How to waterproof an inexpensive tent
I have an 8-person tent I got from Wal-Mart a few years ago. I really don't want to buy a new tent. How do you think it will do if it begins to rain?
Outdoors & Gear
Guide to camping, hiking and other outdoor sports and adventures. Includes buying guides for tents, camping gear, sleeping bags and other outdoor equipment.
How to Find Fossils
Sometimes a rock's just a rock ... and sometimes it's a fossil. How can you tell the difference?
Slipping off bike pedals
Q. My feet always slip off my bicycle pedals so I was wondering what gear I should buy?
Finding a lightweight winter sleeping bag for under $100
Hey Gear Guy, I need a good lightweight winter sleeping bag that won't set me back more than $100. Any suggestions?
Carabiner’s maximum weight
I have a carabiner that says it can hold 21 kN. I know that's the amount of shock the clip can take, but what's the maximum constant weight that could be applied to it?
Best backpacks with a hydration bladder
Where can I find a good backpack that includes a hydration bladder?
Sun protection buying guide
Be prepared for those broiling summer days with these handy tips and hot gear.
How to perform a canoe-over-canoe rescue
If you go canoeing enough, eventually you're going to fall in the water. Here are tips for safely rescuing a capsized canoe.
How to Skip Rocks
A stone-skipping expert shares his tips to help you successfully skip rocks.
Best shirts for outdoor activities
Dear Gear Guy, I love to go camping, but I never know what type of shirt I should wear. Any suggestions?
How to Cook Some Goofy Grub
We scoured the Internet for these six strange recipes and oddball cooking methods. Then we challenged a Scout troop to try them out.
Video tips for better biking
You can make biking easier, safer and more fun with these video tips and tricks from bicycling experts.
Repairing a sleeping bag
My dad gave me an old Marmot sleeping bag, and it has two small holes in it and some down feathers are coming out. The sleeping bag works just fine, but how do I stop the feathers from coming out?
Poisonous Plants Quiz
Whether you're on a backcountry trek or a walk in the park, how aware are you of dangerous plants? Take this quiz and find out.
Low-cut or high-cut hiking boots?
Q. Hey Gear Guy, this question has been nagging me for so long: If I’m going backpacking should I wear boots with high ankles or ones with low ankles?
Mountain bike or road bike?
I need a new bicycle but I don't know if I should get a mountain bike or a road bike. What are the pros and cons of each type?
How to Make Your Own Hiking Stick
Walking sticks make hiking more fun. Next time you go hiking, step out with a personal walking stick that you made yourself.
How to stop tent leaks
I have a summer pup tent, and whenever it rains, the tent leaks. What do I do?
Skateboarding Video Tips and Tricks
Learn some basic skateboarding techniques from a world record-holding skater.
Did bug spray melt my watch?
Dear Gear Guy, I got bug spray all over the face of my watch and there is a dirty residue on the face of the watch. How do I remove it?
Stuff We Like: Jetboil MiniMo
For a quick boil in camp, our JetBoil system has never failed us. So we're excited for the new-for-2015 JetBoil MiniMo system.
Good hydration bladders for backpacks
Q. Who makes a good hydration bladder for backpacks?
Make a Solar Hot Dog Cooker
If you curve some aluminum foil just right, you can cook hot dogs with the sun's heat.
Running shoes buying guide
Pro runner Alan Webb unveils the best strategy for shopping for running shoes.
Make Your Own Minnow Trap Using a 2-Liter Bottle
Don't waste money buying bait. Gather your own! It's simple with this easy-to-make trap.
Steel-toed boots for hiking?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Is it a good idea to wear steel-toed boots for hiking?
Emergency Preparedness Quiz
Whether you're on the trail or just having fun in the park, it's easy to get into trouble. Accidents happen. Would you know what to do?
Binoculars buying guide
Pick the right binoculars, and it’s a cinch to bring far things close. We’ll show you how.
Are hiking poles a waste of money?
Q. I'm going on a backpacking trip and am wondering if I should get hiking poles or not.
Keep kayak paddles from slipping
When I'm kayaking, my paddle is always slipping through my hands. Can you help me?
A good, durable camp saw
I want to buy a camp saw that will really last. Something that can take a beating. It doesn’t need to be lightweight for packing since we usually drive to our campsites. Any suggestions?
How to Pick the Best Socks for the Trail
A good pair of socks is one of the best things a Scout can give his feet. Here's a guide to buying the best trail socks.
What to pack in a daypack?
Q. What should you pack in a daypack at Scout camp?
Let it glow: A look at naturally glowing plants and animals
Bioluminescence is a wild light show in nature. Check out these naturally glowing plants and animals.
Sharpening a pocketknife
When and how should I sharpen my pocketknives?
Ski and snowboard buying guide
Get ready to shred with these need-to-know basic buying tips for skis and snowboards.
How to pick the right-sized snowboard
Q. I'm going snowboarding and need to know: What's the correct way to pick the right-sized snowboard for me?
Cold weather hats
What is the best hat to hold in the heat while hiking in the snow or really cold weather?
Fast-drying boots
I'm going to Northern Tier High Adventure Base this summer and need a pair of boots that can dry quickly. They need to be light, closed-toe, fast-drying and fast-draining, considering I might be walking in water. What's the best choice?
Test your skills in 10 emergency scenarios
Test your first aid and emergency response skills with scenarios designed for a First Aid Meet.
How to Buy the Best Compass or GPS Receiver
The Gear Guy's advice for buying the right compass or GPS receiver.
Fix a torn stuff sack
Q. I'm having problems with the stuff sack that holds my backpacking tent. It's wearing out on the bottom, and I was wondering what would fix it.
Winter jacket for hiking
How can I find a good winter jacket for hiking at a good best price?
Choosing a kayak
I am looking to buy a kayak but there are so many possibilities. Which one should I pick? Help me!
White gas stoves more versatile
Q. Why are white gas stoves more versatile than butane, propane, or other canister stoves?
Good base layer to keep warm?
Q. Hello Gear Guy, My friends wear Under Armour with shorts and a T-shirt and say they are warm when it is 30 degrees out. Meanwhile I’m freezing with long johns and my uniform and a jacket on! I was considering buying Under Armour. They give me a choice of silk or polyester, which one keeps me warmer? Do you have suggestions of any other products besides Under Armour?
Preventing soggy socks
On winter hikes, my socks always seem to get wet and soggy. How can I prevent that?
Keeping warm on a cold night in an igloo
When done right, an igloo can keep you nice and cozy – even on the coldest winter night.
Stuff We Like: Rockboard Descender
The Rockboard Descender takes boarding into new territory -- whether it's pavement, grass or rocks -- in a crossover snowboarding/surfing kind of ride.
Organize your stuff
Q. I have a lot of gear at my house. But all of it is just shoved into a box in my closet. I wind up losing a lot of stuff and it looks horrible. Is there any cheap, easy and effective way I could organize it?