Douglas Gantenbein

I would like to buy shaped skis. I currently ski on straight 160s and 5-foot, 2-inches tall. I've gotten so many different opinions on how long my shaped skis should be. Help! Jacklyn Meriden, Connecticut

What's your take on Backpacker's Pantry Outback Oven? Does the Outback Oven really bake well and also conserves fuel for cooking traditional grub? After a zillion meals of mac and cheese, ren, gorp, and dried fruits, the Ziplocs carrying the food start looking more appetizing then the food within. The idea of dining on hot cinnon rolls, fresh pita bread, pot pies, or (gasp!) brownies does make me wonder if the Outback Oven really works or if it's just another ravenous hikers delusions? Ed Beaudry Laurel, Maryland

A couple years ago I bought a Condor tent from The North Face, being informed by the salesperson that it was a four-season tent, although I have since discovered that may not be the case. I planning a June mountaineering course in the North Cascades that requires a four-season tent. Will my TNF tent suffice? I haven't used it for a while and lost the instructions, so do you know how I can contact them? Russ Frostburg, Maryland

Oh Great Gear Voice of the Heavens, What's a nice, dry, two-person, three-season tent with two doors and vestibules? My current tent is a Sierra Designs Orion AST. It's a very well built tent and stayed completely dry in a very wet trip to Deer Lake in Olympic National Park. I like being able to use only the rain fly and ground sheet as well as the window in the fly. The problem is that the very slanted door lets stuff collect in the tent entrance and makes zipping and unzipping tough. It also makes the vestibule useless for anything but boots. I hope to get a new tent with two doors that are straight up and down, but don't want to lose the high quality and rain-proofness. I willing to give up a little in weight if I could get a ground sheet that covers the floors of the vestibule as well. Chris Barnes Bremerton, Washington

OK, this is a serious question. You seem like the kind of guy who does a fair amount of biking in cold, windy places. I've recently started to use my bike to commute to work and have noticed a "small" change in a very personal area. The wind goes right through my pants, and when I arrive at my location my little guy is tucked away like a scared turtle. This isn't a real huge problem, just inconvenient and uncomfortable. Do you know of any underwear or pants that could help fight this problem? Karl Rostock, Germany

On a recent winter excursion in the Adirondacks, my Whisperlite stove failed. The fuel was pressurizing, but it wasn't reaching the ignition wick due to a blockage in the fuel line. Why does this happen in cold weather (our temperature was in the single digits), and how can it be prevented? John Buffalo, New York

I thinking of upgrading my steel fre road bike to a carbon fork. I have tried a carbon fork in the past, and found it to be somewhat unsteady at high-speed (40 plus mph) descents. I weigh 185 pounds-does weight have a lot to do with the choice of a fork? Any suggestions? Should I just save the money and stay with my tried-and-true steel fork? Steve Weinberger Spokane, Washington

I just read Outside's review of the new light technical shells coming out on the market and I realized that none of them are using W.L. Gore's PacLite material. A few years ago this stuff was the rage, but now I don't see any big ne manufacturers using it. Why is PacLite going off of the market? Is it a crummy material? Aaron Provo, Utah

I've noticed a strange paradox in my personality. When I go out to the woods, sitting in some remote beautiful locale I often in want of one thing: a margarita. I've often theorized different devices that I could construct to make a blender but nothing ever made sense. And then I found the GSI hand-cranking Vortex Blender. While I would never take this backpacking (OK, maybe on a day trip to be fancy in front of my exhausted friends) I would definitely be interested in it for kayak camping and car camping—so long as the ice lasts. But does the thing actually work? Or is this really a doomed fantasy of mine? I'm skeptical about the amount of effort this thing would take to crunch up ice. I'd love to pop this out and be a hero. Brian McCarthy Glendale, California

