Using a Solar Charger in the Outdoors
Q: Should I get solar chargers?
Ask the Gear Guy
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Ask the Gear Guy for help.
Stuff We Like: NoSo Patches
You’re hiking and your jacket gets snagged on a branch and rips. How can you fix it while on the trail? Simply slap a NoSo patch ($10-$20, nosopatches.com) over the
How to Keep the Inside of a Tent Clean and Dry
Q: How do I keep the inside of my tent clean and dry?
Two Good Options for Waterproof Hiking Boots
Q: What are good options for waterproof hiking boots?
Stuff We Like: Nemo Endless Promise Sleeping Bag
Sustainability means not wasting our resources. Nemo Equipment is trying to further that mission with its products.
Think Layers When Packing for a Cold Campout
Q: What should I bring on a cold campout?
What Kind of Footwear for Whitewater Rafting?
Q: I’m going whitewater rafting. I’m wondering about footwear for in the raft and out of the water.
Stuff We Like: Papilio II Binoculars
Binoculars let you study wildlife that's far away. With the Pentax Papilio II, you can observe close-up wildlife, too.
What are the Advantages to Using a Hiking Stick?
Q: Why use a hiking stick?
What Can I Do To Avoid Bugs When Camping?
Q: I don’t like camping when there are a lot of bugs. What can I do?
Stuff We Like: 5.11 Ferro Knife
Don’t have a piece of flint to start a fire? No worries if you have the 5.11 Ferro Knife.
Good Replacement for an Old Lantern?
Q: I need to replace my old lantern. Any suggestions?
How to Overcome Nervousness About First Campout
I’m nervous about my first overnight campout. How should I handle it?
Which Fire Starter Should I Choose?
Q: What’s a decently priced fire starter?
Stuff We Like: Chaco Ramble Puff
Chaco uses fleece to line its Ramble Puff shoes, helping your feet stay toasty and comfy.
Which Socks Are Best for Cold, Wet Weather?
Q: When my socks get wet, they stop feeling warm. What kind should I buy for cold, wet weather?
How Do You Use a Tent Footprint?
Q: My tent came with a footprint. How do you use one?
Stuff We Like: Near Zero Dean
The 50-liter backpack unzips like a suitcase, giving you easy access to your gear.
Where Can I Find Cheaper Gear?
Q: What is the best option for buying cheaper gear?
Where to Find an Inexpensive and Comfortable Daypack
Q: I’m looking for a comfortable daypack that’s less than $120.
How to Sharpen a Pocketknife
Q: How do I keep my pocketknife sharp?
Stuff We Like: Voltaic OffGrid
Buying a backpack and separate solar charging system can get expensive. So why not get them together?
Good Sleeping Bag for a Cub Scout?
Q: I’m going on my first campout with my Cub Scout pack. What’s a good sleeping bag to get?
Stuff We Like: Flextail Tiny Pump
This air pump can inflate or deflate your sleeping pad while lighting up your tent at the same time.
Should I Get a Single-Blade or a Swiss Army Knife?
Q: I am looking for a new pocketknife. Should I get a single-blade or a Swiss Army knife?
How To Purify Water on a Long Trek?
Q: What should I use to purify water on a long trek?
Stuff We Like: Coast HX5 Flashlight
Simply slide the flashlight's head forward or back with your finger to create a flood beam or a focused beam.
Where To Find Comfortable and Affordable Hiking Boots?
Q: I’m looking for comfortable hiking boots that are affordable and waterproof.
Why Does My Propane Stove Leave Soot on My Cookware?
Q: Every time I use my propane stove, it leaves black soot all over my cookware. How can I stop this from happening?
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.
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.