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 49 by Zach Lovell
10 Best Water Shoes of 2024
Sick of wrinkled toes or stubs on sharp rocks while playing in the water? We've tested the best water shoes that will...Best Flip Flops for Men of 2024
Searching for a new slippah? The selection can be daunting, with a multitude of options from the biggest names in the...Best Rain Pants of 2024
Choosing a pair of rain pants is an unwanted bear of a task. We've done the dirty work, which involves sorting through...Best Daypacks of 2024
Determining the ideal daypack in the market and selecting the best option for you, your requirements, and your budget...How to Choose a Daypack for Hiking
A daypack is a simple purchase, with complicated ramifications. A good day pack will accompany you for far more than...Editors' Choice
Osprey Talon 22 Review
Lightweight, comfortable, and with a ton of functional features, this continues to be one of our all-around favorite...Best Buy
REI Co-op Flash 22 Review
The Flash 22 offers exceptional mobility and ease-of-use at a much friendlier price point than the competition.Best Buy
Venture Pal 35L Review
This inexpensive daypack tops the charts in the weight-to-volume metric, making for a worthy option as a featherweight...10 Best Softshell Jackets of 2024
Softshell jackets are a rare class of garment that offers a blend of weather resistance and breathability, making them...Top Pick
REI Co-op Trail 25 Review
This option is equally at home on a hike or commuting to work, thanks to its spacious and feature-filled design.Top Pick
REI Co-op Traverse 32 Review
Comfort mixed with big pack feature and function in daypack size make this an easy choice for everyday adventureBest Softshell Jackets for Men of 2024
We've spent years putting softshell jackets to the test, unearthing the best options for a variety of uses. Whether...10 Best Sandals of 2024
Trying to figure out what type of sandal the one you need is? We've spent years testing hundreds of pairs of flip...How to Choose a Softshell Jacket for Men
In this article, we walk you through all of the criteria we consider when choosing a softshell jacket. A niche layer...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...
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