Q: What’s a decently priced fire starter?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180999/which-fire-starter-should-i-choose/
Chaco uses fleece to line its Ramble Puff shoes, helping your feet stay toasty and comfy.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180996/stuff-we-like-chaco-ramble-puff/
Q: When my socks get wet, they stop feeling warm. What kind should I buy for cold, wet weather?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180988/which-socks-are-best-for-cold-wet-weather/
Q: My tent came with a footprint. How do you use one?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180125/how-do-you-use-a-tent-footprint/
The 50-liter backpack unzips like a suitcase, giving you easy access to your gear.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180122/stuff-we-like-near-zero-dean/
Q: What is the best option for buying cheaper gear?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/180118/where-can-i-find-cheaper-gear/
Q: I’m looking for a comfortable daypack that’s less than $120.
Q: How do I keep my pocketknife sharp?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/179707/how-to-sharpen-a-pocketknife-2/
Buying a backpack and separate solar charging system can get expensive. So why not get them together?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/179712/stuff-we-like-voltaic-offgrid/
Q: I’m going on my first campout with my Cub Scout pack. What’s a good sleeping bag to get?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/179146/good-sleeping-bag-for-a-cub-scout/
This air pump can inflate or deflate your sleeping pad while lighting up your tent at the same time.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/179140/stuff-we-like-flextail-tiny-pump/
Q: I am looking for a new pocketknife. Should I get a single-blade or a Swiss Army knife?
Q: What should I use to purify water on a long trek?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/178652/how-to-purify-water-on-a-long-trek/
Simply slide the flashlight's head forward or back with your finger to create a flood beam or a focused beam.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/178649/stuff-we-like-coast-hx5-flashlight/
Q: I’m looking for comfortable hiking boots that are affordable and waterproof.
Q: Every time I use my propane stove, it leaves black soot all over my cookware. How can I stop this from happening?
Sleeping pads provide cushioning to help you get a good night's sleep. Here are two of our favorites.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/178124/stuff-we-like-therm-a-rest/
Q: The survival kit my parents gave me came with a little sewing kit. What is that for?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/178120/why-is-there-a-sewing-kit-in-my-survival-kit/
Q: What backpack should I get to hold all my stuff?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/177097/what-backpack-to-hold-all-my-stuff/
The twist-on lids stay secure, keeping your gear (or snacks for the trail) from spilling.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/177092/stuff-we-like-whiskware-snacking-containers/
Q: I lost my sunglasses on my troop's last campout. What should I get to replace them?
Q: There are so many mess kits out there. Help!
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176683/which-mess-kit-should-i-buy/
Lightweight and handy, the Morakniv Scout 39 is a fixed-blade knife designed for beginners.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176680/stuff-we-like-morakniv-scout-39/
Q: I need a good sleeping pad. What do you suggest?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176675/suggestions-for-a-good-sleeping-pad/
Q: What is a good light source for inside a tent?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176149/good-lights-for-inside-a-tent/
Towels take up a lot of space in your backpack. Save that space for other gear by using a PackTowl.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176146/stuff-we-like-packtowl/
Q: Do you have advice for packing a pillow when camping?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/176134/advice-for-packing-a-pillow-when-camping/
Q: I always have trouble setting up my tent. Can you give me some tips?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175718/any-tips-for-setting-up-a-tent/
Q: Freeze-dried meals might be a good choice because they’re lightweight and provide nutrients. Which ones would you buy?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175713/are-freeze-dried-meals-good-for-backpacking/
The Owala FreeSip water bottle gives you the option to drink from a straw or a spout.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175723/stuff-we-like-owala-freesip/
Q: I've been planning to buy a new backpack. Any tips?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175305/any-tips-for-buying-a-first-backpack/
The Bug Bite Thing is designed to suck out venom from under your skin to prevent itching.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175310/stuff-we-like-bug-bite-thing/
Q: I need a good flashlight for camping. Any suggestions?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/175296/how-to-pick-a-good-camping-flashlight/
Q: I use my pocketknife almost daily, and it gets so dirty. How can I stop that?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/174436/how-to-clean-your-pocketknife/
The Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock is made mainly with fine soft wool from merino sheep.
Gloves allow for more dexterity; mittens tend to be warmer by keeping your fingers together. A more important question: Does it fit?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/174430/whats-better-mittens-or-gloves/
Q: My troop is going to Northern Tier next summer, and I was wondering what the best camera would be to capture all of the action.
The wearable sleeping bag has arms, legs, an adjustable insulated hood and removable booties.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173933/stuff-we-like-selkbag/
Plan to drink about 16 ounces for every hour of hiking. But it might be more. Drink enough so your urine remains clear.
The simplest way to create a camp song is to take a tune everyone knows and replace the lyrics.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173525/how-to-make-a-camp-song/
This compact camp chair folds down to 13 inches and only weighs 3.5 pounds.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173520/stuff-we-like-cliq-chair/
I am looking for a quality multitool made in America. I have $100 to spend on it. I want to be able to open it with one hand.
I use a tote box for my gear because I can’t afford a backpack, but it doesn’t fit in my troop’s tents. What do I do?
What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me?
The Polar Bear Backpack Cooler is designed to keep ice frozen for 24 hours in 100-degree heat.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/172740/stuff-we-like-polar-bear-backpack-cooler/
My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/172359/how-to-prepare-for-a-long-hike/
Q: I’m having trouble finding a healthy energy bar that doesn’t have too much sugar and is filling. Do you have any suggestions?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/171837/where-can-i-find-a-healthy-energy-bar/
Q: Every time it rains, the inside of my tent gets wet. Any tips?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/171827/how-to-stop-a-tent-from-leaking/
Anti-fog spray helps prevent glasses from fogging when wearing a face covering.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/171833/stuff-we-like-fogblock-spray/
Q: Does rolling up your clothes really work when packing?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170530/does-rolling-your-clothes-save-space/
OK, OK, this cot is heavy, bulky and pricey. But this is “Stuff We Like,” and we like this cot.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170527/stuff-we-like-smart-xxl-camping-cot/
Q: When I go camping, I don’t want my phone to get damaged. Can you recommend any good phone cases for the outdoors?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170519/3-tough-phone-cases-for-the-outdoors/
Q: When choosing a sleeping bag, does the degree level really matter or is it just a recommendation for comfort?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170115/does-a-sleeping-bags-degree-level-matter/
Q: I don’t have a tent, and we might need to camp a lot. Do you have some good recommendations?
With the Max Shade Chair by Quik Shade, you can instantly have shade wherever you are.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170120/stuff-we-like-max-shade-chair/
Q: What’s the best type of multitool that’s useful and affordable?
Q: My troop camps a lot, and sometimes it rains. What is some quality rain gear that’s also affordable?
Q: I am going on a long camping trip. What is the best water bottle to bring?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168715/best-water-bottle-for-a-long-camping-trip/
If you’re sleeping under the stars or in a canvas wall tent, you might want to consider getting a mosquito net.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168848/stuff-we-like-sansbug-mosquito-nets/
Q: My troop is going camping, and we lost our tent stakes. Can we use whittled sticks?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168706/how-to-whittle-your-own-tent-stakes/
This powerful flashlight has a magnet on one end, so you can stick it to metal and free up your hands.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168853/stuff-we-like-nanotorch-twist/
Q: What pole should I take that can handle being carried around and that will fit in my pack?
Q: Is there a way to hang a hammock inside a tent?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168021/can-you-hang-a-hammock-in-a-tent/
Q: What is the best camping blanket? Have you ever used a Rumpl? They look cool.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/166259/camping-blanket-instead-of-sleeping-bag/
Q: How can my patrol keep our cooking gear clean?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/166268/how-to-keep-patrol-cooking-gear-clean/
Q: I'm going on a six-day kayak trek. I know what to bring, but don't know how to pack it to keep it dry. Any suggestions?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/165817/how-do-i-keep-gear-dry-in-a-kayak/
Q: How do you clean a bugle that hasn't been used for several years?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/165809/how-do-you-clean-a-bugle/
Q: I keep rolling off my sleeping pad. What can I do to sleep better?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164932/how-to-stop-rolling-off-your-sleeping-pad/
Q: What is the most important backcountry skill all Scouts should know?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164925/what-is-the-most-important-backcountry-skill/
Q: My friends say I can't wear my normal cotton T-shirts when we go camping. What should I wear instead?
Q: I keep getting attacked by ticks on hikes! What can I do?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164601/how-to-avoid-ticks-on-hikes/
All my gear reeks! How can I prevent that smell?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164343/help-how-can-i-stop-smelly-gear/
Q. What kind of jacket do you recommend for a spring trip to Philmont? If possible, I need it to be lightweight and around $100.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164340/which-lightweight-jacket-is-best/
Q. What's the trick to having enough energy while on a big outing?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/162514/how-to-fuel-your-body-in-the-backcountry/
Q. I have everything I need for my first camp kitchen except for a good way to store it. Any ideas?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/161194/how-do-i-store-a-camp-kitchen/
Q. I'm making my own walking stick. How big should it be?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/161190/how-tall-should-a-walking-stick-be/
Q. How important is it to pack a pillow for my upcoming backpacking trip?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/160315/do-i-need-to-pack-a-pillow/
Q. My friends keep telling me I'm setting up my tent wrong. How should I be setting it up?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/160311/3-tips-for-setting-up-your-tent/
Q. I hate when the inside of my tent gets filthy. I always track in dirt from my boots. Any tips for keeping it cleaner?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/157400/how-to-keep-dirt-out-of-your-tent/
Q. I have a bad back. I don’t care if it’s a mat or a cot, but I need something to keep me more comfortable while camping.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/157394/comfortable-camping-with-a-bad-back/
The Phoozy is a thermal capsule that protects your smartphone from heat or cold.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164558/stuff-we-like-phoozy/
Q. When the ice melts in my cooler, it gets everything all wet and soggy. What can I do to avoid this?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/12694/prevent-soggy-coolers/
How do you keep pots from your mess kit from turning black when using them over a fire?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/1811/ask-the-gear-guy-6/
Q. The bottoms of my boots wore off, so I'm in desperate need of some good boots that aren't too expensive.
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/154156/need-good-boots-that-arent-too-expensive/
Q. How can I keep people from tripping on my tent guy lines at night?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/154093/prevent-tripping-over-tent-guy-lines/
Q. Hello Gear Guy, I just got a new tent. What can I do to make sure it lasts me the longest amount of time possible?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/29380/four-tips-to-make-your-tent-last/
Q. Yo Gear Guy! This weekend when I was setting up my two-man tent to air-dry, one of the fiberglass poles broke. Any places that I could go to get a replacement?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/23431/how-to-replace-a-broken-tent-pole/
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I got a pocketknife from my grandfather, and it's all dirty and rusty. Can you tell me how to clean it, please?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/34582/how-to-clean-a-dirty-pocketknife/
I'm going to the 2017 National Jamboree. What is the best way to prevent my gear from getting smelly as I use it?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/153546/how-to-prevent-smelly-gear/
What's the best tent I can buy for a good price?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/153498/best-tent-for-a-good-price/
Q. My troop likes to go backpacking. I’d like to participate, but my pack is really heavy. How do I lighten it?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/152937/tips-to-lighten-a-backpack/
Q. What is your best idea for a survival shelter? How would you build it?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/22209/best-way-to-build-a-survival-shelter/
Q. I'm looking for pants durable for trail building and comfortable for wearing around camp. Ideas?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/151995/looking-for-durable-and-comfortable-pants/
Q: Is it worth it to buy a blow-up sleeping pad?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/151767/blow-up-sleeping-pads/
Q. My troop is going on a 25-mile hike soon. What is the best way to prepare for it?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/151573/best-way-to-get-ready-for-a-long-hike/
Q. I'm looking for a good pair of hiking shoes I can wear to gym class. Ideas?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/151389/good-shoes-for-both-hiking-and-gym/
Q. I think hammocks are comfortable, but I don’t like being cold at night. What’s the best way to stay warm in one?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/151226/staying-warm-in-a-hammock/
Q. Yesterday my friend told me my bike tires needed air, but I don't think so. How can you tell if a tire is pumped up enough?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/135586/how-to-tell-if-bike-tire-is-full-enough/
Q. My dad says my sleeping bag will be fine in the cold, but I’m not so sure. What do you think I should do?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/27001/will-my-sleeping-bag-be-warm-enough/
Q. Whenever I go camping my sleeping bag gets all smelly. How do I make it smell better?
https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/27557/how-to-minimize-sleeping-bag-odor/