Gear Guy

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Do nylon fabrics decay from simple old age?

I know nylon fabrics deteriorate from too much exposure to the sun, but does nylon lose its strength from old age? Is a sleeping bag that has been in storage...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Will sci-fi outdoor clothing become a reality?

Checking out this season's gear, it's clear outdoor clothing is becoming truly high-tech; we can travel lighter and more comfortably than at any time in...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Will sci-fi outdoor clothing become a reality?

Checking out this season's gear, it's clear outdoor clothing is becoming truly high-tech; we can travel lighter and more comfortably than at any time in...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What type of shoes do I need for rainforest hiking?

What type of shoes should I wear for day hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest—sandals, trail runners, or water shoes? I will be going in November,...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How do I repair a hole in my sleeping bag?

I accidentally burnt a hole, about one and a half inches in diameter, in my Western Mountaineering Dakota sleeping bag. I'm having trouble finding a place to...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are racing snowshoes a marketing gimmick?

What's the difference between Atlas Dual Trac snowshoes (they appear to cater to racing) and the all-purpose 10 Series that is designed for hiking? Can you use...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Where can I get prescription sunglasses that will block harmful rays?

Any idea where I might look for prescription sunglasses that I could use at high altitude? My local optician says the lenses he could sell me "might" block both...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Does Gore-Tex have a lifespan?

I have a Gore-Tex Mocha jacket, which is about seven years old and seems to repeatedly lose its water repellency. I have treated it with Gore Revive-X several...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How can I reduce the weight of my backpack for an overnight trip?

While preparing for a recent overnight backpacking trip in the Adirondacks, I was surprised at the weight of my loaded pack. Despite having modern "lightweight"...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How can I reduce the weight of my backpack for an overnight trip?

While preparing for a recent overnight backpacking trip in the Adirondacks, I was surprised at the weight of my loaded pack. Despite having modern "lightweight"...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How can I stop eggs spoiling on the trail?

I have a weakness for eggs. Love 'em. Don't care what they'll do to me, I have to have them. In the Navy, eggs are coated with a thin wax layer that will keep...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can you recommend a good shoe for trail running?

Help, Guru King! What's the best trail running shoe I can use when wearing a 30 pound pack and covering around 20 miles a day, on and off trail? I use Vitesse...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the story on titanium cooksets?

What's the story on titanium cooksets? A friend of mine has one from MSR and while it's super light, it doesn't seem to heat up as rapidly as my stainless steel...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a good tent for an extended stay in the Mount Hood area?

Do you think the Bibler's Tempest is too much tent for Oregon's Mount Hood? I'm looking for a four-season tent in the $400 to $500 price range. I plan to live...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can you suggest a packing list for an overnighter on the Appalachian Trail?

I am planning a two-day, one-night hiking trip along the Appalachian Trail and am looking for a gear list. Could you suggest what to pack and a couple of menus...