Ask the Gear Guy - Scout Life magazine %

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What’s SUP?

Q. Dear Gear Guy. I’ve heard people talk about something called SUP -- I think it might have something to do with surfing but I’m not sure what it is. Can you fill me in?

Stuff We Like: Compression sacks

Among the handiest accessories for backpacking are waterproof compression stuff sacks. They are great for compressing your clothes into a manageable size for easy packing or to make a bulky sleeping bag fit inside your pack.

Good sleeping bag at a good price

Q. Hey Gear Guy, I am going cold-weather camping later this month, and I need a good new sleeping bag at a good price that I can use for a long time. It needs to be: Synthetic, at most 15 degrees, at most 4 pounds, and compact enough for backpacking. We are low on cash at the moment, so is there anything out there that I can get for around $100 that meets those requirements?

Nalgene bottles safe?

Q. What's up with those old Nalgene bottles? A friend of mine said they were made with stuff that's bad for you. Is that true? I still use one. Are they safe?

Lightweight but warm sleeping bags

Q. I need to get a good sleeping bag that weighs two pounds at most and will keep me warm in at least 30-degree weather. What kind of bag should I look for?

Stuff We Like: Adventure Medical Kits S.O.L. 3

Few things epitomize the Be Prepared motto more than the new Adventure Medical Kits S.O.L. 3 -- Survive Outdoors Longer.

Happy B-Day Sundowner

This year is the Vasque Sundowner’s 25th anniversary. Over the years it has become one of the most popular hiking boots on the market -- and for good reason.

Stuff We Like: Jelly Belly Sports Beans

These jelly beans are designed to provide you energy when you’re really exercising or exerting yourself.

Mountain bike or road bike?

Q. I love mountain bikes but I never go on trails. I think road bikes are too delicate for my street and I never like going too fast. What should I do?

Which tent material handles the sun?

Q. Dear Gear Guy, which tent material better handles prolonged exposure to the sun—150-denier oxford polyester or canvas?

Stuff We Like: Pandora

Okay, so this one isn’t exactly a piece of gear, but it is something we really, really like. AND it’s free! It’s an online music program called Pandora (www.pandora.com) which is basically like a radio station on the Web that plays only the music YOU like.

Discounts for Boy Scouts

I actually don’t have a question. Just wanted to tell fellow Boys’ Life readers that Alps Mountaineering gives all Boy Scouts a 45 percent discount off list price on outdoor equipment on their website.

Stuff We Like: Injinji Toesocks

They look awfully silly, and the guys might laugh, but you'll be the one smiling at the end of the day after hiking or running in these toed socks.

Best lock-back pocketknife

What is the best lock-back pocketknife (3- to 4-inch blade) for the money?

Picking a backpacking stove

I am looking for a nice backpacking stove that doesn't use too much gas or weigh too much. What can you recommend?

Sleeping bag that does it all

I mostly do warm-weather camping, but sometimes I go on winter camp-outs. I can only afford one sleeping bag, so can you recommend one that would work for both?

Hot News: Jetboil Recall

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Jetboil has announced a voluntary recall of certain Jetboil Personal and Group Cooking Systems.

Gear Guy Says: Skate All Winter!

Who says skate shoes aren’t for wearing in the wintertime? Whoever it was obviously has never seen the iPath Pro Reed."

Good lights for caving

What kind of light should I take if I'm going inside of a cave?

Affordable rain suits

I've been having trouble finding a quality rain suit that does not cost an arm and a leg. Can you help, Gear Guy?

Hydration bladder as daypack

I need to know what you think about Gerber's Liquifusion Hydration line, specifically the Military Reserve Hydration Pack. I admire the size of the reservoir and the large Molle grid. I read that it is made here in the U.S. and it seems like the perfect summer camp daypack once I attach some Maxpedition pouches. All I need to know is your opinion on initial quality and your take on its usefulness for my chosen application.

Waterproof snow boots

I need a pair of good waterproof snow boots that don't cost a fortune. Can you help, Gear Guy?

First pair of climbing shoes

I’m a first year Scout and this summer my troop went to Camp La-No-Che in Paisley, Fla. I took the Climbing merit badge and soon realized my tennis shoes were not suitable to scale the climbing wall. I left La-No-Che with a partial completion for that badge. I’d like to buy some climbing shoes before I attempt the climb again. Can you recommend good ones?

Compact first-aid kit

How can I make my first-aid kit small enough to fit inside a fanny pack but still have all the stuff I need?

Choosing a hunting knife

I'm going on a camping trip with my troop, but my hunting knife broke. I see a lot of different hunting knives advertised. How do I know which one to buy?

Buying a surfboard

Our family takes a vacation to the beach every summer. I've been boogie-boarding for the past several years, but now I want to try surfing. I know you can rent surfboards, but I want one of my own. Any advice?

Mountain bike gears are wrong

My mountain bike is totally off gear. I put it on gear number 4 and it is on number 6. What do I do?

Best place to buy a bike

Where is the best place to get a bike?'

Where can I find this camera?

I want to get a Olympus SP-500 Ultra Zoom but whatever website that I look at they are always to expensive or I can’t find them.

Stuff We Like: Inka

Ever tried to write in the rain with a wet ballpoint pen? It's nearly impossible -- and that's exactly why there's Inka.

Waterproofing a tent

My tent leaks! Water runs through the rainfly! What should I do?

Best hoodie choices

I need a hoodie for our next camp-out, and I was wondering what would be the best options?

Stuff We Like: GoPro Digital Hero 3

This tiny, wrist-mounted 3-megapixel camera is one of the coolest things we've seen.

Finding a sturdy digital camera

I have been saving up for a digital camera that I can bring on camp-outs. I have been looking for a while but am not sure what to buy and what I will really need. If I were to buy a camera it would need to be capable of going underwater and capable of falling and taking a beating. I am looking forward to doing more advanced things in Scouts but want to be able to show my family and friends. I have been struggling with this for a while and came to you since I know you will point me in the right direction.

Purifying drinking water

How should I purify my drinking water when I’m on a backpacking trip? What’s the easiest and cheapest way?

The latest in water purification …

This has to be one of the easiest and coolest ways to purify water we’ve seen. The SteriPEN is a high-tech gizmo that uses ultraviolet (UV) light to kill bacteria, viruses, protozoa and other things we can’t pronounce that hide in dirty water and make you sick.