I having ACL reconstruction surgery next week and thought I'd purchase an indoor bike trainer to supplement my rehabilitation. However, I'm confused by the different resistance mechanisms: magnets, wind, fluid, who knows what else. Are there particular advantages to one over another? Is there a particular make or model you'd recommend? Rob Calgary, Alberta

Four years ago I bought a pair of Limmer Light-Weights, assured by a local in the store that they'd last me 20. I have a habit, though, of wearing them in snow and on glaciers, which has caused the leather at the rand to separate from the midsole, effectively making the boots VERY permeable to water. I'm told that Limmer will fix this problem and resole the boots for $75. Should I fork out the cash or simply buy a new pair of boots? Jacob New York City

Sala, Gear Man! So, you've hooked me up with advice on altimeter watches (I'm very happy with my Suunto, by the way) and Pac NW raingear (which ce in handy when I got reassigned to Ft. Lewis). Now, however, I have a more pedestrian question. Socks, actually. It is rather warm here in the scenic Middle East and my feet are sweating like crazy. I started out with the basic, military-issue black wool socks and got fed up in a few weeks. I've tried the newer poly-something socks they gave us, and they weren't bad. The only problem was that they tended to stretch out over a few wearings (laundry opportunities can be few and far between here) and gave me blisters on long walking patrols. So, any advice? My feet are in your hands. Larry Somewhere hot, Iraq

I seek your vast wisdom in selecting a small pack for the upcoming ski season; something comfy but lightweight that can pull double duty for lift-access skiing and limited backcountry use. I'd prefer a low profile pack under 1,800 cubic inches, with some sort of attachment point for skis as well as hydration-bladder compatibility. Also, do you think a panel loader would be better suited for this type of pack, thereby eliminating the need for a top pocket that might flop around when not completely filled? I asking for too much here? Joe Victor, New York

All I want for Christmas is a good headlp for winter use, but things have gotten complex. Voltage regulators, duo headlps, multiple settings, alkaline versus lithium batteries: these have all muddied what should have been a simple choice. Basically, what's the perfect headlp for an overnight or multi-day winter backpacking trip? Scott Maple Valley, Washington

I need some of your sage wisdom: As a pretty serious mountain biker and alpine skier looking to the approaching winter, I want to score a hard shell that will serve me both on the trails and the slopes. I've looked at Patagonia, Cloudveil, The North Face, and Lowe Alpine, but I'm lost in the many options. I want something that breathes well, keeps me dry in wet conditions. Insulation ain't important (got a great Patagonia fleece already). Please, point me in the right direction! Nathan Washington, D.C.

Why display your ignorance on recumbent bikes? Everyone with first-hand experience on these now thinks of you as an ignorant fool. "Save your hate mail"? Well, quit displaying your obvious ignorance, basing your assessment on the experience of some third-party rider. And, if recumbents are really slower (according to your uninformed belief), how many upright bikes own land speed records? Have you seen many uprights hitting speeds of 81 mph on level terrain with no wind? I've only seen videos of recumbents doing that. Two of my six bikes are recumbents, so I know what I'm talking about. However, I don't own any airplanes, so I wouldn't try answering a question on airplanes. Bet you would. Brian Albuquerque, New Mexico

These days it seems pretty much everybody's wearing bike helmets. Why can't you say the se for skiing helmets? And, do you think it'd be wise to shell out on a ski helmet? I've just booked up for a one-week ski trip to Colorado next February. Not having done much skiing before, I want to enjoy myself but also stay safe! Andrew Charlottesville, Virginia

What do you think of the newer mountain bikes with 29-inch wheels? I'm thinking of upgrading my 1989 Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo for something more roadworthy, but that can still take the abuse of dirt trails. I was thinking of getting a cyclocross bike, but perhaps a 29-inch wheeler might be more suited to the kind of riding I want to do. Booker Kensington, California

I've seen quite a few hikers with two-way radios on the trail. What's your take: recreational gimmick or worthwhile piece of equipment? Our family of four hikes together a fair amount, so I can see their worth. But, then again, does trail etiquette mean this is akin to using a cell phone on the bus? Philip Burlington, Vermont

