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My wife and I are looking for a backpack with a child carrier so we can introduce our new little one to the pleasures of nature. Should we go with a backpack/carrier with less storage space for my petite wife, or a big carrier for me with lots of storage space? Alex Toronto, Ontario

What raingear would you suggest for bike commuting in rainy Seattle? I need something that will keep me dry but not slow me down this winter. Martha Bainbridge Island, Washington

Which running shoe do you recommend for a beginning runner? Rachel Shawnee, Kansas

I’m looking for a stove that simmers well and is quiet. I’ve considered three: MSR’s DragonFly, Brunton’s Optimus NOVA, and Primus’ OmniFuel. Any other ideas? Richard Venice, California

I have heard that clothes treated with Buzz Off work well for repelling ticks and other bugs in the U.S. I’m traveling to the African tropics in the wet season and curious if Buzz Off can repel malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Carmen Washington, D.C.

I’ve always made do with cotton briefs when hiking, but I’m tired of the chafe factor and that ensuing wide-legged walk. I’m planning a trip into Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and need your recommendation for irritation-free hiking (especially since the well-known brands go for $25 a pair). Suggestions? Brian Billings, Montana

With technology constantly improving outdoors gear, are sock makers following suit? Should I still use my old standard of wool socks against my feet, then an oversock, usually cotton (never had a blister)? Glenn Aquebogue, New York

My Marmot Peapod tent, useful in my glory days, just doesn't have the real estate needed for a two-adult, one-child family. Neither does the single Therm-a-Rest. Can you recommend a quality family tent that is available in Canada? Ditto for a good inflatable double mattress. Bernard Quebec City, Quebec

I'm looking for sunglasses that will perform everywhere from snowy mountains to the open ocean. I've looked at three different pairs: the Zeal Optics Maestro, Julbo Nomad X4, and Native Nano 2. Could you please recommend a pair that would work best for me? Gina Gainesville, Florida

I’m a hefty guy (210 pounds) who’s transitioning from mountain biking to road biking. What should I look for in a wheelset that will support me without constant truing? Jes College Station, Texas

I’m guilty of not properly storing my Lafuma tent over the last few years, and the polyurethane coating has completely peeled off. I’d like to keep this tent instead of buying another. Can I reapply the waterproof layer? Francis Singapore

I have Coleman's excellent double-burner Xpedition stove, and I’m addicted. But I’m packing for a motorcycle trip to Yosemite National Park and questioning the wisdom of my investment. The gas is virtually impossible to get in Canada, and difficult to get in the U.S. REI seems to have it, but every time I travel I'm paranoid. Is there any official word on how long it's going to be manufactured? Skot Vancouver, British Columbia

My husband and I are traveling to Alaska and want to buy binoculars for viewing calving glaciers, wildlife, and general scenery. Which binoculars would you suggest, preferably under $150? Would the zoom function be useful? Anchita Dallas, Texas

I just returned from climbing Longs Peak in Colorado, and it was my first trip wearing mountaineering boots (Asolo Titans). They were a bit overkill for Longs, but is there any reason why every step I took after the first couple of hours felt like someone was slapping the bottom of my foot with a two-by-four? Are all crampon-compatible boots this uncomfortable, and what can I do for next time? Nick Maryville, Missouri

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As an East Coast flatlander, I'm at a loss as to whether I can get by with a lightweight three-season tent (an MSR Zoid 1.5) for my upcoming backpacking trip to Wyoming's Wind River Range. Can you help? John Wilmington, Delaware

Do you have any recommendations on all-leather boots for women? I'm talking about all leather—no fo-cushioned insoles, no cloth vp lining. The only boot I can wear is a Redwing Irish Setter with an oak-tanned insole, but they don't make it in ladies' sizes. It seems like every manufacturer is going with their "miracle" man-made products, but these don't compare with good old leather. Phil Williston, North Dakota

Please end this debate going on in my head! I'm planning a bike tour around Lake Michigan next year and thinking about panniers versus a gear trailer, like the BOB Yak. What's your opinion? Kenneth Vernon Hills, Illinois

I'm looking for a good all around soft shell alpine climbing pant; something I can wear alone in warmer weather and layer under in cooler weather. Any suggestions? Denise Albuquerque, New Mexico