I'm 55 and like to ride bikes. Here near Lake Michigan in late spring, it's often sunny and cool. I see a lot of die-hard bikers wearing tights, but I'm not interested...is there anything else I can wear? I tried tennis warm-ups, but they're too slippery on the bike seat. Stu Highland Park, Illinois

I'm going to be spending a year working in Kenya and need to find a sleeping bag. I need to get a synthetic bag, but I want one with mobility since I move around a lot when I sleep. I don't like the constriction of most bags. It also needs to be fairly compact. What do you suggest? Paul St. Louis, Missouri

My wife and I are going bike camping this summer. Are there any light two-person sleeping bags, or single bags that zip together? We need the bag(s)—preferably down filled—to also fold down as small as possible. The cheapest we've found is about $500 for two. Do you have any better suggestions? Harvey Davis, California

It is better to have a full-suspension mountain bike or will a hard-tail with a suspension seat post be sufficient enough for a smoother ride? Paul G. Fort Wayne, Indiana

Sage of swag, I'm in the market for a road bike, and looking for direction. Initially, I'll be using it for fitness riding, but I anticipate riding in local road races in the future. I'm a family man with a limited budget for recreational toys. That said, I want something that's going to stand up—a bike that I won't have to replace or extensively or upgrade as I get into the sport in a bigger way. Is a bike equipped with Shimano 105 group the "minimum" I should be looking at? Which models should I be considering, and at what price point? Greg Basky Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

"I just got through watching reruns of the Eco-Challenge, and was wondering what those competitors (and us less adventurous hikers) can do for very wet, muddy, and slushy hiking conditions? How about Gore-Tex socks and some strips of duct tape around each calf to keep the water out?"

I've finally decided to buy a GPS unit. My problem? I don't know which one. Your last review that I can find is three years old, but obviously a lot has changed since then. Rick Lebanon, Tennessee

I interested in purchasing a multi-functioning watch, such as the Suunto Vector, something with an altimeter, barometer, and the like. I'd be using it when hiking, camping, or mountaineering; I'd even like to swim with it on. Is Suunto the only company that makes these watches? Is there a hiking watch that can do it all, even when it's freezing and underwater? Tony Detroit, Michigan

I'm looking for a decent sleeping pad to use when backpacking. Cascade Designs' Therm-a-Rest seems a good buy, but I'm not sure. Does the three-quarter pad mean my legs will be hanging off the end? Does that even matter? What are the benefits of the larger, wider pads versus the ones that fold in half length-wise? Matt Albuquerque, New Mexico

I'm planning to do some solo hiking this summer and would like to take along more than a bivy bag for shelter. I'm looking for a three-season tent that maximizes room (I'm six-feet tall) and minimizes weight. Perhaps a Walrus Microswift or the Sierra Designs Ultra Light Year? I'm not finding too much information or many reviews on the Net, and those that I do find are outdated. Any advice? Don Sherwood Park, Alberta

What is the best type of footwear to wear when snowshoeing? Do I wear my hiking boots (kind of stiff but durable)? Or my low-cut trail hikers (comfortable but less durable)? Or something else? Katie Gold Boston, Massachusetts

I looking for a cold weather running jacket that is extremely breathable and wind-resistant (waterproofness is not a necessity). I've been using Lowe Alpine's Adrenaline jacket, which is great for hiking but stes up quickly when I running hard. I usually buy The North Face and Patagonia products but I not sure that they make the best stuff for running. What do you think? Nick Kogevinas Washington, D.C.