I recently completed a fantastic trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but unfortunately my stove was confiscated by airport security on the way home. I'd emptied the stove and attempted to air it out, but still wasn't allowed to travel with it because I'd used it less than 24 hours beforehand. Can you recommend a method or product to clean out a stove that will completely eliminate any fuel odors and make it safe for air travel? Additionally, I'm now in the market for a new stove. I had a Peak-1 Apex II, reliable as the dawn though maybe a little heavy. Can you recommend a lighter yet equally reliable replacement? Dave Boston, Massachusetts

Every time I wake up in my new Marmot Swallow tent the condensation is so bad that my sleeping bag and clothes get wet, so much so that I'm considering taking the tent back and exchanging it for a Mountain Hardwear Skyview or MSR Fusion. I have searched the Internet and read many positive reviews about the Swallow, so is this just a common problem in three- to four-season tents, or did I just get the one defective tent in the batch?

Douglas Gantenbein, better known to many as the Gear Guy, has been hiking, biking, skiing, and climbing in Washington State and the West Coast for 25 years. During that time he’s endured leaking tents, back-breaking packs, balky stoves, and freeze-dried food so bad that even his always-hungry beagles would likely…

I own a long-sleeve Kodiak Light cycling jersey from Pearl Izumi. While nice, the jersey is too permeable to the wind, so I get chilled on colder days. Can I spray the front of the jersey's arms, shoulders, and chest with Scotchgard to improve its windproofing without trashing the piece? Or, is there some other spray-on product that would do the trick? D.J. Potomac, Maryland

So, the winter snow will soon be upon us. As a snowboarder, my feet always seem to get extremely cold. I wear SmartWool socks, and I sometimes need to wear two pairs of socks (though not necessarily both SmartWool). Do you think my feet are just overly sensitive to the cold, or is there something else out there to keep my tootsies cozy?

I'm considering buying a recumbent bike for exercise on country roads, having had enough of the sore ass and shoulders I get when out riding my regular bike. What recommendations do you have about style and prices? Jerry Chpaign, Illinois

I plan on doing some winter backpacking in New Hampshire's White Mountains for the first time. I need some help with sleeping bags—there are so many to choose from! Should I go for down or synthetic? What's a good temperature rating for this kind of trip? Mark Boston, Massachusetts

As an avid reader of your column, I knew I could come to you for advice. Does anyone make a waterproof backpack? I commute to work on my bike and need my stuff to stay dry. Specifically, I would really like to find a weatherproof pack that can carry my laptop. (And we get a lot of weather over here in Iceland.) I've seen courier bags from Timbuk2 and Chrome, but nothing really sings out to me. And, while we're at it, why doesn't anyone make a bag out of Gore-Tex XCR or something similar? Douglas Keflavík, Iceland

Fall's new casual boots feature a tried-and-true friend: durable leather. X-Ray 'em, however, and you'll find athletic-shoe cushioning and the sole and support of a hiker. Because you know what they say: real beauty is more than skin-deep.

Like travel itself, the latest gear for the road is full of wild surprises

I'm headed to the Okavango Delta in Botswana for six months through a job with Conservation International. I not a very experienced photographer, so can you recommend a reasonably priced camera that'll take great wildlife photos? Todd Baltimore, Maryland

Last year I bought a Specialized Sirrus Sport hybrid for road biking, with which I'm very happy. My brother's looking for a new bike, so how does something like the Marin ALP line of bikes, particularly their Highway One, stand up against the likes of my Specialized Sirrus? A bike mechanic told me that Marin's star is waning, and that you are paying for their ne. Thanks for your insight. I've actually set up my Internet browser to open your column as my personal homepage, and have used your advice more times than I can remember! Patrick Chicago, Illinois

So everyone I know agrees the Marmot Oracle is a fantastic storm protection jacket. But sometimes you have to take the advice of longtime friends... and throw it away because they are not the Gear Guy. I want an ultralight jacket to throw in my pack while hiking. I bought my wife the Marmot Oracle, which she loves, but what do you think about products using PacLite such as the GoLite Phantom Jacket, or the Marmot Osprey? I already have an Arc'teryx Beta AR, but is that light enough, or would PacLite be worth it? Jeremiah Eugene, Oregon

For the last five years, I've been lugging around a seven-pound Dana Design Stillwater pack. But recently, I've seen the "light" and have gone lightweight. Can you recommend a solid, 4,000-cubic-inch pack that weighs less than four pounds? I was looking at the Osprey Aether 60 and the Mountainsmith Auspex, but which would you recommend? Thanks for always being the "go to" guy when it comes to gear. Jake Irvine, California

Now that the venerable Patagonia Ice Nine ski bibs have been discontinued, what do you recommend in their place? I want something similar: waterproof-breathable, light but durable, great features. However, I've read not very complimentary things about The North Face's Gore-Tex XCR bibs. Richard Oak Ridge, Tennessee

During a week's hiking around the High Sierra Cps of Yosemite, my backpack began to reek! Even though I washed myself and my clothes regularly, my husband, who is normally a very sweet man, insisted I hike behind him so as not to be asphyxiated. How, oh how do I get the stench out of my backpack straps?

