Legal
Cookie policy
This page explains how GearScout uses cookies and similar browser technologies. Last updated 2026-06-03. For how we handle personal data more broadly, see our privacy policy.
What cookies are
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, and pixels. They help sites remember preferences, measure traffic, or support advertising — depending on the cookie.
How we use cookies
We group cookies into categories. When you first visit GearScout, our consent banner lets you accept all, reject non-essential cookies, or customize by category. You can change your choices anytime by reopening the cookie settings (via the consent banner or your browser controls).
Cookie categories
| Category | Purpose | Can you opt out? |
|---|---|---|
| Necessary | Required for the site to function — for example, storing your cookie consent choice so we do not ask on every page load. | No — always active |
| Measurement | Helps us understand how readers use the site (pages viewed, approximate geography, device type). We use Google Analytics (G-3W2QFLG96C) with Google Consent Mode — analytics tags load only after you consent. | Yes — via consent banner |
| Marketing | Used for advertising and remarketing pixels. GearScout does not currently run third-party marketing pixels on-site; this category is available in our consent tool for future use and is off unless you enable it. | Yes — off by default |
Third-party cookies you may encounter
- Google Analytics — when you consent to measurement cookies, Google may set cookies such as
_gato distinguish users and sessions. See Google's privacy policy. - Retailer affiliate cookies — when you click a product link to Amazon, REI, or another retailer, that site may set cookies to attribute a sale to our affiliate account. Those cookies are controlled by the retailer, not GearScout.
- Consent storage — our consent manager (c15t) stores your preferences in browser local storage so your choices persist across visits.
Managing cookies
Ways to control cookies:
- Use the cookie banner on GearScout to accept, reject, or customize categories
- Adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies (see help for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
- Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
Blocking necessary cookies may prevent the consent banner from remembering your choice. Blocking measurement cookies means we cannot see aggregated traffic data from your visits.
Do Not Track
Some browsers send a “Do Not Track” signal. There is no uniform industry standard for how sites must respond. We treat non-essential cookies according to your consent choices rather than DNT signals alone.
Updates
We may update this cookie policy when we add or remove tools on the site. Check the date at the top of this page. Material changes to how we use cookies will be reflected in our consent banner where required by law.
More information
Read our privacy policy for details on data retention, your rights, and how to contact us at hello@gearscouted.com.
See also: Privacy policy, Terms of service, Cookie policy, and Affiliate disclosure.