Affiliate Disclosure

How does Camped Too Hard earn money and why should you trust my reviews?

I believe that transparency is the foundation of a healthy relationship with my readers. The direct answer to how this site stays online is through affiliate marketing programs. This means that when you click on a link in one of my articles and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This revenue is what allows me to spend hundreds of hours testing gear, taking photos, and writing detailed guides like my best pop up tent.

It is important for me to clarify that my participation in these programs does not influence my editorial integrity. I do not choose products based on the commission rate. I choose products based on their performance in the field and their value to you as a camper. In fact, most of the time I do not even know what the commission rate is when I am writing a review. My goal is to find the best gear, period. If a tent is garbage, I will tell you it is garbage, even if it has a high commission. I have found that being honest is the only way to build long term trust, and trust is the most valuable asset I have as a reviewer. If I recommend bad gear just to make a few dollars, you will never come back to my site, and that is a losing strategy for everyone.

My personal commitment to reviewing camping gear with total honesty

I often buy the gear I test with my own money. Testing tents is an expensive hobby, but it is the only way I can guarantee that I am giving you a real world perspective. When a brand does send me a product for review, I always disclose that fact in the article. But regardless of how I get the gear, the testing process remains the same. I put every tent through the same rigorous evaluation to see if it earns a spot on Camped Too Hard. I look at the durability of the seams, the stability of the frame, and the actual livability of the space. My mission is to save you time and money by helping you avoid the mistakes that I made when I was a beginner.

For example, when you read my Big Agnes Copper Spur Bikepack review, you are seeing the results of nights spent in actual rain and wind. I did not write that review to get a commission; I wrote it because that tent solved a major packing problem for me. If a product fails during my testing, it will either get a negative review or I simply will not include it in my best of lists. I take pride in the fact that my readers rely on my expertise to keep them safe and dry. You can learn more about my background and my passion for the outdoors on my about page.

How your support helps me create more technical guides and reviews

According to Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I am required to inform you of these affiliate relationships. But beyond the legal requirement, I do this because I respect you as a fellow outdoor enthusiast. I know that you work hard for your money, and when you decide to invest in new camping gear, you want to know that you are getting the truth. I am deeply committed to providing that truth in every single post I publish. By using my links, you are directly supporting my work and helping me keep this site a free resource for everyone.

The costs of running a site like this include domain hosting, professional photography equipment, and the fuel to get to remote testing locations. Every time you buy a piece of gear through one of my links, it goes toward making the site better. It allows me to buy the next set of tents for my upcoming hub on the best ultralight tents. It allows me to take the time to write in depth informational articles like my guide on how to fold a pop up tent which do not earn any commission at all but provide massive value to the community.

Final thoughts on transparency and the future of Camped Too Hard

I am always looking for ways to improve the site and add more value for my readers. If you ever have questions about my affiliate relationships or how I test products, please reach out to me through the contact page. I am happy to discuss my process and my business model with anyone who is interested. I want you to feel confident when you click on a link on this site. I am a camper first and a business owner second. My love for the outdoors is what drives everything I do here. Thank you for supporting Camped Too Hard and for helping me continue this mission of making camping better for everyone. I will see you on the trail.