Gear Guy

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What avalanche beacon should I get for backcountry skiing?

What gear do I need to climb K2? Just kidding! With winter fast approaching, I'm thinking about backcountry skiing again. I take avalanche safety VERY seriously...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What avalanche beacon should I get for backcountry skiing?

What gear do I need to climb K2? Just kidding! With winter fast approaching, I'm thinking about backcountry skiing again. I take avalanche safety VERY seriously...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What hydration pack should I buy as a Christmas gift?

I'm looking for a recommendation for hydration packs as Christmas gifts for my brother and his girlfriend. They live in the Bay Area and do a lot of outdoor...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Why aren't there any high quality sleeping bags designed specifically for women?

I've been looking for a zero- or minus five-degree sleeping bag for use in early spring, but found that nobody makes any quality down bags for women. What's up...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can you help me choose an effective water filter?

I have been trying to decide between the PUR Guide water filter and the MSR MiniWorks, although I have heard that the MSR clogs less and is cleanable. However,...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Where can we buy a "doggie wetsuit"?

We recently acquired a German shorthaired pointer who loves to swim in the ocean—not just play around in the surf, but really get out there and swim past...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's up with these new single layer jackets?

Please explain the new REI One Jacket! I saw it advertised as a single-layer jacket to replace multiple layers, so I tried one on the last time I was in an REI...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What are the best boots for slippery rock?

I was out hiking in the west Texas desert a few months ago during a delicious spate of rainy summer weather. I was wearing a light pair of boots and found...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What are the best boots for slippery rock?

I was out hiking in the west Texas desert a few months ago during a delicious spate of rainy summer weather. I was wearing a light pair of boots and found...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can I combine two sleeping bags for cold-weather camping?

I was thinking about combining my expandable Mountain Hardwear Galaxy SL sleeping bag with the maker's 40-degree Down Upgrade bag. What do you think about...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's a good length for an ice axe?

One quick question—how do I pick the right length for an ice axe? Thanks, you're the man!

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What are the best boots for snowshoeing?

I bought my first pair of snowshoes, and now I need to buy some snowshoe boots. What do you think of Columbia's Excellerator or Bugabootoo boots?

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Do they make sleeping bags for couples?

My wife and I like to share a cozy sleeping bag while kayak camping, but we both own "pre-marriage" bags that don't zip together. What we want is one bag wide...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Can you help me choose a mountaineering boot?

Can you help me choose a boot for a trip to Argentina's Mount Aconcagua? I have summited several fourteeners in my La Sportiva Makalus without a hiccup, but I'm...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are there any water shoes suitable for hiking?

When out hiking, I'm tired of getting my good-quality boots soaking wet when crossing knee-high streams. Worse still, repeatedly taking off my boots and putting...