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

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 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

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

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

I have a good-quality down sleeping bag that includes a nylon taffeta shell, and I'm looking into ways of improving its water repellency so that it's more effective in very humid conditions (for exple, Tasmania's temperate rainforests). I have considered Nikwax Downproof, but have heard that it can reduce the bag's overall thermal efficiency. What do you think of other treatment options? Of course, another approach, albeit heavier, might be to get a light, breathable bivy for the bag. Hannah Perth, Australia

Whether it's been backpacking in Norway in March or Canyonlands in July, I always wake up in a condensation-filled tent. I spend three seasons in a Mountain Hardwear Thru Hiker and winter in a Sierra Designs Tiros, and have never heard complaints about condensation problems in these tents. Nonetheless, I inevitably awake with a wet floor and dripping, frosty walls. Is there such a thing as a wet sleeper? (And thank you in advance for forgoing the tent-wetting jokes and speculation.) Beckett Mansfield, Ohio

I'm looking for a side-by-side comparison of waterproof-breathable materials (MemBrain, Conduit, Hyvent, H2N0, Gore-Tex). Do you know of one? If not, can you give one? Brackin Montreat, North Carolina

I sick of eating the se old dehydrated meals when I'm out backpacking. Can you give us some real suggestions for tasty, convenient dinners? Maybe you could share what you ate for dinner on your last backpacking trip? Matt Albuquerque, New Mexico

We do a lot of winter backpacking in New Hampshire, where it gets quite cold, and always struggle with stoves for melting snow. Some stoves are difficult to light, while others take forever to melt the snow. What is the best stove and lighter combination for melting snow in real cold weather? Craig Goffstown, New Hampshire

My ten-year-old Vasque Sundowners are finally toast, so I'm looking for an affordable replacement, perhaps REI's Gore-Tex Monarch boots. I weigh about 200 pounds, and my usual MO is to trek about ten miles to a base cp in the Sierras with a load of around 60 pounds; I'll then spend a week or so doing day hikes with a lighter 15-pound daypack. The sales people are steering me towards a heavier boot because of the weight that I carry, but because I do most of my hiking with a lighter load I'm thinking I want a lighter boot. I don't have ankle problems, yet. What do you think? Mountain Guy Concord, California

My wife and I love to backpack in the summer and would like to continue doing so with our new baby boy. Everybody we say this to either laughs or looks at us with horror. The carrying part doesn't scare me, but sleeping in a tent with a six- to nine-month-old does. Any suggestions? (My recurring nightmare is that one of us could roll over and smother him.) Craig Portland, Oregon

Hey, Gear Guy, I've pruned some ounces by getting the Osprey Aether 45 pack, Marmot Arroyo bag, Optimus Crux stove, Seychelles water filter, and also by cutting off useless straps and the like. But for an ultralight one-man tent that can handle three-season Sierra weather, what do you recommend? I was looking at the new Mountain Hardwear Waypoint. Is this any good at keeping out condensation? Jake Irvine, California

Great response on the pros and cons of the Theta LT versus MEC Flight pants, by the way. But what about a pair with a heavy-duty rear-end that will withstand glissading? I've yet to find anything adequate, so tend to slide down on my emergency blanket to save my expensive Gore-Tex pants. Don Tacoma, Washington

I looking to upgrade my sleeping bag so I can get more versatility over a range of temps. In particular, a light bag that would be suitable from 50 degrees down to about 25. I have seen ads for bags with detachable covers that offer flexibility over a wider variety of conditions, which seem like a good option for multiday trips. What do you think about this kind of bag? Worthy innovation or a gimmick? Any ideas for some good bags like this in the $125 to $175 range? David Boulder, Colorado

I getting ready for a February snowshoeing trip to the Sierra Mountains, and I want to nix my usual problems with cold hands. In the past, I've tried using a base-layer glove combined with a higher loft glove and a waterproof Gore-Tex shell. Unfortunately I still get cold hands! Needless to say, I in desperate need of your awe-inspiring, sage-like wisdom to find that warm-hand solution to all my problems. Nathan Louisville, Kentucky

