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've been skiing for years and haven't needed to buy new thermal underwear in a long time. But now that I'm ready to replace it, several new materials are on the market. I know I don't want cotton, but what about silk? Wool? Or should I just stick with polyester? y Kuntz California

I'm looking for a mountaineering boot for tackling some of the Lower 48's fourteeners. I've reviewed the Koflach Degre and the Asolo Guide, but I'm also interested in some of the newer leather boots, like the Scarpa Cerro Torre Thermo. Have the new insulated leathers finally become an acceptable solution, or should I stick with doubles? Matt San Ron, California

Are candle lanterns safe to use in tents for light? Obviously you'd want to keep an open fle away from the tent walls, but are they as safe as a battery-powered lantern? John Bergquist Corvallis, Oregon

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

What's the best crampon for the LaSportiva K3 boot? Can I use semi-rigid crampons with them to climb vertical ice? I need crampons for that and glacier approaches but am afraid that if I get a fully rigid crampon I will get to much balling-up effect with the snow. Joe Roop Prescott, Arizona

I have a 15-year-old Peak 1 stove that still works great. I was wondering if I could use cheaper unleaded gasoline (about half the price of Coleman fuel) without blowing me or my friends up. Or do I need to get a newer model made for both white gas and gasoline? J. D. Craft Lancaster, Ohio

I have a simple question. I dried my jacket on a high temperature in the dryer. Everybody tells me I shouldn't have done this, but how will it affect my jacket? Adrien Lancaster, United Kingdom

G'day Gear Guru, I've noticed a couple of innovative water-purifiers that incorporate the filter mechanism directly into the cap of a light, convenient, and squeezable water bottle. Models by Orinoco and SafeWater Anywhere make lofty claims of filtering and purifying the nasties better than traditional pump-style filters; the SafeWater model even has a filter cap that fits onto Nalgene bottles. Is there any point to lugging around our old pump filters anymore? Lange Sydney, Australia

Oh Gear Oracle, I have a problem with a build-up of moisture within my mittens, not from rain or snow, but from my own perspiration. This is especially true during snowshoeing trips. I was wondering if there are any shells that have little or no insulation, allowing me to layer them inside and increase the breathability of the mitten. Dennis Portsmouth, New Hampshire

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

At what point, if ever, should your boots be replaced? Is it a question of mileage, time, or condition? I've had my boots (L.L. Bean Knife Edge, leather) for a number of years. They are well maintained and comfortable. Is there a point where the boot does not perform its support function and the trade off between comfort and support (in favor of comfort) is not worth it? Jim Comerford Wyncote, Pennsylvania

Your Gearness, I'm in desperate need of your expert advice. After two major knee surgeries involving saws, metal plates, and screws, I have suddenly become an advocate of trekking poles. I own a set of Master Kompressor poles with comfortable handles and a useful shock-absorber option. However, I've been tempted by a pair of Leki Ultralites, which are six ounces lighter but without the shock absorbers. At five-foot-one and about 120 pounds, do I really need poles with shock absorbers, or is it a waste of money for me? I have my sights set on the Grand Canyon this spring and would like to have time to "road test" a set of poles before then. Paula San Diego, California

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 are the key factors one should take into account in purchasing a road/touring bike? Brent Ithaca, New York

I want a chest pack to carry my Pentax 67II camera and its lens. It will need to have padded shoulder straps and a strap to hold it tight around my waist. Any ideas? Kiim Clackas, Oregon

I've been looking at water purifiers and have narrowed it down to two-the First Need Deluxe and the Sweet Water Guardian. I've read some on both and I've heard of the Guardian breaking on hiking trips and not being field serviceable. I haven't been able to get much info on the First Need Deluxe, only that is clogs. Which do you think is better and why? Kyle Waco, Texas

