Gear
ArchiveOutside magazine, October 1996 Technology: Advanced Photo System By Glenn Randall If you want to avoid the mystery in the trip to pick up your prints, consider a completely new photographic format: the Advanced Photo System. Developed by the Big Five–Canon, Fuji, Kodak,…
Outside magazine, March 1996 Buying Right: Pavement Protection By Andrew Tilin The potential for skin to mix with pavement when you’re skating is worth a few ounces of prevention. And nowadays, we really are talking ounces: Wrist guards no longer…
Outside magazine, January 1996 Buying Right: Winter-Wise Boots By Glenn Randall Insulated hiking boots are more expensive than rubber-bottomed, felt-lined pac boots, and they’re not quite as warm. But pac boots aren’t made for walking; for anything a step more vigorous than ice fishing…
Outside magazine, June 1999 BUYING RIGHT Next Up: An Attachment for the Kitchen Sink Thule 400 Aero Foot and Big Mount If you’re still wedging your bikes into the trunk each weekend, or if you’re hoping that…
Outside magazine, May 1996 CD-Rom: Everest Quest By Rod Willard These days you can find CD-Roms on every oft-visited place from Yosemite to the Australian outback. But Peak Media’s Mount Everest: Quest for the Summit of Dreams stands out for one simple reason: It’s…
Camp Outs, Family Vacations 1998 Leave No Trace CAMP OUTS Happy Trails From an all-day jaunt to a weeklong trek, seven kid-tested routes to the wilderness…
Family Vacations, Summer 1996 Essential Gear: Hydration Systems It’s axiomatic that you need to drink water when exercising, particularly outdoors. Still, most people underestimate the amounts of water required for proper hydration–as well as the seriousness of failing to maintain it. Herewith, a crash course…
Hardware and Software, February 1997 Couture A-Go-Go Functional yet snappy travel garb for a haul of any length By Bob Howells Stifling heat is no excuse when you appear bare-legged at Cairo’s Mohammed Ali Mosque. You either rent a ratty…
Outside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Never Say Dry Just snorkel, surf, dive, sail, fish, paddle a kayak … DIVING ——— Red Hill, Maui On Maui all dive boats lead to Molokini crater, the underwater equivalent of…
Outside magazine, December 1995 Geosynchronous Satellites in the Palm of His Hand Governor Moonbeam navigates the political landscape with his GPS gizmo By Jerry Brown A goofy presidential campaign full of the usual suspects is coming around again. Media pundits, working for…
Camping Special, April 1997 Freeze-Dried Is for Losers A guide to culinary success alfresco By Brad Wetzler Anybody can scarf pb&j while perched on a mountain rock, but one might argue that you’re not really camping till you dirty a…
Outside magazine, July 1996 Footwear: A Splashy New Breed By Jonathon Hanson Sport sandals are evolving furiously–offering sophisticated footbeds, grippier soles, and multitudinous strap arrangements. The only problem is, they’re still sandals: cool, light, great in water, but lacking the support and protection…
Outside magazine, October 1996 Extras: A Case for Insurance By Glenn Randall The one drawback of an slr is that it’s too bulky and heavy to stow in a coat pocket. An SLR isn’t tough enough to withstand dust and water if you…
Outside Magazine, February 1995 Last-Minute Essentials By Bob Howells What’s that peculiar smell in your pack? Probably your towel, that soggy mildew factory that you’re always stuffing back in before it’s completely dry. Replace it with an easy-wring, quick-dry Paktowl ($12), made of soft…
Outside magazine, July 1994 Equipment: When You Could Use a Stiff Belt By Dana Sullivan…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Camping: Bibler Escalante Tents By Rod Willard What happens when a legendary maker of single-wall expedition tents builds a model for those of us who don’t spend our vacations in the Himalayas? We get the benefit of extreme-adventure experience in…
1999 Family Vacation Guide All the Right Stuff for Family Camping By Douglas Gantenbein Tents A sturdy, packable tent is your family’s home on the trail. For summer camping, look for something light and well-ventilated.
