Andrew Piotrowski
Andrew is a trail runner, climber, paddler, snowboarder, marketer, and most importantly a dog dad. Andrew grew up in suburban Philadelphia and now lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
While he lives pretty far from the mountains, he puts a heavy focus on preparing for them and inspiring others to do the same. He first fell in love with the mountains on family trips to the White Mountains and the Adirondacks. He spent the majority of his early life competitively running and leisurely paddling, however after college he began focusing on learning to climb, snowboard, and backpack.
Over the past ten years since then, he has been fortunate enough to gain some amazing experiences exploring North America. Some of the most memorable thus far are alpine climbing in the Sierra, trail running in Alberta, learning to splitboard in NH, countless days hiking in the Catskills, or a plethora of mellow days paddling the Chesapeake Bay with friends.
When he can’t be in the mountains Andrew is often running or hiking with his favorite training partners, his two rescue dogs Calvin and Enzo. Andrew is also a self-proclaimed gear junkie and confessed that his gear loft is the most organized place in his home.
Blog: Flatcityclimbing.com
Instagram: pack_mule_piotrowski
Articles by Andrew Piotrowski
Andrew’s reviews draw on his trail running, climbing, paddling, and backpacking experience to help readers choose gear that holds up in real mountain and water conditions. Here are his 20 most recent articles for Engearment.
Ibex Springbok Short Review – Awesome Running and Hiking Shorts
December 5, 2025 — Andrew tests a merino-nylon-elastin blend short through a summer and fall of running and hiking, finding it comfortable for high-output activity.
Isle Switch Pro SUP Kayak Review – Rigid, Durable, and Adaptable
October 15, 2025 — A review of a convertible inflatable SUP that can be paddled standing or switched to kayak mode, built for stability and fall paddling.
Bote Highwater Belt Pack Seafoam
August 27, 2024 — Andrew recommends a compact belt pack in seafoam for late-summer paddles, lake trips, and river runs.
R5 Gore-Tex Infinium Insulated Jacket – Polartec Alpha Insulation in a Windproof Shell
April 22, 2024 — A look at a winter endurance running jacket that pairs Polartec Alpha insulation with a Gore-Tex Infinium windproof shell for volatile Mid-Atlantic weather.
CamelBak Trail Run Vest – Great for Ultra Running
October 27, 2023 — Andrew reviews a vest designed for ultras, mountain traverses, and shorter trail runs, drawing on years of running in comparable packs.
ORU Bay ST Kayak – Very Capable Kayak That Folds into a Briefcase
June 27, 2023 — A deep-dive on an origami folding kayak that packs down to briefcase size while still performing on open water.
Hillsound BTR Stool 17″ – Better than a Rock
April 10, 2023 — Andrew makes the case for a lightweight backpacking stool as a legitimate comfort upgrade after long days on trail.
dryrobe – Super Comfortable and Easy to Use
February 16, 2023 — A review of the dryrobe changing robe, tested during icy-water plunge sessions where warm, fast changes matter.
Patagonia Slope Runner 18L Pack – Badass Minimalist Pack
January 18, 2023 — Andrew calls Patagonia’s 18L adventure pack a meticulously built minimalist option for long mountain and trail days.
BOTE KULA 5 Cooler – Versatile Easy to Carry Cooler
November 29, 2022 — A review of a durable round cooler designed for versatility and easy carrying, tested over several months.
Patagonia Endless Run Shorts – Comfortable and Dry Performance
October 24, 2022 — Andrew compares the Endless Run shorts to other Patagonia trail running shorts he’s worn across several seasons.
Swiftwick Vision Six Impression Socks – Fun Filled Artwork
September 5, 2022 — A review of Swiftwick’s Vision Six socks featuring student-designed insect artwork on a performance sock platform.
Tifosi Sizzle Glasses
August 22, 2022 — Andrew finds Tifosi’s budget-priced Sizzle sunglasses punch well above their price point for running and outdoor use.
Mystery Ranch Bridger 35 Liter Backpack – Sean’s New Favorite Hiking Pack
July 28, 2022 — A review of the Bridger 35, combining traditional hiking pack features with elements borrowed from running vests.
BOTE Zeppelin Aero Inflatable Kayak Review – Versatile and Fun for 2
June 4, 2022 — Andrew reviews a two-person inflatable kayak built for variety, from city dwellers without storage to weekend paddlers.
Swiftwick Flite XT Trail Socks Review – Blister Proof During 50 Mile Race
May 16, 2022 — Over 300 miles of running, including a 50-mile race, produced zero blisters in these trail socks, Andrew reports.
Sperry Cutwater Deck Boots
May 2, 2022 — A review of Sperry’s technical deck boots, which Andrew finds surprisingly capable for keeping feet dry on long water days.
Mystery Ranch Bridger 55 Review
April 14, 2022 — Andrew tests the larger 55L Bridger and contrasts it with ultralight backpacking platforms that dominate the modern market.
Altra Lone Peak 6 – The Latest Top Choice Trail Running Shoe
March 12, 2022 — A review of the sixth iteration of Altra’s classic trail running shoe, long a favorite of trail and ultra runners.
Adidas Five Ten NIAD Shoe – Full Day Comfort for Climbing
January 18, 2022 — Andrew reviews a climbing shoe designed for all-day comfort, helpful for feet already taxed by trail and ultra running.