The Big Problem with Sponsored Camping Gear Reviews

[@AndyMacaskill]

Something I've always admired about Murray from Scotland's Mountains is he pretty much uses the same gear every time. He must be getting sent stuff and offered stuff all the time.

[@boolay75]

@@AndyMacaskill so true. He’s been using the scarp for donkeys now.

[@AndyMacaskill]

@boolay75 I think he might be onto his third one!

[@GoodBlokeOutdoors]

Spot on with everything mate 👏🏻

[@greenpanda7121]

I used to run a fairly successful youtube channel in the earlier days, if I'd concentrated on it, perhaps like you I could have ditched the day job and done gear reviews and trips full time (albeit for a slightly different market). I only made honest, unbiased reviews on things I'd bought with my own money. That was my golden rule, to tell the TRUTH. Steadily manufacturers contacted me and there were always strings attached, and I couldn't even keep the gear with a hand on heart, clear conscience. So I walked away from it. Respect to you and Luke for managing to walk that fine line. Atb

[@ruairidhalexander7631]

The big benefit of these kind of review videos is that they show products that are generally not available to look at in the majority of outdoor gear shops. Even most main brand tents are no longer possible to look at in major outdoor retailers.

[@boolay75]

I think tents are fair enough and I will use them frequently, but it’s always a red flag when as he mentioned you’ve got a glut of people reviewing the same tent that’s hardly been used. Nortent are a great example of that.

[@RS-xq6je]

​@@boolay75there are too many outdoors channel to count these days some are really decent I'm still stumbling across canny ones these days but in my opinion the majority are people wanting Internet fame/money from KZbin and free gear see it from really small channels and ones with massive subscriber counts

[@logangallagher7050]

You have over 190k subs, me personaly i think you should carry on doing the exact same thing aslong as it makes you happy. You've obviously been doing something right, ive bought alot and done alot because of this channel and i enjoy it.

[@antonia4722]

You are a man with integrity Paul..a seemingly rare commodity these days..Thank you! 🥰

[@paulthompson4088]

Well said Paul. Why fix it if it's not broken? Experienced people like you and others should guide the beginners. The most expensive doesn't mean the best 👍

[@MarkusMöttus-x7j]

True that! Also why I'm soo hooked on mil-surp gear, it's both affordable and it will take many beatings and keep on chuffing on! 😝👌

[@oshiforb7445]

One of the best videos you've made, in my opinion, I have now resubscribed, thank you for your honesty.❤

[@jamiecrutchley3550]

Honesty and integrity are a rare quality nowadays online. You should be proud that you have built such a successful channel whilst still holding onto both of these attributes. Top bloke.

[@ZombieBuddha-o9c]

Love this video and the comments you’ve made. It shows real maturity and a sense of what is going on in the industry right now, well for a long time. I’m looking forward to seeing where your channel goes. It’s been great watching your videos. I like the honest approach to reviewing. It’s a breath of fresh air 👍🏼

[@cooper8t]

For myself, it was actually your comparison videos of two or three similar products. They were great because you never trashed one product and praise the other, you'd take the time to explain (in detail) why product a might be more suitable over product b and vice versa whilst giving a really good overview. Very efficient way of getting through overviews of products in a single video.

[@tequeena]

Thanks Paul 👍 I back this 100% 🙌 things become obsolete so quickly these days. We dont need the newest things, we need robust things that are fit for purpose. I've always appreciated your honest reviews of things and could tell you never sold out. I get how freebies are appreciated and appreciation (as well as not parting with your hard earned pennies) may cause a different opinion of a product or direct the focus of a video. 😊 You do a great job 🏆

[@isawthelight]

What a great conversation. Respect earned. Its funny seeing you say they wanted you to play the game. I watched another channel and the person played the game and did not even give the proper dimensions of the table. Its like they are putting a video just to put out a video. Not to genuine in my opinion. Keep up the good work Messner!

[@davidweber3574]

Beyond the points you make about integrity, I really appreciate your thoughtful, philosophical approach. It's worth stepping back from time to time to think about *why* you're continuing to do this and whether the channel still does what you wanted it to do from the beginning. While I appreciate the gear reviews and look forward to more, I also really enjoy your thoughts, Paul. Please keep it up!

