Author: Tom Burg

Tom Burg is the lead consumer product specialist and family gear director at US Family Mart. With a background in mechanical engineering and over a decade of hands-on laboratory and home testing, Tom evaluates kitchen appliances, smart home gadgets, strollers, and fitness equipment. He is passionate about helping modern families choose safe, durable, and high-value essentials without getting misled by marketing hype.

Lead Consumer Product Specialist & Family Gear Director at US Family Mart Consumer Testing Lab · Certified Consumer Products Quality Specialist (CPQS), ASTM F15 Consumer Standards Member · 12+ years evaluating household appliances, smart home hardware, child safety equipment, and consumer lifestyle products.

Writes aboutHome & Kitchen AppliancesSmart Home AutomationChild Safety & StrollersFitness & Gym EquipmentConsumer Product Durability Testing

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Camping Gear

Best 9 Fire Starter for Camping 2026

Planning to get warm by a fire shouldn't take longer than building one. I've spent the last few seasons comparing how different ignition methods…

November 4, 2026·23 min read·by Tom Burg

Camping Gear

Best 9 Gear for Car Camping 2026

Car camping gear has one job: turn your vehicle into a comfortable base camp that actually sleeps well, cooks a real meal, and keeps…

November 4, 2026·18 min read·by Tom Burg

Camping Gear

Best 9 Backpacking Gear 2026

A solid backpacking kit isn't about buying the most expensive thing on the shelf. It's about a handful of tools that each do one…

November 4, 2026·30 min read·by Tom Burg

Camping Gear

Best 9 Winter Camping Gear 2026

Winter camping has a way of humbling even good gear. I've spent the last three seasons digging through polyester insulation claims, coldweather lab data,…

November 4, 2026·26 min read·by Tom Burg