HOW TO BECOME A GEAR TESTER IN THREE EASY STEPS
STEP 3
APPLYING TO TEST GEAR

Ready to test some gear?  Good.  From time to time announcements are made through the BackpackGearTest Yahoo group.  You should monitor this group carefully because test calls go out periodically and are closed after about a week.  You must get your tester application in before the test call closes.  There are just a few rules to remember when applying for gear:

1. Don't apply for gear that you can't reasonably expect to test.  (If you live and hike in Hawaii, for instance, don't apply for a snowshoe test.)

2. Do not apply for a test if you are unable to spend the time and effort to gain the experience with the gear necessary to write complete and impartial reports over the six month period typical of these gear tests.

3. Do not apply for a test if you are currently testing a similar item.  (If you are already testing a backpack, do not apply for another backpack test until the first one is complete.  Exceptions to this rule may be made, but contact a moderator before applying.)

4. When you accept gear to be tested, you accept the responsibility to test that gear fairly and to complete all three reports required.  Additional requirements may also have to be fulfilled for some tests.  Do not apply if you aren't going to finish.

5. If, through accident, misfortune, or circumstances beyond your control you can not complete a test that you have started, contact your monitor or a moderator immediately so that arrangements can be made to have another tester complete the tests.

6. Unless noted otherwise, after you complete all three tests, the gear being tested becomes your property.  Items do not become the property of the tester until after all required reports have been uploaded.

7. You must read Chapter 5 of the BackpackGearTest Survival Guide, and you must indicate in your test application that you have read it and will follow all instructions and fulfill all requirements.  Failure to do this will cause your application to be rejected automatically.  This document is updated from time to time, so you should review it from time to time.

When you see a test call that appeals to you, it's time to create a test application.  Like an owner review, your test application should be clear and easy to follow.  Your application should be complete, since incomplete applications are discarded with no notice.  The test group will be selected based on parameters specified by the manufacturer and to include a broad spectrum of hiker types, styles, and locations as appropriate for that particular item.  

So, what is involved in a tester application?  Well, your biography, for one, field information for two, and a list of previously completed reports.  The general outline looks like this:

1. Biographical Information
   Name
   Age
   Gender
   Height
   Weight
   Email Address
   City (or region), State, and Country (if outside the U.S.)
   Backpacking Background

2. Field Information
   Location or locations where you propose to test the gear
   Description of location (elevation, terrain, etc.)
   Typical weather conditions expected (temperature, precipitation, etc.)
   Style (lightweight, tent vs. tarp vs. hammock, etc.)
   Test plan or strategy

3. Previously Written Reports
   Owner Reviews 
   Completed Tests (if any)
   Current Tests (if any)
   Tests you are Monitoring (if any)
   

Nothing to it!  Let's look at an example.  Instructional notes are in red.  Let's use the same example we used for our owner review.  You see an application for the Maglite Solitaire, and you would be interested in testing one.  Your application would look something like this:

Check your application carefully, then post it to the BackpackGearTest Yahoo group.  Be sure to include APPLICATION TO TEST (Name of item) in the subject line.  If, after posting it, you realize that you have made a mistake, make corrections and repost the entire application.

If you are selected for a test, the Moderator will contact you off-list for additional information such as your mailing address, product choice options, and sizing.  Respond promptly or a substitute will be chosen.  If you think you are going to be unavailable at the close of the test call, notify the Moderator and give him/her your address, telephone number, and other information you feel appropriate so that if you are selected for a test and you are unavailable you will not miss your chance to test the gear.

The Moderator for each test series will normally try to post a message to the group letting everyone know that the testers have been selected.

Once selected, you will receive a notification letting you know who the Monitor is for the test.  The Monitor is responsible for keeping track of report due dates and helping testers when they need help.  Please communicate with your Monitor, and let him/her know any problems or difficulties you encounter.  When you receive the item, it is customary to notify the list that you have received the item, and that your initial report will be posted shortly.  You have one week to submit the initial report.

Once you begin, you are officially a tester.  You can apply for as many tests as you like, as long as you have the time to do a fair and honest job of testing each item thoroughly and finishing the test series.  Don't be discouraged if you aren't chosen right away or for every test for which you apply.  Keep trying, and welcome aboard.

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