Gear Guy

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is there any point lugging around a water filter?

G'day Gear Guru, I've noticed a couple of innovative water-purifiers that incorporate the filter mechanism directly into the cap of a light, convenient, and...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What hiking gear should I use following a hip replacement?

Dr Gear Guy, please realize that you are completely indemnified from any liability as to the efficacy of your answer, but I'm wondering what gear you'd...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What gear do I need for first-time kayaking?

I am going kayaking in two week's time to Big Bend. As I've never done it before, I'd like to know what gear is needed so that I don't freeze in the water.

Thursday, September 18, 2003

How can I dress warmly without all the extra bulk?

Long time read, first time question. I'm a skinny guy. I love to ski, mostly at resorts but a little OB. My question, then: Is there a jacket-shell combo, or...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Are you sure it's safe to use a heater in a tent?

Are you sure about your advice (February 5, 2003) that it's OK to use the Coleman BlackCat heater in a tent? Coleman's Web site shows that one of their BlackCat...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Any ideas for a bike trailer?

I'm looking for info on bike trailers, having checked out some B.O.B. models, the Yakima Big Tow, and Burley's Nomad. Any insights as to which one would be best...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Any ideas for a bike trailer?

I'm looking for info on bike trailers, having checked out some B.O.B. models, the Yakima Big Tow, and Burley's Nomad. Any insights as to which one would be best...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is Paro the next Gore-Tex?

Have you heard about the latest craze in the U.K.? It's called Paramo clothing, and the claim is that you'll be throwing away all of your Gore-Tex outerwear...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Where's the best place in my pack for a camera?

I recently purchased quite an expensive digital camera. As I'll be backpacking in Montana's Crazy Mountains this June, I'm wondering if it's practical to bring...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the best boot for a Himalayan trek?

Your Gearness, what boot do you think I would need for a four-month trek across the Indian Himalaya? I have a pair of Montrail Torre GTXs, but will these...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

What's the deal with single-wall tents?

I recently purchased an Annapurna tent from Mountain Hardwear, because I'd like to start getting outdoors on more than day trips. However, the guy at the shop...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is $400 too much to spend on a Gore-Tex jacket?

I enjoy weekend hiking and overseas travel. At the same time, I want to look good when I dress casually. Because of this, I spent $400 on a Patagonia XCR...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Any advice for a good down sleeping bag?

I'm in the market for a new sleeping bag and would like to give a down bag a try, mostly because of space and weight issues. I'd be using it primarily as my...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Any advice for a good down sleeping bag?

I'm in the market for a new sleeping bag and would like to give a down bag a try, mostly because of space and weight issues. I'd be using it primarily as my...

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Is there a ski that can handle both downhill and touring?

I want to buy some new cross-country skis that I can use for both touring and downhill, maybe something along the lines of the Karhu Catamounts. While these...