Which do you think would be better for a backcountry winter camping trip in Yosemite: snowshoes or a ski like the Karhu Morph (which looks like L.L. Bean's Boreal and features a built-in climbing skin)? Tom Marina del Rey, California

I recently completed a two-week, 96-mile trek in Alaska's Brooks Range. I thought that I was traveling as light as possible until I encountered a couple of wandering hikers who were carrying external-fre backpacks fashioned with titanium fres and Kevlar fabric. Their packs, from Cp Trails, weighed at least half of my Longbed pack, and mine was smaller. After returning to civilization I immediately visited the store where they told me such packs could be purchased, but the sales staff gave me that "what planet are you from?" look upon hearing my tale. Assuming they are the ones from another planet, can you help me find a super-lightweight pack weighing less than four-and-a-half pounds, with up to 6,500 cubic inches of capacity? Is there such a creature still being made out there? Fred Kodiak, Alaska

I have some questions about a backpacking trip around India, where weight will be a consideration. We need a unit for recharging digital camera batteries (possibly with surge protection), as well as a lightweight but intimidating-looking lock and chain to secure our packs to seats and poles on trains. One more thing: I'm looking for a multi-climate sleeping-bag liner. Thanks much! Sue Boston, Massachusetts

Lieber Ausrüstungmensch: Looking at the change of seasons and your report on the latest and greatest in the gear world, I'm trying to come up with a clothing strategy that maximizes economy of budget and weight. I'm a keen hiker currently living in Germany (near the Alps), but who will be moving back to the East Coast of the U.S. (Smoky Mountains!) soon. I want a system that will cover me when it's warm, cool, and wet. Should I go with a fleece-plus-shell combo, lugging around the deadweight when I'm not using it, or should I buy one of the do-it-all soft shells? Patrick Frankfurt Main, Germany

I planning a climbing trip to the Yosemite Valley in a few weeks, and I was wondering if you have any recommendations for a hydration pack I could use while climbing. I would use it to also carry a small headlp, rainjacket, and a few energy bars. I looking for something low profile that will not get in my way while climbing. Anything fit the bill? Alan Locust, New Jersey

Dear Gear Guru, I'm thinking about bringing my Labrador camping with me, but don't know if he needs special gear. I have a two-person tent, and there's no way my wife and I could fit him in there with us. I don't think he'll be satisfied sleeping in the tent's vestibule either. What should we do to make sure he's happy and safe? John Bloomington, Indiana

I do quite a lot of bushwalking in the Japan Alps and have been carrying my Canon SLR with standard lens, and occasionally an extra telephoto lens—all told, a hefty load. I'm not such a serious photographer to need all that extra weight, but I would like better photos than a disposable or compact can produce. After some research I had decided to splurge on a Contax T3, but then I saw a new Pentax SLR—the "*ist"—that weighs only 335 grs (presumably that's the body only). So, with a matching lens, it still comes in at about half the weight of my current camera. I presume the optics are plastic, hence the low weight. Which would you choose? Excellent fixed lens or zoomable plastic? Dian Tokyo, Japan

If a guy was headed to Denali in May, and asked you to compare the Marmot 8000 Meter Parka with the Feathered Friends Rock & Ice Parka that you used, what would you say? And, since I very good-looking, would you like to use my photo at the head of your column and tell people it was you? Bob Reno, Nevada

What's the deal with "fly-only pitching" options with tents? My partner wants a roomy, comfortable double-wall tent for two (she likes The North Face's Roadrunner 2). However, I also want a lightweight single-wall tent that's easy to pitch for solo camping and just traveling light (something like a Bibler Megid or GoLite Den 2). Will a tent with fly-only pitching meet both needs? Jes Sydney, Australia

