Affiliate Disclosure
This page explains how Best Backpack Choice earns revenue, which programs we participate in, and the strict editorial standards we maintain to keep our content independent and trustworthy.
Our Relationship With Affiliate Programs
Best Backpack Choice participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means that when you click certain product links on this site and subsequently make a purchase, we may receive a small commission from the retailer. This commission comes at no additional cost to you — the price you pay is identical whether you click our link or visit the retailer directly.
Affiliate income is one of the ways we fund the operation of this site, including the time required to research products, conduct testing, write content, and maintain the technical infrastructure behind our publishing platform.
Programs We Participate In
We currently participate in, or may participate in, the following affiliate and referral programs:
Amazon Associates
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
REI Affiliate Program
We may link to products sold through REI Co-op, one of the leading outdoor gear retailers in the United States, through their affiliate referral program.
Other Outdoor Retailers
We may periodically participate in programs operated by other outdoor and gear-focused retailers. Any such participation will be covered by this disclosure policy.
How This Affects Our Editorial Content
Commissions do not determine rankings
The order in which products appear in our roundups is based entirely on our assessment of performance, value, and suitability for the stated use case. A product with a higher affiliate commission rate will not rank higher than a better-performing product that earns us less.
Negative findings are published
If a product has notable drawbacks — poor build quality, inconsistent sizing, inadequate warranty support, or simply worse value than competitors — those findings appear in our content regardless of our commercial relationship with any affiliated retailer selling that product.
We do not accept payment for positive coverage
No brand, manufacturer, or retailer can pay us to publish a favorable review, secure a top ranking, or avoid publishing negative findings. All product evaluations are conducted independently of any commercial arrangement.
Sponsored content is clearly labeled
If we ever publish content that has been commissioned, sponsored, or materially supported by a brand, that content will be explicitly identified as sponsored at the top of the article. At the time of this writing, we have published no sponsored content.
FTC Compliance Statement
In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 C.F.R. Part 255), we disclose our material connections to affiliate programs on every page of this site that contains affiliate links, as well as on this dedicated disclosure page.
The FTC requires that websites clearly and conspicuously disclose when they receive compensation that may influence product recommendations. This disclosure policy is designed to meet and exceed those requirements. If you have any questions about our compliance practices, contact us at bestbackpackchoice@gmail.com.
Product Samples and Gifted Items
Occasionally, manufacturers or brands may offer to provide products for review purposes at no cost. If we accept a product sample, we will disclose this clearly within the relevant review. Receipt of a free product does not guarantee a positive review, a recommendation, or inclusion in any roundup. Our evaluation criteria remain unchanged regardless of how a product was obtained.
At the time of writing, the majority of products we review have been researched using publicly available information, verified purchase reviews, and our own purchased samples.
Third-Party Links and Pricing
All product links on this site direct to third-party retail websites. Best Backpack Choice has no control over the pricing, availability, or terms of sale offered by any retailer. Prices listed in our content are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change without notice. We encourage you to verify pricing and availability directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
The presence of a link to a retailer’s product page does not constitute an endorsement of that retailer beyond the specific product being discussed.
Changes to This Policy
We reserve the right to update this disclosure policy as our affiliate relationships, publishing practices, or applicable regulations change. Material changes will be reflected in the “Last Updated” date below. We encourage readers to review this page periodically.
If you have questions about our affiliate relationships, editorial independence, or anything related to our disclosure practices, contact us directly at bestbackpackchoice@gmail.com.
Last Updated: May 2025