Family Vacations, Summer 1996 Spin Control So what if you can’t catch air–skinny tires still rule the road By Laura Hilgers Our Favorite Places | Inside Skinny | Staying Safe…
Outside magazine, November 1995 Update: Beyond-Basic Bindings By Glenn Randall Every major brand of bindings performs just fine these days–and has for years. So, having mastered the basics, the manufacturers have been busy tweaking their latest bindings to improve edge grip, help carve a…
Hardware and Software, February 1997 Necessities By Bob Howells A few personal favorites round out a practical traveler’s wardrobe. The Tilley Endurables T3 hat ($45) is a subtle classic, and offers unparalleled comfort: Made of vented, water-repellent cotton duck, the T3 comes in…
Outside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Gear to Go Travel Bags Secret compartments, mesh pouches, and zip-out extensions for all your stuff By Robert Earle Howells CONVERTIBLES —————— You know what a long suitcase portage does…
Outside magazine, May 1996 Wow, Man, That’s Some Righteous Shoe In what passes for a victory in America’s anemic War on Drugs, Adidas has agreed to change the name of its new sneaker, “The Hemp.” Made from the plant that produces marijuana, the shoe stirred up…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Buying Right: Polarized Sunglasses By Bob Howells Shading against the beach sun means dark specs, a broad-brimmed hat, and a frill-edged umbrella. Shielding against that sun, however, means polarized glasses. There’s a big difference between polarized lenses and all…
Outside magazine, July 1996 Carriers: Rack “Em Up, Shorty By John Lehrer Hoisting a bike to the roof rack on a sport utility vehicle is a stretch for all but the very tall. It’s easier to reach a hitch-mounted rack, but then there’s…
Outside magazine, October 1996 Essentials: The Lowdown On Lenses Glenn Randall When you invest in an slr camera, you’re paying for flexibility, which in broad terms means the ability to swap lenses. Options are great, but for your first lens, buy the fastest…
Review, June 1997 Move Over, Spandex And make way for a variety of threads appealing to cyclists of every tread By Dan Wildhirt Nike jersey, Dirt Designs shorts, Nautica vest Time was, tight-fitting cycling clothes were limited to the…
Outside magazine, August 1995 Tents for Three Seasons–and Then Some No one shelter does it all, but the best take you from summer to winterish conditions By Douglas Gantenbein I have a friend who has a jacket, a backpack, and a collection…
Outside magazine, March 1996 Mountaineering: It Came from Rockford High-altitude mutant Ed Viesturs’s careful assault on the top of the world By Andrew Tilin “It was all about putting another deposit in the Karma National Bank,” says Ed Viesturs…
1999 Family Vacation Guide, Don’t Spare the Bubbly All the Right Stuff for Whitewater By Steve Shimek Rule number one of river travel: Rafters have more fun if they’re toasty warm. On a scenic Class…
Family Vacations, Summer 1996 Essential Gear: First-Aid Kits The Wilderness Medical Society conducted a study that was published in the Journal of Wilderness Medicine. Researchers polled backpackers coming down off trails in Yosemite National Park and discovered that 14 percent had to cut short their…
Bodywork: Fitness for the Outside Athlete, November 1996 Equipment: Striking a Balance By John Alderman Chances are, you’ll never try to pull off a 720-degree spin with a tail grab on your snowboard. But if you do want to, or if you…
Hardware and Software, February 1997 Pan-Optx Sunglasses By Sarah Bowen Shea Glasses or goggles? The new Pan-Optx Raptor ($105; 800-393-9273), makes moot the vexing question of how best to protect your eyes on piste. In fact, these sunglasses–designed with peripheral molding that snugly…
Outside Magazine, 1999 Annual Travel Guide Shooting from the Trip Photo safaris to hone your skills and sharpen your focus By Kara Ryan E-MAIL FROM: DAKAR, SENEGAL On the outskirts of Dakar, middle-aged borro-borros, West Africa's traditional pharmacists, sit on blue…
Outside magazine, April 1996 Sturdy Boots Without the Burden Lightweight, trailworthy hikers for both fast-moving day hikes and overnight jaunts By Douglas Gantenbein Horrific tales of foot agony in decades past are the best argument for today’s lightweight hiking boots, so here’s…
Outside magazine, June 1995 Smooth-Sailing Crafts, By Land or By Sea On the car or in the water, boards and boats that are a breeze to handle By Nancy K. Crowell God does not deduct from a man’s life the hours spent…