I was rock climbing in Australia earlier this year when I fell and wrecked a lumbar disc. I'm having surgery to decompress the spinal nerve in a couple of weeks (a lumbar microdiscectomy), and I'm itching to get back into trping (you call this "hiking") and climbing and so on. Since physiotherapists don't know much about backpacks, I'm wondering if you can help me: Is there a backpack that is better for your back (i.e., one that doesn't compress your lower back too much)? I currently use a fairly simple 60-liter New Zealand-made pack by Cactus Climbing. Karen Wellington, New Zealand

My husband and I are having an argument about our 20-year-old down sleeping bags. The bags in question are Blacks Icecap XL mummy bags. I've recently being doing some fall camping and find that I get quite cold some nights, leading me to surmise that these sleeping bags have reached the end of their days. My husband says it's just my age, as he doesn't find them cold. Now I know I shouldn't bother arguing with him and just go out and buy myself a new sleeping bag, but I want you to tell him that down sleeping bags do "die" eventually. Can you back me up? Carol Port Moody, British Columbia

I have a medical condition known as Raynaud's, which basically means that I have real problems staying warm in temperatures below 50 degrees. This past winter was a killer for me. Unfortunately I can't hole up inside during the winter as my 100-pound insulated dog needs to walk (and loves the cold). What do you think would work best for me? I assume down, but the women's down parkas don't seem to be that warm. Faith Reston, Virginia

What does one do when his hero lets him down? Last fall you spoke highly of the St. Moritz Pathfinder TI watch. Well, let me tell you, the Gear Guy is fallible. This watch has been a huge letdown. The "glow factor" of the numbers is terrible, the alarm is barely audible, and the service is less than acceptable. I sent it in for warranty repair for its water resistance, being sure to mention the other factors, and the service was very slow and they never even addressed my other concerns. I think you may have made an error! (I know, hard to believe.) Tim Moose, Wyoming

Thanks for asking the Gear Guy a question. Stay tuned to the Gear Guy’s column for your answer. He should get back to you in about a week. Of course, while he’d love to answer everyone’s questions, he’s so busy testing equipment that he…

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 Catounts. While these seem to work well for touring on ungroomed trails, would these also suit for telemarking on blue-square trails? Rusty Cresco, Pennsylvania

Can you recommend a good cross-country skiing package that's suitable for both groomed trails and backcountry use? John Duluth, Minnesota

I'm looking for an internal-fre backpack in the 4500- to 5500-cubic-inch range for less than $250. I need one with a torso length of at least 23 inches. Do you have any suggestions? Dennis McAllister Cleveland, Oklahoma

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

I wear Levis to hike and cp in. (I'll pause here while you gasp in horror.) I'd cheerfully purchase better pants, but all the ones I've looked at feel like slacks. Slacks are for dress up, Levis are for work and play. This was drilled into my synapses many years ago and I'm too old to change. Is there a wool or synthetic pant out there that has the weight and feel of denim, which I can wear comfortably without offending the sensibilities of right-thinking outdoors folk everywhere?

When it comes to packing a backpack, I get lots of varying answers. What's correct, the weight at the top of the pack or at the bottom? Kristen San Diego, California

I have gotten into section hiking the AT and whenever I go and carry a fair load (more than 30 pounds) I come home with strawberries (abrasions) on my hips from the waist belts. HELP ME! Jeff Hatcher Mcleansville, North Carolina

As a frequent trail runner, I looking for a backpack designed with running in mind. I would like something with ple storage for additional layers and supplies, certainly larger than a lumbar pack. Any suggestions? Connor Ann Arbor, Michigan

What's the best way to clean my hands in the wilderness prior to handling contact lenses? My waterless hand sanitizer warns against eye contact and I don't want to use stream water.

My daughter is flying to Europe this fall and is looking for a good all-around pack for all travel essentials, plus a computer. She is small-fred, five-feet four-inches tall, and weighs 110 pounds. This is the only luggage she is taking and she plans on being there five months. The packs needs to be durable and easy to carry. What should she be looking for? Janet Boise, Idaho

I know it's only August, but I have recently taken up running and looking ahead to the looming Ottawa winter. In preparing to outfit myself, I have been doing some reading about soft-shell jackets. The claim seems to be that I won't need to do the usual layering job with one of these—the soft shell can do it all. Is this right? Would a soft shell be the answer to a big part of my winter running wardrobe? Eric Ottawa, Ontario

