About TrailCadence
TrailCadence exists for one reason. There is a flood of gear out there, and most best-of lists are just affiliate links stapled to spec sheets. We do the opposite. We research the gear, weigh the trade-offs, and tell you what is actually worth your money.
How we make money
We are reader-funded. When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never accept payment for a ranking, and brands cannot buy their way onto a list. That independence is the whole point.
How we test
Every pick is scored on feel, build quality, and value for your level of play. We recheck prices and availability monthly so our roundups stay current.
Who writes TrailCadence
Tyler Garner, Trail and ultramarathon runner. Tyler has run trails from the Cascades to the Alps and has finished multiple 100-mile ultras. He tests and writes TrailCadence gear reviews from the start line perspective, focused on what performs over 20 hours on trail, not in a lab.
A note on independence
TrailCadence is an independently owned gear guide. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Salomon, Coros, Garmin, Hoka, Nathan, Ultimate Direction, Petzl, Black Diamond, Running Warehouse, or any other brand or retailer featured on this site. Brand names are used solely for nominative reference to describe product compatibility and comparisons. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.