I have been looking for a boot that can do it all. From aggressive summer day-hikes to light winter mountaineering in New England. I've been reading all your past articles and the Boreal Bulnes seem to be the ticket, though they seem not to be made anymore. I did manage to find an online retailer with the Bulnes at a great price but I now have a dilemma. How do I pick a size for a boot I can't try on? Since no stores currently carry this boot and the online retailers have questionable return policies, what would your Gearness do? If you wouldn't buy online, do you have any recommendations for similar boots? My anxious feet await your guidance! Matthew Mendonza Boston, Massachusetts

I'm looking for a fleece that is both windproof and breathable, for use when cycling, hiking, and maybe skiing. What fleece would you recommend for someone who has just had all his stuff stolen on a bike trip through Poland (meaning: my budget is limited)? Matti Kiel, Germany

Can you recommend things to look for before purchasing a used bike? I interested in several Trek models and have found a couple of used bikes that appear in good shape. I would really love to save a few dollars by buying used and getting more bike for my buck. Carter Arlington, Virginia

What is the absolute cheapest sleeping bag that the Gear Guy would recommend for summer backpacking? Some of us have several thousand dollars to spend on our gear—the rest of us are in college. Doug Chicago, Illinois

What's the best and most reliable lighter to take on a camping trip? The top candidates seem to be Colibri and Windmill lighters. Is there much of a difference? John New York City

I looking for information on free-standing tents before heading into the Everglades, where I'll be sleeping in the chickee huts along the waterway. Can you point me to some particular manufacturers or Web sites? Jeff Naples, Florida

I've been reading your archived responses regarding water-resistant sleeping bag shells with great interest as I'm trying to decide between down bags from several of the companies. After your initial (and maybe continued) ambivalence about Dryloft, I was surprised by your negative view of Epic. Especially since many manufacturers seem to have jumped on the Epic bandwagon as having better breathability. On what basis do you believe that Epic is "a condensation trap" in sleeping bags, and why do you think so many are suddenly using it if indeed it doesn't breathe well? Is it just a fad, too early to tell, or should I stick with Dryloft? I look forward to your reply, if you care to go another round on this topic. No Name Given

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

I trying to decide between a compact CelBak hydration system, with very little room to carry anything else, or a larger daypack-hydration system like Gregory's Scr. What are the pros and cons of these products? Justin Boise, Idaho

I in search of a backpack with a volume of 6,000 to 7,000 cubic inches for a month-long expedition that departs on November 29! Price is not an issue—I'm seeking a good fit for my five-foot-six fre and 17.5-inch torso. The Arc'Teryz Bora 75 women's pack fits well, but the volume is too small. I have also tried the Gregory Denali Pro, which has the capacity but not the fit. Cecilia Canmore, Alberta

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

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

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

I need something to go over snow terrain in the most efficient way possible for a winter approach/ascent of Split Mountain in the Sierras. Instead of clunky snowshoes, what do you think about the Yupi Skishoes? Or the Salomon Meta Skis? Between the two for rough, snowy terrain, which would you recommend? By the way, I'm a VERY novice skier, so something easy to learn is important. Jake Kim Irvine, California

We're searching for a pair of sunglasses with a protective nose shield for a friend who has reoccurring skin cancer. Can you help us out? Tmy Tarentum, Pennsylvania

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

What's the difference between a bivy bag and a tent? Which would be a better investment (I'm thinking of room for two people here)? Noel Muscutt Louisville, Kentucky

I've recently signed up to do the San Francisco to Los Angeles Aids Lifecycle in May. I have done some mountain biking in my past (novice level) and taken spinning classes for years, but road biking is new to me. I decided to buy clipless pedals and tried out my shoes (Sidi) in a spinning class a few days ago. I was in pain—my calves crped to a point where I thought I would have to putate—and the outer side of my left foot was aching. What is going on? Are the shoes too small/narrow? How should I go about finding the right pair without wasting a ton of money? I really need advice. Joe Ashleigh San Francisco, California

I've read that good husbands buy gifts for their wives after the birth of a child. So, being a good husband, I'm thinking of getting a cyclocross bike—for me. Hear me out. Because of the recent arrival of our beautiful little miracle, I'm not going to mountain bike (that's one bike) or commute (that's another) as much as I used to, and probably won't be doing a whole lot of road riding (a third bike I was hoping to get), either. Plus, the missus would like me to pare down my belongings to make room for strollers and such. So, can I get by with one cross bike (sub $1,000)? I'm sure my wife will thank you. Michael Minneapolis, Minnesota