Because of a small fire in our house I need to have three down sleeping bags, a jacket, and a vest cleaned. I need some suggestions of companies that will handle this operation and do it correctly. I may find other equipment and clothes as the clean up process progresses that need cleaning also. The smell smoke and soot of a house fire is not the se as that of a campfire! Gary Johnson Collegeville, Pennsylvania

What is meant by the minimum weight on tent specifications? S Weatherley Birmingh, United Kingdom

I plan to buy a bike for my wife, a long-overdue birthday present, to be used mostly on backcountry roads (gravel, dirt, or tarmac) but not on trails. I'm looking for something that is good quality and will be comfortable for a 30-mile ride. A racing bike seems too fragile, while the ubiquitous mountain bike seems like overkill. Is a hybrid (whatever that is!) the way to go? I really require your guidance, as this gift is somewhat late. Steven Westmount, Quebec

I have logged many air miles with my MSR Whisperlite AND empty fuel bottles. I have never been given any problems (including post 9-11 from New York area airports) having them packed in my luggage. I do, however, take a couple of precautions. These include calling the airline before hand and getting the name and customer service ID of the person I talked to, keeping the fuel bottle clean and uncapped (leave some soap residue inside so it will smell clean), and always checking in at the counter so you can tell the attendant that that the thing that looks like a bomb is a stove and bottles. Most of the time the attendant checks the equipment and that is all (sometimes they mark my luggage with a weird tag). I have on other occasions had an attendant repackage the stove in the airline's special box. I feel that if you are up front about it and take a little care, things will go smoother. However be prepared for the guy who is a hard nose as you may still lose your stove. Jonathan Cushing New York, New York

I'm in the market for a decent down jacket but don't want to fork over the money for a Feathered Friends Rock & Ice Parka, as good as it is. What do you know about the Frobisher 700 Parka from Mountain Equipment Co-Op (a Canadian company)? It's stuffed with about 16.5 ounces of 700-fill down, has a Dryloft shell, and sells for about $285. It seems like deal to me! But I'm curious how it stacks up against Mountain Hardwear's Sub Zero SL Parka. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Michael Gebhardt Chattanooga, Tennessee

Gear Guru: I work out almost every day, so I need a lot of base-layer garments. When it's not too cold out, my CoolMax Alta turtlenecks seem a good deal. But what about the other, pricier options? Do these have wondrous additional capabilities worth the extra cash? David Portland, Oregon

Raichle's Mountain Trekker backpacking boot is the best boot I have ever owned, and I would like to purchase another pair. However, I can't find anyone that carries them anymore. Could you help me out with information on where I could get a pair? Trevor Calgary, Alberta

I read the article about the Crawford Survival Staff in the 2000 Buyer's Guide, but I wanted to ask if it's really worth the $225. You're the only source of reliable information I have! Did you actually field-test the staff? Alex

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

How do I get Christmas-tree pitch out of a Gore-Tex jacket? Karen Gresh, Oregon

Oh Gear Guide, you have failed us! Over and over I have heard you espouse the quality of the Yashica, so I decided that the T4 was the camera for me. Unfortunately, after hours of searching, I find out that the T4 has not been made for years! Just recently, you suggested the camera but didn't mention that it would be impossible to find. With the T4 no longer on the market, what kind of camera would you suggest? Mike Newark, Ohio

I'm a self-proclaimed "active" person striving to be at least mediocre at several "outside" activities, such as mountain biking, kayaking, backpacking, etc. I have a Ford Ranger truck, and finding it quite a challenge to figure out how to fit all my stuff on there -- with more than one person coming along, it gets really tricky! I'm wondering what the best way to transport kayaks on my truck would be. I have an aluminum truck box already taking up half of the bed (placed lengthwise on the driver side). I have mounts to put two bikes on the other side of the box in the bed. But how will I carry a kayak? Help! Owen Fennern San Jose, California

For a very long time I've been looking for a camera to take backpacking. I messed around with digitals, but decided they were not practical and didn't have a good enough zoom for my purposes. So, now I'm looking to get an SLR. Do you have any recommendations on a good camera and some good lenses for an amateur not wanting to bother with tons of manual setup? Benjamin Tempe, Arizona

Do you think the Bibler's Tempest is too much tent for Oregon's Mount Hood? I'm looking for a four-season tent in the $400 to $500 price range. I plan to live in it for a while (at least three to four months) as a volunteer. Joe Venice, California