I'm trying to find a daypack for my five-foot-tall wife for an upcoming vacation to Colorado. She has tried on several different models from Jansport to The North Face, but they’re not quite right. She wants no more than 1,800 cubic inches, easy access to a water bottle, and a stowable hip belt. Any suggestions? Bruce Omaha, Nebraska

I recently treated my leather hiking boots with the non-aqueous Nikwax. Will the leather ever be breathable again? Patrick Melbourne, Australia

Do you think Perception’s Acadia Scout is a good kayak for an eight-year-old child? Also, what’s your take on purchasing a pre-owned kayak? Angela Saratoga Springs, New York

My daughter is going into the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan and is looking for an everyday shoe that can handle the sub-zero temperatures. What would you recommend? Patricia

How can I stop wetting the bed? Seriously, I fall asleep and start sweating like a nun at a strip club. Going on the theory that no clothes equals warmer, I've tried wearing a thin layer. Going on the theory that layers equal warmth, I've tried sleeping sans skivvies. I don't want to end up soaking the down of my new sleeping bag. Jay Poughkeepsie, New York

What running shoes would you recommend for a ten-mile competition in which I run through knee-deep mud, waist-high water, and on pavement? Last year, after coming out of the mud and water, I had to run eight miles with wet feet and sand in my shoes. Michael Visalia, California

As a college student in Boston, I spend a lot of time outside in the freezing, windy winters. Will the Patagonia R4 fleece jacket keep me warm around town and on the New England ski slopes? Or do you know of any cheaper, comparable fleeces? Jenny Boston, Massachusetts

Are there any digital cameras that operate normally at temperatures below freezing? Besides just keeping the camera warm next to the body, can you recommend any equipment or techniques for using digitals below freezing? Hugh Santa Monica, California

I like to hike in Baja where the vegetation includes some of the nastiest plants I've ever met. Do you have a recommendation for the toughest pants to wear? Jon Pacifica, California

My GT Karakor mountain bike needs some serious TLC. But I’ve been told that the bike is so old that replacement parts for the thumb quick-shift levers don’t exist. These parts must be out there somewhere. Can you help? Al Loomis, California

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Next time you’re in Grand Teton or Yellowstone national parks, ditch the maps and try a GAPERGUIDE. Available this August, the new GPS-enabled navigator—named after a local slang term for tourists—sits on the dashboard and uses your exact position on any of the two Wyoming parks’ collective 378 miles of…

I want to make a tent by myself. Any advice on where to buy ten feet of gray or blue polyester taffeta fabric that will suit my needs?

Is it legal to use U.S.-bought family /general mobile radios in Italy for staying in touch with people from our party? Do I need a special Italian license? If so, how do I get one? Howard Phoenix, Arizona

In the last two years, a lot of new altimeter watches with a lot of new features have hit the market. So in terms of value, what’s your pick for the best altimeter watch for under $100? How about for under $200? Cliff Aspen, Colorado

I stopped running at age 50 because my knees just couldn’t take it anymore. I now walk daily and need a good shoe for fast walking. What is your opinion of Ecco’s Performance shoes? Donna Plano, Texas

I’m planning a climbing trip on Mount Denali and shopping for a three-person tent. Will Sierra Designs’ Alpha stand up against the high wind? Also, what are your thoughts about tent poles reinforced with short "legs,” like on Sierra Designs’ Stretch Dome? Dmitri Bloomington, Indiana

After riding a road bike, I would like to branch out and ride more bike paths and rail-to-trail routes. I really don’t need a mountain bike. I’m looking at a cross bike like the Bianchi Axis. Is this a comfortable solution? Andy St. Paul, Minnesota

I’ll be working in northeastern Africa for the next five months, and I need a daily-wear shoe. The terrain is rocky, sandy, very hot, and very dry. I’m looking for a trail-runner or light hiker and have considered Merrell’s Cheleon. Any other suggestions? Peter Copenhagen, Denmark

In August, I’m going on a mountain-bike trip in Colorado, where I’ll be porting some 30 to 40 pounds of gear. I have a 15-year-old Nashbar rear rack but don't know its maximum capacity. The current Nashbar rear rack holds 30 pounds. Should I spend $60 for a heavy-duty rack? I also need to buy panniers. Sherry Parker, Colorado

With boots being so hard to fit, why aren't custom-made boots more popular? What about custom insoles? John Athens, Georgia

