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APPLYING FOR TESTS
To
be eligible to apply to test gear, you must first have completed two
Owner Reviews of gear you already have experience with. You must
also have submitted a
tester agreement. Once these steps are
complete, you are eligible to apply to test gear.
Once you have joined
http://www.backpackgeartesters@yahoogroups.com, you will be able to
read test calls that go out to the group. Most test calls end one week
from date of the original posting. Due to the number of
applications received for most calls, test call managers are not able
to accept incomplete applications. If your application is incomplete, it will not be considered and
will be discarded without notice.
New members are
referred to as 'Newbies'. This status is held through your first
completed test series. While you are a Newbie, you will only be
able to test one item. There are some exceptions to this rule.
Test calls specify if an
item counts toward the Newbie limit or not. If an item
doesn’t count toward the limit, Newbies may apply to test it without
penalty.
If an item specifically says that it counts toward the limit, and the
Newbie is already testing one item, you may still apply with the understanding
that you will not be picked, unless there are not enough veteran applications,
you have a very good test plan and you are well into your first test
series.
If you are selected, you will be contacted
off-list for additional information such as street mailing address or
product choice options necessary to get the test underway. Respond as
quickly as possible. The Moderator will pick an alternate tester if you do
not respond within 48 hours.
The Moderator for each test series will endeavor to inform the group
when the testers have been selected.
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 four-month period typical of gear tests.
Items do not become the property of the tester until
AFTER all required reports have been posted.
Please use your best judgment about the information you include. For
example, it may be necessary to add additional measurement information
such as torso, inseam, etc. for applications for other types of gear
such as backpacks or wind pants. Including information in both imperial
and metric units is a good idea.
The following is a starting point for required information:
Personal biographical information
- Name
- Age
- Gender
- Height
- Weight
- Email address (need not be clickable)
- City (or region), state, and country (if outside the US) where you live
- Backpacking background
- Short, comprehensive description of your backpacking experience (how long, where, etc.)
- Style (lightweight, tent vs. tarp)
- 100 word limit – more info:
"Writing a Brief
Biography"
Field information
- Location or locations where you propose to test the gear
- Description of location (mountains, elevation, terrain, etc.)
- Typical weather conditions expected (temperature, precipitation, etc.)
- Style of hiking you plan to do during the test (lightweight, tent vs. tarp, etc.)
- Test plan or strategy
A
short test plan should be submitted with your application. This test plan should
briefly describe how you plan to test the item. It should also include a
brief description of the location (include type) and duration of any trips you
plan on taking.
Previously written reports
- Include a link to your Reviews Written by <Tester> page on the
BackpackGearTest.org website.
Before you send in your application, remember the manufacturers are
'paying' you for your reports by letting you keep the item being tested.
If you are not going to post the reports in good faith then please do
not apply. The items do not become the property of the testers until
AFTER they have posted the required reports. You
MUST
include in your application that you understand all of this and will
comply or you will send the item back to the manufacturer at your
expense.
IN YOUR APPLICATION, YOU MUST INCLUDE THE STATEMENT THAT YOU HAVE READ
THESE REQUIREMENTS AND WILL COMPLY WITH THE REPORT REQUIREMENTS FOUND IN
THE BYLAWS.
INCLUDE THE DATE YOU READ THIS FILE OR THE VERSION NUMBER FROM THE TOP
OF THIS FILE. IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE IGNORED!
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