22 articles

Andy Cochrane

Title: GearJunkie Contributor
Location: Bend, OR

Expertise

Topics of Expertise: Skiing, Trail & Ultra Running, Kayaking & Canoeing, Alpine & Rock Climbing, Gravel & Mountain Biking, Moto Gear
Years in Expertise: 20+
Number of Products & Number of Hours Tested: 1,000+ products, 10,000+ hours

Education & Certifications

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Carleton College, Design Strategy MBA, California College of the Arts
Years of Writing: 8+
Certifications: WFR, Swiftwater Rescue, AIRE 2
Club/Association Memberships: American Alpine Club (AAC), Alpine Club of Canada (ACC)
Previous Publications: New York Times, Wired, Outside, Men’s Journal, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Popular Mechanics, Gear Patrol, Freeskier, Ski Mag, Climbing, Backpacker, Field Mag

A Word from Andy Cochrane

I enjoy sharing knowledge through stories, crafting clever sentences, and getting to try new things all the time.

I became a writer after creating a few stories while working for a kayak brand and the side gig accidentally became my full-time hustle.

My personal interests include Trail Running, Bikes of All Kinds, Backcountry Skiing, Riding Motos, and anything that takes me out of my comfort zone.

Rapha Explore Collection Review: Big Money, Big Performance Gravel Gear

The Rapha Explore collection is a cohesive system that’s simple, durable, and crafted for the long haul. But it comes with a hefty price tag.

Written by Andy Cochrane June 01, 2023

SRAM’s Eagle XO Transmission Could Change Shifting Forever

SRAM did away with the standard vocabulary, mounting method, and adjustments with its XO Eagle Transmission.

Written by Andy Cochrane May 01, 2023

The New Arc’teryx Insulated Rush Costs $800 and Is Worth Every Penny — Here’s Why

If you can see past the sticker shock, this midweight puffy is built to last, water-resistant, and can handle about everything you throw at it.

Written by Andy Cochrane April 07, 2023

I Drove My Tacoma to the Moon: Here’s How I Plan to Get It Back to Earth

To the moon and back, hopefully. It’s time to give my high-mileage, trusty Toyota Tacoma some much-needed love. Long live the MoonTaco!

Written by Andy Cochrane March 27, 2023

2,000-Mile Yamaha Ténéré 700 Review: Fewer Gadgets Equal More Fun

Three months and 2,000 miles of adventure later, we came away impressed by the Yamaha Ténéré 700. It’s an adventure motorcycle for dual-sport riders.

Written by Andy Cochrane December 19, 2022

REV’IT! Dirt Series Review: The Complete All-Weather Off-Road Moto Riding Gear System

For all weather conditions, the REV’IT Dirt Series Off-Road Collection might just be the holy grail of motorcycle riding gear.

Written by Andy Cochrane October 24, 2022

An Inside Look at the Premier Big Mountain Safety Class in the Country

“There’s this massive chasm between the current style of avalanche training and modern backcountry skiing. It just doesn’t meet the needs of many skiers,” said…

Written by Andy Cochrane January 31, 2022

Cannondale, EF Pro, USAC Saddle Cycling Teams for Historically Black, Tribal Colleges and Universities

Aiming to bring more racial diversity to the sport, Cannondale, EF Pro Cycling, and USA Cycling are launching a program called Cycling is for Everyone.

Written by Andy Cochrane October 21, 2021

The Best Puffy of All Time, According to a Lifelong Adventurer

In my unsolicited opinion, Mountain Hardwear’s Super/DS Stretchdown Hooded Jacket is simply better than the rest. Here you’ll find my reasons why!

Written by Andy Cochrane August 19, 2021

No Assembly Required: Ventum Delivers Custom Carbon Bikes to Your Door

The Salt Lake City upstart aims to change the experience of buying a bike.

Written by Andy Cochrane June 09, 2021

Business in the Front, Party in the Back: Why You Need a ‘Mullet Bike’

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine this: a mountain bike that rolls over big rocks like a monster truck, stomps landings like…

Written by Andy Cochrane April 30, 2021

Charge Hard Everywhere: The Dream 3-Ski Quiver You Need

From the dawn of time, humans have chased marvels of the imagination — the Holy Grail, Atlantis, Bigfoot, even UFOs — artifacts that transcend reality. More…

Written by Andy Cochrane December 28, 2020

Debunked: 5 Myths About Avalanche Airbags You Need to Know

Avalanche airbag packs are proven to be a great ally when emergency strikes. Here, we debunk five myths about airbag packs.

Written by Andy Cochrane October 14, 2020

The Best Way to Find New Adventure: How to Use Strava’s Global Heatmap

With billions of routes logged and trillions of GPS points, Strava owns the largest library of outdoor activities in the world. Here’s how it can…

Written by Andy Cochrane June 11, 2019

The Specialized Turbo Levo Bends the Rules of Biking: Review

With a new frame, longer-lasting battery, and pedal-assist technology, the new electric mountain bike from Specialized helps you go farther.

Written by Andy Cochrane April 08, 2019

Live in Your Truck in the Winter: 7 Tips for Cold-Weather Car Camping

Yes, you can live in your truck in the winter. I’m enjoying my fourth winter in the back of a Tacoma. Here’s how I stay…

Written by Andy Cochrane March 11, 2019

Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in Winter: The Gear I Used

I ran 51 miles of steep and dusty Grand Canyon trails to run the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in the winter. And I used this gear to do…

Written by Andy Cochrane December 28, 2018

Truck Drawer System: How I Built Out My Pickup Bed

This article is about a drawer. Well, actually, it’s about how a drawer helps you adventure more. Let me explain.

Written by Andy Cochrane July 23, 2018

How I Set Up My Tacoma for Life on the Road

Beating the daily grind and living life on the road has a lot of appeal for outdoor-minded folks. Here’s what I use to make it…

Written by Andy Cochrane June 29, 2018

Gear We Used to Kayak From Cuba to Florida

A team of three paddled 125 miles from Havana, Cuba, to Florida. This is the gear they used for the ocean kayak trip.

Written by Andy Cochrane June 04, 2018

7 Spring Sports to Start Now

The joys of spring – rain, snow, and 70 degrees all in the same day – are upon us. What are the best things to…

Written by Andy Cochrane April 12, 2018

Pitch a Pyramid: Hyperlite UltaMid 2 Tent Review

Minimalism meets all-mountain functionality in the next great line of multi-sport tents. We reviewed the ultralight UltaMid 2 tent in Mexico, Colorado, and the Sierras.…

Written by Andy Cochrane December 11, 2017

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