[@WekaDigitalMediaNZ]

A bit cheeky with a company as big and expensive as Hilleburg not offering you anything in return for using your image to promote their business. It wouldn't cost them anything.

[@papajeff5486]

Personally, I only listen to long term, well used gear reviews. If it’s a box opening, a first time seen or used, then I hit the off button. Shaking my head, why anyone would make a video of a box opening and first time used…I don’t know. Paul, thank you for sharing your honest, sensible commentary…from an old veteran, retired in the US, foothills of the east Tennessee Smokies.

[@feel.the.need.]

Box opening videos are great, if you think somethings missing. You can see if that parts included or not.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Yes no. Something I'd just like to see before buying online. A few regrets but few.

[@jeffbarrick6826]

Box opening is pretty useless. With some gear the setup is valuable.

[@juswiffin8380]

Spot on! Specifically talking about reviewers not putting a piece of kit through its paces was so accurate. Even when I'm looking through Amazon reviews for random things, anything, I'm looking for the reviews that are from people that have actually used the item, not just take it outta the box, snap a pic and talk about how perfect it is lol. Like, take it outta the sealed bag and actually USE the damn thing for a bit? But everyone has to be first so, it's hard to find anything worth a damn.

[@ianparkes2538]

I remember buying my first trangia back in the 70s when i was a lad , they were advertised on the back page of the Karrimor brochure back then , just a diagram . I still have it still works like it always did although i wore out the saucepan

[@teddybeargrylls6663]

Well said Paul..ive been following you for years, I’ve always found you to be sincere and honest with your reviews whether you paid for the product or not. My policy when buying new gear is to check out several reviews, to get an overall picture. As you say it’s difficult to go to a shop to see , touch, examine products first hand, as we used too. I think ive reached a pinnacle in the products i need and use, as i find myself buying less kit lately. Merry Christmas , enjoy life !!

[@davidalderson7761]

One of the things many people won’t talk about is satellite trackers as a gadget. Maybe it’s not rough and rough and hard or manly or something. I use one all the time. And a select few people follow and know exactly where I am and have a process incase I suddenly stop moving and are not contactable. There are a bucket of people that don’t have one, never had use of one but slag them off. Using them helps you and rescue teams as they know where you are more or less just about as “somewhere in Scotland or somewhere on Cairngorms “ is pretty useless. But if your hard as nails you don’t need one, you just bite your own leg off and hop 5 miles to the nearest farmhouse, or maybe just start crying and die freezing.

[@naturlivinorr]

What you're talking about is exactly my philosophy, I don't buy products that I've seen once, I look at the product for a long time and read about it, I don't want to buy a product just because a KZbinr praises it and then it turns out that the product works broken. Try to go for famous brands. When it comes to tents, I visit an outdoor store and get to see the tent and feel it. Then if I decide to do it, after a few test nights I can post a video about what I think about it. I don't want to mislead my viewers, it could happen that they are looking for their first product and then I don't want to deceive them by saying something is great before I have properly tested it myself. 🙂 Well done Paul

[@restonthewind]

Your channel is my second-favorite camping channel, and I love the way you celebrate the outdoor experience over reviewing gear, but because I live in the U.S., I'll likely never camp where you do. My favorite channel is TOGR (The Outdoor Gear Review) both because I trust Luke's reviews completely and because he camps not far from me in the Appalachian mountains. I support his channel because his budget gear reviews have saved me far more than the support. I only started camping seriously in the past year or two, and I have accumulated more gear than I really need, but I am tapering off. The Light Tour sleeping pad I'll receive today should complete my ensemble of winter camping gear and hopefully will be the last gear I'll purchase for a while. The last high R-value pad I bought was a disappointment in my experience and according to some online reviews. I still like it and use it primarily in three seasons, but I wouldn't use it in sub-freezing conditions. I ordered the Light Tour from AliExpress because it's not sold much in the U.S., not even on Amazon, but it has rave reviews from the U.K. though I don't think you've reviewed it. It gets high marks for warmth and not so much for durability, but since I don't camp much in the winter and often use a cot, I worry less about durability. I always take two pads in case one fails anyway. I live in the southeastern U.S. and generally hate cold weather, but I'm determined to overcome my reluctance this season. Luke recently started a second channel for outdoor adventures without gear reviews. You might do the same. I respect your decision to review only gear you've bought yourself, but unlike other camping channels, I usually watch your videos for your thoughts on the outdoor experience and not so much for gear reviews. Gear review channels are a dime a dozen, really, but you are a philosopher of the outdoors.

