About Outdoor Benchmark
Outdoor Benchmark is an independent outdoor gear review site founded by Jordan Stambaugh and based in Bellingham, Washington — right at the doorstep of the Pacific Northwest's best hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
Why We Exist
Too many gear "reviews" are thinly veiled rewrites of manufacturer spec sheets. We started Outdoor Benchmark because we believe hunters and anglers deserve better — honest assessments from people who actually use this gear in the field, on the water, and in the backcountry.
Our Approach
Every product we cover gets evaluated through our Benchmark Score system — a consistent 1-10 rating framework that accounts for performance, build quality, value, and real-world usability. We don't accept payment for positive reviews. Our affiliate partnerships help keep the lights on, but they never influence our recommendations.
What We Cover
- Hunting Optics — thermal scopes, night vision, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes
- Kayak Fishing — pedal-drive kayaks, fish finders, rigging, accessories
- Ice Fishing — flashers, shelters, augers, rods, cold-weather apparel
- Predator Hunting — electronic calls, thermal monoculars, hog hunting gear
- Fly Fishing — rods, reels, waders, destination guides with a PNW focus
About Jordan Stambaugh
Jordan is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, hunter, and angler based in Bellingham, WA. An Eagle Scout and advanced open water SCUBA certified diver, he's been exploring the outdoors since before he could drive. With years of experience pursuing everything from steelhead on PNW rivers to predators across the western states, he brings firsthand knowledge to every review and guide on the site.