Creating Relatable UGC Content for Outdoor Brands

I’m Eric

Before launching Wilde Escape, I spent years as a first responder. These days, I’m based in Nevada County, California, a Millennial who’d rather be out on a back road than stuck behind a desk.

Weekends usually mean hiking, camping, or sleeping in the back of my converted RAV4 somewhere in the American West. I test gear in the same conditions that people actually use it. Freezing mountain passes, dusty trails, and those late-night setups that make you question your life choices.

Every piece of gear I use has to work. There’s no backup plan when you’re miles from help. When I talk about gear, I’m not sharing specs to fill a blog post. I’m sharing what I trust when the wind sounds like it’s trying to rip my roof off.

Here’s why my reviews hit different

First Responder Tested
My background taught me how much gear failure can cost. I’ve used equipment when it actually mattered. That mindset sticks with me, which is why I focus on what your customers care about. Gear that holds up under pressure, stays functional when it counts, and won’t fall apart in the field.

I Test It All
No hotel backups. No weekend camping with cell service. I test gear in the same wild places your customers dream about, from the high desert to the Rocky Mountains. If something can survive the conditions I put it through, it can handle just about anything.

A Trusted Voice
Wilde Escape isn’t just a blog. It’s a crew. My readers follow because they know I won’t recommend junk. I’ve said no to more free gear than I can count. If I back something, it’s because I’ve used it, relied on it, and would grab it again tomorrow.

Minimalist Mindset
I pack light. Everything I bring has to serve more than one purpose. If your gear can handle multiple jobs, you better believe I’m going to talk about it. That’s what people want. Less stuff. More solutions.

Real World Tested
Before I post a single word, I ask myself what I used to ask during emergencies. Will this work when I need it most? My reviews are built on that exact question. And that’s what makes people listen.

Story Over Specs
Anyone can list features. I tell stories. I talk about the gear that got me through surprise hail in Utah or made the difference when my water pump quit 50 miles from the nearest town. Those are the moments that matter.

The short version is this. When people see my content, they are getting insight from someone who has lived in the gear, sweated in it, and trusted it when things got real. That trust builds connection. And connection builds sales.