Hey Gear God, Help me find the perfect scrambling boots! I love my old Asolo backpacking boots. They never needed breaking in, and after years of conforming to my feet, they're about as close as you can get to slippers and still be boots. Alas, they don't edge worth a darn. I need a 3/4- or full-shank boot that is made for wide, high-volume feet and is crampon compatible for alpine scrambling. I bought a pair of Solomon Super Mountain 9s online because they were a great price. Dumb move! They perform great and are the right length but they squeeze my feet like sausage casings. Is there a happy medium between my slipper Asolos and those sadistic Solomons? Julie Busse Seattle, Washington

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? Dan St. Louis, Missouri

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 activities such as trail biking, hiking, and climbing. Would you recommend the se model for each of them, or different ones? Verna Washington, DC

I accidentally burnt a hole, about one and a half inches in dieter, in my Western Mountaineering Dakota sleeping bag. I'm having trouble finding a place to repair it, and I don't want to do it myself because a brand new bag with a 30-year life span should not have some junky patch on it for the remainder of its working days. Ross Reading, California

I know you get lots of questions about the best outdoor cameras, but can you recommend a camera that operates well at high altitudes (above 20,000 feet) and in extremely cold weather (around minus 50). I have heard that autofocus doesn't work above a certain elevation. I'm looking for a compact or SLR that is lightweight, resilient, with easily accessible batteries (for efficiency when changing them in the cold), and which will capture the highest-quality images at the top of the outdoor world. Sarah East Lansing, Michigan

For the man who has every item of biking gear imaginable (judging from the mountain bikes, panniers, and lights littering our garage), what's the perfect Christmas gift for my husband, one that will even have Santa's elves guessing? I'm looking to spend up to $100. Janet Atlanta, Georgia

Hailing from sunny California, this is my first year in college in Boston. Here's my situation: New England weather is windy, chilly, and often wet. I need a jacket that will get me through the winter but also look good around town. However, once I buy this jacket, I'll still need money to eat. What can you recommend that won't break the bank, i.e. as close to $100 as possible? Kyle Boston, Massachusetts

Do suspension seatposts significantly alter the seatpost height? I currently own a 1997 Cannondale hardtail and I would really like to prevent my spine from someday poking through the top of my helmet. But I'm worried about altering that sweet-spot seat height that has so graciously prevented knee pain thus far during long rides. Preston Fall Vancouver, British Columbia

I'm getting back into backpacking after a 20 year hiatus and boggled by the array of different stuff they're making socks out of these days. Merino wool, acrylic, Coolmax, ultimax, wickdry??? What's the deal on fabrics for HOT weather hiking/backpacking for short-to-medium trips (one- to two-day) over varied terrain and carrying moderate loads? What's good, what's bad? Lew Atlanta, Georgia

My family of five—myself, wife, and three decent-sized kids—plus the dog would like to go snow camping, and I think I've got everything covered except the tent. As for cost, we'd prefer to be comfortable and broke over rich, frozen, and miserable. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a suitable five-person tent—MSR's StormKing comes close, but only allows 12 square feet per person. I have concerns about splitting the family into two tents in potentially nasty weather. Do you have any advice? Nathaniel Nevada City, California

I'm looking for a lightweight, compact "kitchen" for holding dishes and utensils while car camping. Can you recommend some sort of canvas or nylon box thingy? Vickey Freedonia, New York

I want to buy new liner socks to use for backpacking. Since my last purchase of these, many more choices of fabric type and combinations have become available. What have you found to be the best buy? Dennis Bender Hilton, New York

I would like to buy a digital camera to bring on climbing, canoeing, and hiking trips. I had been planning to buy an SLR, but I've recently been tempted by digital cameras and their ability to make you impulsively take snapshots. What factors other then weight and picture quality should I consider? Any help you can give me would be much appreciated. Eric Winnipeg, Manitoba

I'm a snowshoer and snowboarder. I wear hard-shell snowboarding boots and I have the step-in type bindings on my board. I would love to find some snowshoes that also have a step-in type binding that would work with my boarding boots so that I could do some backcountry boarding and only need to haul one pair of boots. Any suggestions? Ryan J. Richmond Boise, Idaho

