Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this site — particularly in our gear-buying sections — are affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission from the retailer, at no extra cost to you. The price you pay is the same whether you use our link or go directly to the retailer.

How this affects our recommendations

We link to specific brands and retailers because they commonly fit the layering system this site teaches — not based on which affiliate program pays the highest commission. Where we haven't personally tested a product, we describe it as a commonly recommended option, not a tested endorsement.

Programs we may participate in

REI, Columbia, YETI, GSI Outdoors and similar outdoor retailers' affiliate or partner programs, as well as AliExpress's affiliate program for specific, individually chosen items. Affiliate IDs are configured by the site owner and don't change the content or structure of our guides.

We don't link marketplace items in place of a branded recommendation for gear where the difference between a well-made product and a poorly-made one affects your safety — water filters, fire-starting tools, first-aid supplies, navigation and signaling gear. Marketplace links are reserved for comfort and convenience items, where a lower-cost option carries no meaningful risk if it turns out to be a letdown.

Questions

Reach out via our contact page if you have questions about a specific link.