I would like your opinion on the Grigna 2800 trekking boots by an Italian company ned Armond. My main concern is the long-term quality of the boots since Armond is not a well-known brand and their boots cost about a third less than those made by more popular companies. I intend to trek to the top of Kilimanjaro this year. Ngoc Dung Phung Montreal, Quebec

What do you think of the new mohair socks on the market? Are they as warm as wool socks? Are they itchy?" Alexander Do Toronto, Ontario

Will salt water break down Gore-Tex and other waterproof-breathable fabrics? (I've heard tales of salt spray drying in the fabric and grinding away at it from the inside like tiny saws.) Is there a better choice in outerwear for kayaking and sailing on the Maine coast? Stephanie South Thomaston, Maine

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

Is there a watch out there that is a dive watch and also an altimeter watch for skydiving? Ryan St. Petersburg, Florida

I enjoy weekend hiking and overseas travel. At the se time, I want to look good when I dress casually. Because of this, I spent $400 on a Patagonia XCR Gore-Tex jacket when Patagonia opened its first branch in Hong Kong last year. It's a very expensive outfit, but I do like it. However, after reading all your gear recommendations, it seems I could have bought something similar or even better. So, I'm now thinking of buying a fleece jacket for cold weather. Do you have any cheaper recommendations? June Hong Kong

Do you know where I can buy one of those Mountain Hardwear sleds? Who else makes sleds for hauling gear? Thom Salt Lake City, Utah

I'm going hiking on the West Coast Trail, and my boots have Vibr soles that are very slick on wood when it's wet. Since it constantly rains on the West Coast and I'll be traversing many wooden bridges and ladders, I was wondering if you could suggest a boot with a sole better suited to wet conditions. Dan Ottawa, Ontario

I work in the movies, and I need to find a good photo of a crevice ladder and then purchase one in Canada. Can you help me? The Props Guy Whitehorse, Yukon

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

Help, Guru King! What's the best trail running shoe I can use when wearing a 30 pound pack and covering around 20 miles a day, on and off trail? I use Vitesse shoes right now, but the bottom of my feet get sore from traveling on rocky terrain. I have been looking at a number of brands and have tried calling their product develoent divisions—but it's hard to contact those folk! Peter Belmont, California

I just bought a pair of glacier glasses on eBay that don't have a brand, but they do have side shields and the lenses seem quite dark. However, I don't know how powerful they are at blocking ultraviolet light. Would these be suitable for a trip to Mexico's Pico de Orizaba? Eric Plymouth, New Hampshire

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

I a member of Vail Mountain Rescue Group and have been nominated the "gear girl" in charge of finding a good windstopper fleece jacket for our te. We are looking for something comfortable, flexible, and warm, but that's not too bulky and stands up well in the cold (one of our members complained that the Lowe Alpine version gets very stiff in the cold). Any suggestions? Leslie Vail, Colorado

I'm a middle-aged backpacker trying to lighten my load. I'll will be "climbing" Mount Shucksan in Washington this summer with a guide. A member of our group maintains that Stubai makes a pair of multi-purpose, lightweight crampons that are great for any boot. I'm wearing Asolo Fusion 95 GTX, which I really like, and these crampons are supposed to be okay for these boots. At best, I'll only be doing one climbing trip per year, but would like a pair of lightweight crampons for crossing the occasional snowfield in the Northwest. What are your thoughts about the adequacy of these crampons (and boots) for a non-technical climb such as the one on Mount Shuksan? Don Uslan Seattle, Washington

What's the deal with waxed cotton raincoats manufactured by Barbour in England and Filson in Seattle? Although they don't breath well and would not work for high output activities, I have run into users who rave about their water repellency and durability, tempting me to buy one for around town and short hikes carrying minimal loads. Steve Albany, New York

While hiking I've noticed that many hikers are now using alcohol stoves. Is this a better way to travel? Also do you know where I could find instructions to make my own alcohol burning stove? Chris Smithsburg, Maryland

I need a big family tent that's not too expensive but rugged enough to last many camping trips. I've compared Cabela's, Eureka, Coleman, and Wenzel. What is the best tent for the money and durability? Curt Woodward, Oklahoma

Greetings, greetings, greetings. I have a five-year-old down-filled North Face sleeping bag. I think it's called the blue moon. I've used it over 100 nights so far and I haven't washed it yet (I know). Anyway, I wanted to know two things. First, what is the best way to wash it? The inside is starting to get, um, for lack of a better word, crusty. I want to wash it myself as I don't trust dry-cleaners. My second question involves the fill. This bag is rated to 20 degrees, so there isn't too much fill to begin with, but now there are some "empty spots" on the bottom. Is there a way to move the fill around? Jeff Dobozy Lake Tahoe, California

