Professional Background
JC Courtland is the founder of Outdoor Tech Lab and has been professionally testing outdoor gear for over 10 years.
With extensive backcountry experience across diverse environments and formal training in wilderness safety, JC provides expert, real-world gear reviews to help outdoor enthusiasts make informed equipment decisions.
Before founding OTL in 2023, JC worked as a satellite communications specialist and spent years experiencing gear failures in critical backcountry situations.
This combination of professional expertise and real-world challenges led to a passion for thorough, honest gear evaluation that goes beyond manufacturer specifications.
Professional Credentials: JC holds certifications in Wilderness First Aid, and has 20 years of professional experience in backpacking and wilderness expeditions.
Based in Ludington, MI, JC continues to test gear in challenging conditions while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity.
Satellite Communication
Hikers Top Equipment
Camping Checklists
Wilderness Safety
Gear Durability Testing
Recent Articles by JC
Backpacking Checklist (2025 Guide): Ultimate Top Gear & Tips
Best Satellite Phones Survival Experts Trust Today
Ultralight Backpacking Gear Guide
Best Garmin inReach Devices
Editorial Standards & Accountability
Professional Integrity: All gear reviews are conducted independently with personally purchased or borrowed equipment.
Outdoor Tech Lab maintains editorial independence and clearly discloses any affiliate relationships or sponsored content.
Testing Methodology: Each piece of gear undergoes real-world testing in actual outdoor conditions for a minimum of 30 days.
Long-term reviews span multiple seasons to evaluate durability and performance over time.
Transparency: JC Courtland can be contacted directly for questions about testing procedures, gear recommendations, or clarifications on any published content.
All testing data and methodologies are available upon request.
Contact Information
Editorial Inquiries: contact@outdoortechlab.com
Phone: +1-231-794-8789
Business Address: 707 W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI, 49431
Response Time: Editorial inquiries typically receive a response within 24-48 hours
Media Kit: High-resolution photos and professional credentials available upon request for media purposes