Outside Online Gear Guy Archives | Outside Online

Subscribe to Outside Magazine

You Are Here:

Home >>

View the entire 300-plus collection of must-have gear items tailor-made for your adventurous lifestyle. PLUS: A special section on womens gear.

Today's Question
How long should I hang on to my sleeping bag? answer

Which light-weight gear will work best on the Appalachian Trail? answer

Today's Question
What is the best pair of yoga pants? answer

Is a women's bike frame always the best fit? answer

Make a Ski Sling

Online Favorites

Special Issues

Photo Galleries

Week ending January 04, 2003
Are hiking boots with snap-on crampons enough for mountaineering?
Can you guide me through the hoops of buying a road bike?

Week ending December 28, 2002
Do Gore-Tex boots still need waterproofing?
Can a pair of no-brand glacier glasses be trusted?
Is there a tire for mountain biking in the snow?
What's the best pack for long-distance hiking?
What's the best pack for long-distance hiking?
Can you recommend a base layer for backcountry skiing?

Week ending December 21, 2002
Any ideas for a good winter running shoe?
Should I buy a GPS system for my road trip?
Can you help me shed some weight from my trail load?
How can I stop thieves cutting into my backpack?
Can you help me pick out a pair of binoculars?
Are there any baby strollers suitable for trails?

Week ending December 14, 2002
Short of a velodrome, what do I need to bike indoors this winter?
What's the best all-purpose kayak?
How can I stop the hipbelt of my backpack from slipping?
What camera will work best at high altitude?
What bike light do you recommend?
Is there a pack designed for trail running?

Week ending December 07, 2002
What pants are best for off-trail search-and-rescue work?
What's the essential avalanche-survival gear?
What's going to be the coolest gear for 2003?
What gift do I get the man who has everything?
Should a backpack be bottom or top heavy?
What should I do about defective boots?

Week ending November 30, 2002
What's the brightest flashlight?
Can you recommend a tent that's cheap and versatile?
How do I get the nasty smell out of my old shoes?
Can you help our mountain rescue team pick out a fleece?
Can I spray Scotchgard on fleece?
What's the best cross-country ski gear?

Week ending November 23, 2002
What's the best jacket to get me through my first New England winter?
How can I stop sweating so much, even in the cold?
Will a space blanket attract lightning?
Can I store my sleeping bag in a garbage sack?
Can you help me choose an expedition pack?
Are there any solar-powered battery rechargers?

Week ending November 16, 2002
Can you recommend a sleeping bag liner?
What's the most comfortable bike for under $800?
What can I use as a harness for pulling a gear sled?
Should I filter my dog's water when in the backcountry?
Do you know of a camping stove that's not too noisy?
Any ideas for a camera bag?

Week ending November 09, 2002
Does a sleeping bag's "down fill" really matter?
Any ideas for a ski-carrying roof rack?
What's the best portable audio device?
Are there any bike brakes with magical powers?
What are the alternatives to Gore-Tex?
How can I stop my tent from overheating?

Week ending November 02, 2002
What type of sleeping pad will ensure a good night's sleep?
What boots can handle a trek through hot, rugged terrain?
What tent should I buy for winter travel in North America?
Any ideas for a good commuting bike?
Are shock-equipped trekking poles a waste of money?
Can you dress me for winter kayaking?

Week ending October 26, 2002
What reflective gear should I get for jogging?
What's the best boot for a four-week trek?
How can I wrap-up without looking like the Michelin Man?
What are good hiking boots for kids?
Can I purge my secondhand pack of its previous owner's odor?
What's the best mountaineering altimeter?

Week ending October 19, 2002
Are there any water shoes suitable for hiking?
Can you help me choose a mountaineering boot?
Do they make sleeping bags for couples?
What are the best boots for snowshoeing?
What's a good length for an ice axe?
Can I combine two sleeping bags for cold-weather camping?

Week ending October 12, 2002
What are the best boots for slippery rock?
What's up with these new single layer jackets?
Where can we buy a "doggie wetsuit"?
Can you help me choose an effective water filter?
Why aren't there any high quality sleeping bags designed specifically for women?
What hydration pack should I buy as a Christmas gift?