I'm planning a summit attempt on Mount Rainier this August and a possible bid for Denali in May 2004, so in the process of upgrading my gear, particularly boots and sleeping bag. My budget may not allow for separate gear for each climb. I've been looking at Millet's Everest Boot and the North Face Inferno bag as my options, but prices are steep! Do you have any other suggestions, and is this gear suitable, or even overkill, for both climbs? Michael Stoneh, Massachusetts

I'm going overseas for approximately two years. Unfortunately, there'll be no camping opportunities the whole time. Before finding out I was off, I purchased a new tent, sleeping bag, and backpack. What's the best way to store this gear so it's as good as new when I get back? Gil Beaumont, Texas

What do you think of OR's Pulsar Parka? I see the Outside Buyer's Guide gave it a "Drool" award. I ask because I can't find it for sale at any of the "big" outdoor retailers. I have hunted every major Web site that carries OR products and not one of them carries or even advertises this jacket. Was there some problem with them or why does no one carry them? Thank you for your response. Craig K. Noble Bliss, New York

I'm planning a trip to Tibet, and I'm looking for a bag in the zero to ten degrees Fahrenheit range. In addition to struggling with the age-old down versus synthetic issue, I'm also confused by the suitability of those Sierra Designs' down bags that include add-on top layers, such as their Buddy Rad. (They even suggest stuffing clothing in between the layers if it's cold.) Will this setup keep your whole body warm if the add-on layer only goes on top? Overall, I place great value on lightness and even more on compressibility, but I'm always wigged out about getting down wet. Matthew Boston, Massachusetts

This summer I plan on taking a backpacking trip to the Selway River or Kelly Creek in Idaho. I hope to do some fishing as well, which will require wading in the river. I do not want to take wading boots due to the weight. Do you have any recommendations for sandals or other footwear that can serve as both hiking sandals and water sandals? I need good sole support for hiking and walking over boulders while wading. I also require a non-slip surface that will grip wet rocks. I have found that hook-and-loops material does not work well when wet. Last summer, the hook-and-loop straps kept coming undone on my Tevas. Any help is greatly appreciated. J.L. Walker

To revisit the sleeping naked debate [June 12, 2003: "Is it true that it's warmer to sleep naked?"], I'd like to point out that while sleeping with a lot of clothes on should generally be warmer than sleeping naked, too much clothing might compress the sleeping bag's insulation and somewhat impede blood flow, resulting in a colder sleep. Wouldn't you agree? Stephen Calgary, Alberta

Despite the current trend towards light-and-fast hiking/backpacking gear, no manufacturer besides Eureka has looked at the rolled up size of even ultralight tents. They're still 5 feet by 18 feet or longer. Why not 6 feet by 12 feet? Or 6 feet by 10 feet? I've seen tents I'd really like to purchase but their packed size is too long to fit a small pack. Why is this? Ken Johnson Hollister, California

I 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 called the Mountain Guide at a local store. The salesperson told me it was brand new and can't find any information about it. She weighed it for me as the specs didn't include a weight and it ce out about two pounds lighter then the Reality. Does two pounds makes a huge difference in a pack? Kjaristy Salt Lake City, Utah

My husband and I frequently take our two dogs on our camping trips, in all sorts of weather. However, as much as I love them, after a day of hiking on muddy trails I'm often less than enthused about welcoming two balls of mud into our tent (one 20-pound beagle-ball, the other a 60-pound lab-type-ball). We have daydreamed about a lightweight pouch or lightly insulated sleep sack for our dogs. I ready to start experimenting with my sewing machine, but a friend told me there's a company that makes this stuff. Is this true? And if so, is this gear practical? Toni Schenectady, New York

My husband and I just got a camera with a timer and remote control. We have a regular tripod, but need a good, compact tripod for hiking and backpacking. We've seen some that fold down to about cigarette-pack size, but are they any good? It's just a regular 35mm point and shoot camera, any recommendations? Linda Neve Incline Village, Nevada

