Affiliate Links & Recommendations

In many of our articles, especially gear-based stories, we may earn a small commission when readers purchase products through our links.

This doesn’t affect which products are included in the articles, and in most cases our writers are not aware of which brands and products offer us a sales commission. All of the products we highlight are recommended for their quality, performance and overall reputation regardless of any affiliate relationships.

In fact, much of the gear we recommend comes from small, boutique retailers and shops that make small batches of products and don’t offer any sort of affiliate relationships at all. In our rundown of the best The Best Leisure Batteries, or the best Solar Panels, for example, you’ll find that most of the packs or quilts come from small manufacturers who do not offer us any sales commissions for recommending them.

But, they are some of the best products out there and so we recommend them.

We strive to recommend the products that would fit best for most audiences, and usually categorize our top picks as:

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• Editor’s Choice: the best overall pick based on performance and feedback

• Upgrade pick: where it makes sense to spend more money

• Best value: Products

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The commissions we make from these articles allow us to pay our writers the best rates possible, and to allow us to put as much time and energy into the research and vetting side of the review process. We don’t want to cut corners, and we want to pay writers and gear testers what they’re worth.

If we receive gear to review directly from brands, it’s noted in the review itself, though most of the gear we field test is purchased. Any brands or products that pay for promotion or advertising on the site is considered “Sponsored.”

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Amazon Associates & Other Programs

As an Amazon Associate, The Van Life World may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. We also partner with sites like REI,  and other outdoor retailers.

Our reputation as a place to find quality gear and places to explore is important to us, and that helps us navigate what we recommend to our readers. 

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