Dear Knowledgable one, I have a Twister 270 HPX backpacking stove that uses a butane canister for fuel. I've used it several times and quite pleased with its cooking ability. However, when I place it on uneven ground, I have to go through a balancing act to keep from dumping out my dinner. Is there is a tripod attachment or some other system that would help keep my canister level during cooking? Richard Kipphut Cheshire, Connecticut

What type of sleeping bag gives better value-for-money, down or synthetic? Norm Cpbell River, British Columbia

I looking to purchase a pair of snowshoes and wondering what length/style I should get. I'm five-foot, 11-inchess tall, and weigh about 180 pounds. I most likely will be using the shoes primarily for day hikes so I would probably be wearing a daypack and possibly carrying my skis. Scott Garvin Boston, Massachusetts

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

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

My girlfriend is hoping to go on a ten-day wilderness orientation trip for UC Santa Cruz put on by Outward Bound. The problem is that she has a bulging disk in her lower back. The sports medicine doc she's seeing says that she should be OK, but I'm not so sure. What are your recommendations for a pack? External-fre packs put more of the load over your hips, right? (She's five feet, three inches and weighs about 100 pounds) Colin Wood Colfax, California

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

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

Gear Guy, dress me for kayaking in the marshes of the lower Connecticut River this winter. It's prime roosting territory for Bald Eagles through late February. David Hadd, Connecticut

With all the high-tech lenses out there, I'm looking for a pair or two that will provide good protection in a variety of situations. I would be using them for downhill skiing, water sports, motorcycle riding, driving, hiking, mountain biking, roller blading, etc. The three brands I considering are Revo, Oakley, and Serengeti. I was also told by someone a long time ago, that it is not a good idea to wear polarized lenses when riding a motorcycle, as they will hide oil spots on the road, causing a potential slide. Can you tell me if there is any truth to that? Tom Player Toronto, Ontario

I read a column you wrote last February on weatherproof digital cameras. Is there anything new that would fit the bombproof, sand-proof, waterproof category? We work as river guides so the cameras get some hard use. I also looking for a camera for my 11-year-old daughter, traditional or digital. Any recommendations? Peter Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Are there any high quality heated mittens on the market? My girlfriend suffers from Raynuad's and needs the warmest possible solution for skiing. You help is greatly appreciated! Chris Arlington, Massachusetts

Which is the best for weight-to-warmth ratio, fleece or down fill? And which midlayer out of the two should I pick and how should I dress if I to go to the coldest part of the world where it's, let's say -60-degrees Celsius? No Name Given

Is there a proper way to save your tent, short of taking it down, in winds over 50 mph? I had one fail, and I wonder if it was because I kept tightening the guylines, and maybe even over-tightened them. Joe Midland, Texas

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

Are their any compressible synthetic sleeping bags that won't leave you shivering and suffering? I mildly allergic to down, and I often carry a ton of work-related gear, so the space I have in my pack for a sleeping bag is limited. What are the best, most-compressible bags in the 15- and 0-degree ranges? Ben Higginboth Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

I'm moving in two weeks' time to a small island in Micronesia to teach for a year, and I've been told we will have no running water or electricity. Could you recommend an air mattress or cot that will last nine months and be pseudo-comfortable? How about reliable solar-rechargeable batteries? Or a sturdy water purifier/filter? Or anything else for that matter, as I'm at my wit's end! I will mail you coconuts and other treats from the Marshall Islands. Jourdan Mii, Florida

As the years go by, my wife and I find ourselves looking for lighter and lighter hiking and camping equipment, especially in terms of our shelter which takes up a significant portion of our pack weight. What's the word on Henry Shires' Tarptents? Their Squall weighs only 24.5 ounces and offers two people a roomy 44 square feet of space. Could this be the lightweight remedy to aching backs and our three-season shelter needs? V. Tran Galveston, Texas

My 2003 hiking season shall henceforth be known as the "Summer of the Bee," for all the stings I got. The long spell of dry weather was suggested to me as a reason, which I liked better than bad karma! Anyway, I quickly used up the three sting wipes in my first-aid kit and now own both REI's Sting Eze and After Bite. To my surprise, these two products use completely different active ingredients. Which one works best on stings? Chris Silverdale, Washington

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

Luckily, my company is relocating to a place where I'll be able to ride to work! What will I need to commute by bike three or four times weekly? I already have road and mountain bikes, plus the gear, but I don't think my racing garb will work for the daily commute. Loehr Athens, Georgia