[@alpinaCD]

We are all pulled in once we start a KZbin channel. Personally I think your supporters are the ones who know you. You are always honest with your opinions and that's all we need. If you find something new you like, feel free to tell us about it. Finding stories every week is hard, but something always pops up. 👍

[@MrDavidh37]

A man with integrity a rare quality these days well done mate 👍😀

[@azclaimjumper]

"The Outdoor Gear Review" (TOGR) is, in my mind, the holy Grail when it comes to Agenda-Free product reviews AGREED! Most KZbin, so-called product review are nothing more than glorified "Infomercials" Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada, U.S.A.

[@gimlet61cotswoldlad38]

Always like your stuff because it always come over as truthful and not full of what others have said. Motorcyclist follow channels like yours due to the need for solid, lightweight kit that does what it says on the packet and can be utilised in alternative ways. We have all got cupboards full of kit that didn't work, was to much faff or was another useless unnecessary piece of kit that just added weight. Keep doing what you do please Paul 👍

[@Manc_outdoors]

This is why your the GOAT of KZbin 🫡 respect Paul 👍🏼

[@tnetroP]

You're fast becoming not only my favourite outdoor youtuber, but my favourite youtuber.

[@WiltshireMan]

I've had some gear sent to me over the years but have decided to no longer review anything....

[@bugoutbrad8395]

Great talk Paul. The information you put out. Is extremely valuable. Cheers 🍻 mate

[@craigelliott4338]

Its an interesting point you make. Black friday is usually when i get a dump of kit. This year, im looking and seeing cool stuff. I basket it, and then ponder if i should pull the trigger. If im being honest, the kit I've got (a lot of which i got after watching your review) is actually bang on, so i didnt buy. Id suggest that some of the blame has to rest on the person making the choice to push buy. Ive seen many of your reviews, and either thought, no thanks Paul or that looks lovely but I've got a jetboil( or whatever). Like you say, it has to enhance the experience or be fit for a certain situation, and it almost always has to be able to do at least 2 things.

[@earlgrey691]

Lets not forget the late great Nagualero who took things bushcraft to the highest levels with his Lavvu expeditions.What a hardcore dude he was.

[@BurtReynoldstash]

He was awesome, a great painter also

[@RS-xq6je]

Never knew he'd passed I remember watching his stuff time ago now

[@redsorgum]

It’s been some time since I heard that name.

[@LouisThiell]

You could do a re-review. A review of all the gear you got or still have, still use. Look up the current pricing. and see if it's still worth it.

[@vinnydawson7565]

Thanks for being so honest

[@stevetock8065]

A great review of free gear suppliers, a lot of gear is made to make sales, like fishing the gear it catches more fishermen than fish. Keep it honest well done Paul

[@MarkHarmes]

I agree with you comments, I am still happy to use 2/3 of a beer can to heat water. Lets hope you're educating the new campers who are getting to start.

[@1954shadow]

TheOutdoorGearReview, addressed this subject in his latest video, the emails conversations with an outdoor gear company, is eye opening.

[@albert2395]

I think what you are saying is exactly right! As a dyed in the wool honest Englishman!❤😊 Or Briton, depending on your mindset. Too many people, companies, and politicians are trying to buy their way into being recommended!

[@boolay75]

Thanks for being honest. There’s certain brands that are so blatantly using “influencers”. It’s such a huge turnoff, so I don’t use those brands or watch those channels. Couple of channels are particularly bad for that, but they shall remain nameless!

[@sukiline]

No doubt about it! 🤣 (Sorry... you're absolutely right - no reason to mention those). 🫡

[@anselmocat]

If they show up in an ad on Facebook for some weird brand it’s a sure sign they sold their soul and you can’t trust anything they say anymore

[@suegillett2173]

Thanks for your honesty. Creating content for YT must ruin what should be an awesome outdoor experience for you. As much as I love the gear reviews, I'd prefer to see you enjoying the mountains and having a great time. We're all part of the problem too. I've spent weeks staring at gear reviews of tents when I already have a perfectly good one for my needs. That's time I could have spent out in the mountains... Happy New Year to you and yours - make time for yourself in 2025

[@jason-lees]

Great vid Paul with some good points. I think all items of hiking gear have a sweet spot for price/quality/weight. It takes a little bit of research but generally the same item will start appearing over again that hits that spot - whether it's clothing or equipment. I love having a durable piece of kit that ends up with the scars and stories of previous trips and always feel a bit gutted when it eventually needs to be replaced.

