Jared Russo

Hey everyone, I’m Jared. Outdoor life wasn’t something I inherited. My parents had never been on a trail or in a tent. The outdoors found me another way. My best friend in middle school had a deep appreciation for nature, and his enthusiasm rubbed off quickly. We spent countless afternoons trekking through local trails, soaking up everything we could along the way.

That interest never faded. Through college, I kept hiking and spending as much time outdoors as possible. After junior year, I took a break from school to chase a dream: completing the Appalachian Trail. I made it through, but not without setbacks. I spent nearly every dollar I had on gear—some pieces were solid, but others let me down hard. One highly praised backpack barely survived a week. Watching money vanish like that stung. No one deserves to be misled.

Too many reviews felt like fluff. I knew something had to change. I started asking other hikers and survivalists what they looked for, what they struggled with, and what they wish they had known sooner. Over time, a clear picture formed. People didn’t just need help picking gear—they needed to avoid unnecessary purchases. They wanted clear answers, honest reviews, and practical advice.

That’s when GearDesciple began to take shape. It started as a passion project and became a trusted source for survival, hunting, and everyday carry insights.

As the site grew, so did the workload. Late one night, I called my brother Matt and pitched the idea of joining forces. He jumped in, and it turned out to be one of the best moves I’ve ever made. His dedication and insights strengthened the site, and together we’ve built something we’re proud to share.