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
Gregory Deva 70 Backpack Review
Last Updated: April 11, 2024
Gregory is well known for their comfort-oriented and feature-rich packs, and the Deva 70 (the women's counterpart to Gregory's Baltoro 75) carries the torch. The design stands out for its heavy-hauling capabilities with firm but supportive padding and...
Osprey Ariel 65 Backpack Review
Last Updated: April 27, 2023
Osprey makes some of our favorite packs on the market, and the Ariel (the women’s counterpart to the Aether) is their dedicated heavy hauler that’s backed by years of proven performance. We recently brought the latest model to Patagonia for testing...
Arc’teryx Thorium Hoody Review
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
Arc’teryx’s Thorium AR Hoody stood out for its effective balance of warmth and protection, and the upgraded Thorium Hoody carries the torch. In addition to a sizable sustainability slant, the latest model packs in more down, has a helmet-compatible...
REI Co-op Sahara Convertible Pant Review
Last Updated: December 12, 2025
REI Co-op's Sahara line is a popular collection designed for warm-weather hiking and backpacking adventures. Their Sahara Convertible Pant is a versatile addition, offering UV protection in a quick-dry material that can be easily converted into shorts...