[@Ash12530]

Well said, I admire and respect all that you have said here, Paul! 👍🏻 It just gets totally ridiculous, I mean I now have 8 tents, 4 sleeping bags, 4 sleep pads, 4 backpacks, and 3 stoves… I’ve decided enough is enough - I won’t be buying anymore of these items in the future! IF I did want another tent etc, then I will just have to sell one of my others first.. Otherwise where does it stop? 🙈 We just have to appreciate what you do have, and I really do think that less is more!

[@markwhittle7938]

Brilliant, honest video. Respect Paul, you're a man of integrity! 👍

[@glidezilla]

For those wondering about Paul's Mug (not his chubby face), it's a GSI Outdoors Infinity Backpacker Mug, which is great for sipping a hot drink.

[@steveb1972]

Paul I’ve been using my setup for over a decade. No plans for new gear! Oh yes I did get a Mini pump - the best bit of kit I ever bought!

[@dominicschaeffer909]

when this video ended there was a commercial for Bearskin hoodies with THREE of my go-to bushcraft content creators. I cant say i blame them but jesus how timely and to the point of this episode… Brovo, Paul!

[@andrewwright3676]

Great video Paul, be happy with what you’ve got. Do not replace your gear until it’s in a state of beyond repair.

[@otf.outdoors]

Great getting gear from companies etc, but one thing you will miss out on is doing the research and checking through all the reviews etc what you check out when you are after a new bit of kit, and for me that’s part of the fun doing all my own research into a certain bit of kit, then deciding on what to go for, that’s me anyway, great video Paul, atb Mick 👍

[@ShoxDr]

@Paul Messner. Good points, well made. Keep it up fella. (and remember dont let the barstewards get you down)

[@woodchip2782]

I’m not rich enough to be a “gearhead”. What I buy has to last. A site like yours made by a responsible bloke like you (whatever your wife says 😅) is important to me. I still trust you and so do I my Trangia Triangle, the one you suggested to me. What you do has a utility and I thank you for showing the path!😊

[@lauraweiss7875]

Great video. There’s a channel from here in the States called Outdoor Gear Review. He never accepts freebies, and he doesn’t create a review video until he puts a gear item to a long term test. I can really trust his reviews as a result.

[@glennfryer1539]

Luke !!! Great channel...

[@markwhalebone751]

I feel that I can detect honesty in the most part and I am amazed at some blatant disingenuous selling that goes on in loads of YT channels, I do have the choice though whether to subscribe or not but some subscribers seem to fawn over any content put out by some subscribers good or bad. It gets very tribal. As regards to gear I use what I have to the best of my ability and when buying new gear I do lots of research and YT is just one tool in my search. 😁

[@lonecamper5520]

Completely agree. You mentioned a while back about not naming gear in your videos, but I've noticed them still creeping in there

[@davidalderson7761]

What dials you in is longer trips where the stuff you don’t need gets left behind and the necessities take over and keeping your kit dry and serviceable. All with the added hassle of batteries and video production makes it even harder. And is added hassle.

[@notanotherbiker]

Great change of direction. Very honest. You will pick up many more subs from this I am sure.

[@IvanDP1967]

I always thoroughly research everything before I pull the trigger and buy anything, but I still have too much kit 🤣 I think like yourself, I need to go through everything that never gets used and get rid of it....... it might even finance an extra camping trip 😁

[@gj2772]

I agree with the sentiment, for me its very much so "buy quality, buy once" & I have now completed my loadout 100% to a high standard - which took years might I add. KZbin helped with those selections e.g my 4th season tent is the laser compact AS. Your videos using this tent are the reason I own it & I couldnt be happier. I cant stand the amount of £hite I see for sale which will end up in landfill within a month. Amazon is the devil

[@arranwalker]

I like many people, look on KZbin for reviews of products we are thinking of buying. And unfortunately when we make a purchase based on the many reviews. The manufacturers make it extremely difficult to accept that the product has failed in some way. And these are not cheap products to purchase. So I think reviewing items should not be just worn once or used once. They need to be honest reviews over 6 to 12 months of regular use. Or viewers will stop visiting KZbin sites.

