Q. I have a two-person tent that I really like, but when it rains, it leaks badly. I applied seam sealer as you had said in a previous answer, but now it's like the rain is coming through the tent itself, not the seams. I think the rain fly that came with the tent is not big enough. Can I buy another type of rain fly? I was thinking a tarp would not allow air to come through and I will get hot. Do you have any other suggestions?
A bit pricey, for sure, but they'll last longer than most cheaper brands, and you can be confident your money is going toward a good product -- and a great cause.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I have been looking for an affordable camping hammock that I can use in all seasons, preferably under $200. Any suggestions?
well thanks im gonna try that tonight with my brother….and the best bait i hear are chicken livers
what is better a bait caster or a open face real?
oh and chicken livers do work good
thats how i catch my cat
ive cought a 25 pounder and got in outdoors news
When I fish the river and come up on these “limb lines” I cut em up. Where I come from people like to set up 100′s of lines on the river and only remember a few at a time. It kills fish unnecessarily and causes unwanted mess. My advice for anyone doin this is to make sure you watch your lines closely, don’t let them sit for days at a time.
hey, another tip is to use chicken liver to catch fish.you can get it at any supermarket, it usually comes frozen and is very smelly (thats great for catfish) so wwatch where you put it
good tips. the next time i go fishing for catfish i will use limb lines and the tips you gave me.
this is for noulin, the reason you didn’t catch any catfish with a worm is because catfish are bottom feeders. You need smelly like cheese or shrimp (basically any thing like leftover chicken from supper)
limb lines are illegal in some areas check your local laws before using them
great advice! Me and my grandpa go fishing all the time and that is some of the same exact things we do.thanks now i can teach my friends
Thanks Gear Guy,i look forward to using it next time i fish.Oh yeah try using liver too.
Thats a good tip but catfish in our pond dont like cut bait wierd huh i use hotdog to catch catfish but i cant get brim to quit taking my hotdog
hey what will work for fishing on the bank for catfish and how far out do i throw the line out i went catfishing yesterday and cot dram insted of catfish we were using worms why was we not cathing catfish.
Limb lines work great, but they take out some of the fun of reeling a 20 pounder. but if you are desprate and only want food, limb lines are the way to go. Oh yea, try bits of hotdog for carp and catfish!
Cool tip, I will try that next time I am camping by a lake or stream.
Thanks for the tips, Looking forward to trying this on the Juniata River this summer.
What’s the best gear for fishing in rivers for catfish?
I like to wet a bandana, put one corner over my head and the cap over it. Then the rest of the bandana hangs around my ears and the back of my neck giving sun protection with the cool wetness.
wrap some ice in a hankie on a hot day put it in your hat and it works wonders [expect odd looks]
i wear a desert hat it is a ball cap that has some extra cloth hanging down in the back so it protects the back of your neck.
try a wet bandana around your neck that cools you off fast
try putting a wet bandana on your fore head and put a thin hat on too
Try putting on a wet bandana. It works wonders, especially is there is a little breeze.
Try a marathoners hat. They are very thin and light weight so they breath extreemly well yet offer excellent sun protection. You can also get a style that has the extended neck cover if you tend to burn easily on the back of your neck. Another great thing is they are relatively cheap too, about $6.00.
Q. Last summer at Cub Scout day camp, the temperature hit 106 degrees. I like to wear a wide brim hat on days like that, but sometimes they just get in the way and a ball cap works better, especially when I’m out doing a lot of active stuff like running around or jogging. I find that most ball caps make my head feel hot and just retain more heat. I try soaking them in water and letting evaporation cool my head down, which helps a little, but I was wondering if you’ve come across any good caps that might have some ventilation in them.
There are thin sleeping bag liners that you can buy that will go between your body and the bag itself. Definately hang it to air pout after a campout. If possible, never store it rolled up over long periods of time. Occasionally you will have to have it cleaned. I take mine to the local dry cleaner that can also clean bed comforters. I do that once a year and my bag is still going strong after 6 years of camping in hot, sweaty Florida!
Beware with Febreeze, Dryer Sheets, and Carpet Fresh because those products are toxic. The products will illiminate the odor but if you sleep in the bag right away you may wake up with a fever and flu like symptoms because the chemicals will be inhaled and absorbed into your skin. Soldiers used these products on their unforms because of the lack of shower facilities…eventually many developed “Persian Gulf Syndrome.” A word to the wise: use this stuff once in a while then rinse it with fresh water; turn the bag inside out towards the fresh air and let it be exposed to fresh, dry air for at least a week.
why cant you just use those stink balls that you use for shoes,gym bags,and lockers?
Just deal with it! Oh yeah sorry I forgot im not a paratrooper any more! what ggear guy suggest is a good idea.
I hang my sleeping bags in the rafters of my garage when not in use. It allows them to air out over time and also stay far less compressed than storing them in the stuff sack. To prevent snagging the bags on the wood beams I cut a 2″ groove in a piece of 6″ Pvc and slipped it over the 2×4, it acts like a roller.
Follow the advice from above. But at home, you could also place a few pouches of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda or sache pouches to absorb residual moisture and keep the bag smelling fresh.
Have not really had this problem but my first thought is to simply open the bag and allow it to air out. 2nd thought: Place 1 or 2 dryer sheets (Bounce or other brand) inside the bag when not in use. 3rd thought: Make sure your body is clean (bath, shower or wash up) before use.
