How to tie something down
Q. What's the best and easiest way to tie something down? My dad is always showing me different knots, but they are so hard I can never remember them.
Ask the Gear Guy
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Ask the Gear Guy for help.
How to properly store camping equipment
Q. How do I properly store and care for my camping equipment?
Is a duffel or backpack better for camping?
Q. Which is better for camping, a duffel or a backpack?
Are wearable sleeping bags worth it?
Q. I’ve heard of sleeping bags that have arms and legs, so you can move around in them. Are these bags worth it?
Best way to waterproof canvas tents
Q. I am a Scout from New Zealand, and we struggle with keeping our Scout group’s canvas tents waterproof — they are pretty old. How can we make them waterproof?
Where to buy the Cub Scout lightweight bag
Q. Hi Mr. Gear Guy. I saw a sleeping bag in Boys’ Life. It is called Cub Scout lightweight bag and says Cub Scouts on the actual sleeping bag. Where can I purchase that bag? Thanks!
Simple, affordable lock-back knife
Q. When I get a new traditional lock-blade knife, it often messes up within the first hour. When I close it, the blade flips in and out and will not completely shut. Why isn’t it working?
Stuff We Like: Pelican 1020 Micro Case
As high-tech gadgets like smart phones, digital cameras, and GPS devices continue to find their way into the outdoors, we have to find ways to protect them. One of the best, and most affordable options is the Pelican 1020 Micro Case.
Mountain bike or road bike?
Q. Should I get a mountain bike or a road bike? Where I live the roads are bad and uneven and have potholes. I would prefer a mountain bike but I do go on casual, medium cycles and I like to go fast enough. Which one should I get?
Good pair of convertible pants for backpacking
Q. I can't seem to find a good pair of convertible synthetic pants for hiking/backpacking. Could you point me to where I should look? I'm looking for something that doesn't cost more than $45 to $50.
Stuff We Like: Batter Blaster
If you love pancakes as much as Gear Guy does, then you'll love Batter Blaster, the easiest pancake option we've ever used for camp cooking.
Helmet camera for skiing
Q. I need (OK, I want) a helmet camera. I like the GoPros but I don't know which model to get for filming while skiing. What would you recommend?
Lightweight Philmont Backpacks
Q. How are the camping backpacks at Philmont made so lightweight?
Stuff We Like: HitchSafe
HitchSafe attaches to any standard 2-inch receiver hitch on a truck, van or SUV and provides a small storage space locked securely by a combination of your choosing.
Stuff We Like: Garmin Foretrex 301
Sometimes when you're backpacking, the last thing you need is something else to carry. So leave the bulky hand-held global positioning system unit at home and take along the Foretrex 301.
Stuff We Like: SOL Escape Bivvy
Unlike most space blankets, which are clammy and sweaty to sleep in, The Escape Bivvy is waterproof and breathable. That means experienced backpackers who like to travel fast and light can use this as a minimalist bivvy sack
Use garbage bags to keep stuff dry?
Q. Are waterproof bags necessary or will garbage bags work just as well?
Stuff We Like: Tinder-on-a-Rope
Getting a campfire going on the trail can be a real challenge, especially when dry kindling is nowhere to be found. That’s why we love the Light My Fire Tinder-on-a-Rope.
Fix a hole in a tent
Q. Yo Gear Guy, I just got back from summer camp and I had a blast, except for one thing: My tent got a hole in it. I was wondering if you know any good inexpensive ways to fix the holes?
Which inexpensive cot is best?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m going on a camp-out soon and need to buy a cot. What kind of inexpensive cot do you think is best? Thanks!
Best kind of survival kit
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I am getting ready to go on a camping trip and just would like to know what is the best kind of survival kit that fits nicely in my backpack and doesn’t take up too much room.
How to keep the tent clean
Q. Hey Gear Guy: On camp-outs, my tent is always so dirty for some reason. Whenever I lay down to go to sleep there’s always dirt and sand and leaves all over my sleeping bag and the bottom of the tent. Please help?
Stuff We Like: QuikClot Can Be a Real Lifesaver on the Trail
This special video edition of Stuff We Like shows you a real trail lifesaver.
How to waterproof hiking boots
Q. Help, Gear Guy! What do you do if your waterproof hiking boots have become un-water resistant? My boots shoe bottoms are coming off too!
Inexpensive sunglasses
Q. Dear Gear Guy, When I’m out camping I need to keep my eyes safe. I want to buy some sunglasses. But where can I find a pair for under $50?
