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.
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: 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.
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?