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?
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: 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?
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?