Last updated: May 2026
Hardwear Forum is built for serious, useful discussion about techwear as a functional system. To keep the quality high and the community welcoming, we enforce these rules strictly.
1. Be Respectful to Beginners
New users are welcome. Many people are just discovering techwear and may ask basic questions.
Allowed:
Helpful, patient explanations
Honest but constructive feedback
Not allowed:
Budget shaming
“Just use search, idiot” replies
Mocking someone for not owning premium brands
Gatekeeping disguised as expertise
2. Low-Effort Posts May Be Removed
A cool photo alone is not enough. Every post (especially Fits & Carry) must provide value.
Required for fit/loadout/gear photos:
Item list with model names where possible
Real-world context (weather, commute type, duration of use)
What worked and what didn’t
Specific observations or lessons learned
Image-only flex posts or vague titles will be removed or moved.
3. Post in the Correct Board
Newcomer Dock: Beginner questions, budget setups, first purchases, common mistakes
Fits & Carry: Outfits, EDC/loadouts, layering systems, daily carry breakdowns
Hardproof Reviews: Fabric tests, waterproofing reports, durability testing, legit checks, comparisons (evidence required)
Mod Lab: Repairs, DIY modifications, hardware swaps, custom solutions
Moderators may move threads to the correct board.
4. Hardproof Reviews Require Evidence
This board maintains the highest standards.
Strong posts usually include:
Clear photos (before/after, details, testing conditions)
Specific model names and durations of use
Weather or environment context
Direct comparison points when relevant
Vague claims, brand worship without data, or “it feels good” posts without supporting evidence may be removed.
5. No Counterfeit Promotion
Discussion of how to identify fakes is encouraged
Sourcing, selling, or promoting counterfeit goods is strictly prohibited
Threads attempting to buy or sell replicas will be removed
6. No Marketplace Activity (Phase One)
Hardwear Forum does not currently support buying, selling, or trading.
WTB, WTS, sales listings, and direct trade requests will be removed.
7. Disagree with Ideas, Not People
Strong technical opinions are welcome. Personal attacks, hostility, or insults are not.
We expect participants to:
Explain their reasoning
Back up claims with experience or evidence when possible
Stay civil even during spirited debate
8. Use Clear, Useful Titles
Bad titles:
“Help”
“Thoughts?”
“Is this good?”
Good titles:
“First shell under $250 for rainy Seattle walking commute?”
“eVent shell after six months and 45 washes — performance observations”
“Added MOLLE to my plain Able Carry — what worked and what didn’t”
9. Moderator Actions
Moderators may:
Move threads to a more appropriate board
Edit titles for clarity
Trim or remove low-effort / rule-breaking content
Issue warnings or temporary bans for repeated violations
These actions are for maintaining quality and structure, not personal punishment.
10. The Culture Standard
Ask honestly.
Answer specifically.
Back up your claims.
Leave the ego at the door.
We want this to be a place where:
Beginners feel safe asking questions
Experienced users share hard-earned knowledge
Discussions focus on real performance and practical solutions
Function matters more than flexing
By posting on Hardwear Forum, you agree to follow these rules.
Repeated or intentional violations may result in content removal, warnings, or bans. If you see a post that breaks the rules, please use the report button rather than engaging.
Welcome to the forum. We’re glad you’re here — now let’s talk about gear that actually works.
Hardwear Forum Moderation Team