CAF and oil filters are commonly reviewed by sight alone. We here on BITOG don't even have "specs" on oil filter media. It's the 800 lb. gorilla which never was in the room.
Regarding CAFs, I've seen mere wavy "paper", cheaper to better thicker filter paper and thick, seemingly well assembled charcoal laden examples.
Also, I've seen posts involving making your own from large, home AC panels. Unless I've missed something, going that route seems a waste of time as the home filters seem very porous to me.
Pick an example from FRAM or Purolater when they're on a combo sale with an oil change at some store near you and take it from there. When ordering from RockAuto make sure any CAF (or anything else, really) is shipped from the same warehouse or multiple postage fees will eat any savings up real fast. Look for the little truck icon.
Believe me, we all know the sting of buying a basic maintenance part at a dealership's parts counter.
If you go WIX or Hastings via mail order (just seeing if you're listening) you'll have matched any auto company branded filter and get a leg up on simplifying your situation.
Want a genuine Ford filter? Check out Tasca Auto Parts (Rhode Island) then see what the shipping will be. I just did that for a $7.50 part and learned that adding $70 worth of other stuff didn't move the $10 minimum shipping fee one penny.
What'll get your hackles up is when something like a cabin air filter comes in a box 5 times the size necessary.
It's a game. Learn it so you pay the least. And remember, they're not in it to break even or lose.