View Full Version : Where do you go for gear reviews?
Just Jeff
10-22-2005, 19:36
What source do you use most often for gear reviews?
I go to BGT before I buy almost anything!
BGT is a pretty good site. i also look here, and check manufacturer's sites. i avoid a couple other sites just because i don't like being 'yelled' at with all the ads. makes some sense for a manufacturer to sponser a site about hiking/ camping, but some of them are just too into themselves and their gear.
i prefer word of mouth, hands-on wisdom, like you get here.
TLB is a good choice also ( http://www.backpacking.net/index.html ) especially the forums.
Mfg sites to narrow down my choices then check the gear test site and do a search on here for info. I always go into an outfitter knowing just what I want and usually end up getting a lot of other stuff. :o
Except maybe shoes. Sometimes you gotta try on a few different pairs to find a good fit. I usually stay with the same shoe as long as possible though. ;)
fiddlehead
10-23-2005, 07:24
what gear reviews? my old gear works fine. I wouldn't trust magazines anyway, they're in business to make money. (and they make the bulk of it on advertising) I'd go to the trail and try something out if i wanted anything new. (or ask one of my more experienced friends)
I'll put in a plug for www.backpackgeartest.org.
Am I the only poster here who attended Stitches' workshop at the Gathering on testing gear?
SGT Rock
10-23-2005, 09:19
Backpack Geartest
WhiteBlaze
Backpacking Light
The Lightweight Backpacker
And finally, after all that, I do my own anyway.
I've been using BGT, trailspace.com, Whiteblaze gear forums, and Backpacker Magazine.
But I also do a lot of my own compare and contrast. And a lot of trips to outfitters to check out particular questions I have in person.
As a p.s. ....I would have made this poll one that you could select more then one option :)
orangebug
10-23-2005, 13:40
I'm and "Other" or multiple choice person. BPGT and BPL are great, along with AT-l and WB.
Bill...
What's AT-I - inquiring minds want to know :D
Just Jeff
10-23-2005, 15:44
I know most folks use more than one source, but I was curious what everyone would choose if they had only their top pick.
I start by narrowing down choices...looking at manufacturer sites, threads on a few forums, etc. Then when I have a few products, I start with BGT. I'll check BPL if they have it reviewed, but I tend to stay away from the big magazine sites - they print what they're paid to print, more or less.
Anyway, I use a few other sources, too, but if I had to pick only one it would be BGT.
What's AT-I - inquiring minds want to know :D
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