[@davehumpleby3440]

A very honest look in the mirror. It's this down to earth, no bullsh*t approach that keeps me subscribed and interested. You're very easy to relate to. I like that.

[@robertbradfield4810]

thank you

[@OnlyVansGuru]

Speaking for myself (and probably a fair few others) I watch for seeing you and hearing your musings. You have a way of showing us the great outdoors, the reviews are secondary. The only way you have cost me money is my new found addiction to your competitions..... (but I am still ahead)

[@oldirtybeuner]

I got offered a Sunblesa headlamp once for a review. It was so bright I got arrested during that stealthcamp. 😋 Never did a sponsorship after that. 😂😂

[@nilsedelstam8194]

Thanks for an honest video. I couldn't agree more!

[@manuelh.4147]

I like the videos where you are traveling, seeing new places, meeting people. I do watch the gear reviews, but since I'm just hiking without camping, most are not relevant to me. I think most gear doesn't need a full review, since just the specs are enough to see that it doesn't add anything new.

[@jorisev]

We all fall into the consumerism trap. I see how much use my grandparents get out of their clothes, for example, before even considering buying something new. In 2 generations we have really lost this mindset. About time there is some movement back towards durability and sustainability.

[@diceyjr2384]

Always love the honesty Paul 👍

[@GavTatu]

when i left the army 25 years ago, i got myself a trangia.... then got into making my own stoves, alcohol, twig and such, and as yet, have never taken my trangia into the field !

[@adrianpollard2763]

Hi, Paul. This is an excellent video, and so true. Some of the so called 'big' channels have definitely fallen victim to the sponsorship trap, and become unwatchable for me. Who wants to see a review of a giant inflatable tent that is way out of the price range of normal people, and needs a 4x4 to transport? That particular channel began as an excellent bushcraft site but has now become one giant advertisment. The best example of how to make videos has to be Patrick Dickinson who still uses gear he's had for decades. Like many other people, the minute a presenter announces an unboxing or review of something they've been given, I switch off.

[@SteveMrW]

Merry Christmas, I am looking forward to the year ahead and the new way of doing things.

[@marcussten7320]

Fellmandave and Andrew Park..........🙄????

[@dropshot1967]

I know you mention it when you get a product sent for free and I like how you review stuff. But, it could be argued, that if you get to keep a product for free that review is still sponsored, even if you don't get any money in return for the review. I think this video was excellent in pointing out the pitfalls of youtube reviews.

[@INSOLESandLACES]

Can't believe its nearly 2025, hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy 2025. Big love from N Wales.

[@howardpotts5763]

Great vid , great honesty !

[@krafty864]

Have you considered doing first impressions video's of equipment you get sent that you like and decide you might want to try out. Then, you could do a full review later down the line once you can a proper review. Really enjoying the video's btw.

[@AndyMacaskill]

You've highlighted some very good points here, Paul. I've always been sceptical of sponsored reviews, but I hadn't thought about the fact that the reviewer has a different perspective because its been given free.

[@wandering_not_lost]

A twenty seven minute video about videos! and I watched it! I must get a life😜 As far as product reviews are concerned Paul, I actually like and enjoy your product reviews and as long as you make it clear when you've been sent the product FOC to test I don't have a problem with it. You can rely on your viewers' common sense to ensure that they won't go buying a dodgy product just because they've seen it on your channel. Please don't make any radical changes to your channel as it's one of the very best outdoor channels on YT. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@LeoManAndMountain]

I’ve found that some reviews work the opposite way in that people have gone out and bought something very expensive and then they spend the whole video convincing themselves that it’s the greatest purchase ever 😂 it can be hard to be completely objective when you have skin in the game so to speak, I recently reviewed the Fjallraven Abisko lite 2 and I admitted it’s got some faults and I’ve not seen any other reviews of the tent pointing these things out

[@boolay75]

@@LeoManAndMountain I agree with that. I’ve bought and sold so much gear. When you first get something you think it’s the bees knees but nothing is perfect. You’ll convince yourself for a while until those niggles start to bite! I’ve wasted fortunes frankly, eBay must love me 😂 I’ve got the abisko lite 2. I’ve got a couple of niggles, will be interesting to watch your review and see if they match mine. Biggest one though has to be the fly zip….

