Recent Comments

Ask the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Ask the Gear Guy for help.

Affordable rain suits

rainsuitI'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

gerber-200x148I 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

snowboot-200x148I 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?

Where can I find this camera?

olympus-200x148.jpgI 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

inka-200×148.jpgEver tried to write in the rain with a wet ballpoint pen? It's nearly impossible -- and that's exactly why there's Inka.

Best hoodie choices

hoodie-200×148.jpgI need a hoodie for our next camp-out, and I was wondering what would be the best options?

Finding a sturdy digital camera

pentax-200×148.jpgI 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

waterfilter-200×148.jpgHow 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 …

purifywater.jpgThis 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.