by Alicia MacLeay
Is next season's much-heralded backcountry stove really worth all the advance acclaim? How many times and where did the tester use that lightweight tent before publishing his review? Who are the lucky people who test new outdoor gear and apparel before it's even available at the local retailer?
If you've ever wondered about other outdoor gear testing and review programs, meet Trailspace's Review Corps and find out what it takes to become a member.
The volunteer members of our Review Corps program thoroughly test new, noteworthy backcountry equipment in the field during their own hikes, backpacks, climbs, paddles, and runs. They take pictures, videos, and many notes, and then publish their findings in expert-level reviews for the benefit of the rest of us, the Trailspace community and readers.
Who are these dedicated, helpful outdoor figures? They're fellow community members, selected for Review Corps based on the superior quality and helpfulness of their reviews and their outdoor expertise and skills. Thanks to each of them for going the extra mile (sometimes much further) to share informative reviews with other hikers, backpackers, climbers, paddlers, skiers, and trail runners.
Think you too have the skills and expertise to put innovative, new backcountry gear through its paces, and then share your results in in-depth reviews?
We periodically invite new members into the Review Corps program. We look for active community members who:
- Have written at least five helpful gear reviews;
- Have written at least one best-of-the-best Killer Review;
- Demonstrate appropriate gear knowledge and familiarity;
- Show a high-level of hiking, backpacking, climbing, paddling, skiing, and/or trail running skills and experience; and
- Represent diverse outdoor groups. (For example: women, ultralighters, backcountry skiers, etc.)
Whether you think testing new outdoor equipment would be gear nirvana, you're a reader who wants to know more about the review process, or you're a manufacturer who wants your own backcountry product tested and reviewed, check out the recently updated and expanded Trailspace Review Corps FAQs.
There you'll find much more info on the Review Corps program, testers, the gear, and the reviews themselves.
