TERMS OF SERVICE
Last Updated: [2026/5/6]
Welcome to Sloane's Field Notes. These Terms of Service ("Terms") apply to your use of this website, its content, and any related services. By accessing or using the Site, you agree to these Terms. If you don't agree, that's fine — but you should stop using the Site.
1. About the Site
Sloane's Field Notes is a personal blog. I write about outdoor gear, trail style, and gear philosophy based on my own experience. I am not a professional guide, a certified gear technician, a safety instructor, or a medical professional. I'm someone who spends a lot of time outside and writes honestly about what I learn.
Everything on this Site reflects my personal opinion. Product names, logos, and brands mentioned are the property of their respective owners. My commentary doesn't imply endorsement by those brands unless explicitly stated.
2. Not Professional Advice
Outdoor activities carry inherent risks — weather, terrain, wildlife, equipment failure, and plain old human error. What worked for me in specific conditions may not work for you in yours.
The content on this Site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for:
Professional instruction or guided training
Reading and following manufacturer instructions for all gear
Checking weather, trail conditions, and local regulations
Using your own judgment and common sense
Before you head out, do your own research. Know your limits. Tell someone your plan. Pack the ten essentials. I want you to go outside — and come back.
3. Affiliate Links and Advertising Disclosure
This Site participates in affiliate marketing programs. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission. This doesn't increase what you pay, and it doesn't influence what I recommend. I turn down free gear, I don't run paid reviews, and I don't promote anything I haven't personally tested or would not use myself.
I also display advertisements through ad networks. These are labeled as ads. I don't control the content of those ads, and clicking them is subject to the advertiser's own terms and privacy policies.
Disclosure, per FTC guidelines: Assume every link to a product or retailer on this Site is an affiliate link unless I say otherwise.
4. User-Generated Content
If you leave a comment on the Site:
You retain ownership of what you write, but you grant me a non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to display it on the Site.
You agree not to post anything illegal, defamatory, threatening, spammy, or obscene.
I reserve the right to delete any comment, for any reason, without notice. I won't censor honest disagreement or constructive criticism, but I will remove junk, abuse, and anything that poisons the trail for others.
Comments may be held for moderation before appearing, especially for first-time commenters.
5. Intellectual Property
All original content on this Site — including writing, photographs, illustrations, and the site name Sloane's Field Notes — is my intellectual property and is protected by copyright. You may not reproduce, republish, or distribute it without my written permission, with these exceptions:
You're welcome to quote short excerpts (a few sentences) with a link back to the original post.
You may share posts on social media using the built-in sharing tools or a direct link.
Want to republish a whole post, translate it, or use my photos? Ask first: [[email protected]] .
If you see your copyrighted material on my Site and believe it's used improperly, email me and I'll address it promptly.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent allowed by law:
Sloane's Field Notes and I (the site owner) are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Site, your reliance on its content, or your participation in activities discussed on the Site.
This includes, but isn't limited to:
Injury, illness, or death from outdoor activities
Damage to or loss of gear and personal property
Errors or omissions in content (I'm human; I make mistakes)
Third-party content including ads, comments, and embedded media
Site downtime, technical issues, or security breaches
You use this Site and its information at your own risk. If you gear up and get out, that's your choice, your responsibility, and (hopefully) your reward.
7. Third-Party Links
I link to other websites — retailers, manufacturers, articles, videos. I do my best to link to reputable sources, but I don't control those sites and I'm not responsible for their content, accuracy, or practices. Clicking through means you're subject to their terms and policies, not mine.
8. Comments and Community Conduct
Keep it trail-clean. Be direct, be respectful. I welcome disagreement on gear choices, recommendations, and outdoor philosophy — that's how we learn. But I don't tolerate personal attacks, hate speech, harassment, or spam. It's my site, my call. Rules of the trail apply here too: leave it better than you found it.
9. DMCA Copyright Infringement Notice
If you believe content on this Site infringes your copyright, send a written notice to [[email protected]] with:
A description of the copyrighted work
The specific URL where the infringing material appears
Your contact information
A statement of good-faith belief and accuracy, under penalty of perjury
I'll respond as required by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
10. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute related to these Terms or the Site will be handled in the courts of San Mateo County, California.
11. Changes to These Terms
I may update these Terms from time to time. When I do, I'll change the "Last Updated" date above. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated Terms. If the changes are material, I'll post a notice on the Site or email subscribers.
12. Contact
For questions about these Terms, or anything else:
Email: [[email protected]]
No contact forms run through five departments. No help-desk ticket number. It's just me. I'll get back to you.