Gear Guy

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the best system for taking a stove on an airplane?

I have logged many air miles with my MSR Whisperlite AND empty fuel bottles. I have never been given any problems (including post 9-11 from New York area...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are candle lanterns safe to use in tents?

Are candle lanterns safe to use in tents for light? Obviously you'd want to keep an open flame away from the tent walls, but are they as safe as a...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Should my climbing shoes be super-tight fitting?

I have recently begun rock climbing and have decided it is time to purchase climbing shoes (I am sure that this isn't another phase for me like decorative soap...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How can I get the funky smell out of my bike helmet?

Help. After a winter of commuting by bike, my helmet stinks. I wear a helmet cover in the cold so sweat tends to accumulate and my head sweats a lot. I have...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a pack that will fit my petite fre?

I am looking for an internal frame pack that will handle solo weekends, and group week-long outings, but most importantly, comfortably fit my petite...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is the GSI hand-cranking blender for real?

I've noticed a strange paradox in my personality. When I go out to the woods, sitting in some remote beautiful locale I often am in want of one thing: a...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Does two pounds make a difference in a backpack?

I am looking for a new lightweight backpack. I never carry over 30 pounds and had decided on the Gregory Reality until I found a new Mountainsmith backpack...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Will coating my socks with Vaseline prevent blisters?

I have been backpacking and hiking for many years but I was recently told that for long hikes I should put on my liners, spread Vaseline on them, and then put...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the lightest three-person tent available?

I'm hiking the Chilkoot Trail next fall with two companions. What's the lightest three-person tent available?

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are Galibier boots still made?

Are Galibier boots still made? If so, where can you get them?

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How should I clean my crusty old sleeping bag?

Greetings, greetings, greetings. I have a five-year-old down-filled North Face sleeping bag. I think it's called the blue moon. I've used it over 100 nights so...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is there a hiking shoe that won't overheat my feet?

I am considering buying a pair of hiking shoes for day hikes with a light load (usually my 30-pound daughter in a child carrier). I have a pair of Merrell...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What do you think of mohair socks?

What do you think of the new mohair socks on the market? Are they as warm as wool socks? Are they itchy?"

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can I get a warm and compressible synthetic sleeping bag?

Are their any compressible synthetic sleeping bags that won't leave you shivering and suffering? I am mildly allergic to down, and I often carry a ton of...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a comfortable, large-capacity backpack?

I'm a 40-year-old dad planning to be a mule for my young family of five (wife, two daughters, ten and 12 years old, and seven-year-old son). I'm looking for a...