Stuff We Like: Therm-a-Rest
Sleeping pads provide cushioning to help you get a good night's sleep. Here are two of our favorites.
Ask the Gear Guy
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Ask the Gear Guy for help.
Why Is There a Sewing Kit in My Survival Kit?
Q: The survival kit my parents gave me came with a little sewing kit. What is that for?
What Backpack to Hold All My Stuff?
Q: What backpack should I get to hold all my stuff?
Stuff We Like: Whiskware Snacking Containers
The twist-on lids stay secure, keeping your gear (or snacks for the trail) from spilling.
I Lost My Sunglasses. What Should I Get to Replace Them?
Q: I lost my sunglasses on my troop's last campout. What should I get to replace them?
Which Mess Kit Should I Buy?
Q: There are so many mess kits out there. Help!
Stuff We Like: Morakniv Scout 39
Lightweight and handy, the Morakniv Scout 39 is a fixed-blade knife designed for beginners.
Suggestions for a Good Sleeping Pad?
Q: I need a good sleeping pad. What do you suggest?
Good Lights for Inside a Tent?
Q: What is a good light source for inside a tent?
Stuff We Like: PackTowl
Towels take up a lot of space in your backpack. Save that space for other gear by using a PackTowl.
Advice for Packing a Pillow When Camping?
Q: Do you have advice for packing a pillow when camping?
Any Tips for Setting up a Tent?
Q: I always have trouble setting up my tent. Can you give me some tips?
Are Freeze-Dried Meals Good for Backpacking?
Q: Freeze-dried meals might be a good choice because they’re lightweight and provide nutrients. Which ones would you buy?
Stuff We Like: Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip water bottle gives you the option to drink from a straw or a spout.
Any Tips For Buying a First Backpack?
Q: I've been planning to buy a new backpack. Any tips?
Stuff We Like: Bug Bite Thing
The Bug Bite Thing is designed to suck out venom from under your skin to prevent itching.
How to Pick a Good Camping Flashlight
Q: I need a good flashlight for camping. Any suggestions?
How to Clean Your Pocketknife
Q: I use my pocketknife almost daily, and it gets so dirty. How can I stop that?
Stuff We Like: Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Sock
The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock is made mainly with fine soft wool from merino sheep.
What’s Better: Mittens or Gloves?
Gloves allow for more dexterity; mittens tend to be warmer by keeping your fingers together. A more important question: Does it fit?
Best Waterproof Action Camera for Northern Tier?
Q: My troop is going to Northern Tier next summer, and I was wondering what the best camera would be to capture all of the action.
Stuff We Like: Selk’bag
The wearable sleeping bag has arms, legs, an adjustable insulated hood and removable booties.
How Much Water Should I Bring for a Two-mile Hike?
Plan to drink about 16 ounces for every hour of hiking. But it might be more. Drink enough so your urine remains clear.
How to Make a Camp Song
The simplest way to create a camp song is to take a tune everyone knows and replace the lyrics.
Stuff We Like: CLIQ Chair
This compact camp chair folds down to 13 inches and only weighs 3.5 pounds.
3 Quality Multitools That Are Made in America
I am looking for a quality multitool made in America. I have $100 to spend on it. I want to be able to open it with one hand.
Technical Packs Can Be Cheaper Alternative To Traditional Pack
I use a tote box for my gear because I can’t afford a backpack, but it doesn’t fit in my troop’s tents. What do I do?
Best Sleeping Bags for Staying Cool on a Warm Night
What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me?
Stuff We Like: Polar Bear Backpack Cooler
The Polar Bear Backpack Cooler is designed to keep ice frozen for 24 hours in 100-degree heat.
How to Prepare For a Long Hike
My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
Where Can I Find a Healthy Energy Bar?
Q: I’m having trouble finding a healthy energy bar that doesn’t have too much sugar and is filling. Do you have any suggestions?
How to Stop a Tent From Leaking
Q: Every time it rains, the inside of my tent gets wet. Any tips?
Stuff We Like: FogBlock Spray
Anti-fog spray helps prevent glasses from fogging when wearing a face covering.
Does Rolling Your Clothes Save Space?
Q: Does rolling up your clothes really work when packing?
Stuff We Like: Smart XXL Camping Cot
OK, OK, this cot is heavy, bulky and pricey. But this is “Stuff We Like,” and we like this cot.
3 Tough Phone Cases for the Outdoors
Q: When I go camping, I don’t want my phone to get damaged. Can you recommend any good phone cases for the outdoors?
Does a Sleeping Bag’s Degree Level Matter?
Q: When choosing a sleeping bag, does the degree level really matter or is it just a recommendation for comfort?
Recommend a Durable Tent That’s Easy to Set Up
Q: I don’t have a tent, and we might need to camp a lot. Do you have some good recommendations?
Stuff We Like: Max Shade Chair
With the Max Shade Chair by Quik Shade, you can instantly have shade wherever you are.
Best Multitool That’s Both Useful and Affordable
Q: What’s the best type of multitool that’s useful and affordable?
High-Quality Rain Ponchos That Are Also Affordable
Q: My troop camps a lot, and sometimes it rains. What is some quality rain gear that’s also affordable?
Best Water Bottle for a Long Camping Trip
Q: I am going on a long camping trip. What is the best water bottle to bring?
Stuff We Like: SansBug Mosquito Nets
If you’re sleeping under the stars or in a canvas wall tent, you might want to consider getting a mosquito net.
How to Whittle Your Own Tent Stakes
Q: My troop is going camping, and we lost our tent stakes. Can we use whittled sticks?
Stuff We Like: NanoTorch Twist
This powerful flashlight has a magnet on one end, so you can stick it to metal and free up your hands.
Where to Find a Good Fishing Pole for Backpacking?
Q: What pole should I take that can handle being carried around and that will fit in my pack?
Can You Hang a Hammock in a Tent?
Q: Is there a way to hang a hammock inside a tent?
Camping Blanket Instead of Sleeping Bag?
Q: What is the best camping blanket? Have you ever used a Rumpl? They look cool.
How to Keep Patrol Cooking Gear Clean?
Q: How can my patrol keep our cooking gear clean?
How Do I Keep Gear Dry in a Kayak?
Q: I'm going on a six-day kayak trek. I know what to bring, but don't know how to pack it to keep it dry. Any suggestions?