Now that we’ve covered the pre-purchase research and how to shop on Outdoor Prolink, let’s dive into your post-purchase role as an Outdoor Prolink member. Your opinion and insights are incredibly valuable to these brands. You play a vital role in improving gear within the outdoor industry.
To show that value, Outdoor Prolink is now giving away $100 every month to one member through our Ratings Rewards program. Participating in this program is simple: members can leave up to 5 gear ratings per month (feel free to do more but only 5 will be entered into the drawing) and our team will randomly select the winning rating. There is no purchase necessary to leave a rating. The winner will receive $100 in store credit to shop on Outdoor Prolink.
We value our members and your experiences, but most importantly we value your feedback.
How to rate? The five W’s: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
It can be tricky to know where to start with a product rating. If you’re feeling inspired- we’d love to hear your story and experience. If you need a little help, we recommend the 5 W’s:
Who are you: Your background gives credibility. For example: “As a backcountry skier…” Who is this product for? Beginners, advanced climbers, or parents hiking with kids.
What gear was used: What are its key features (materials, weight, fit, tech, standout details)? Was it used independently or with another product? Was sizing an issue that affected use?
When was the gear used: In which seasons, temperatures, weather conditions, and time of day? Was this a first impression, or have you tested it for weeks?
Where was the gear used: Rainy trails, oceans, desert, forest, national park, backyard, or a climbing gym? Did the environment affect performance (e.g. grip on rock, waterproofing in storms, warmth in cold)?
Why does this gear matter: What problem does it solve? What makes it better or worse than alternatives? Why would you recommend—or not recommend—it to others?
Bonus – PHOTOS: A picture is worth a thousand words. We want to see the gear in action!
Our stories are important. Stories teach lessons and provide insight for future generations. Tell your story. People connect to experience – tell us about your 14er hike, search and rescue mission, running a PR, flashing a 5.11, or reeling in the largest trout you’ve ever caught.
Previous Ratings Winners: $100 for your thoughts
October winner: Orion (Land and Resource Management)
HIMALI Men’s Limitless Grid Fleece: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great layer, warm: Medium fits snug (5’8″, 185 lbs), layers well; I got the medium. Hood fits great, under helmets, over hats. Is warm, Ioving it under a wool halibut coat in fall weather on the Olympic Peninsula west end (rainy) and in Glacier (dry and colder). Con: Wrist openings too tight, constrict blood flow if you pull sleeves up the forearm. 1 caveat, I like the smaller wrist openings when over my fist like a glove, but would rather have larger wrist openings. I hear stitching rip when I put it on at times.
November winner: Jared (Colorado Mountain Club)
Outdoor Research Men’s Cirque III Pants: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I normally hike in Prana stretch Zion’s but got these because I needed something a bit burlier for winter snowshoeing and backcountry skiing or hiking in rougher weather. I’ve been really happy with these pants, I find they fit great and look awesome. I’m 5’10 155 and went with a small. I normally wear a 30 or 31 waist and around a 32 length.
December winner: Sylvain
Blue Ice Choucas Pro Harness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a replacement for my old Choucas Pro. The small improvements are most welcomed! Used mainly for ice climbing and moderate alpine climbing. It has everything I need and none of the fluff. The redesigned gear loops are more user friendly and the tag loop is more useful. Seems more durable than the gen 1. BlueIce gear is awesome 👌🏻
January winner: Daralyn (Forest Service)
Outdoor Research Women’s Helium Down Hoodie: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Impressed with the durability and water repellency thus far. I am 5’10” and ~175lbs and I typically wear size L or XL and opted for L for a more fitted look/feel. It is slightly tight on my (broad) shoulders but not so tight that I feel the need to size up. If I planned on layering more underneath I would have gone for an XL.
Pro favorites
Top rated brands:
La Sportiva
Darn Tough
Black Diamond
Rab
Mammut
Top raters – membership level:
Wilderness Education
Climbing Gym Employees
Ski Resort Employees
Search and Rescue
Environmental Professionals
Top rated products:
La Sportiva – Solution
Ortovox – Men’s Rock’N’Wool Short Sleeve
Wild Country – Friend Set
Big Agnes – Rapid SL insulated
Himali – Men’s Eclipse Sun Hoodie
Brooks Running – Men’s Ghost 17
Rab – Men’s Neutrino Pro jacket
Black Diamond – Distance Flz poles
Darn Tough – Tactical boot full cushion
Rab – Men’s Xenair Alpine Insulated jacket
Your feedback helps Outdoor Prolink grow into something bigger than just a gear site. It’s becoming a place where pros connect, swap insights, and help each other choose the right gear. Every review and story you share adds to the collective knowledge, making this community stronger and more valuable for everyone.
If there’s other feedback that you’d like to share, please let us know here!
Maddie Trost is a CS Agent at Outdoor Prolink. You’ll typically find her running around Colorado mountain towns finding the hidden gems including hiking, gear shops, and local eats.
