Who’s Really Behind the Hiking Gear Videos You Watch? | HikeStrong | Ep. 34

Most hikers research hiking gear and watch gear reviews before a trip.

You’ve probably watched hiking gear videos before your last hike—but have you ever thought about who’s creating them?

In this episode, we step inside the world of user-generated content (UGC) and talk with a real outdoor creator about how it actually works in the hiking and outdoor gear industry.

Marcus sits down with Ryan Heck, a UGC creator who works with outdoor brands like KÜHL and BioLite, to talk about:

• What user-generated content actually is
• How Ryan studies and tests hiking gear before showcasing it
• What makes hiking gear reviews feel authentic
• Layering strategy for hut-to-hut hikes in changing weather
• How hikers can approach content creation themselves

This episode isn’t about workouts. It’s about understanding the hiking gear content many outdoor enthusiasts already consume—and the role it plays in the broader hiking experience.

After listening, you may start seeing hiking gear videos on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook differently.

Ryan Heck: Outdoor Brand Content & UGC Creator | Trekker Heck Instagram

Ryan and Marcus will both be at https://hikeexpocolorado.com/ in May 2026.

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