From what I've read, your gear reviews are right-on, so I seek your help finding a hydration pack that can hold ultralight gear for overnighters, as well as up to 100 ounces of water. I hope to use such a pack for mountain biking treks as well, so it'll need to have a tight fit and good suspension system. It's proving difficult to find something to meet all these needs, although I noticed you recommended the Ultimate Direction SpeeDemon to a trail runner in January 2003. Is this pack suitable for mountain biking? What about other possibilities like the Ultimate Direction WarpSpeed or the CelBak Peak Bagger? Todd Alpharetta, Georgia

I'm completely new to backpacking and worried about buying gear from just anywhere. Here in Canada, MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) supposedly carries nothing short of the best quality equipment and the thought of going to just one place for all your needs sound really nice. Would you, with all your experience, trust MEC for all your needs as much as everyone here seems to? Or do I have to shop around for everything separately, looking for reviews and such, and then spend tons of money in U.S. stores due to the crappy exchange rate? Your answer is greatly appreciated. Tatiana Calgary, Alberta

I wear prescription lenses in my sunglasses and want to get a similar custom-made pair of glasses for paddling at night. I've heard that a yellow tint on the lenses helps to bring out objects. Is this true? Is there anything else I should consider when ordering this pair of glasses? Dennis Milton, Florida

My Boy Scout troop is planning to buy some rappelling gear, but we need some advice first. Eric Shelbyville, Indiana

I'm planning a 14-day backpacking trip down Utah's Escalante River next month, and puzzled about the ideal footwear to pack. The route involves lots of wading, often over rough riverbeds, as well as slickrock hiking, all while lugging a big pack. Is there a boot out there that can provide good drainage as well as some serious support? David Grinnell, Iowa

What types of materials in gaiters are best for snake protection? I know of Teflon, but is a heavy canvas also suitable? (If you're wondering how my question has any relation to where I'm from, it doesn't. I'm moving to Australia.)—Karen, Vancouver, British Columbia

My son and I need to purchase raingear for an eight-day canoe trek to Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area this July. Do I need to get a Gore-Tex parka like most people recommend, or are the newer, lighter styles like Marmot's PreCip enough for such a trip? David Wichita, Kansas

Yes, as an overpronate runner weighing in at 210 pounds, I probably should take up a less impact-prone sport. But I'm still running, so I need some shoes with torsional stability and impact-absorbing capability. For the past year, I have been running in a pair of Brooks Beasts, which have worked pretty well, but not perfectly (Spenco insoles helped some). Can you recommend several running shoes that are suited for a runner of my build? Charles New York City

How do I wash the sweaty odor from my polypropylene toque? I used Wisk liquid detergent without success. The toque is clean but it still smells badly. I need help. Alexander Do Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I looking for a winter jacket that some may call extreme. I bought a down jacket a few years back that was supposed to be good for -40 degrees Fahrenheit but whenever it is around below zero and a little windy I feel like I have a light fall jacket on. My dre coat would be a down jacket rated to -70 (then I might be warm when it is -10). To top it off I would also like it if it had a fleece liner for extra warmth that I could take in or out depending on the weather. Is there a place that either makes such a jacket or could custom make one? So, I too extreme? Glenn Mulno Needh, Massachussets

I have a Gregory Palisade pack and love it. A number of recent comments and reviews of the Dana Designs Terraplane pack have suggested it is the best pack on the market. However, I find the price of over $400 extreme. Is there something inherent in this pack that would suggest such a premium over the $200 to $300 internal fre packs in its category? David R. Eitemiller Colorado Springs, Colorado

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 enough for two, made from synthetic material (since it might get wet), and with a temperature rating of about 20 degrees. Also, as we're both about five-foot-five, it would need to be on the short side. Is our only choice to have a bag custom-made? Andy Kirkland, Washington

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, the MiniWorks' high pump per liter ratio has turned me off, especially as the PUR Guide boasts a more efficient output. I will be using the filter mostly in high alpine areas where the water is fairly clear of mud and silt. What are your thoughts? Jim Huntsville, Utah

