Carryology 3.0 – FAQ’s

Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the more common questions we’ve received about our new direction. We’re stoked with where we’re going, and hope you are too. Find the video talking through our changes here.

Carryology Pivot — FAQs

1. Why is Carryology changing? 

Carryology has always been about more than products — it’s been about the culture, craft, and stories behind the gear we carry. After 15 years, we felt the affiliate-driven review model was pulling us away from that original spirit. This change is about getting back to what we love most: authentic storytelling, deep insight, and building a genuine resource for the carry community; both consumers and industry.

2. What’s actually changing? 

The biggest shift is in how we think about our content. We’re moving away from being primarily a product review and affiliate site, and toward becoming a genuine knowledge institution — a place where the culture, history, craftsmanship, and innovation behind carry gear is documented and celebrated properly.

3. Are you still going to review products? 

Yes and no. The relationship is changing. These won’t be scored reviews like you’ve seen from us in the past. Instead product coverage will be driven by editorial interest, innovation and exploring carry culture. If something is breaking boundaries and deserves your attention, we’ll cover it. These are more likely to resemble a “first look” or “behind the scenes”, rather than a standard review.

4. What does exploring carry culture actually mean? 

Think of it as building a living, breathing archive of everything meaningful in the carry world — maker profiles, material histories and science, design lineages, interviews, exploring all the layers that exist before a product is in your hands. Content that’s worth coming back to years from now, not just something to skim before clicking a buy link. Our hope is that this will continually evolve as we explore more and more of the carry universe, both independently and with our friends in the industry.

5. Does this mean Carryology is no longer free? 

Our content will not be behind a paywall. Our goal is to be a trusted resource for the community, and that means keeping great content accessible. 

6. How will Carryology make money if it’s moving away from affiliates? 

We’re continuing to evolve the model built around genuine partnerships with makers and brands who share our values — thoughtful collaborations, and curated product releases rather than commission-based link placement. 

7. Will the brands you work with change? 

Possibly. Our focus will naturally shift toward brands and makers whose stories, craftsmanship, innovation, and function are genuinely interesting — those who are doing something worth talking about. We’re not interested in covering any piece of gear just because there’s a commission attached. We want to be sure that we are covering as many corners of the carry world as possible! So you’ll recognise some brands we work with, while others might be new to you.

8. What happens to the existing content on the site? 

It stays. Years of reviews, guides, and features aren’t going anywhere. We’ll be building on top of that foundation, not erasing it. We’ll be refreshing some of that content too and bringing it back into focus.

9. How can the community be involved? 

We genuinely want to hear from you. Reader feedback, maker recommendations, stories worth telling — all of it matters as we shape what Carryology becomes. We’ll be opening up more channels for that conversation as things develop.

10. Why now? 

Honestly? The carry world has evolved, and so have we. The gear is better, the makers are more interesting, and the stories are richer than ever. With our unique position and friends who continue to push the envelope, it felt like the right moment to build something that does justice to all of that — rather than keep chasing clicks.