Question about camping gear reviews losing their personal touch

I miss when gear tips came from friends around a campfire. Now, I scroll through endless websites full of shiny ads. Last year, I picked a sleeping pad based on top ratings, but it deflated fast. It feels like no one is giving real opinions anymore. Back then, a chat with another hiker meant more than any star system. I just want honest advice without all the noise. Maybe I should stick to swapping stories at the local outfitter.

3 comments

3 Comments

dakota_taylor393mo ago

Ever trust a review written by someone who's clearly never gotten dirt on their boots? My last "top rated" stove could barely boil water, which explains my sad instant coffee mornings.

uma_baker882mo ago

What's the point of a stove that can't even handle your coffee, @dakota_taylor39?

iris_jones893mo ago

What about checking smaller online communities? I've had luck with gear advice from actual hikers in forums (way better than star ratings).