About
About Aperture Authority
Aperture Authority is a gear-research site for everything outside: camp, trail, travel, and training. We help you pick the right kit without the guesswork, and we are upfront about exactly how every recommendation is made.
How we work
Every pick is scored with the transparent Aperture Score, a composite built from manufacturer specs, verified-owner reviews across retailers, and expert publications, weighted across four dimensions and computed by a formula rather than hand-picked. These are researched picks, not personally tested, and we label them that way. The full method, including the dimensions and weights, is on how we research and rate.
Who is behind it
Aperture Authority is founded and run by Joel Kelly, who owns its editorial direction and built the Aperture Score method. Joel is a gear researcher and curator, not a paid lab tester: every roundup and guide is the product of reading manufacturer specs, combing verified-owner reviews across retailers, and cross-checking expert publications, then scoring it all into the Aperture Score by formula. These are researched picks, labeled as such, and the byline on each article points back here so you always know who stands behind the recommendation.
How we make money
Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes a score or a pick. See our full disclosure.
Browse camp, hike, travel, and fitness gear, or read how we research and rate.