Week ending October 05, 2002
What avalanche beacon should I get for backcountry skiing?
Can you suggest a packing list for an overnighter on the Appalachian Trail?
What's a good tent for an extended stay in the Mount Hood area?
What's the story on titanium cooksets?
Can you recommend a good shoe for trail running?
How can I stop eggs spoiling on the trail?

Week ending September 28, 2002
How can I reduce the weight of my backpack for an overnight trip?
Does Gore-Tex have a lifespan?
Where can I get prescription sunglasses that will block harmful rays?
Are racing snowshoes a marketing gimmick?
How do I repair a hole in my sleeping bag?
What type of shoes do I need for rainforest hiking?

Week ending September 21, 2002
Will sci-fi outdoor clothing become a reality?
Do nylon fabrics decay from simple old age?
How can I avoid getting damp when camping?
Should I buy a road bike, mountain bike, or hybrid of the two?
What's a robust, lightweight camera for the outdoors?
Will pepper spray repel a mountain lion?

Week ending September 14, 2002
What wind pants will keep me warm and dry when the weather turns?
Can you help me choose a family-friendly winter tent?
What's the deal with waxed raincoats?
Is there a windproof, breathable, and cheap fleece?
How should I rig my harness for rappelling?
Are my 1994 sunglasses in need of an upgrade?

Week ending September 07, 2002
Will cheaper fuel work in my stove?
What's a good rubber boot for the rainforest?
Can I use my hiking pole instead of an ice axe?
Is it safe to cook inside my tent vestibule?
Is a heavy boot a bad thing?
How can I make my pack more comfortable?

Week ending August 31, 2002
How can I make my pack more comfortable?
Can you recommend an all-in-one kitchen for car camping?
Which sleeping bag is better value-for-money, down or synthetic?
Are slick bike tires THAT much faster than knobbies?
What's the best heart-rate monitor?
What's a bug spray that won't damage nylon?

Week ending August 24, 2002
Any suggestions for a food dehydrator?
What's the deal with soft shells?
How can I fly with a stove and fuel bottle?
What's a good rugged women's hiking boot?
What gear would you suggest for my first overnight trip?
Which cargo rack should I get for a cross-country drive?

Week ending August 17, 2002
What are some good shoes for an ultramarathon?
What's a travel pack that can fit a computer?
Why are leather mountaineering boots so rare?
Is there a tent that will keep me dry while watching the rain?
Is internal coating essential on a backpack?
Do I need special footwear to run in the rain?

Week ending August 10, 2002
Does anyone make an ultralight bear canister?
What is the best liner sock available?
Is there a sleeping bag that fit my wide shoulders?
Should I really put a ground cloth inside my tent?
What's a tough, all-purpose watch for travelling?
What's the deal with alcohol stoves?

Week ending August 03, 2002
What should I look for when purchasing a used bike?
What's are some good lightweight jackets for hiking and biking?
Can I extend the life of running shoes by using Dr. Scholl's gel insoles?
Can you recommend a backpack with front crossover straps, or an alternative that leaves me unchafed?
What's the best way to shade yourself from the desert sun in southwest Texas?
Are there any low-cost insulating jackets and three-season tents that can handle the conditions of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in early September?

Week ending July 27, 2002
How do I clean and wash a pair of hiking boots?
Do water bladders sweat inside a daypack?
What's a good tent for winter camping?
Can I hike the Appalachian Trail without a stove?
What's the deal with siliconized nylon?
What's the best sleeping pad for a kayaking trip in Canada?

Week ending July 20, 2002
Do I get one do-everything tool or separate tools?
What's a good tent for two people and a dog?
How do I know if my rope is safe?
How often do I need to seal my tent?
What's the best emergency trail food?
Do I need new boots to prevent blisters?

Week ending July 13, 2002
How can I keep my sleeping bag dry on mountain trips?
Will I really save weight with a new stove?
Should I get the lightest backpack available?
What type of pack is best for a bad back?
Does anyone make shoes for running on sand?
How can I protect my pack when flying?