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 dual track shoes for hiking, or are they simply a high-performance marketing gimmick? Stephen Seattle, Washington

My ne is George, and I a Gearaholic. I know I have a problem, but I cannot control myself. Although I have eight packs, ranging from a Gregory Denali Pro to a Mountainsmith Ghost, I have the se dilemma with all of them. Though of average build, my hips are non-existent, causing my hipbelts to slide down my waist. This problem can be very bad in winter when lugging a heavy pack and wearing slippery Gore-Tex clothes. Are there any gripping solutions that can be applied, or is there another pack that can cure my problem? George Rochester, New York

What's going to be the coolest new gear for 2003? The reason I ask is that I want to buy my boyfriend a really unique Christmas gift. He loves the great outdoors, but is still using his ten-year-old boots and ratty old backpack when we go hiking. I know he'd love to be the coolest hiker on the trail! Caroline Santa Fe, New Mexico

I'm fairly well equipped for three-season travel with a Lowe pack, Merrell boots, a Sierra Designs down bag rated to -5, a 3/4-length Therm-a-Rest, and two tents: Mountain Hardware's Glacier and the Slickrock from The North Face. But on a recent June trip in the B.C. backcountry, I pitched the Slickrock on a snowfield and the down bag got wet. What do I do to remedy the situation? Buy a synthetic bag, or a down bag with at least a partial waterproof shell? Buy a full length Therm-a-Rest, which keeps the whole bag off the ground? Get a person four-season tent? Where do I throw my hard earned (and continually depleting) gear dollars? Scott Nelson Vancouver, British Columbia

Can you recommend a sturdy sack that will protect a backpack (with tent and sleeping pad strapped on) when it's checked as luggage on an airplane? David Oakland, California

Do you know of any fully waterproof/breathable gloves made of two- or three-ply Gore-Tex? I'm looking for a glove that I can use for mountain biking when it is 40 to 50 degrees outside and raining hard. I'm not looking for a full-blown expedition climbing-type glove because I won't be out when it's 0 degrees. I've seen the Seal Skinz waterproof gloves but the outside material will retain water pretty much like a sponge. Steven Fleisig Upper Montclair, New Jersey

O Most Knowledgeable One, what wind pants should I get: the L.L. Bean Guide Pants, made of Schoeller Dryskin, or the Marmot DriClime Stretch Pants? Your pearls of wisdom about the differences in performance are sought. Bill Charlottesville, Virginia

My wife has been using a pair of Asolo AFS Ridge boots for our backpacking trips, typically extended ones through rugged terrain. The Asolos blew out a se in front of the laces and need to be replaced. We are considering the Montrail Moraines or the Asolo 520 GTX boots. Is the Moraine too much boot? Is the Asolo 520 enough boot? Any other suggestions? Louis Oregon City, Oregon

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 timing is going to be late, I wonder if my insulating jacket—a Wild Things primaloft sweater—is going to be warm enough. Also, what's the difference between a three- and a four-season tent? We're trying to decide on a tent to take along, but I wonder if I should take a four-season tent. Last year we took a Sierra Designs Meteor Light to Alaska, but it really didn't perform under the gusty conditions. And this year, we're expecting very very windy conditions as well. Is there any three-season tents that can live up to gale force winds, or I'm just stuck w/ the dead weight of a four-season tent? Blanche Ingr Brisbane, Australia

To me, one of the great mysteries of life has to do with load ratings on boots. For exple, some day hiking boots are rated to carry up to 30 pounds after which, the boots will fail. Now, what the heck is the difference between a 180-pound person carrying no load versus a 150-pound person with a 30-pond load wearing the se pair of boots? Your enlightenment will be eternally appreciated. Jake Kim Irvine, California

