Recommended Gear for a Philmont Backpacking Trek
Q: I’m going backpacking at Philmont Scout Ranch and need some new gear. What do you recommend?
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: NEMO Double Haul
It’s a backpack! It’s a duffel bag! It’s a tote! The NEMO Double Haul ($149.95-$219.95, nemoequipment.com) is all of the above. This versatile bag converts
How Do I Prevent Blisters?
You know a blister is forming when you feel a “hot spot” on your foot.
Should I Buy a Bright Flashlight?
Q: My friends have very bright flashlights. Which one should I buy?
Stuff We Like: TRUE Seven Multitool
The TRUE Seven multitool gives you seven tools packed into a handheld package.
How to Pick the Best Backpacking Food
Q: How do I choose food for a backpacking trip?
4 Camping Gadgets With More Than One Function
Q: There’s a lot of really cool camping gear out there. What have you used recently?
How to Keep Steaks Cold on a Campout
Q: My patrol wants steaks on our next campout. How do we keep them cold before we cook them?
Stuff We Like: Life Intents Fan
Some camping fans have a hook for hanging in your tent. Some have a stand. The Life Intents Fan has both.
What to Pack Beyond the Six Essentials
Q: I have my Six Essentials. What’s the next most important thing to bring on an outing?
How to Prevent Slipping When Hiking in the Snow
Q: What should I wear to maintain traction in the snow?
Stuff We Like: Outdoor Element Scout Feather
This knife provides you a cutting tool, fire starter and emergency signal device, all secured in a sheath with a built-in ceramic sharpener.
Good Dry Bags for a Canoeing Campout
Q: My troop is going on a canoeing campout. What dry bag would you recommend?
Stuff We Like: SunButter
When you plan a menu , you should be aware of any food allergies.
Picking a Good Mess Kit for Camping
Q: What’s a good mess kit to get?
What’s a Good Single-Blade Pocketknife?
Q: What’s a good single-blade pocketknife?
Stuff We Like: Trailmate Speaker Lantern
If you want a durable Bluetooth speaker with superior sound quality, many outdoor models often exceed $100 — and they just play music. Enter Kuma’s Trailmate Speaker
Which Compass Should I Buy?
Q: I want to get a compass. Which one should I get?
What To Pack for Your First Summer Camp
Q: This is my first summer camp. What should I bring?
What Should Be in My First-Aid Kit?
Q: What should be in my first-aid kit?
Stuff We Like: MODL Infinity Tool
These flexible 8-inch modular straps can wrap around your wrist to be available whenever you need them.
Cost of a Quality Flashlight for Camp
Q: How much should I spend on a flashlight?
Sturdy Sandals for a Beach Campout
Q: I’m looking for sandals for a beach campout this summer. What should I get?
Stuff We Like: onX Backcountry App
Learning how to read a map and navigate with it is an essential Scouting skill. Most maps, though, won’t tell you where wildfires are burning, what the weather will be or
Using a Solar Charger in the Outdoors
Q: Should I get solar chargers?
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?