I have been waiting to buy a lightweight two-person backpacking tent for a while now, and recently was impressed by the newer REI-brand tents. Is there any quality drawback in buying a tent from REI as opposed to one from Mountain Hardwear or Marmot? Basically, will I regret it in two years? Matt Albuquerque, New Mexico

I bought a pair of Asolo FSN 95 GTX boots for hiking Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail. They felt very comfortable in the store and needed very little breaking in, but I had to stop wearing them by the third day on the trail as they sorely aggravated bone spurs in my heel. Can you suggest a pair of hiking boots with soft inner heels that won't slide around too much? Marc Silver Spring, Maryland

In light of the recent mountain lion attack in southern California, I was wondering if a bear spray like Counter Assault would work against a mountain lion? If not, what would? Chris Malibu, California

Here's my recurring nightmare: I'm hurtling down a hill when my rim, worn away by repeated gritty brakings, ruptures and warps, stopping the bike instantly and launching me over the handlebars for a high-speed, unscheduled appointment with the pavement. So far, this has only happened in real life while I've been pedaling uphill. But, have any manufacturers come out with a road bike with disc brakes? I know they're heavier, but I don't care about weight if I can save skin and teeth. Mark Portland, Oregon

Your prescription for matching next-generation outerwear with your favorite winter pursuit is ready

Emmy-winning cinematographer and big-water kayaker Scott Lindgren’s new film Burning Time is a bold new Outside-sponsored production that’s been in the making for two years. In it, Lindgren (of Tsangpo-expedition fame: see Outside‘s July 2002 cover story “Liquid Thunder”) scours the globe with kayaking’s best athletes, seeking out some…

Gearing up for the backcountry tryst

Having loaned my friend my old Sierra Designs tent, he returned it several months later without having adequately aired it out. The coating on the fly is now tacky and starting to pull away from the nylon. I called Sierra Designs to ask about a replacement, but they no longer carry replacements for the model I have. They did, though, offer to sell me a tent at half price in exchange for my existing tent. Should I go with their offer or have someone just repair the fly and waterproof coating? Eric Manhattan Beach, California

I'm considering buying the Makalu boot from La Sportiva for extended backpacking and mountaineering duties, thinking it would be flexible enough for backpacking yet stiff enough for some crampon work. I understand that for really cold winter climbing I'd want something insulated, but am I wrong in thinking the Makalu will be up to the task? Christopher Mountaintop, Pennsylvania

Where do you think things are going in terms of backpack innovation? I looking to buy a bag for base-cp-style backpacking, but I don't want one that is outdated or poorly designed. I want cutting edge. It seems everyone focuses on weight, but in my mind accessibility is equally important. Zachary Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I have a question regarding an older Serac Gore-Tex jacket I have: Does Gore-Tex lose its water-repellency after repeated washings? Is there something I can apply after many washings to restore repellency? If so, what do you recommend? Mike Jackson, Ohio

I know you don't like ponchos, but I used one for a month in the Belize jungle and think it did a darn good job: In the hot, humid conditions, it allowed air to circulate; I used it to cover my pack in the rain; it was easy to put on and covered both me and my daypack; I could use it as a tarp to sit on or as a lean-to. Given all these advantages, could you recommend something better than the standard military-issue poncho for my next jungle trip? Are there Gore-Tex ponchos available? Jay Manchester, New Jersey

My 16-year-old daughter's Venture Scout troop is doing an eight-day horseback trek in northeastern New Mexico this July. They have to store all their gear in a large stuff sack (and two midget saddle bags), so she needs a lightweight, compressible sleeping bag to maximize space in the stuff sack. They'll be sleeping in tents at altitudes up to 12,000 feet, so the bag needs to be rated to around 30 degrees—and affordable. Easy, right? Lou Oak Hill, Virginia