I’d like to use a single helmet for skiing (on and off piste) and winter mountaineering/ice climbing. Should I go with a skiing or ice-climbing helmet? Or is this a bad idea? Myles Auckland, New Zealand

I own a "bombproof" Marmot Alpinist Gore-Tex XCR jacket, but I’m in the market for a new lightweight hard shell. Can it replace the heavy jacket? Or is there still a reason to have one of these heavy shells in the wardrobe? I do plan on giving Denali a try within the next couple of years. Rich Decatur, Georgia

I’m looking for a new family tent and confused about fabric ratings. One store’s website says something about 1,000mm coatings, but I don't see any references to that on other sites. I did see one that said "70 denier." What's that and how do I compare? Robin Highland, Indiana

I’ve noticed several seemingly high-end road bikes, such as Scattante, Habanero, and Leopard, hitting the market at significantly lower prices than other major brands. Is there a quality difference between these fres and the more well-known fre builders? And why haven’t I seen any serious reviews of these bikes? Philippe New York, New York

Accessories

I'm setting off on a three-week sea kayaking expedition up the central coast of British Columbia, and I need a synthetic zero-degree (C) to five-degree (C) sleeping bag. But I'm not sure whether to get a mummy bag or a barrel bag. Any recommendations? Guy North Vancouver, British Columbia

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My wife and I want to upgrade from our Canon PowerShot G5 to a more hiker-friendly digital camera. We’d like one that focuses quickly in a variety of lighting conditions, is capable of taking multiple exposures in rapid succession, allows for fast scroll between images taken, and is both lightweight and durable. Any suggestions would be appreciated! Devin Glen Allen, Virginia

My 18-year-old niece is tackling a 30-day NOLS progr in the Wind River Range, and I’d like to help her find a pack. She’ll need 6,300 to 7,000 cubic inches of capacity and will be carrying some 60 pounds. Any suggestions? Ted Keene, New York

I’ve been hearing a lot about merino wool base layers, such as Icebreaker. What are your thoughts on this fabric? Is it a suitable alternative to synthetic fleece layers for a mountain climb such as Kilimanjaro? Iain Solihull, UK

I’m planning a PCT through-hike (for next year) and thinking through footwear. Everyone seems to fall into one of two cps: heavyweight leather clunkers or ultralight replace-as-you-go. What about the middle ground? Is there some sort of rigid, steel-shanked running shoe with significant underfoot cushioning that can handle this trip? Mike Boston, Massachusetts

I’m looking to upgrade my mountain bike to something in the $1,000 range. What’s the best choice for a larger rider (like, Clydesdale category) on cross-country and short adventure-race outings? Should I go for full suspension, or can I get more for my money with a front suspension? Harold Hanover, Maryland

Camping/Tents

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I've recently taken up sailing, and a GPS unit would sure come in handy during those fogs in the San Francisco Bay. But I'm bewildered by the variety of GPS units offered, with prices ranging from less than $100 to more than $500. What features will keep me from a watery grave and what's just nice to have? Jeff Fremont, California

I'm planning a late-July attempt on Mount Rainier and have received conflicting advice on the boots to use. Will the La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX boots with supergaiters be warm enough? Or should I bite the bullet and buy a pair of plastics? Andy Denver, Colorado

I an avid outdoors photographer, but I’m tired of shooting the se things that tourists shoot. The solution: an overnight (or two-night) hike. I’m a newbie at this, so what type of pack and other gear do I need for these trips? Bill Pasadena, California

I have worn Patagonia Silkweight underwear for years, but I’m still not sold on “evaporative cooling.” And this summer I’ll be backpacking in the Middle East, where temperatures are frequently 100-plus degrees in the shade. Can anything really keep my nether regions as cool as cotton? Michael Alexandria, Virginia

What are your suggestions for the best five- to six-person family tent? My husband’s six-foot-three, so a tent with some height all the way around is preferable. Also, are budget tents at so-called “big-box stores” ever worth considering? Angie Auburn, Alabama

By lifting a boat’s hull out of the water to reduce drag, hydrofoils boost everything from commuter ferries to Navy cruisers—and now, in a human-powered first, kayaks. Norwegian designer Peter Ribe’s 17-foot FLYAK works so well that Ribe, a former racer who hadn’t competed at the sport’s top level in…