[@LeoManAndMountain]

@ yeah that’s one thing I haven’t mentioned, I have found it a bit of a pain but I have had worse in all fairness, I’m going to try different ways of pitching around the outer door to see if it can be alleviated otherwise it’s something I’ll have to live with 🫣

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I doubt I'll ever get given anything to review. The nortent was a great example of marketing flooding the channels. I am guilty of doing reviews of stuff I've just bought but it is mixed with stuff I've used for decades. I have an excuse though - recuperation. I only started YT to give me something to do. Trouble is that people only seem to want to see stoves. The upside is that I really like stoves :) Thanks for the honesty Paul.

[@davidalderson7761]

Flex tail I use for at Least 10 days ( 2 week to 2 months is my trip length ) without it going flat. Absolutely spot on piece of kit. Especially when your knackered and your can’t be bothered hand pumping a mat. My matts are all the old school valve so the hand method is awful. The Nortent story put me right off influencers. What a disaster. I have no idea what the tent is like but the influencers ruined the feel. Untrustworthy - it’s completely untrustworthy, like Boris going on free holidays or Starmer getting free glasses and some suits. TRANGIA My niece ( 14 yrs old ) I took her through all cooking kits and she went for the TRANGIA so mine is 40 yrs old and I bought her the Gas and meths burner version and nonstick for her D of E. She looked and cooked on all the others I have and the TRANGIA was her winner. She will be my age by the time it’s bent and bashed.

[@WainwrightWalksWiaLocalLad]

I don't mind anyone being sent free gear, or KZbinrs doing a review.... but it should always be mentioned that it's a freebie. I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions, interesting to see new kit! ATB Alistair 👍

[@ExploreAboveAndBelow]

If I'm looking at buying new kit I prefer to see a "Long term review" as opposed to a "First look at" video, it just makes sense to me.

[@bsquadronguy]

Good comments from a stand up bloke. Well said Paul.

[@chrishomer]

Hilleberg paid you with “exposure” 🤣 A regular joke in my industry. Lost count of the amount of offers I’ve had to work for “exposure”, never accepted one. Can’t feed the kids with exposure. Thanks Paul, wise words throughout

[@gbarhip]

Just show facts on products, even if a gift,

[@Goat.Herder]

As a photographer, I'm amazed you didnt licence those photos, its crazy someone wpuld give them out for free.

[@PaulMessner]

I’m not a photographer. It was a snap I took from with my phone. Hopefully some people got a bit of joy looking at it

[@4053rubber]

It's not about the gear Paul (cue me then going and buying that mug you have there lol). I was in the market for one though and was gonna buy a Yeti one. Researched that one you have there and it absolutely fits the bill...so a Brucey bonus lol. So on a serious note it's your adventures that I'm interested in. Yet I also know if you're using a piece of kit regularly I feel pretty sure it's gonna be good otherwise you wouldn't keep using it. So that does sometimes influence my purchases without you even mentioning much about the kit. I bought the Laser Compact AS off the back of your first review of it. Not because you had it but because you covered the points that mattered to myself as a wild camper. And it's the best tent I've ever used over the nearly 30 years I've been camping. You've earned my trust and I wouldn't blindly buy but if I'm on the market for a piece of new kit it's You first, Andy Beavers and then Luke from Outdoor Gear Review that I look at on KZbin. Cheers for what you've done for us all in this community this year. Have a wonderful Christmas with Jo and the kids and all the best for the New Year. Regards. Neil.

[@feel.the.need.]

I have an idea: your viewers could send you pieces of kit on loan for you to review.

[@alpinaCD]

Or Paul could send us peices of his kit we could review.😂

[@feel.the.need.]

I wonder how much kit would mysteriously get lost in the post.

[@christopherjinks6560]

Looking forward to your “what’s in my day hike bag” Re being first to review. Your channel is my channel of choice when listening to gear reviews. First or last.