Is it better to roll or stuff a tent? Kye Eugene, Oregon

I'm considering purchasing a food dehydrator to help lighten things up on long hikes and bike rides. My research suggests that the best options are the erican Harvest or the Excalibur, but I have no idea of how these compare or if there is a better choice out there. I'm comfortable selecting the price and capacity of the model, but at a loss when it comes to the other nuts and bolts of the subject. Do you have any insights that can inform my decision? Chuck Freeport, Maine

Why are mountaineering leather double boots such as the Boreal G1 or Vasque Vertical such a niche product? They are supposed to provide as much warmth as plastic double boots, without any the discomfort of wearing something fit for Frankenstein. These boots have summited Denali and Everest, yet event the "experts" at specialty gear stores frequently don't know about them. What's the catch? Andy Veres Alexandria, Virginia

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

I'm in the market for a new sleeping bag and would like to give a down bag a try, mostly because of space and weight issues. I'd be using it primarily as my summer bag, so a 30-degree rating should be enough. Do you have any advice for a good down bag? Andy La Crosse, Wisconsin

I've been looking for a zero- or minus five-degree sleeping bag for use in early spring, but found that nobody makes any quality down bags for women. What's up with that? All Western Mountaineering bags are huge, while Feathered Friends makes only two women-specific bags, but they're rated only for 10 and 20 degrees. I just wonder, does the outdoor industry think that every outdoorsperson is some huge guy with wide shoulders and skinny hips? That has got to change! Anyways, for the problem at hand: I'm five-foot-six and on the lean side. What's a quality down bag that won't require me to expend extra energy in order to heat up excess room inside the bag? Jennifer San Diego, California

As a bowman on a racing sailboat crew, I called upon to climb various things. The usual practice is to wear a climbing harness rather than use a bosun's chair as it saves time on the racecourse. My problem is that salt water is corrosive, and our usual sailing area off the south coast of the U.K. is particularly so. I'm not too comfortable going up the mast wearing a harness where the buckles are showing signs of corrosion. Is there a harness with buckles made of stainless steel? Or what other solution could you suggest? Edward London, England

What are the best winter socks for snow skiing? When I ski, I rent boots and skis, but I find my feet always get cold. What socks should I get to make sure my feet stay warm? Should I use sock liners in addition to high quality wool socks? Brad Chapel Hill, North Carolina

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

I'm a 40-year-old dad planning to be a mule for my young family of five (wife, two daughters, ten and 12 years old, and seven-year-old son). I'm looking for a large capacity (6,000-plus-cubic-inch) backpack. I'm currently looking at the Osprey Crescent 110, Dana Designs Terraplane, and Arc'Teryx Bora 95. I realize pack comfort will differ based on individual size and body shape. Of these three I mention, and possibly others I haven't, which carries the heaviest loads and provides the most comfort. Frank Hahn Chula Vista, California

I'm curious to hear your opinion about Osprey's line of Ariel backpacks, particularly their Ariel 75. I can't seem to find any reviews on anything other than the Aether 60. I loved the Osprey Luna 75, but I'm looking for something slightly lighter. My main concern is whether the suspension of this smaller pack will hold up under a 40-pound load. I don't want to sacrifice good load transfer and stability simply for the sake of a lighter pack. Erica Boston, Massachusetts

This summer, I will be traveling in Peru and concerned about thieves cutting into my pack. What do you recommend to protect my belongings? Pat Harlingen, Texas

I'm planning an Appalachian Trail through-hike for 2003. I've poured over all the gear columns/ratings/etc. And with a bit of your wisdom have narrowed down most of my gear. But...I'm thinking of going stoveless. What's your opinion and do you know any recipes for easy/light/nutritious stoveless meals? Tim Moose, Wyoming

What's a good, moderately priced tire for mountain biking in the snow? I'm not looking to spend a fortune for a studded snow tire, just something with better traction that I can use in the spring as well. Paul Patterson, New York

I travel consistently for my job and like to hike and cp when I home. Could you recommend a digital camera that holds up to the abuse of travel and camping but still takes great pictures? I'm looking for something around the $500-mark. I have looked at some Nikon products, but what else would you recommend? Matt Minneapolis, Minnesota