Outside magazine, May 1995 Fly-Fishing: Bridger Mountain Pack By Jerry Gibbs As happy as you and your favorite daypack are with each other, spend some time together fly-fishing and you’ll discover shortcomings: Once you’ve stuffed it to capacity with just your waders and awkwardly…
Outside magazine, October 1996 Classics: The Field Jacket By Donovan Webster In 1890, in the english seaport town of market place, south Shields, a craftsman named John Barbour began making specialized outerwear to protect local mariners from the wet and cold of the North…
Review, June 1997 Essentials: Lids that Fill the Bill By Dan Wildhirt Bell Image Pro Each year, helmets get safer, lighter, and more comfortable. This makes choosing one mostly a matter of style, and the current point of decision is visor…
Give your barking dogs some luxe love with the new generation of super socks
With these intelligent devices, going digital is the fastest way to hotwire that great big analog world outside
I'm a teacher looking for a 100-percent waterproof backpack to use while ferrying from lesson to lesson in Japan. It needs to have a capacity of up to 30 liters, be strong, and be completely waterproof to survive the downpours we get out here. I'm thinking about an Ortlieb Messenger-style bag, but do you have any other possible alternatives? Daniel Hiroshima, Japan
I pretty new to hiking and wondering about clothing. Is there a list of recommended clothing to take on a three-day hike up a mountain (e.g., Washington's Mount St. Helens or Mount Ads?). Mike Marysville, Washington
My son loves his waterproof shell, my rickety knees love my hiking poles, my feet love my boots, and we eat well using our stove, all of which you've helped educate us about... Now what about tarps for two? We mostly do cool-weather camping along the AT, so bugs aren't too big a problem. Are there any moderately priced models that you recommend? One other question: Back in the Middle Ages, when tarps were called pup tents, we trenched them to stay dry in the rain. Is this still standard practice in these enlightened times? J.P. Raleigh, North Carolina
I need some advice about personal flotation devices for sea kayaking. Are they compatible with CelBak hydration systems? I'm also told that U.S.-certified PFDs may not be appropriate for Canadian use. How come, eh? Charles Montreal, Quebec
How do I know when it's time to change the filter in my PUR water filter? I haven't used it much but have had it for several years. Can they go bad or expire? Adrienne Moab, Utah
In January 2004, top female kayakers from all over the globe joined medical doctor and expedition leader Jessie Stone in Uganda, to form the world’s first all-woman White Nile expedition. But this team’s goal was unique: Not only did they plan to conquer the river’s gnarly whitewater, they also hoped…
I'm planning to hike the Grand Canyon in June. Do I need a high-top hiking boot? I have very comfortable, worn-in low-tops but have read that high-top shoes are recommended. What do you think? Danielle Peoria, Illinois
I'm trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and want to buy a new camera for the trip, probably the Yashica T4 Zoom. As I can't find any advice on photography at high altitudes, would you recommend this camera or go with a digital? Thanks, Gear God. Adam Bethesda, Maryland
I recently bought a Talus tent from The North Face for camping in the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge Mountains this summer. Afterwards, though, it occurred to me that thunderstorms can be vicious in the region at that time of year. Will I be safe and dry in the Talus if a T-storm suddenly hits, or did I make a poor choice? Also, are aluminum tent poles dangerous if lightning strikes? Marshall McLean, Virginia
I really like canister stoves but concerned about the throwaway nature of the fuel containers. Other than the Coleman Xtreme stove, most seem to use canisters that are non-recyclable, including all the new ultralight stoves. Is any manufacturer currently working on the recycling issue? Jeff Shoreview, Minnesota
Last year I completed the 340-mile-long Trondheim-Oslo bike ride. I was in great shape but broke no less than four spokes on my fairly new Trek 1200 road bike. This left me concerned about weight and now I'm considering dropping the rear rack and rack-top bag in favor of a lighter hydration system like the CelBak M.U.L.E. I think I'll also switch to 28-millimeter tires to spare the rims, but is this worth the extra weight and drag? Jarle Bergen, Norway
