Some tidbits related to consumer advocacy today:
Labor day “sales” are a reminder for cautious spending – on sale doesn’t necessarily make a piece of gear worth the expense. Articles with titles like “Best” {tents, packs, shoes, stoves, etc.} of {2025, 2024, 2026, etc.} are good warning signs of affiliate marketing buyer’s guides, rather than insightful market analyses.
Like everyone else, we also have an REI Gear Guide. However, we’d rather have you read our consumer love letter.
This summer, we’ve been experimenting with Trust Disclosures. You may have seen it on some of our reviews. Here’s an example from our Backcountry Lighting Market Report:
This new Trust Disclosure format is based on years of extensive research into our latest consumer advocacy initiative, GearTrust. On October 28, we’ll be publishing the complete GearTrust research results and framework in a 15,000-word white paper in an effort to encourage a pivot among outdoor industry publishers and influencers to refocus on consumer interests.
The latest round of influencer misconduct updates from the Affiliate Partner & Marketing Association.
Taylor Wessing offers useful commentary on the 2024 Digital Markets, Competition, and Consumers Act (UK).
Starving for market reports with deeper and more insightful analysis before you decide on a piece of gear? Here are some of our latest and newly-updated reports:
