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I'm looking for a lightweight, water-resistant, secure, and organization-friendly pack., basically what I would call my weekend pack. I'd like to have enough space for some food, water (hydration sleeve a plus), backup clothes, and all the gadgets we love so much (i.e. cell phone, iPod, GPS, headlp, etc.). Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Chris Royal Palm Beach, FL
I hike and cp a lot—and for long periods—during the middle of the hottest days of the year (with no access to showers). I’m wondering what you’ve heard about Icebreaker underwear and how well they are about odor. Katherine Greenville, SC
I'm planning a trip to South America this summer and want to invest in a water filter and/or purifier system. What do you recommend? Paul Salt Lake City, UT
I have a high-end road bike and looking for another bike that will serve all other purposes—commuting, trail riding, maybe some rugged touring. I partial to steel and would like to keep it around $1,000. What do you think about cyclocross bicycles? I intrigued by the Redline Conquest. Win Indianapolis, IN
1. FELT ZW1 BIKE It looks fast, it feels fast, and it is fast聴even if you’re not. The oversize carbon-fiber tubes are dialed for female riders; they were never too stiff, never too soft. Shimano’s finest Dura-Ace components, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, gel grips, and Felt’s women’s carbon saddle…
Our esteemed gear editors offer the insight and advice you need to find the right gear for you.
Good campsites—close to water, a flat spot for tents, etc.—are relatively common. Great campsites are more elusive. To find yours, be sure to consider these four factors.
I've been a conventional tent guy for years, but the Hennessy Hammocks intrigue me. How much of an adjustment would it be a for a tent guy to switch to a hammock? Do they really live up to the hype? Andrew Shreveport, LA
1. MT. BORAH CUSTOM With seven-week turnarounds and minimum orders of just six pieces, Mt. Borah makes customcycling gear easier than ever. Jerseys from $83; mtborahcustom.com 2. VITTORIA OPEN CORSA EVO CX The handmade CX can handle pressures up to 200 psi and is…
Since being jettisoned from Patagonia's empire twenty years ago, Salt Lake City—based Black Diamond Equipment has prided itself on breaking all the rules. They eschew advertising, take enormous risks, and employ a team of superfit athletes who do their only "market research" skiing and climbing in the Wasatch backcountry. And it's working.
The Eddie Bauer Mountain Guide soft-shell jacket marks the company’s return to making expedition-worthy gear after outfitting the original American Everest expedition, in 1963, and later sliding downhill into women’s casualwear. Eddie, we’ve missed you. $229; firstascent.com Eddie Bauer…
Gear Guru- I'm looking for a bike rack that is easy to use and easy to put on the car and take off. I've been looking at the Thule Jaws rack, but on a recent trip to Moab, I noticed almost every car out there was equipped with a fork-lock rack. Do these people know something I don't? Chris Eau Claire, WI
I agree with four of your five "top gear innovations" picks, but would strongly argue that the Therm-a-Rest pad should be in the #2 slot over the humble Ensolite pad. While Ensolite pads were a good step forward, the self-inflating matt has done more to enable a good night's sleep in the backcountry than anything else. Jeremy Omaha, NE
Is a Patagonia DAS (which I already have) good enough for Denali? Or should I upgrade to Patagonia's Down Parka? Or to First Ascent's new Peak SV? Tom Great Falls, VA
I planning a number of long backpacking trips in the Cascades and Olympics, as well as climbs of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ads, and Mt. Rainier this summer. Recently, most of my old gear was stolen from my car while moving. I still have a tent and sleeping bag, but I no longer have my backpack, boots, stove, or any foul-weather gear. Can you recommend the best all-around light gear that is not too expensive but can hold up to the demands of the Pacific Northwest? (Just so you know, I a small women—5'2" and 103 lbs—so I need to keep things light and small.) Michele Portland, OR
Rolex's lineage is luxurious but there has always been a legit adventure timepiece in the mix. Meet the Deepsea.
