If I'm considering the purchase of a particular piece of equipment, I will usually run it past the forum members (most of whom have more experience in this area than I do) to get their opinions on the equipment. Many of them have used the item and give great advice on its pros/cons. I value their opinions and would be "buying blind" without some feedback.

On the other hand, if a member asks a question regarding a particular aspect of survival that can be addressed with a piece of equipment that I'm familiar with, I'll provide a link to its website and whatever info I have on it.