Research-first gear reviews

Scout the gear.
Own the trail.

Every recommendation earns its place — researched obsessively, scrutinised without mercy, and ranked without a single sponsor in sight.

No sponsored rankings Independently researched Updated June 2026
47
Reviews published
1200+
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Paid placements
9
Gear categories
Latest verdicts

The gear we'd actually carry

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Backpacking
9.1
Osprey Atmos AG 65

Linda described it in three words. Grant confirmed after weeks of research and one real trip.

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Footwear
8.7
Merrell Moab 3 GTX

Grant researched 13 boots. Wore these for two days. The research was correct.

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Cooking
9.0
Jetboil Flash

100 seconds to a rolling boil. Grant verified it indoors, then again at altitude.

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Shelter
9.2
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2

Two pounds, three ounces. Grant questioned the number, then weighed it himself.

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Grant — founder of Gear Made Simple
Grant
Founder · chief researcher
The method

We obsess so you can just go.

No affiliate deal moves a ranking. No brand sees a review before you do. Every score is earned the hard way — and Linda double-checks the ones that matter.

01
Research everything
Spec sheets, teardown videos, a thousand owner reviews. We read it so you don't.
02
Take it outside
Specs lie. Trails don't. Everything we recommend has seen real dirt, weather, and miles.
03
Rank honestly
One number, hard-earned. If it's overpriced or overhyped, we say so.
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The shortlist

What Linda actually uses

The stripped-down list — just what Linda actually brings when she heads out.

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