I ski a lot, so need to protect my skin against the combined ravages of wind, cold, and sun. What do women (and men, too, I guess) put on their faces when they're climbing in winter? I'm not talking about Colorado or British Columbia cold here—I mean real cold. Elsbeth Ottawa, Ontario

My wife and I are having an ongoing argument. She says I should keep my coat off until just before I go outside. She argues that if I put my coat on too soon, my body will "get used to it," leaving me feeling colder when I do go out. It sounds ridiculous to me, but as she loves to point out, I'm from Arizona. Her cold-weather friends seem to back her up. Is this some kind of myth or is there some basis to her claim? Michael San Francisco, California

I like to wear close-fitting base layers like REI's Swift or Patagonia's Lightweight Capilene. When hiking in cold weather I will usually shed or add layers as I go. Can you suggest a good loose-fitting, wicking T-shirt to wear over the body-hugging base for those days when I've really worked up a sweat. Matt Fairfax, Virginia

My primary winter sport here in the Northeast is snowshoeing in the Adirondacks and White Mountains. I carry a 34-ounce ice ax and 36-ounce crampons for insurance, but I'm thinking of replacing them with lighter versions. What's your take on the durability of light alloy crampons and featherweight axes? Any brand recommendations? Also, can I use Black Diond's Whippet pole ends in place of an ax for my stated use, and would one do the job? Mark Ellington, Connecticut

What do you think of the Patagonia Core Skin Jacket as an all-around athletic winter jacket? I do a lot of cycling, downhill skiing, running, and cross-country skiing in the winter, so I'd like to get one piece to cover all my bases. Diane Lititz, Pennsylvania

I've been reading mixed reviews about tents recently, with some raving that their tents are virtually bombproof, others demeaning theirs as utter crap. I'm after a tent for multi-season camping, something that will keep me dry and includes decent vestibule space, maybe even two doors for easy-exit toilet breaks. Any suggestions? And could you possibly explain the pros and cons of pole sleeves versus clips? Jim Toronto, Ontario

What are Frogg Toggs? I see them for hunting and fishing use, and they seem like a cheap alternative to Gore-Tex and its imitators. Is this gear good for long, sweaty hikes wearing a pack? Chris Norwood, Ohio

What do you think of some of the gear manufacturers across the pond? Specifically, Eider, Haglöfs, and Millet? They seem to use comparable materials, but how does the craftmanship and durability compare to our very own Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Arc'Teryx? (OK, I know Arc'Teryx is technically a foreign company, but they feel like the next-door neighbor you'd gladly ask for a cup of sugar.) Gear me the way only you can gear me. Jeremiah Eugene, Oregon

Now that winter has set in along the Wasatch Range, it's nice to have portable hot beverages now and then. Do you have any insights for a leak-proof, lightweight thermos? One I recently received from Eddie Bauer keeps the contents warm or cold as necessary, but it leaks all over—certainly not something I could put in my pack and take into the backcountry. What kind of thermos flasks do they use for making tea on big climbs up Everest? Chris Park City, Utah

Can you recommend a two- to four-person tent for winter camping that I can heat with a wood-burning stove during the day? Greg Woodbury, Minnesota

I'm planning to climb Mount Shasta in the spring followed by Aconcagua in January '05. What mountaineering boot is best for both mountains? Joe Foster City, California

When the frost bites hard, fight back with the latest winter hydration systems

Put your hands together for the newest crop of toasty, weatherproof winter gloves

Outside‘s January 2004 cover package, “Fit to the Core,” is chock full of advice on how to find the Whole Athlete within. From downtime at spas, to Pilates, to meditation, we show you how to integrate your mind and body for optimal performance. Here, five great outdoor athletes share…

When Ed Lucero plummeted 105.6 feet over Canada’s Alexandra Falls, he set a new world record for the highest plunge in a kayak. What was he thinking? John Galvin finds out. Seeing is Believing CLICK HERE to watch the video clip of Ed…

