Zach is a professional Mountain Guide, climber, and skier who dabbles in most outdoors sports. While he calls Colorado home, he travels extensively across North America, Europe, and sometimes Asia whether working or playing. Zach has also worn many hats in administrative roles including content manager, copy writer, marketing manager, website designer, photographer, and program developer. He is an IFMGA licensed/certified guide and has created his own curriculum at many universities, where he still teaches. Zach’s writing, photography, and mountain exploits have appeared in publications such as the American Alpine Journal, Planet Mountain, Alpinist, and Gripped.
Zach started working in product testing over a decade ago and is thrilled to be part of Gear Lab. When he’s not playing outside or on a computer, Zach plays pickleball, music, or (most importantly) spends time with his partner Syd and their dog Benny.
Author Profile
Zach Lovell
Review Editor
Showing 1-15 of 125 by Zach Lovell
The Best Softshell Jackets for Men
We've spent years putting softshell jackets to the test, unearthing the best options for a variety of uses. Whether...
Editors' Choice
Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody Review
The Gamma Hoody blends weight and durability to deliver a functional softshell for all-around use. Mobile and...
Top Pick
The North Face Tek Approach Review
If you're not a big fan of hoods, this hoodless softshell jacket is worth checking out, with great ventilation and...
Editors' Choice
Astral Brewer 3.0 Review
Few water shoes can handle whatever you throw at them, but this model is at home portaging kayaks or logging long...
10 Best Water Shoes
Sick of soggy feet, or stubbing your toes on rocks while playing in the water? We've tested the best water shoes that...
Best Buy
Speedo Surfwalker Pro 3.0 Review
If you're needing an inexpensive water shoe, slip ons like this have been around in some shape or form for many years...
Best Buy
ATHMILE Water Shoes Review
These packable water slippers offer unmatched affordability and sensitivity for friendlier days at the pool, lake, or...
Top Pick
NRS Paddle Wetshoe Review
Our clear favorite for days spent in a boat, this high-top bootie performs well on the water. For all things paddling...
10 Best Fleece Jackets
Over the last ten years, we've bought and tested more than 170 fleece jackets to bring you the best options on the...
Top Pick
Astral Hiyak Review
Models like this prove water shoes can be as supportive as a hightop hiking boot, allowing you to take your amphibious...
The Best Fleece Jackets for Men
Looking for a new fleece for the colder months? We purchased the top 18 fleece jackets and rigorously tested them to...
Top Pick
Mountain Hardwear Summit Grid Hoody Review
If you're hunting for a fleece that's comfy to wear all day, consider a pullover like this that'll keep you cozy all...
The Best Backpacking Stoves
We've been testing the best backpacking stoves for over a decade, and this current review has our favorites. We...
Editors' Choice
Soto Windmaster Review
This stove is light, easy to use, and features a great piezo igniter and generous pot supports. It's good at simmering...
Best Buy
BRS-3000T Review
This tiny stove impressed us for being ultracompact, ultralight, and performing decently in all our metrics. It does...
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