Boys' Life magazine » Ask the Gear Guy

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.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/174433/stuff-we-like-darn-tough-midweight-hiking-sock/

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.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173939/best-waterproof-action-camera-for-northern-tier/

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.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173927/how-much-water-should-i-bring-for-a-two-mile-hike/

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.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/173507/3-quality-multitools-that-are-made-in-america/

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?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/172743/technical-packs-can-be-cheaper-alternative-to-traditional-backpacking-pack/

What sleeping bag should I use if I don’t want the heat to get to me?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/172732/best-sleeping-bags-for-staying-cool-on-a-warm-night/

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?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/170106/recommend-a-durable-tent-thats-easy-to-set-up/

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?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/169412/best-multitool-thats-both-useful-and-affordable/

Q: My troop camps a lot, and sometimes it rains. What is some quality rain gear that’s also affordable?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/169404/high-quality-rain-ponchos-that-are-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?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/168028/where-to-find-a-good-fishing-pole-for-backpacking/

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?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/164768/no-cotton-heres-the-best-clothing-to-wear-when-camping/

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/

How should I store backpacks during wintertime to keep them in good condition?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/150271/storing-backpacks-during-wintertime/

Q. When I wash my camping pillow, the material inside lumps up and gets uncomfortable. What should I do?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/46711/how-to-wash-a-smelly-camp-pillow/

Q. Most tent labels list two weights, a trail weight and a packed weight. What's the difference?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/25876/difference-between-tents-trail-weight-and-packed-weight/

What are the best portable speakers on the market?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/150001/looking-for-the-best-portable-speakers-on-the-market/

I am looking for a lightweight, packable and budget-friendly electric lantern. Suggestions?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/149912/looking-for-a-lightweight-packable-electric-lantern/

How tall should a walking stick be?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/1813/ask-the-gear-guy-7/

Q. We plan to backpack a 24-mile point-to-point trail but only have one car. How do we get back to our car?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/19679/how-to-get-back-to-your-car/

Q. I have a lantern that has a removable glass covering, and it has soot all over it. How can I get it off?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/16281/clean-your-lantern/

Q. On camp-outs I see some boys with cots and others with bedrolls. Which should I use?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/21869/cot-or-bedroll/

Q. Whenever I go camping I always cut oranges with my knife. But then my knife sticks and is hard to get open. What is the best way to de-stick my knife?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/10563/cleaning-a-knife/

Do you recommend a propane-canister or liquid-fuel backpacking stove? I've heard good things about both.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/31577/propane-canister-or-liquid-fuel-stoves/

I need a good summer sleeping bag. What should I get with $100?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/148916/find-a-good-sleeping-bag-for-under-100/

Is it OK to wear cowboy boots on a hike? I have a pair that is very comfortable.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/148814/wear-cowboy-boots-on-a-hike/

We went camping on the beach last weekend. The wind blew all night long and made our tents flap like crazy. Any advice?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/15912/cure-flappy-tents/

Q. We were on a backpacking trip when my buddy badly sliced the tip of his finger. What, Gear Guy, would you have done?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/28459/waterproof-bandage-for-badly-sliced-finger/

My troop just went on a weekend camp-out. After we climbed this big hill, I started chafing in my groin area. How do I prevent chafing?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/9423/prevent-chafing-on-the-trail/

I go biking with my friends all the time. Is there anything I should be carrying, like a Swiss army knife?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/4202/contents-of-a-bike-emergency-kit/

Q. The pot on my backpacking stove tipped over and burned my brother. How do I solve this problem?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/12121/prevent-pots-from-tipping-over/

Q. I'm looking for quality polarized sunglasses at a good price. Do you know of any?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/147065/quality-polarized-sunglasses-at-a-good-price/

Every time I go hiking, I always get attacked by ticks! What can I do?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/146593/how-can-i-keep-ticks-away/

A. The Dakine Heli Pro DLX 20L isn't cheap, but it could be exactly the pack that fits your needs.

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/146364/whats-a-good-snowboarding-backpack/

Q. Help, Gear Guy! The grip tape on my skateboard is starting to fall off. How do I remove it?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/145816/how-to-replace-a-skateboards-grip-tape/

Q. Every single time I go camping, I have trouble rolling up my sleeping bag and can never get it back in the bag. Help!

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/55772/how-to-get-sleeping-bag-back-in-the-sack/

My hiking boots smell terrible. Is there anything I can do to take care of that?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/1181/ask-the-gear-guy-2/

Q. I'd like to have a hammock to use at home. However, my backyard doesn't have any trees. What do I do?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/13005/hammock-advice/

Q. What's the best way to store Dutch ovens to keep them away from dirt and bugs and to stop rusting?

https://scoutlife.org/outdoors/ask-the-gear-guy/10601/how-to-store-dutch-ovens/