Week ending July 06, 2002
Will a suspension seatpost screw up my biking geometry?
Is there a trail running shoe with good ankle support?
Are lightweight insulating jackets warm enough?
Which water filter should I get?
What's your favorite camera?
Where can I find a do-everything tool?

Week ending June 29, 2002
What's a good mountain bike for under $1000?
What's your opinion of the Trailstove?
What's the deal with water-resistant sleeping bags?
How do I size a boot I can't try on?
What are the lightest tents in this category?

Week ending June 22, 2002
Which bike rack is right for my SUV?
How should I prevent and treat heel blisters?
What's the deal on fabrics for HOT weather hiking?
Is it better to roll or stuff a tent?
What's the deal with baggy mountain bike shorts?
Can you recommend some bombproof spotting scopes?

Week ending June 15, 2002
Can I get giardia from swimming?
Can I get solar panels for my video camera?
How can I protect my tent zippers?
How do I remove tree sap from a Gore-Tex shell?
Are lightweight crampons strong enough?
Are there any alternatives to DEET-based bug repellents?

Week ending June 08, 2002
Will a pen mark destroy my rope?
How do hiking-boot ratings work?
What qualities should I look for in a digital camera?
What's a waterproof glove for cold-weather biking?
What gear do I need for an overnight bike trip?
How can I stop my pack from shredding my hips?

Week ending June 01, 2002
How can I stop my pack from shredding my hips?
Do I upgrade my old mountain bike or get a new one?
What do you think of packs with separate suspension systems?
Can the same boots take me up Rainer and McKinley?
Can I repair the butt of my mountaineering pants?
What's a low-priced road bike I can use for racing?

Week ending May 25, 2002
What kind of crampons do I need to climb Mount Shasta?
Can I combine two sleeping bags to make one warmer bag?
Do you have any tips for taking a dog on trail?
What's a good pair of weatherproof pants for emergencies?
What's a roomy, lightweight tent that's easy to setup quickly?
Does anybody make a slimmer altimeter watch?

Week ending May 18, 2002
What's a good pair of light, durable travel pants?
How do companies measure the volume of a backpack?
Is the Stephenson WarmLite the lightest three-person tent?
Can I get all the gear I need from one store?
Do I need a full-suspension mountain bike?
Which water filter should I get for an extended trip?

Week ending May 11, 2002
What's a lightweight sleeping bag that's wide enough to let me toss and turn?
What's the best car-camping tent for my family?
Does wool clothing perform better than synthetics?
Do two-way radios work well for climbing?
What's a good kayak for flat-water trips?
What type of crampons do I need?

Week ending May 04, 2002
Should I get a tent or a tarp?
What's a decent down parka that won't break the bank?
What's a comfortable, large-capacity backpack?
Can I get a warm and compressible synthetic sleeping bag?
What do you think of mohair socks?
Is there a hiking shoe that won't overheat my feet?

Week ending April 27, 2002
Are Galibier boots still made?
What's the lightest three-person tent available?
Will coating my socks with Vaseline prevent blisters?
Does two pounds make a difference in a backpack?
Is the GSI hand-cranking blender for real?
What's a pack that will fit my petite frame?

Week ending April 20, 2002
Should my climbing shoes be super-tight fitting?
Are candle lanterns safe to use in tents?
What's the best system for taking a stove on an airplane?
What type of headlight should I bring on a Denali climb?
Why can't I find a tent that fits in my pack?
Why can't I find jackets made with PacLite?

Week ending April 13, 2002
Should I get a sleeping bag with a Dryloft shell?
What's a good ultra-light raincoat for international travel?
Can I save my mildewed tent?
Should I get a carbon fork for my road bike?
How can I make my boots warmer?
Any new bombproof digital cameras on the market?

Week ending April 06, 2002
Do I need stainless steel buckles for my climbing harness?
What's the stiffest material used to make bike frames?
Can I take my stove on a commercial airline?
Will single-wall tents leak in heavy rain?
Can I get boots with sticky soles?
Are LED lights worth the price?