I'm so confused by the different possibilities and terminology when it comes to rain jackets for biking. I bought a "waterproof" one, but it wasn't and I got soaked. I bought another and sweated so much that I wished I had the previous jacket. What's a good lightweight jacket for cycling that will keep me dry in moderate rainstorms? Mary Itasca, Illinois

What pants would keep me dry, breathe well, and shed plenty wind, all for under $100? I've had my eyes on Marmot's Precip pants, but what do you think about these? Are there other pants I should be looking at instead? On another tack, I assume you're a member of the Doug Club—oh no, have I given the ge away? Doug New York City

As a longtime reader of your column, you have helped me in the past. Now I need your advice again. I'm considering purchasing a canoe for family camping trips, something stable for small lakes and smooth rivers, nothing too extreme. What do you suggest in terms of size, length, and weight? Also, what type of carrying rack will I need for a shell-equipped Toyota pickup? John Springville, Utah

What's the story on titanium cooksets? A friend of mine has one from MSR and while it's super light, it doesn't seem to heat up as rapidly as my stainless steel set. I like the lightness of titanium, but if I have to bring 50 percent more fuel to cook with, I'm not sure it will be worth the price premium. Steve Young Mountain View, California

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

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

This may be a "gear-related question" with a "you don't need gear for that" answer, but I can't find help on this anywhere. I often hear that running on the beach is one of the most effective ways to boost strength and endurance in your legs. I want to start doing this on a daily basis, and I'm wondering what kind of shoe/sneaker I should you wear. Or do I need to wear anything at all? Mark Brick, New Jersey

Do you have any tips, or can you recommend any sources of information, on how to remove tree sap from the outside of a Goretex XCR shell? Thanks!

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

I was looking to buy a general, all-purpose, quality, hardwearing watch for travelling, hiking, work etc and was wondering if you could recommend one. I was looking at Suunto watches but unsure of their quality. Can you recommend a watch for me? Brendan Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I'm going on a climbing expedition where we'll be ascending into increasingly colder temps. I'm planning to take two sleeping bags, transitioning to the warmer one as we ascend, then using both at high altitude. Are there any drawbacks or cautions to doing this? How can I estimate the temperature rating of the two bags combined? Vincent Salem, Oregon

What's the best car-camping tent for me, my wife, our daughter, and, if he's good, a dog? We prefer two doors and an aluminum frame, but we're flexible. Henry Davis Willisville, New York

I own a Feathered Friends Swallow down sleeping bag with the regular nylon shell. I was wandering through the gear store the other day when I saw a product by Nikwax that was used to waterproof down garments, including sleeping bags. I would love to give my bag a waterproof treatment to keep the down perfectly dry, but I'm reluctant to do anything to my beloved bag in fear of daging it. What's your opinion of these products? Thanks Mike McLaughlin Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

What's a good internal-fre backpack for someone just getting into backpacking (two- to four-night trips)? I don't want to spend more than I need to, not knowing how much I'll end up liking backpacking. (I've strictly been a day hiker in the past.) However, I don't want to buy junk that won't work properly and will ruin my trip. Kris Newbury, Ohio

What is the best hat for summer backpacking? Cotton baseball hats are too hot, too sweaty; synthetic caps are a little cooler. But how about a straw hat? In particular, the L.L. Bean Summer Straw Hat that supposedly folds up and packs easily? By the way, your reviews are probably more useful and readable than all the others. Congratulations, and thanks! Marshall Atlanta, Georgia

I'm in need of a bigger climbing backpack, but I'm facing two problems. First, I also need a bigger backpack for weeklong trips; my climbing partner says just get one huge bag, just don't fill it up. So, one bag or two? Second, how big? I a five-foot-six, 130-pound female, and I think I require at least 3,000 cubic inches for my climbing needs. Kendra Boise, Idaho

I've been moving slowly into the lightweight crowd and trying to get my week-long, summertime load below 30 pounds (I live in the Midwest, so a good portion of that is DEET!). I can make it, except for the pack itself. Are there any good lightweight packs? Is this a good place to save weight? Most that I've tried may weigh less, but they make the load seem heavier to me. Tim Taylor South Bend, Indiana

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

I just bought new ski boots and I love them. Next on my list is buying new skis. I a solid level-nine skier and can ski anything on the mountain (New England or Rockies), although not always as gracefully as I would like. I love moguls but don't want a ski that submarines in powder. I was looking at the Salomon X-scres but heard that their tails were too stiff and therefore a lot of work in the bumps. Do you have any recommendations for top-of-the-line skis? Will New York, New York