Any idea where I might look for prescription sunglasses that I could use at high altitude? My local optician says the lenses he could sell me "might" block both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, but he's not sure. Is blocking both UV and IR really important? Andy Billings, Montana

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

What have you heard about the new Eureka Zeus Exo1 single wall Tent? I a big Sierra Design Meteor Light CD fan but need a very lightweight tent for a solo through-hike this summer. Thanks for your help! Lora Cochran Cody, Wyoming

Can you shed some light on headlps for a well-intentioned fanny-pack kisser? I'm after a good, bright headlp for hiking and backpacking. I have an old Princeton Tec Solo, but thinking of upgrading to a Black Diond Gemini or one of the Petzl models. And there I was thinking that the days of headgear obsessions ended with high school. Jay Eugene, Oregon

I'm planning a trip to the Bahas this summer and in the market for a reliable diving watch. Can you recommend something that won't implode after the first ten meters and won't shatter my bank balance? Alison Austin, Texas

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

I'll be going to England, Ireland, and Scotland soon and will spend most nights in my tent or in hostels. My question for you is: what kind of pants should I bring? I want them to look good (since I'll be touring museums and all that), but still be lightweight and durable, since I'll be using these on backpacking trips in the future. I think I've narrowed it down to two choices: Ex Officio Explorer Pants and Royal Robbins's Go Everywhere Pants, but I can be persuaded to change my mind. My girlfriend (who goes with me on many of my trips) thinks zip-off pants look completely dorky, so I'm not interested in those. Thanks for any information! Steve Bockhold Memphis, Tennessee

Are there any leather boots that will hold up on the "big peaks" like Denali or Everest? I planning a trip to Denali and would really like to go with leather boots as I've never liked plastics. Any thoughts? Jeff Norfolk, Virginia

What are the best boots for snowshoeing? I've tried winter boots and cross-country ski boots, but none of these fit well enough in my snowshoes. Jean San Francisco, California

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

Would you recommend a waterproof poncho for backpacking? My friends and I are thinking of doing the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island this summer. I have heard that even the best Gore-Tex fails under the onslaught of seven days of heavy rain. Previous trail users have suggested carrying a waterproof poncho to cover you and your pack. What are your thoughts on this idea? Chris Barnes Silverdale, Washington

I just recently got into mountaineering and assing all the gear needed to pursue my different interests. I have a lot of the basics and now its time to get some boots. I need a four-season boot for both general mountain travel and technical ice. In the grand scheme of accruing mountain gear, boots account for a pretty hefty chunk of change—especially if you buy three pair of boots: one for three-season mountain travel, another for winter mountain travel, and the third for technical ice. Much more appealing would be a single pair of boots that could do all three. Does such a boot exist? If not, can I get away with two pairs of boots? I'm just looking for a way to escape throwing down $1000 on boots. Josh Hattan Lincoln, Nebraska

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 need a bike for commuting that I can use with panniers. Should I go with a traditional touring bike, or should I use one of the hybrids similar to a Trek 7700 FX? I'd like to spend less than $1,250 if possible. I have found some bike commuting pages, but they don't give much guidance on, of all things, bikes. I'm sure you have more than enough time in the saddle to offer some guidance as well as some personal preferences. Tim San Jose, California

I was out hiking in the west Texas desert a few months ago during a delicious spate of rainy summer weather. I was wearing a light pair of boots and found myself slipping and sliding all over the wet rocks. Crawling on my hands and knees over boulders is not my idea of fun, and it really ruined my week. I'm now in the market for a pair of light "day hikers," with soles that'll give me some traction on wet rock. Any suggestions? Paul San Antonio, Texas

I'm looking for the perfect sea-kayaking tent. Currently I'm using an older The North Face Geodesic three-person tent: it's great but is on the large size and tends to leak when not staked out. So, I'm looking for something that packs into a small size, can hold more than one person's gear, sets up easily, doesn't require much staking (sand doesn't hold stakes very well), and is very waterproof. Marshall Watkinsville, Georgia