Week ending March 30, 2002
What's a superlight solo tent?
What's the deal with new thermal underwear materials?
What is meant by the minimum weight on tent specifications?
Which is warmer, fleece or down?
Why do cycling shoes hurt my feet?

Week ending March 23, 2002
How do I choose the right sea kayak?
Which tents can handle Australia's wet and windy winter?
What's a pack that meets airline carry-on requirements?
How can I protect my boots from my skis?
What's a good non-Gore-Tex rain shell?
Should I get a convertible tent?

Week ending March 16, 2002
What gear do I need for rappelling?
What do you think of OR's Pulsar Parka?
What's a good tent with two doors?
How do I clean down products?
Where can I get heated mittens?
Should I get a bivy bag or a tent?

Week ending March 09, 2002
Are wool shirts as good as synthetics?
What's a good tent for a tall camper?
What's a lightweight sleeping bag for cold desert nights?
What's a good pair of snowshoes for day hiking?
Are there hiking boots designed for narrow feet?
Should I pack both a soft shell and a waterproof jacket?

Week ending March 02, 2002
Is there a tough, weatherproof digital camera?
Can I get one boot for backpacking and ice climbing?
What's a good tent for ski touring?
What type of stove should I bring to Costa Rica?
What's a good pair of multi-sport sunglasses?

Week ending February 23, 2002
What's your take on the Outback Oven?
Can I get inserts custom-built into ski boots?
What's a durable two-way radio for outdoor activities?
Should I go to Italy to buy a bike?
Do I need a microfiber sleeping-bag shell?
Do I need an "expedition" tent?

Week ending February 16, 2002
Will fabric softeners destroy performance fabrics?
Which roof rack will work with my car?
Can I get a good internal-frame pack for under $250?
Should I get zoom binoculars?
Any recommendations for top-of-the-line skis?
Does anybody make synthetic briefs?

Week ending February 09, 2002
Will snowboarding boots work with snowshoes?
How do you know what length skis to get?
How can I call for help in the backcountry?
What's the deal with sleeping-bag temperature ratings?
Is a soft-shell jacket the right choice for downhill skiing?
How do I clean my hands in the wilderness?

Week ending February 02, 2002
What's the best footwear for a winter approach hike?
Should I use a bivy bag under my tarp?
What's the best shell material for a down bag?
What goes in a wilderness first-aid kit?
What's the warmest down jacket made?
What's the best jacket for winter running?

Week ending January 26, 2002
Can a pack really be worth $400?
Is there a perfect boot for alpine scrambling?
Will a vapor barrier liner keep me warm and dry?
Are any synthetic jackets as warm as down?
What's the best waterproof-breathable fabric available?
Is DryLoft on a down sleeping bag worth it?

Week ending January 19, 2002
What would you pack for a Denali ascent?
What's the deal with "directional clothing?"
Does super-light gear hold up in the long run?
Do I need plastic boots to climb Mount Whitney?
Can I trust gear made with Paclite?
Can I hang my stove in a tent?

Week ending January 12, 2002
How do I wash the sweaty odor from my hat?
Is there one mountaineering boot that can do it all?
What's the best tent for winter camping?
Why are my photos so grainy?
Is there a do-it-all helmet?
What are the best options are for eye protection for a mountaineering course.

Week ending January 05, 2002
Can I snowshoe in trail hikers?
How can I keep my camping pot from spilling?
What's the deal with soft-shell jackets?
Can I waterproof my down sleeping bag?
How can I fit all my gear in my truck?

TODAY'S NEWS UPDATE!
America's Best Races: Vote Now!
Outside is looking for America's Best Races, and we want your input. This survey has only two ...

Obama Names Richardson as Commerce ...
President-elect Barack Obama named New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson as his choice for ...

More Blogs:

advertisement

Subscribe to Outside Magazine!

advertisement

Crocs Inspiring Soles

Vacation Packages

More Travel Deals

Partner Sites:

©1994-2008 Mariah Media Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of material from any pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.