Is it necessary to waterproof Gore-Tex boots with something like Nikwax's Aqueous Wax Waterproofing? Mikebr>St. Paul, Minnesota

I'll be skiing in the Austrian Alps this winter. What's the essential gear for avalanche safety? We're not all supported by James Bond-level technology, but I was wondering what sort of equipment you'd recommend for going off piste. Brian York, United Kingdom

I have been hearing about MSR's lightweight and very compact Pocket Rocket stove. But the fuel for it seems to weigh a lot more than the white gas that I use now for my MSR Whisperlite. Is the fuel for this new breed of stoves heavier than other fuels? And if so why does everyone think they are saving so much more weight when they are making up for it in the weight of the fuel? Justin Strasburg Lincoln, Nebraska

Your Gearness, I started mountain biking about two months ago and bought a Gary Fisher Tassahara. I bought all of the needed accessories—Celbak, spd shoes, and clipless pedals—but have a question regarding shorts. I bought three pairs of six-panel Lycra shorts and love them. But, I see a lot of mountain bikers wearing baggy shorts. What do you think of them? I tried a pair of Zoic Vigor shorts and the Lycra liner's pad felt thin. What do you think about just using the six-panel short and putting knee length Cordura hiking short over them? Patrick Fetizanan Chicago, Illinois

Hola Señor Gear: After ten days of tromping in the Peruvian rainforest in borrowed rubber boots, my insteps are bruised from roots and stumps and my toes want to grip the inside of my shoes for stability. Yet, I'm convinced that rubber boots are the only way to go in jungle conditions. Are there rubber boots with hiking boot soles and at least a little support for the ankles? Bob St. Louis, Missouri

My fiancC) has an old REI dome tent that she loves and always insists on bringing, though I'm convinced, because of its age, it's destined to soon become just some tattered prayer flags along the trail and leave us shelterless. She doesn't like any of the current tent designs because their vestibules completely protect the door and prevent you from being able to easily watch the rain. The REI dome is great because its door has two parts—a screen door and ripstop nylon door that you can zip part of the way up to keep rain out. Does anybody still make a dome tent like this? Mark Scantlebury Portland, Oregon

Dear Gear Guy, I longtime winter outdoorsman, but a winter and alpine camping beginner. I bought a -5-degree Polarguard 3D bag that I've slept in at temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees in high-quality tents and on a (cushy) RidgeRest/Therma-Rest combo, albeit on snow—and I always freeze, if not right away, then definitely by 3 A.M. I wear at least two layers, often my third, hat, etc. Short of wearing my outer layer (!!) or my belay jacket/pillow to bed, what gives? I just in kick-ass shape (no insulation layer) or just a total wimp who needs to buy a warmer, heavier bag? Or is there something about temperature ratings that I'm missing? Bill New York, New York

I'm looking for a sleeping bag to use mainly for summer backpacking in the Northeast, something that's less than two pounds with a temperature rating down to about 30 degrees; I'd also really like a full-length zipper, so I can unzip the bag on those warmer nights. I've always enjoyed your gear wisdom, so I'm looking forward to any suggestions you might have. Kevin Boston, Massachusetts

What clothes should you sleep in when backpacking? I mostly go in southern California during spring or fall, so temps can dip to 30 degrees at night, but not much lower. Generally, I wear whatever I change into once we make cp, but I've begun to wonder if I should dress more warmly to bed and rely less on a heavy sleeping bag. Christopher Simi Valley, California

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

I'm looking for a boot that is automatic crampon compatible. Also, I'd like it to be a very well rounded boot—I need it to be able to go on extended backpacking trips and even some vertical ice climbing. What is my best choice? Dan Charlton, Massachusetts

Are there poles that could do double duty for downhill skiing and trekking? Or is that too much to ask from a set of poles for around $100? Dan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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 breaking in a new pair of La Sportiva TRK hiking boots. I have no problem on flat terrain or when hiking uphill, but on the descent my toes will start to hurt and crp up, especially where they meet the base of my boot. I have high arches, so could this be the cause? Or is this just normal with new boots? BJ Guilderland, New York

When a pack manufacturer specifies a volume for a certain pack, do they mean the main compartment only or does the number include all the outside pockets as well? It seems that a 40-liter pack from one brand is not the se size as a 40- liter from another. Kenneth Toronto, Ontario