I recently started taking my dog with me while backpacking, and he loves it. But, should I worry about him drinking from lakes or stres? Should I filter his water for him? Kevin Mississauga, Ontario

I have been looking at jackets and vests from GoLite, and they all seem pretty cool. Logic tells me that their stuff probably doesn't keep one as warm as the heavier stuff other companies offer. Can you confirm that? Matthew Sattah Chattanooga, Tennessee

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

I've heard that deet will destroy nylon and nylon-blend materials such as tents and quick-drying garments. Is there an effective insect spray that can be used on these materials? Mike Tpa, Florida

There is a well known canoe camping writer that advocates using a plastic ground cloth on the INSIDE of your tent. He says that not only will you be drier in a downpour, but that it will protect the tent floor just as well as if it is placed underneath the tent. What are your thoughts on this subject? Dave Cbridge, Minnesota

Can you help me pick out the best-value sleeping pad? I'm new to backpacking and need my comfort while sleeping. Heck, I'd take my electric blanket along if I could. I want to find a pad that will be worth the money, but will last a long time too. I can't decide between a less expensive closed-cell pad and one of the inflatable ones. Are the inflatable kind that much better to justify the extra cost? Please help this confused backpacking novice! Kendra North Ogden, Utah

My wife and I will travel overland from Vietn to Turkey in 2003. We cannot decide what sleeping bags to take, as it will be very hot and wet in Vietn during the monsoon season, but cooler and dry when we are in Central Asia. Space, weight, and price are all issues. What do you think? Is there a light, extremely compact bag that will work when hiking in the jungle and also keep us warm in colder, alpine conditions? For the record, the tent we plan to use is a 1.3-pound mosquito net, with a fly and pegs if things get a bit windier. Andrew Darwin, Australia

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 have recently begun rock climbing and have decided it is time to purchase climbing shoes (I sure that this isn't another phase for me like decorative soap making). I have been told and read that when purchasing climbing shoes to buy them one and a half sizes smaller than your regular shoe size. Will they really stretch one and a half sizes lengthwise to fit my foot, or will I just be inflicting some strange foot torture on myself? Thanks! Matthew Cpion New York, New York

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

So, after a year or so of ultra-light backpacking, my wife and I are starting to bring my son along, which means I need a huge pack to haul accommodation for three. Should I splurge and get a high-volume expedition pack like a Bora 95 or Gregory Denali, or are one of the new generation of external-fre packs (like Kelty's 50th anniversary edition) better value? We'll be mostly on trail, but I'm not sure if the lower-priced packs will provide enough comfort over a few days. Robert Granada Hills, California

I guess this might be more of a biological or physiological question than a straight gear question, but I notice that when I sip water from a CelBak, I have to "go" less than if I take bigger yet less frequent gulps from a water bottle. It seems that even drinking a full 70 ounces from my CelBak, compared to a quart from a bottle, is easier on my bladder. I just imagining this? Does the body better optimize water that's sipped slowly? Bill Bedford, New Hampshire

Not really a gear question, but can you tell me about all the pre-packaged trail food on the market? What have you tried? What's the best? Also, do you know of any Web sites with a good selection of trail recipes, especially vegetarian? Melissa Greenwood, Delaware

I'm planning on through-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and would like to keep my pack weight as low as possible without sacrificing comfort. When I through-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1990, my pack weight was around 50 pounds, including food and water. I have heard that ultralight packs are not very comfortable with loads over 20 pounds. Can you recommend a lightweight backpack for my hike? Cliff Ashford, Alabama

I'm gearing up for an ascent of Denali in May 2002. Could you advise for clothing and size of compression sacks appropriate to bring? I weigh 114 pounds so I want to minimize what I have to pack. Jeanne Stawiecki Charlton, Massachusetts