What kayak would you recommend for an older guy who has lower-back problems? Also, any suggestions on resources for people over 55 who still want to stay active? John Sherborn, Massachusetts

Bike Gear

I'm considering trading in my hiking boots for trail-running shoes on backpacking trips. Why? I've been backpacking for years with sore, uncomfortable feet. (I'm a bit hard to fit.) Other than the lack of ankle support, is there a downside to going with a good trail shoe rather than a boot for a long backpacking trip? Which trail-runners have the guts for this type of trail work? Tim Indianapolis, Indiana

Is there a water-friendly sandal ong the usual brands, or otherwise, that has the support needed for a light backpacking trip? I'm planning a two- or three-day hike on the Jack's River Trail in Georgia’s Cohutta Wilderness. The trail has multiple river crossings, so I looking for an alternative to hiking boots. Or do you have a better alternative than sandals? Marshall Atlanta, Georgia

I’ve spent the past three years getting into shape—a very round shape. I’m hoping mountain biking can help get me out of that shape. I’ll need to transport three bikes (assuming my wife and seven-year-old son come along) on my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most people have recommended a receiver-hitch-mounted bike rack, which seems expensive. Is there a more affordable option? Jonathan Spanaway, Washington

I’m considering buying a bivy to add warmth to and protect my Mountain Hardwear Phantom 32 sleeping bag, which I chose for its light weight. I cp mostly in lean-tos or other minimalist shelters, and when the temp gets down to 35 degrees, I get chilled. I’ve tried liners for warmth and to protect the inside of the bag, but they’re too confining. Any thoughts on the Mountain Hardwear Conduit Bivy? Or do you have other recommendations? Cheryl Melrose, Massachusetts

I need a two-person tent that provides plenty of ventilation for fall and spring Southeast backpacking trips, but that’s also good for below-tree line trips to the Northeast in winter. I like the Black Diond Skylight, but concerned about how it will hold up to snow. How does the Skylight stack up to other tents in the se weight and roominess categories? Rich Decatur, Georgia

Just in time for the World Cup, Adidas is rolling out the world’s first modular soccer shoe. The F50 Tunit features interchangeable uppers (in the company’s proprietary ClimaCool and ClimaWarm fabrics, synthetic leather, and full-grain leather), footbed chassis, and spikes for maximum traction on hard, soft, or turf fields. Single-upper…

With thin weaves and ultrafine fibers, merino beats the summer heat

I ride my old mountain bike to and from work (eight miles each way on concrete and asphalt trails). A few weeks ago I popped a few spokes. I got them fixed, but last week I blew another spoke. What's the best and cheapest way to fix this? I save about $3 per day in fuel by not driving, so that's the economic ruler that I’ll apply to the solution. Gus Montrose, Colorado

I’m in the market for new binoculars that are waterproof, rubber coated, and show excellent contrast and light-gathering ability in low-light conditions (like when viewing sbur deer in the Victorian high country in winter). I have considered Browning 8x42s and Nikon Monarch 8x42s. Any advice? Bryan Point Cook, Victoria, Australia

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I need a backpack that’s appropriately sized for moderate four-day trips. Easy enough, right? The catch is that I need a little extra room for rock-climbing gear such as a 200-foot climbing rope, 60 feet of static line, and various carabiners and stoppers. What pack do you recommend? Ryan Baltimore, Maryland

I’m a beginner kayaker and want to buy a boat for recreational purposes such as fishing and camping local lakes, rivers, and creeks. A Wilderness Systems kayak dealer recommended the Pungo 120 or the Tarpon 120. Which would you recommend? Jason Marion, Kentucky

Camping

My wife and I are looking for a three-season tent to take on backpacking trips in New England. One condition: The tent must be roomy and rugged enough for us to bring along our chocolate lab puppy that we just can't leave at home. What kind of tent would you recommend? Jim Watervliet, New York

I’m in the market for a lightweight, waterproof, and breathable shell. I’d like something lighter than the Gore-Tex XCR shell I previously used year-round. What’s your recommendation for a jacket that I can combine with my soft shell to create the perfect winter-sport combo? Etienn Montreal, Quebec

I'm an avid cyclist and want to upgrade my dated bike computer to something with more features. A model with gearing and cadence information plus a heart-rate monitor is ideal. What’s my best bet for such a computer that’s compatible with my bike’s Cpy components? Brian Madison, Wisconsin