Nick Mott

Nick Mott

Nick Mott

Title: Editor

Location: Livingston, Montana

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing, trail running, skiing & ski mountaineering, packrafting, backpacking, hunting, fishing
  • Education: Master of Arts in Environmental Journalism, University of Colorado Boulder
  • Years of Writing: 5+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 2+
  • Certifications: CPR/First Aid
  • Previous Publications: NPR, The Atlantic, High Country News, Outside, Alpinist, and more


Why I Chose This Career

Writing about outdoor gear—along with public land, climate, and wildlife issues—is a perfect way to engage with what I love and value in both my professional and personal life.


How I Began My Career

I started writing about the outdoors serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer after college doing fuels reduction and trail work in the Desert Southwest. From there, I started pitching stories to outlets like Alpinist, and soon decided to make things official by going back to school for journalism. 

Recent Articles

Penney Garrett

Penney at the summit of a climb in Eldorado Canyon

Penney Garrett

Title: Editor-in-Chief

Location: South Lake Tahoe, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Hiking, backpacking, camping, rock climbing, canyoneering, skiing, yoga, botany
  • Education: Bachelor of Fine Art, RMCAD
  • Years of Writing: 10+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 7+
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, CPR, Clinical Herbalism & Nutrition, Full Stack Web Development
  • Club or Association Memberships: American Alpine Club, Leadership Lake Tahoe
  • Previous Publications: GearLab, Plant Healer Magazine


Why I Chose This Career

I have a deep passion for writing, education, art, and the outdoors. Working for Switchback Travel brings together the best parts of every job I've had or skill I've amassed in a dynamic way that keeps me on my toes.


How I Began My Career

I've been writing for all of my adult life, but my first professional endeavors were in the realm of herbalism and botany, writing curricula for classes and conferences. I also spent many years teaching people how to ferment almost anything (from sauerkraut and cheese to bread and wine) and how to make their own body care products. I love helping folks learn a new skill or find the right tool for the job, and I subsequently started testing and writing about outdoor gear in 2016. I knew I'd found my niche, and it's been a joy to continue to guide outdoor enthusiasts to the right products and to be challenged by friends and colleagues while playing outside. 

Recent Articles

Sarah Nelson

Sarah Nelson

Sarah Nelson

Title: Managing Editor

Location: Truckee, CA

Expertise & Background

  • Topics of Expertise: Climbing, trail running, backpacking, hiking, camping, downhill skiing
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Northwestern University
  • Years of Writing: 8+
  • Years of Gear Testing: 5+
  • Certifications: Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AIARE Level 1
  • Club or Association Memberships: Access Fund, American Alpine Club
  • Previous Publications: Backpacker Magazine


Why I Chose This Career

As a writer and editor for Switchback Travel, I’ve been able to merge my journalism background with my love for the outdoors—a perfect convergence of my expertise and personal passions.


How I Began My Career

My first professional writing experience was with Backpacker Magazine in 2016, where I interned during a semester in college. During my time there, I fell in love with the Rocky Mountains and committed to pursuing a career in the outdoor industry.

Recent Articles

Squamish, B.C. Map

United States Map

Map of Aguas Arriba Lodge, Patagonia


 

Juneau Hiking Map


 

Sunnmøre Region, Norway


 

Henningsvær Map


 

Reine Accommodations Map


 

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