoned explorers alike.


How I Began My Career

I began my career in social work and part-time marketing/outdoor adventure instructing, eventually transitioning into full-time creative storytelling. My lifelong connection to the outdoors—and years spent hiking, camping, and leading youth trips with programs like Young Explorers Society—naturally led me to write about gear and outdoor life.

Recent Articles

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Heather Balogh Rochfort

Title: Writer & Gear Tester

Location: Aspen, Colorado

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, backpacking, camping, mountain biking, skiing, backcountry skiing, travel
  • Education: B.S. in News-Editorial Journalism from University of Colorado at Boulder; M.Ed (emphasis on Special Education) from Regis University
  • Years of Writing: 20
  • Years of Gear Testing: 15
  • Certifications: AIARE Level 1, CPR, CrossFit L1
  • Club or Association Memberships: North America Travel Journalists Association
  • Previous Publications:Backpacker, Outside, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, REI, Men’s Journal, Sierra, Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Ski, Trails, Cross Country Skier


Why I Chose This Career

I’ve wanted to be a writer ever since I was a little girl, penning stories in the publishing center of my elementary school. But my love for the outdoors came in college when I left behind a 15-year dancing career to move into backpacking and mountaineering. In the 20 years since then, I’ve been able to interweave my love of the mountains with my love of content creation — and my fascination with the technical intricacies of outdoor gear. Best of both worlds!


How I Began My Career

After graduating with a journalism degree, I immediately realized that magazines at that time all required a 6-month unpaid internship. As a single woman, that wasn’t financially possible so I moved onto Plan B: sold my belongings, broke my lease, and spent four months riding my bicycle across the country while living in my trusty Mountain Hardwear Light Wedge 2 tent (RIP). When I reached Miami, I bought a one-way ticket to South America where I dirtbagged my way around the continent for 18 months, climbing peaks and working on my Spanish until I ran out of money. This was circa 2005 so social media didn’t exist then, but a new thing called “weblogs” did. So, I started a blog detailing my adventures to reassure my parents that I was alive and well. Over time, the blog grew to be one of the largest outdoor websites in the country, leading to my career as a freelance writer and editor.

Recent Articles

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