gear trust logoOur Policy: Financial Compensation in Product Reviews, Technical Reporting, and Education

Backpacking Light does not accept financial compensation from brands in exchange for product placements in editorial reviews (e.g., no “pay to play” agreements). All affiliate link placements will always be directed by Backpacking Light without influence from brands, advertisers, or sponsors. When we accept funding to underwrite non-review technical reporting or education, we fully disclose funding sources, retain full editorial control, and develop the content without brand influence, review, or approval. We do not accept financial compensation for brand-directed (sponsored) “advertorial” content. We commit to the disclosure and journalism standards proposed by the GearTrust Framework. (Updated: May 10, 2025)

What Is the GearTrust Framework?

GearTrust is a trustworthiness evaluation system developed by Backpacking Light to assess the editorial integrity of outdoor gear reviews. It exists to help readers better understand whether a product review is driven by independent analysis and consumer protection or shaped by commercial incentives, such as affiliate revenue, sponsorship, or brand influence.

The framework was developed in response to growing industry concerns around undisclosed financial relationships, shallow or biased testing, and content marketing disguised as editorial reviews. GearTrust provides a structured, evidence-based method for identifying the practices that distinguish trustworthy gear journalism from promotional content.

Importantly, GearTrust does not measure product quality or performance. It evaluates how a review is written, disclosed, structured, and substantiated—to help consumers understand whether they can rely on the review’s claims and conclusions.

What GearTrust Evaluates

GearTrust evaluates reviews against 15 trustworthiness criteria, grouped into five thematic areas:

1. Disclosure and Editorial Integrity

  • Full Financial Disclosure: Are affiliate relationships, sponsorships, and sample provisions clearly disclosed in plain language and placed prominently?

  • Editorial Independence Assertion: Is it clear that brands have no control over review content or conclusions?

2. Testing Rigor and Technical Evaluation

  • Real-World Testing: Has the product been tested in relevant, adverse, or demanding field conditions?

  • Technical Accuracy and Detail: Are specifications, materials, and design tradeoffs evaluated with precision and clarity?

  • Acknowledgment of Limitations: Are flaws, weaknesses, and tradeoffs documented openly and not downplayed?

3. Reviewer Experience and Methodological Quality

  • Comparative Context: Does the review compare the product fairly and substantively to relevant alternatives?

  • Reviewer Field Experience: Does the author demonstrate meaningful, real-world experience using gear in challenging environments?

  • Reviewer Technical Expertise: Does the review reflect deep knowledge of design, materials, and engineering principles?

  • Reviewer Reputation and Independence: Does the author or publication have a track record of critical, consumer-first reporting?

  • Tone and Language Objectivity: Is the language analytical and neutral, rather than promotional or emotionally manipulative?

4. Transparency and Accountability

  • Correction and Accountability Commitment: Are there visible correction policies and ways for readers to report errors?

5. Contextual Awareness and Broader Insight

  • User Feedback Integration: Does the review incorporate broader user experiences beyond the author’s own?

  • Broader Critical Context: Are third-party reviews, awards, controversies, or external data referenced when appropriate?

  • Reputation and Longevity Check: Is the product’s long-term durability or the brand’s track record discussed?

  • Historical Model Context: Is the product situated within the brand’s design history or evolutionary arc?

Why GearTrust Matters

GearTrust helps distinguish editorial reviews from content marketing. It provides a transparent lens for readers who value field-tested insight, meaningful disclosure, and objective evaluation. While it doesn’t replace personal judgment or stylistic preferences, it empowers consumers to ask better questions—and make gear decisions based on trusted information.

Stay informed and learn more at geartrust.org.