Editorial Corrections Policy

"I found a typo on your website!"

That's awesome. Please email a link to the page, and a description of the typo, to us at helpdesk@backpackinglight.com and we'll get it routed to our production editor.

Purpose

Backpacking Light is committed to accuracy, transparency, and editorial integrity. This Corrections Policy outlines our process for identifying, reviewing, and correcting errors across all published content, including articles, podcast episodes, videos, newsletters, and product reviews.

Scope

This policy applies to all content published on BackpackingLight.com and any content distributed through our email newsletters, social channels, or syndication partnerships.

Guiding Principles

• Accuracy: We strive to maintain the highest standard of factual correctness in all published content.
• Transparency: When errors are found, we acknowledge them openly.
• Timeliness: We correct errors as soon as they are identified and verified.
• Accountability: Editorial staff, contributors, and reviewers share responsibility for the accuracy of published material.

Error Classification

We classify editorial corrections into three levels of significance:

1. Minor Edits (No Disclosure Required)

These include corrections that do not materially change the content or meaning, such as:

• Typos, grammar, punctuation, and syntax corrections
• Formatting inconsistencies
• Standardizing units of measure or style compliance (e.g., imperial/metric conversions)

2. Substantive Corrections (Disclosure Required)

These corrections address factual inaccuracies or material misstatements that may mislead or misinform readers:

• Incorrect gear specifications, test data, or product pricing
• Misattributed quotes or names
• Inaccurate dates, figures, or references
• Clarification of ambiguous or misleading statements

3. Retractions and Major Updates

These are applied when the content contains fundamental inaccuracies, violates editorial standards, or poses potential safety concerns. In these cases:

• The article may be removed or significantly revised
• An editor’s note or retraction statement will replace or accompany the original content

Correction Process

Step 1: Identification

Errors may be flagged by:

• Staff editors, fact-checkers, or contributors
• Readers or members via email or a submission form
• Brands, researchers, or industry stakeholders

Step 2: Review and Verification

The correction request is reviewed by the managing editor and, if needed, a subject matter expert. The original author may be consulted to confirm or clarify details. If the error is validated, a correction is drafted and approved.

Step 3: Implementation

• Minor edits are corrected silently and archived internally.
• Substantive corrections are implemented with a correction notice appended to the article or transcript, noting the date and nature of the change.
• Retractions and major updates are marked with an editor’s note that explains the issue and the rationale for removal or replacement.

Step 4: Notification (if applicable)

When a correction materially alters the message or conclusions of previously shared content, we may notify readers through the newsletter or social media.

Correction Notice Format

Examples of how we disclose substantive updates:

• Correction (May 3, 2025): The weight of the XPro 30 Pack was previously listed as 21 oz. The correct weight is 24.3 oz (689 g).
• Update (April 10, 2025): We added clarifying context regarding the limitations of waterproof-breathable fabrics in subfreezing conditions.
• Retraction (February 12, 2025): This article has been retracted due to a conflict of interest that was not disclosed in accordance with our editorial independence guidelines.

Author and Editor Responsibilities

• Authors are expected to proactively notify the editorial team of any known inaccuracies in their published work.
• Editors are responsible for consistently applying this policy and ensuring all corrections are recorded and published appropriately.
• Corrections are not penalized. They reflect a commitment to transparency and accuracy.

Reader Submissions

We welcome reader-submitted correction requests. Submissions should include:

• A link to the content in question
• A clear description of the error
• Supporting information or references (if applicable)

Correction requests can be sent to: helpdesk@backpackinglight.com

Editorial Independence

All correction decisions are made by the editorial team. No advertiser, sponsor, or affiliate partner is permitted to influence our corrections process or editorial decisions.