Our method

Primary sources first

For rules and regulations, we start from the texts themselves: statutes, codes, local orders, park rules, and government agency websites. For technical subjects, we rely on standards, studies, and reference manuals; for gear, on manufacturers’ spec sheets and on measurements published by testing labs, always making clear who measured what. Every source we cite has been opened and read, and its link checked. Every claim that matters (a number, a rule, a safety point) rests on an identified source, a primary one whenever possible; how many sources an article needs depends on the subject, what’s at stake, and any contradictions to resolve.

Checked numbers

Every number is checked against its source, and cross-checked when possible. Calculations and conversions given as examples are redone, and any rounding is noted. When in doubt, we write the sentence without the number.

First-hand experience, and what others report

When a member of the team has tested a piece of gear or traveled a route, the article says so, and they tell the story themselves. Everything else is based on published data and on what other outdoor enthusiasts have experienced, always credited to them.

A second pair of eyes

Many of our articles are reviewed by a team member other than the author, and “Reviewed by” only appears under the headline when that review has actually happened. Articles on some subjects are always reviewed before publication: survival and bushcraft, regulations, safety, product recalls, and high-risk activities. This review covers clarity, consistency, and whether the text matches its sources; it’s no substitute for the judgment of a professional in the activity, and we never present it as one.

Dated and kept up to date

Every article shows its publication date, plus an “Updated” date when its substance has changed. “Checked” means its sources were reviewed again and nothing needed to change.

Each article also gets a shelf life, based on how quickly its subject changes. After that, a box at the top of the article warns that some information may have changed, until we’ve reviewed it. A reported mistake is checked; if it’s confirmed, it’s fixed, and any correction of fact is noted at the end of the article: see our corrections policy.

Images

An image generated or altered by artificial intelligence that looks like a real person, place, object, or event carries the label “Image generated or altered by AI.” Photos are credited with their author’s name and license.

What our articles can’t replace

Outfarer is no substitute for a professional, emergency services, or formal training. For a technical skill or a high-risk activity, nothing beats learning from a club or a national association.

Updated October 26, 2026