My wife and I love snow-camping in the Teanaway in spring, and would like to reduce the bulk and weight of packing both a self-inflated and closed-cell mattress. I have heard about new, Primaloft-equipped products from the likes of Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and InsulMat that insulate with Primaloft, and they all seem much lighter and less bulky. But would they do the job without also having to carry closed-cell foam? Scott Maple Valley, Washington
I'm 42 years old and need to get back into regular exercise since a lower back problem curtailed my jogging career. I was thinking about biking the five miles to my workplace, as well as maybe some longer weekend rides over hard-dirt trails. What should I be riding, and with the back problem, should I sit more upright than hunched over? Mark Bethesda, Maryland
Does the sun protection in clothing deteriorate with washing? I referring to Columbia Sportswear's sun-shielding gear. Is there any information on how long it remains effective? Regina Boise, Idaho
I plan on doing a sea-kayaking expedition, so in the market for a durable, easily compactable single- or two-person tent to take with me. Something that stashes away and sets up easily. Any ideas? Arthur Spartanburg, South Carolina
A lot of training guides I consult for my running and cycling training talk of heart-rate "zones." I have been looking at the wide range of heart-rate monitors and wondering if you could suggest one that's reasonably priced and good for running and cycling? Michael Providence, Rhode Island
Want to go from day tripper to trail ripper? Lose the weight, hit the throttle, and have a 21st-century blast.
Go fast and furious in the (1) TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 dive watch ($595; 866-260-0460, www.tagheuer.com). The (2) OAKLEY GMT watch ($650; 800-403-7449, www.oakley.com) has two dials—one for your present location, the other for where you’d rather be. The Swiss-made (3) ORIS XXL FULL…
We are going to climb Mount Whitney in preparation for a Mount Kilimanjaro bid next year. I'm five-foot-nine and 140 pounds, my husband's six-foot-five and 240 pounds. We're wondering if we'd be happier with internal- or external-fre backpacks, and what sizes we should be looking at. We were planning on going to REI and then I read your column and decided to ask you. Jan Federal Way, Washington
I love the athletic look of soft shells and would love to buy one. The only problem is I've heard they're just that: shells, meant more for layering than for providing a single layer of protection. In your opinion, are there any soft shells that can provide both heavy-duty warmth and stand up to the rain and snow? I'll use this shell more for "getting around town" than I would for aerobic activities, so I want something that would keep me very warm in cold temperatures. Megan Spokane, Washington
Gear Guy, I badly need your advice before I drop $200 on a new pair of boots for hiking Rainier's Wonderland Trail. Though the trip is in August, I will also use the boots throughout the spring/summer hiking season. I'm probably looking for something tailored to a low-volume foot, with or without Gore-Tex. Will Richmond, Missouri
My son and I went backpacking with our brand-new down sleeping bags over the weekend to help us get in shape for a longer trip this spring. It had rained for several days earlier, so things were pretty wet and humid. During the day we stuffed our down bags into plastic zip-type bags in case it rained more, but I guess the bags were a little dp from all the moisture in the air. Anyway, when we got home and unpacked, our bags stank of mildew. I can't imagine what they would smell like after ten-days on the trail. Is this common for down bags, and is there a way to prevent this? Kevin Omaha, Nebraska
I will be traveling through a number of countries next fall and every guidebook I've read suggests traveling with just one small, carry-on bag. What's a good bag, then? And any ideas on what kind of clothes to pack? All synthetic, or is cotton OK? Jake Surprise, Arizona
Over the winter I've been commuting to work on my bike and using a set of CatEye headlights. The light they throw out, though, is pretty weak. What headlight system would you recommend for biking at dusk and in the dark? Rob San Francisco, California
Last month I purchased an older Climb Light rainjacket from The North Face, but the fabric "wets-out" as soon as rain or snow hits the surface. I treated it with Nikwax TX-Direct wash-in solution, but to no avail. It's not the first time I've had such a problem with a TNF jacket, either. What can I do?