Oh, Gauis Gear Guy (bet you haven't heard THAT one before), I have a multitudinous problem. I wrote to you years ago about detached toenails, and you delivered the goods shiningly. My problem is still with my feet. The last two trips I've taken in my Zberlans boots have left me hobbled, with huge Susan B. Anthony pus-bubbles on either heel. I went to a clinic and was informed that my feet were "problematic" and that I was wearing the wrong boot. My right foot while standing is about a quarter inch longer than the left. My feet are wide and low profile, with anemic arches and narrow heels. Oh yeah, I also have weak ankles. Now I have June trips planned in the Grand Canyon and the Sierra. I've bought the Superfeet shrink-to-your-dogs prosthetic insoles, but I need a new boot. What do you recommend, outside of foot-transplant surgery? Thanks, Thomas Perkins Alexandria, Virginia

I'm planning a three- to seven-day mountain biking trip this summer. If I'll be riding up to six hours per day, what tent, sleeping bag, and backpack will I need? As always, your advice is very welcome. Mark New York City

Several years ago, I bought a pair of "funny-looking" Salomon Adventure 9 boots. They were virtually perfect, but are finally wearing out. Since there's no sign of a similar boot in today's U.S. Salomon line, can you think of an alternative? Ray Cleveland Heights, Ohio

I interested in buying rappelling gear and I unsure as to what I need. Is there anywhere that I could find a list of must-haves for rappelling? Todd E. Clyde Hurricane, Utah

I have just purchased a new road-racing bicycle and now searching the market for some pedals. As you know, pedals are extras on most models, but what to buy: Time, Look, Shimano, Cpagnolo? The choice is a little overwhelming. Do you have any suggestions on some good, reliable pedals that will last and not cost a fortune? Weight's not an issue, nor is the latest, greatest technology. Wayne Luleå, Sweden

Do you have any recommendations for headlamps? I'm a casual camper intrigued by the new LED lights. The battery-/bulb-life is amazing, but are they bright enough to be worth the purchase? Michael J Ogden, Utah

I'm looking for a hydration pack that I can use for cycling. But, I also want to be able to stick the bladder in my Gregory backpack for extended hiking trips, thereby knocking out two birds with one bladder. I have looked at products from CelBak and Gregory, but what do you recommend? Ronald Cookeville, Tennessee

What do you recommend for mountaineering in places such as Mount Rainier and Denali as far as headlps and bibs or pants? Would an LED light be better than a regular headlp? I know LED lights last much longer, but what about lighting up the trails? Also, are there any three-layer bibs that you would recommend that are warm, durable, and inexpensive? I like the description of the Marmot Alpinist but it's quite expensive. Are there any less expensive options? Charleton Churchill Pine Grove, California

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 on my hiking socks. Do you know anything about this or is this a joke? Joaquin Lira Oshkosh, Wisconsin

I've recently been in some heated discussions with fellow campers over whether it's warmer to sleep naked in a sleeping bag or to wear some loose clothes. Logic would seem to suggest that more layers equal more insulation, but a surprising number of acquaintances swear they're warmer naked. Can you give me a definitive answer?

Which boot liner is better: leather or Gore-Tex? Personally, I've never had any Gore-Tex-lined shoes, but shop assistants keep raving about them. Some of my friends aren't so enthusiastic, though, complaining about getting sweaty feet on warm summer days. (I'm talking here about the "middle" category of mountain boots, like the Lowa Baffin.) Gerhard Innsbruck, Austria

Years ago you recommended The North Face Snowshoe sleeping bag to me, just the ticket for a dp 58 hours in Lapland's freezing rain! Since your record is one for one, I seek your advice again for a compact, light sleeping bag (down is out due to allergies) to use when backpacking in Croatia in August. We'll be sleeping hut-to-hut while walking in the countryside, while also spending some time in cities. Do you think Design Salt's silk liner is good enough for such a trip, or do we need an ultralight sleeping bag? Jan Helsinki, Finland