Buying a good trail running shoe
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I run a lot, and I like to run while at summer camp. Problem is, when I wear my normal running shoes, I get blisters; and when I wear a hiking shoe, it chafes my ankles. Any suggestions for a running shoe that is good for a rough camp trail?
Gear for Philmont’s unpredictable weather
Q. Hey Gear Guy, my patrol is going to Philmont for two weeks this summer, and I need some help. I hear that the weather is unpredictable there and I was wondering if you could help me decide on what kind of gear we should bring?
Bivvy or lightweight tent?
Q. What is better to buy: A bivvy or just a lightweight tent?
Boy Scout socks
Q. Yo, Gear Guy, Where can you find some Boy Scout socks? I need a couple pairs for campouts and for board of reviews.
Water shoes or neoprene socks?
Q. Gear Guy, I’m going on a Boy Scout backpacking trip in a couple of weeks with my son to Utah. We will be walking through water and sand for three days at the bottom of the canyon. Any recommendation for an inexpensive pair of water shoes for my son (age 16)? Thanks for your help.
Where to buy the Leatherman Fuse?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, My son and I saw your knife reviews...his question is (him typing now)...where can I buy the Leatherman Fuse?
Waterproof tent fly, but still get wet
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I have a tent with a waterproof fly, but I still get wet. Why is that?
Gear for a canoe trip
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I was just wondering what kinds of special gear my troop should get when going on a canoe trip?
Best jacket for Philmont?
Q. Hey Gear Guy! What kind of jacket do you recommend for Philmont Scout Ranch? I need the jacket to be preferably something light and under $100.
Hiking or camping packing tips
Q. Sometimes on hikes or camping trips I pack a little bit too much or a little bit too little clothing. How can I restrict myself from packing an amount of clothing that is wrong?
Good knife for exploration
Q. I need a good knife for exploring a forest. I want a knife that either unfolds or stays open. Any suggestions?
Work boots for hiking?
Q. I don’t have a pair of hiking boots, but I do have a pair of Georgia Giant work boots that come eight inches over the ankle. Would they work? Or should I get a pair of hikers instead?
Good inexpensive waterproof watch
Q. My troop is sending boys to Sea Base and I was wondering about good inexpensive waterproof watch. Any ideas about where I could get one?
Modular tent systems
Q. I am looking for a type of tent that can zip onto other tents (of the same style) for my friends to use on campouts so we can each have our own living quarters.
Well-ventilated tent to prevent condensation
Q. Gear Guy, I am trying to find a tent that is lightweight, and very well ventilated to prevent condensation, but without being too expensive. Do you have any suggestions?
Repair leaky rain pants
Q. My rain pants are leaking because there is a hole on the inside of the leg on the seam. I want to be thrifty because I am a Boy Scout. I would like your advice as to how to repair them. If I am not able to fix them, what should I pay for a new pair?
Stuff We Like: Gerber Omnivore Flashlight
Ever been scrambling before an outing for fresh flashlight batteries but never have the right kind on-hand? If you’re like me, the answer is a big fat yes. In fact, I have a great flashlight sitting in my drawer right now that requires a CR123 Lithium battery but I never remember to get one of those at the store and I definitely don’t have one just lying around the house. But that’s exactly the type of situation where the Gerber Omnivore Flashlight really shines -- pardon the pun.
Reversible rain jacket
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’ve been searching everywhere for a reversible rain jacket, with one side to be waterproof, the other side just to keep me warm. Think you can help?
Simple, cheap fly rod
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I’ve been bass fishing for a couple years now but I really wanna get into fly fishing too. My friends say it’s really expensive—so can you recommend a simple, cheap fly rod and reel to get me started?
Good, but Inexpensive Buck knife
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I would like a good quality but inexpensive Buck knife. I saw the article in September 2008 about the fixed-blade knives, but my troop does not allow sheath or fixed-blade knives. What can you recommend?
Good camping pillow
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I need a good camping pillow that is not too expensive and can be used easily on backpacking trips.
Stuff We Like: Cateye Bike Lights
One of the best ways to stay safe when bicycling is to make sure that you and your bike can be seen. This is especially important at night. Basic reflectors are a good start, but you really should have lights too.
Inexpensive pot, plate and bowl
Q. I have been looking for a pot, plate and bowl all for under $50. But I can’t find any?
How to cook an oyster
Q. What equipment do you need to cook an oyster? I caught one on my fishing pole. Hope you write back!
Budget BMX bike
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I have a problem: I’m getting a little too “old” for my BMX bike. I’ve had it for three years, but now I need a new one. My saddle is too low, and when I stand on the pedals for a while, my back begins to hurt. There’s one big problem: I’m kind of low on the green stuff (if you know what I mean). Any suggestions?