1. Mt. Borah Custom With seven-week turnarounds and minimum orders of just six pieces, Mt. Borah makes custom cycling gear easier than ever. Jerseys from $83; mtborahcustom.com 2. Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX The handmade CX can handle pressures up…
I an experienced outdoorsman but I now deaf w/bad balance. I still love to explore Sierra rivers for fishing and swimming and can't always get wife/kids/buddies to get up that early. I would love to have some combo of text message-capable GPS or distress beacon that could talk to the family when they too are off the grid. Is there a cheaper option than a pair of full on satellite phones? Bob San Francisco, CA
I'm working on a research project on technology and the wilderness experience and I wonder, in your vast experience, have you come across any piece of new equipment that resulted in a notable impact (positive or negative) on the outdoor experience? Anthony Moscow, ID
I will be hiking with my 12-year-old son for a few days through the rain forest in Costa Rica. What gear to you recommend? Hiking boots, socks, moisture-wicking underwear, bag to keep camera dry, insect repellent, hat...? Al Bedford, NY
I looking for a rugged, water resistant pair of long hiking pants that can be worn in warm weather conditions. What do you recommend? Karl Newton, NJ
I'm looking for a good day pack that I can use both hiking and mountain biking. I'm 6'5" and need to find one that will fit properly. Justin Rineyville, KY
My son is completing Cub Scouts this spring and moving on to Boy Scouts in the summer. I searching for a sturdy tent for his use in the Boy Scouts, who average about a three- to four-mile hike in on most of their trips. I would like to find a one- or two-person tent that would allow for his gear to be stored inside and still have some room for dressing and sleeping. The weather in our area (Southeast United States) is hot, wet summers with thunderstorms and moderately cold, dry winters. Cost is a consideration because I expect this tent to be replaced at least once before he finishes Scouts. Jack Charlotte, NC
Schoeller Dryskin ses to be the material of choice in soft shell pants, followed by Schoeller Dynmic. There is also a stretch-woven polyester used by Patagonia in the Guide Pant (which I believe is now discontinued) and a lighter version of the se material used in the Simple Guide Pant. Can you discuss the pros and cons of the Schoeller vs. the material used in the Patagonia pants? How they perform one vs. the other. And the temperature range in which each can be used comfortably. In short, which do you recommend? Scott Lubbock, TX
I can't find a good mountain-biking seat that doesn't make me feel like I was violated after a long ride. One friend suggested stuffing my shorts with Vaseline. I ride a fair ount, and it's always pretty bad after a long one, but even a moderate 20-miler leaves me walking like I have a pole in the pipe for a day or two. What gives? What can I do? Jayson Los Angeles, CA
From African safaris to Indian trekking to Brazilian backpacking, the right gear will make the trip
When you're charting a new course, these gadgets will keep you on track
I've got the opportunity to raft the Tat River in Alaska this August. My major concern—even more than icebergs and grizzlies—is that I'm going to be deathly cold the entire 12 days. I'm a small woman at 5 foot 4 and 110 pounds, with a history of frostbite and Reynaud's to boot. Advice for warm, waterproof clothing? Or should I just stick to beach vacations? Andrea Minneapolis, MN
I still try to find my holly grail of mountaineering jackets but despite the vast variety my quest is unfinished! After using dozens of jackets, I can't still find one that can beat the versatility of my old Lowe Alpine Foraker (backpacking, mountaineering, skiing, and discrete for urban use). I just want handwarmer pockets and chest pockets for loading the essentials (all with storm flaps—the linated water-resistant zippers seem just.. resistant), two-way main zip with double storm flap, enough length to cover my hips from those backstabbing breezes, and enough abrasion resistance to withstand skiing, backpacking, and thorny rocks. Did I mention water-windproofness and breathability? Pit-zips are optional! Some help from your gearness? Jimmy Washington, DC
I planning a trip to the Grand Canyon (from rim to rim to rim) and would like your advice on the best GPS. I'm looking at the Oregon 200. Thanks. Kran Avondale, PA
What boot would give me the most bang for my buck when hiking south on Appalachian Trail in the early spring through summer, considering durability and water-tightness? Ian Nottingh, PA
I a 5'8" female and wondering if I should get a women-specific sleeping bag. Is there really a difference? I'm a very cold sleeper, so I'd like a zero-degree bag. I also don't want to spend $300 dollars on it. Any suggestions? Thanks. Jessie Baltimore, MD
I'm looking for luggage to use on a ten-day eco-tour of Costa Rica. Do you have any suggestions? Mark Buffalo, NY
I'm going on a four-day hike to Machu Picchu in May. I plan on taking my Canon Rebel XS digital SLR camera with me as well as a zoom lens. I'll be wearing a multi-day backpack for the hike. What would you recommend I use to carry the DSLR so that it is protected and still readily available for photos? I was considering a belt pack but was unsure how that would affect the backpack's belt straps. Rachel Newark, NJ
I have a Moonstone bivy sack—it has seven graphite rods with both graphite and metal ferrels (similar to tent poles). Does Moonstone still exist? If so, how do I contact them? If not, is there another source for these graphite rods? Geoffrey Cbridge, MA