Instead of buying all-new gear with the requisite bells and whistles attached, I'd just like to have my old stuff upgraded. I do remember hearing about a company that will restore or fix your old gear as well as upgrade it; you know, putting new straps on a backpack or adding new zippers to a rain shell. Have you heard of any companies like that? Evan New York City

When I got into motorcycling, I bought a nice standard bike, learned to ride it really well, and in a few years had to trade up to a more interesting, high-performance machine. Now I'd like to get into kayaking. Is there any way for a beginner like me to buy a kayak that will remain interesting even if I become a pretty good intermediate kayaker? Patrick Copley, Ohio

I'm looking for a rack to hold a couple of bikes inside the back of an SUV. What do you suggest? A friend has one from Rhode Gear that’s heavy and holds two bikes, and because of the weight of the rack, it isn't necessary to bolt it to the interior of the truck. However, I'm not able to find it anywhere. Laura San Antonio, Texas

I'm looking for a pair of high-waisted waterproof-breathable pants for snowshoeing and skiing this winter. The Arc'Teryx Theta LTs are ideal, but at $350 the price is prohibitive. I did find a pair of Flight Pants from Mountain Equipment Co-op for about US$200. I've always been tempted by MEC's gear, but I worry about the relative durability of an equivalent piece that saves $150. Do you have any experience with the quality of the LTs' construction? Matt Seattle, Washington

I'm after a wool cycling jersey that's comfortable, visible, and practical (i.e., machine-washable, non-shrink). By comfortable, I mean not scratchy and not too form-fitting. I tried the Kucharik jersey made from merino wool but found it quite itchy, particularly around the neck. I would really love to try wool for all its reported benefits, but I can't find a jersey, or even a shirt, that is comfortable, conspicuous, and practical. Is this a hopeless quest, meaning I'll forever be stuck with clmy, stinky synthetics? Richard Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Last year in Breckenridge, my 14-year-old son was having a hard time snowboarding because his hands were so cold. What can I get him to help? Do you suggest mittens or gloves for snowboarding? Gale Savannah, Georgia

I'm in search of a three-season sleeping bag for under $350 that is down-filled, is rated to about 15 degrees, weighs under three pounds, has a durable weatherproof shell, and includes a full-length zipper. I was going to buy the REI Sub Kilo but all the reviews say it rips easily. I've been considering the Mountainsmith Vision, the Mountain Hardwear Spectre SL, and the Marmot Hydrogen, too, but can you help me narrow the field? Philip Berkley, Massachusetts

I actually have a two-part question. First, what do you think is better for vertical, technical, and mixed climbing: leashed or leashless ice tools? Second, what are your thoughts on putting a leash on a leashless tool? Anthony Anchorage, Alaska

My daughter has moved from the desert of Arizona to Seattle. Apparently, by the time she layers for warmth and closes out the rain for her walk to work, she's become a cold, dp sauna after only five minutes. For a holiday gift, I would like to get her an undergarment that can wick away the moisture, but I don't trust everything I see tagged onto the garments. I want to get her something that really works, but I'm getting baffled by the marketing folks. Ken Tucson, Arizona

This question may seem dumb, but an old dog needs to learn new tricks! Having used external-fre packs since the late '60s, I've made the switch to an internal-fre one. I've studied all the diagrs about the best way to load internal-fres, but I'm still none the wiser. Bearing in mind I carry a fairly standard gear list, how should I pack for a five- to seven-day trip? Charles Cape Girardeau, Missouri

What do you think of the MIOX water purifier? Jeff Moscow, Idaho

Many years ago there were companies that took your old down-filled articles, reclaimed the down, and made you a new sleeping bag. I have an old army two-piece down bag and a down parka that I'd like to reconstitute into a new sleeping bag. I hate to throw away this good down, so do you know of any company that does this kind of work? Keil Endwell, Maine

