Gear Guide
Douglas Gantenbein, aka the Gear Guy, answers your daily gear questions, from clothing to bikes to camping equipment, drawing on a quarter-century of exploring the outdoors.
Updated: 5 weeks 6 days ago
What gear do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?
Hi, I am planning to climb Kilimanjaro in December this year. What will be the best sleeping bag and boots for this trip?...
What's the best backpack for triathlons?
Hi, I compete in triathlons and I was wondering what you would suggest for a backpack. Even better, a backpack that could also also used for snowboarding and camping....
How can I repair a tear in a sleeping bag?
My son is a Boy Scout and had a very nice and somewhat expensive cold-weather sleeping bag from The North Face. He recently discovered a small tear in the nylon fabric. I am looking for advice about how to patch it. Can you give some advice to a Lo...
What's the best lightweight camera for nature photography?
I am looking for a lightweight camera for nature photography. I would like a good zoom so I can capture wildlife from a distance, and want to carry it on backpacking trips along with other gear. I recently graduated with a degree in media productio...
How can I prevent an old tent from leaking?
I have an older tent, it's still in great condition... except it leaks. I was in a rainstorm and the whole tent leaked, not just the seams but the actual roof fabric. After the tent dried I sprayed sealer I found at the local department store and let...
How can I convert an old mountain bike into a urban ride?
I have a 2003 Cannondale Mountain Bike which I would love to convert into a "City Slicker" to ride around town on errands. It's got Ritchey rims, Shimano shifters, brakes, Crank, and front and rear derailleur. In addition, I have some old Continental...
What's the best bag for a long-haul trip to Nepal?
My wife and I are traveling to Nepal soon for a friend's wedding. We are looking for luggage to travel with. My preference is an expedition duffel that I can easily carry on my back and my wife prefers something she can roll. We also both need...
What are the best pair of desert pants?
I'm going to be in Syria this summer, and want to find a good pair of non-convertible desert pants that aren't too tight around the ankles. Any ideas?...
What's the best puffy coat and boot set-up to climb Denali?
I already own the Mountain Hardware Woman's Sub Zero SL Hooded Jacket and understand that this is not warm enough for Denali. Can I pair this with a lighter 800 fill down sweater to get the warmth that I need? Or must I buy another pricey parka? A...
Which sunglasses have lenses that won't fog up while mountain biking?
I sweat a lot when I mountain bike, and when I wear sunglasses they usually fog up, or the lens gets covered in dripping sweat. I've tried to wear a headband, but that doesn't work. Do you have a recommendation for sunglasses with lenses that won't f...
What's the best multi-purpose backpack?
I'm searching for a great multi-purpose backpack for graduate school. I'd like to use it while biking to carry my laptop, books, and some dog accessories. In addition, I'd love to be able to throw a bladder in there along with some hiking gear....
Can I scare off a mountain lion by using a boating/marine fog horn?
I was just reading about pepper spray repelling a mountain lion...what about using one of those very loud boating/marine fog horns? These horns are quite small but can be very loud....
What are the best pair of hike-friendly mountain bike clip-in cyclilng shoes?
I would like to find a pair of clipless cycling shoes that are suited for adventure cycling with conditions that demand you have to hike while carry the bike. I have some old Sidi shoes but they don't do the job when walking. Suggestions?...
Can you outline the perfect batch of gear needed for an active summer in Alaska, Sedona, and Asia?
I'm graduating from a Masters program in May, and planning, possibly, my last great summer get-away before becoming a hard-working stiff in September. My itinerary from mid-May through August includes a hiking/camping cross-country road trip to Sedon...
What pocket digital camera takes the best quality photos both in and out of water?
What pocket digital camera takes the best quality photos both in and out of water?...
What's the best boot for a stint in Afghanistan?
Wow, it's been nearly a decade I've been stopping in and asking you questions for my Army sponsored jaunts around the globe. It's Afghanistan this time and I need a stiff mountaineering boot that is still light and won't cook my feet to death in the...
What's the best way to treat water while on a long-distance trail run?
In the last few years I have really taken to trail running long distances. My long runs can last over eight hours and are often big loops or out-and-backs in the mountains. Stream water is abundant on the trails in Cascades where I run but unsafe to...
What boots should I wear to climb Mount Rainer this summer?
I'm going to do Rainier this summer. I've done a few mountains in Canada and Kili, but wore rental boots...blisters galore. So I want to find a good boot to do Rainier. Any suggestions?...
What pair of trail runners can replace the Montrail Hardrock?
I am looking for a shoe to replace the Montrail Hardrock, which for years was, in my opinion, the ultimate ultrarunning, fastpacking, and peak-bagging shoe. I need a low heel and lots of stability in a shoe that will hold up to 100 miles at a time. I...
What kind of children's seat should I get to take my nine-month-old mountain biking?
I want to start mountain biking with my nine-month-old daughter in a couple of months. I'm not looking to bomb down hills and such but would like to ride some singletrack and heavily rutted trails. My question: I don't know whether to get a center-mo...