Selecting gear and clothing for hiking, backpacking, trekking, mountaineering and adventure travel is not easy. There are lots of options and choices, and you don't want to end up spending money on something that is poorly made or doesn't do what you expect.

That's the purpose of this website. Our mission is to provide independent reviews of outdoor gear and clothing. In fact, every product we review on this website can be considered world class. We don't publish reviews of poor products, only the best available in the world.

Do we ever review less than "world class" gear? No. We test lots of gear, and the gear that doesn't make it is ignored. We prefer to spend our time talking about the best stuff.

Also keep in mind that while the products described on this website are world class, they may or may not be the ideal product for you. Each individual is different, and only you can decide if a particular product is best for you, not some reviewer (like me) who doesn't know you.

If you are in the process of purchasing new gear, use this website as a beginning point. First, identify the gear we have reviewed that applies to you, then go to the manufacturer's websites for more information, or check out the gear at a local store. Once you have done your research, then you are ready to buy. Think of this website as a way to begin your search for purchasing world class gear.

Please let us know what you think of our website, and how we can make it better. Again, thanks for visiting.

Review Criteria: What Makes a Product World Class?

Here's the criteria we use when determining whether or not we find a particular product world class or not:

• Does the product meet its advertised objectives, and is it suited to its task? In other words, is a waterproof shell actually waterproof? Does a +15 degree sleeping bag really keep you warm at +15 degrees?
  
   
• Is the product well-designed and well-constructed? In other words, will the product hold up and last a long time?
  
   
• Does the product have innovative features that separate it from the pack? For example, is it very lightweight? Is it more durable? Is it more breathable? And so on.
  
   
• Is the product, when compared to similar products, a lot better than similar products? In other words, compared to other similar products, is it above average?
  
   
• Has the product met the test of time? Most of the products reviewed on this website have been around for many years. Sure, there are some newer products listed, but generally they are based on previous successful models.

We review products two major ways. First, we research the product's features, and compare them to similar products. Second, and most of all, we test them in the field. If they pass these two tests, and meet our review criteria, then a product is judged to be world class.