[@vinny142]

I watch your videos for the atmos. I don't go camping, I would be all excited at getting gear and then go out and the second I arrived I'd lose all interest in camping and go home. I don't care about the gear reviews, just the cozy feeling of being in a tent while I'm actually safe and warm at home. I'm here for the view.

[@jasiuko]

You are a " Star ".....as well

[@sukiline]

I always delete an influencer the second I notice it's negatively influenced by sponsors. Some have great videos just to get big enough to be ruined by sponsored gear etc. which means an insta delete from my list. I ❤ your channel along with great channels like TOGR, Haze & Sintax77. But seriously... more than 95% of the channels out there are totally ruined & biased by sponsored gear. And I boycot most of the heavily sponsored gear (Nortent is good example 😊 - even though it might be a fantastic tent.) I have the highest respect that you don't go on compromise on this one. Actually I'll look into how the Patreon works, one of these days, just to support you in the effort of staying objective and neutral. ❤ PS Sry my lacking English skills.

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Like Andrew Beavers, Novice Wild Camper, Andy Park 😅 ...too much talking and yapping about nonsense, sponsored by companies usually crappy onces etc often showing the same boring gear, tents, sleep system etc... Kicked them out of my youtube channel for good and few more also😅😂🎉

[@boolay75]

@@gregoryoutdoors I’d have to disagree about Andrew. He rarely does reviews but if he does at least you now he’s tried it the kit out properly. The other two however, I just won’t watch.

[@martydav9475]

Your English is fine, it's very good.

[@TonyHobbs]

I think you said similar awhile back regarding this. Sleeping bags I'll stick with PHD despite costing a kidney 😅

[@Robbielovesbushcraft]

Best video to date, you nailed it Paul. Looking forward to packed 2025.

[@TonyHobbs]

Oh and MLD 😅😊

[@stewartgregson8479]

Great video and just having what you need is great for the environment. Soon enough camping kit will be designed to fall apart after a short period of time so that we have to keep buying more. You can see it with trail runners, are you telling me that they can’t design a trail runner that lasts more than 4 to 500 miles.

[@railworker8058]

Most people might look for these reviews to provide short term insight into the suitability or attractiveness of certain new items when the proof in the pudding comes from long term durability. My tent is twenty five years old and going strong.

[@richardpegg9265]

ah - an honest camping gear vid. a rarity. one thing that's worth thinking about new and improved - especially when they try to make it lighter - you end up with a much less robust product. and in camping - you sometimes need robust. grand vid.

[@Life-Outdoors-UK]

I don't particularly mind if you get stuff for free, but it needs to be well used. Only then can you identify most of the positives and negatives. I think everyone should use a footprint/groundsheet protector to protect the tent. When you use a tent 70-80 times a year, the floor will soon look very tired. Hardly anyone mentions this because they are forever changing tents and don't realise. I think you have always been objective with your thoughts but I think everyone has their favourites. It's difficult to be totally neutral. I think the bias affects the quality of the kit from designers and testers. In the 80's I remember talking to someone high up in a car manufacturer, they could not see any issues with their engines. A room full of people all said the same and he was shocked. It's emperor's new clothes, people say what is expected and not objectively. I have a Terra Nova tent and I love its size but it's shocking how poor its pockets are. How anyone in that company didn't realise that 2 big pockets in the tent will not hold anything is amazing. While you are pointing things like this out, taking your time. I don't care how you get the kit, it just makes us more informed before we buy. We can also run our own critical eye over the pictures. Whatever you do, I'll still be watching as I have since your early days.

[@BinManSays]

To be fair if you look at the gear reviews with a critical eye it's not that hard. I know when everyone is shouting it's praises it's hard to ignore, but I have a big agnes pack and all the reviews slated it especially for the clip on bin bag and you know what everyone who's seen it on trail says that's the best thing ever and I'll agree it's an awesome idea. FYI that stoves a 28 not a 27 Paul 👍🏻

[@BrokenBackMountains]

The mini is the 28. Paul was using a triangle. I think he took the burner from a 27.

[@ApexCypher_]

If a manufacturers product is that good they should send it to you FOC and without any strings attached. If the product is good then it should easily pass a truthful review. The big issue is that a lot of products don’t offer any advantages over previous products. That’s why manufacturers are pushing paid reviews.