Will the new ultralight, freestanding tents hold up to the abuse of heavy winds à la the kind of conditions one might face in Patagonia? Troy Ogden, Utah
I've been looking at sports watches and recently read a review of Suunto's S6. Do you think it's worth spending $350 for a watch? Can you think of other timepieces that are cheaper but have some of the se bells and whistles? You know, altimeter, rate of ascent/descent, that sort of thing. Helen Boulder, Colorado
What's your take on carbon-dioxide canisters versus mini-pumps for carrying while road cycling? Erik Chanhassen, Minnesota
I've always wondered what goes into a first-aid kit for backcountry expeditions. What are the essentials for staying alive in case of an accident? Alf Chapel Hill, North Carolina
I hike with an ankle brace and just read about a new system called Biomex from Lowa Boots, which is essentially a built-in ankle support system. Do you know anything about this? Joe Santa Barbara, California
I have a place in Vermont's Green Mountains and wondering what full metal-edged skis would work for skiing in the New England woods? I currently use the 170-centimeter Fischer E99, but is there a shorter ski that I can use for skiing logging roads, snowmobile tracks, and general rough in the woods? I don't think telemarks are the ticket as I'll be skiing on the flat, and I can use my E99's for any cross-country trails. Nigel New York City
I have yet to find a definitive answer on how well some of the higher-end single-wall tent materials work, products like Bibler's ToddTex, three-layer Gore-Tex, and Integral Designs' Tegraltex. Some say these fabrics are great, very tough, and result in little or no condensation, others the opposite. But no one seems willing to crown a king of the single-walls. Is it too tough to call? I like the simplicity of a single-wall design, but tents like the Sierra Designs Hyperlite AST look to be very good and compete well on weight and packability. What's your take? Luke Minneapolis, Minnesota
Can you recommend a mid-sized backpack? I have been looking at the new Arc'Teryx Bora 65, which is nice but really expensive! Is there a comparable backpack for less? Petter Boulder, Colorado
Since airlines ban gas containers, even empty ones (a display of banned items at the San Jose airport includes the burner element, too), how do expeditions transport their stoves overseas? More to the point, how can I? Mark San Jose, California
What's a lightweight, lightly insulated glove suitable for rainy days in fall and winter? Years ago I owned a pair of Patagonia Light-X gloves—waterproof shell on the outside, light fleece lining on the inside—that were great for rainy days and light snow. I could always wear liners under them if it was really cold, but worn alone they were nimble and flexible. Now I've lost my pair and they're discontinued, and all the gloves I see are burly gloves for climbing K2. Help! Josh Cbridge, Massachusetts
I've been looking into soft shells to take on a NOLS [National Outdoor Leadership School] expedition to the Himalayas and have narrowed the selection down to Patagonia's Mixmaster or Beyond Fleece's Cold Fusion. I was hoping you could help me choose one based on durability, performance, and warmth. Kevin Mahopac, New York
I have a 200-mile ride planned over the Memorial Day weekend and concerned because the soles of my feet get numb after about 20 miles of riding. I've tried a variety of bike shoes, without success. Would some sort of insert help, or even just a pair of athletic shoes? Nancy Manchester, Missouri
How do they test temperature ratings for sleeping bags? I have never owned a 30-degree bag that I would actually use in 30-degree weather. Justin Santee, California