I run trails. At night. Any bright ideas without weighing me down too much? Scott Hickory, North Carolina

I'm interested in replacing my older pair of heavy, all-leather Vasque hiking boots. So far I've been unsuccessful in locating anything close! There must be someone somewhere in Europe, Canada, or the U.S. that still makes a high-quality, heavy all-leather boot. I've looked at Dunh's excellent Mountain Masters, but I'm not fond of their tongue design. Art Cayucos, California

With the downhill ski season quickly approaching, I'm looking for a new shell-type jacket to replace my current insulated jacket, one that will work in almost any weather with appropriate layering (to be worn primarily in Vermont and New Hampshire, where rain is an occasional factor, but not a daily occurrence). Basically, I'm wondering if the $400-plus Gore-Tex jackets (like the Arc'Teryx Javelin SV or XCR Sidewinder SV) are really worth it, or if I'd be just as happy 99 percent of the time with a soft shell. Erik Hoboken, New Jersey

I want to buy a new pack for my husband for Christmas. Is it possible to use his measurements to find the right size without taking him with me, or is this the sort of thing he has to try out for himself? Any recommendations on a good pack to take out on weekend backpacking trips? Sally Athens, Ohio

With the downhill ski season quickly approaching, I'm looking for a new shell-type jacket to replace my current insulated jacket, one that will work in almost any weather with appropriate layering (to be worn primarily in Vermont and New Hampshire, where rain is an occasional factor, but not a daily occurrence). Basically, I'm wondering if the 400-plus Gore-Tex jackets (like the Arc'Teryx Javelin SV or XCR Sidewinder SV) are really worth it, or if I'd be just as happy 99 percent of the time with a soft shell. Erik Hoboken, New Jersey

I recently purchased an Integral Designs Endurance Bivy made of Pertex Endurance fabric, as I wanted a lightweight bivy sack to protect my down sleeping bag from drips and condensation in tents, tarps, and snow cave situations. So I've used my bivy sack in humid Pacific Northwest conditions inside a tent with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and each time have been disappointed to find my sleeping bag glistening from head to toe with condensation. My question, then: Does Pertex Endurance live up to its hype as a highly breathable waterproof fabric? My experience suggests that it doesn't, but I'm curious to know what others think about this fabric. John Seattle, Washington

Intro

Adventure meets Old World charm in this adrenaline-filled sea kayaking journey around the island of Crete.

It's ok—relax. We've got your big holiday score all wrapped up: the latest shiny new toys, sharp tools, and smokin' threads to help you keep you adventure resolutions.

In the nearly 30 years I've been hiking, biking, skiing, climbing, and kayaking, I've gone through a lot of gear. Most of it has been pretty good (like my Eureka Sentinel tent of a dozen years ago—heavy, but sturdy and roomy). Some of it has been pretty awful (like the…

I have a Canon Rebel 2000 that I want to take when I go skiing, but I'm worried about it not being able to handle the cold or the impact if I fall on my back. I will be carrying it in a medium-sized daypack. How can I keep it safe and warm? Matt Glastonbury, Connecticut

As someone who's five-foot-two and 104 pounds, I'm looking for snowshoeing clothing that I don't disappear into! I have several pairs of insulated pants, but they are really bulky (snowboarding-type pants). I see tons of form-fitting "pants," but there are so many different kinds I don't know where to start. Any advice on layers and brands that will keep me warm but fit closer to my body? BJ Guilderland, New York

I'm thinking of buying a GPS system for my son. What's the best value out there (good quality at a reasonable price)? Hir Buffalo, New York

What's the deal with Ex Officio's Buzz Off shirt and pants? They claim to ward off skeeters. Does this really work? Does the protection wear off after repeated washings? Mark Chantilly, Virginia

As a beginner skier living just one hour from Mount Hood, I'm trying to decide whether I should buy or just rent skis when I go; if I do buy, what equipment won't zero out my bank account? John Portland, Oregon