Gear Guy

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How often do I need to seal my tent?

I have a year-old Marmot Swallow that I really love. I spent about 60 nights in the tent last summer and am wondering when I might need to think about resealing...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How do I know if my rope is safe?

I just returned from Mount Rainier with a rope I had bought specifically for this trip but with the intention of using it for rock climbing. I hate to think of...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a good tent for two people and a dog?

Can you recommend a three-season tent that is well configured and roomy for two people and a dog?

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Do I get one do-everything tool or separate tools?

I am guessing that the tool that Bradford Hammar was looking for in a recent question is the Schrade I-Quip (http://www.schradeknives.com). It has an altimeter,...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Do I get one do-everything tool or separate tools?

I am guessing that the tool that Bradford Hammar was looking for in a recent question is the Schrade I-Quip (http://www.schradeknives.com). It has an altimeter,...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the best sleeping pad for a kayaking trip in Canada?

I am planning a weeklong sea kayaking trip in northern Quebec. I (and my backside) would appreciate any of your thoughts on a decent portable sleeping pad. Is...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the deal with siliconized nylon?

What's the deal with siliconized nylon? Smaller companies like Integral Designs, Six Moon Designs, and Wanderlust Outdoor Gear are making extraordinarily light...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can I hike the Appalachian Trail without a stove?

I'm planning an Appalachian Trail through-hike for 2003. I've poured over all the gear columns/ratings/etc. And with a bit of your wisdom have narrowed down...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a good tent for winter camping?

I need to find a tent for winter camping and mountaineering. Living in Oregon I intend to stay within the Cascades. I have narrowed my search to the Fusion 2...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Do water bladders sweat inside a daypack?

Do water bladders sweat inside a daypack? My daypack is big enough to hold a bladder, but I'm worried my other stuff will get soggy if I pack next to a bladder....

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How do I clean and wash a pair of hiking boots?

How do you clean and wash boots? I have a pair of Asolo Cerro Torre's, and they are fairly light boots, but after a trip in the Never Summer Wilderness with...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How do I clean and wash a pair of hiking boots?

How do you clean and wash boots? I have a pair of Asolo Cerro Torre's, and they are fairly light boots, but after a trip in the Never Summer Wilderness with...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are there any low-cost insulating jackets and three-season tents that can handle the conditions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in early September?

Hello Mr. Gear, I'm going to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge late August/early September this year. Since the place is beyond the Arctic Circle and the...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the best way to shade yourself from the desert sun in southwest Texas?

After spending all my life camping in the mountains of the eastern United States, I've fallen in love with the southwest Texas desert, and I'm in the process of...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can you recommend a backpack with front crossover straps, or an alternative that leaves me unchafed?

Backpacks are a bit of a problem for me because I am rather well endowed and the straps get pushed out onto my arms when walking—with all the consequent...