I own a 1994 Isuzu Trooper SE that has a moon roof and a factory luggage rack. I looking for a roof rack system to carry bikes. I've looked through Thule and Yakima online, and wondered if I could use the existing luggage tracks and buy towers to go with them and then the bars. I really want something for the roof, not a tire or hitch mount. WD Ray Columbia, South Carolina

I'm taking a two-day bike tour with a friend. We are both concerned about the camping stuff we need to be carrying. Can you give some advice on what we should carry on our bikes? And which sleeping bags would you suggest? Ali Serefli Hartford, Connecticut

I'm looking to get a lightweight and compact pair of binoculars to carry with me on hikes. Do you have any general tips and some recommendations for good buys? Joe Voelcker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Do I need to replace my 1994 Oakley sunglasses? I wondering if the 100 percent UV protection in the lenses breaks down over the years with repeated exposure to the sun. If so, are glass and plastic lenses equally vulnerable? Joel Las Cruces, New Mexico

Does anyone make a waterproof tight for inclement weather running/cycling? InSport used to make one, but I guess it went the way of Activent. A European company supposedly makes something called the RaidLight tight, but I can't seem to find anyone who carries it. Erin Skowran Belleville, Illinois

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 looking to buy my first mountain bike and the more I look, the more frustrated I get. I've read some reviews in biking magazines, as well as Outside's March 2003 review of full-suspension bikes. Anyway, I'm looking for a full-suspension model with smart or rear-suspension lockout and good components (disc brakes would be a plus). Here's the kicker though: I looking to spend around $1,000, give or take a few hundred. I don't think that's unreasonable, so do you have any suggestions? Alex Hayward, California

I have been unsuccessfully combing the Internet for a pair of boots that possess a few specific features: full grain leather, a waterproof-breathable membrane (e.g. Gore-Tex), and a gusseted tongue. If you can help me find a pair of such boots for under $150 please tell me where! Lucas Mead, Washington

Help. After a winter of commuting by bike, my helmet stinks. I wear a helmet cover in the cold so sweat tends to accumulate and my head sweats a lot. I have tried washing it with antibacterial soap, but that only helps a little. I afraid of spraying Febreeze or other chemicals on the helmet's interior because I don't know if they would effect the safety of the helmet. And now my wife says that my head is beginning to smell as bad as my helmet. Before I either have to get a new helmet or sleep in the garage, is there anything I can do to get the smell out? Kevin Dalton Calgary, Alberta

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?

I'm a woman with very small wrists and have had great difficulty locating an altimeter watch that I can actually wear. Are there any smaller altimeter watches out there designed for women? Tally Rockford, Illinois

I just recently returned from a failed Mount Rainier attempt feeling deflated because my Koflach boots chewed up my feet before we even got to Cp Muir! I've been reading about the Asolo AFS Guide boots and they sound great. Where can I purchase these and will they work with a smaller, narrower woman's foot? (Living in North Carolina, I will have to play mail order.) I also tried some Lowas to no avail. I'm going back for another Rainier attempt next summer and would hate to fork out another $800 and not even make it to base cp. Karla Greensboro, North Carolina

What sort of cookware will I need on two- to four-night backpacking trips in the Appalachian backcountry? Kenny Birmingh, Alabama

Long time read, first time question. I'm a skinny guy. I love to ski, mostly at resorts but a little OB. My question, then: Is there a jacket-shell combo, or maybe just a jacket, that would keep me warm when it's zero degrees and windy, breathe when it's not that cold, and not make me feel like the Marshmallow Man? Timothy Rockaway, New Jersey

Is Gortex XCR a form of Activent that has been taped and se-sealed? Activent is a great product, totally windproof and highly water resistant, but wouldn't this have been waterproof too if it had been se-sealed? Herb Morganville, New Jersey

Is it sometimes desirable to hang your stove, for cooking in your tent? If so, who makes the devices to do this, and is it specific to stove model or is there a generic one? I own a Peak Apex II. Ron Starrett Vernon, Connecticut