If you are in a set base camp, hang the bag out on a line strung between 2 trees during the day to ‘air out’ also be sure all the vents on your tent are open and that the dirty clothes are either in a plastic bag or stored outside of the tent. If you are on the trail and sleeping in a different place each night then i would carry a few drier sheets with you and stash them in the sleeping bag just prior to rolling it up for the day.
In between trips. Try baking soda or carpet fresh for pet odors, sprinkle in bag let set for a bit then sweep it out with a vacuum really well.
For storage make a soda ball (fill a small cotton sack with backing soda and tie, about the size of a baseball), safety pin several balls into bag from top to bottom then hang bag in cool dry place.
Febreeze works.
Also, you said camping trip, not a hike. So the easiest things to do are:
1) Go to bed clean. Washup before you hit the hay.
2) In the morning, take your sleeping bag out of your tent, open it up all the way and let it hang on a line or a branch inside out in the sun and breeze.
3) Febreeze it when you get up and let it air out.
4) Buy a new one for every outing and donate the stinky one to a new scout. (LOL!!)
Q. Whenever I go on a camping trip my sleeping bag gets all smelly from me sweating all day. How do I make it smell better — besides taking it into the cleaners?
If u get good move onto spinning as its not that hard, when ready for fun, try more complicated bait castering reels.
buy an ugly stik by shakeaspeare they are super strong
When you are looking at a fishing pole, look and see if it has a warrenty. Check how
sturdy it is. If it is cheap, it proboblay won’t las as long. The fishing merit badge book
will probably tell you what you need to know when you by a fishing pole.
i have been considering buying a fishing pole and i was woundering were to shop for qualty good prise poles
Cabelas is the place to go. they have a huge selection of rods and reels and the people there are nice and helpful. they will recommend one for you.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m looking to buy a new fishing pole, but don’t know what qualities to look for in a rod. What do you recommend?
I think that you should go with a small single blade knife.I dont know why you would buy a knife before the get a totem ship.but if you do buy one once he is done with it keep it until you see them mature enough to be trusted with a knife.
i reccemend geting a fixed blade colminers survival knifeor a gerber or the old fashionway get him a bsa knife
i got my first knife wen i was 7 it was a razer blade but i am 9 now i have 50 knifevs.i do not recommend it.but i do recommend the rite edge.
Hi I am 13 and have about 10 knives and got (or rather found) my first when I was 10. It really depends on how responsible he is with one and what he`ll use it for. I`d reccommend going to ebay and looking at some case knives or multi tools, nothing big like a survival knife. You can also go to Dvor for some great knives.
i am a boy scout and i had a wittling chip for three years in cubs and my best knife was juinor scout by case.
I think its slly to give a pocketknife to a Kid that Young .
Why is it ‘silly’?
If he’s taught about knife safety ; he learns about responsibiity and tools etc.
I got my first knife at 7.I’m 14 now and have 3 knifes. (I’m not a collector).
Requirement 19 for Bear scouts is all about knife safety and using it. Bear scouts are 8 years old. Please don’t tell me you’re one of those “we gotta change this program” people, Scheesh, you probably did it yourself, I did. You have to let the boys develop.
> I think its slly to give a pocketknife to a Kid that Young
An 8 year old Cub will soon be learning knife safety in his Bear den. 8 is an appropriate age for that skill. He should be learning kitchen skills by 8 years old. He needs to learn to handle all knives safely.
i got a bear grylls scout drop knife from gerber and it rocks
I got that one to it is nice. I lost it in the ocean and had to go by another.
victorinox are one of the best folding blade designs out there, a locking blade around three inches long is good and safe, try the victorinox sentinel:)
lock blades are awesome if I had one i would go crazy but in scouts I’ve got a whitling chip so i’ll handle one safely and i am 8 and have a dangerouser knife so this one would be better
I have read these comments and agree with those that suggest a lock blade. I also agree that you should buy a quality knife. Safety should be a primary concern when buying any type of tool. Cheap should NOT be a consideration, if the boy loses any tool, especially one this important, perhaps he shouldn’t have one. This doesn’t mean to buy the most expensive top end either. The paraframe is a good starter that can stay in his pocket and remain useful for many years.
No matter what knife you choose, please make it a lock blade. Young boys shouldn’t need to worry about “Finger closure,”
I think that the Swiss army knives are very safe and functional for a 8 year old kid!!!
I hope he likes which ever knife he gets.
i think you should get him a BSAsmall lock-back knife
I have a Gerber mini paraframe.IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!(I got my first knife at age 10,but if the kid is responsible,age 8 is fine.
Smokie Mountain Knife Works has a huge selection, if your looking for a certain knife you will probably be able to find it there. I recommend locking blade, and American or Swiss made. I don’t recommend China or Pakistan made or frost cutlery. Knives are like anything else, you get what you pay for. And quality goes hand in hand with safety.
My first knife was a swiss army huntsman. I would reccomend it!
since the BSA supply division can’t seem to buy from any number of american made knife companies i wouldn’t recommend any of the chinese scout knives. instead choose “scout like” knives from Bear & Son, Case, or remington
I’ve ordered the official Cub Scout knife for my young Scout (7 years old). Obviously, teaching him safety is paramount. I do think it’s a pity that none of the Scouting knives are made in the USA. I recall there being one special issue not too long ago that was, but it’d be nice if the Scouts made a good line of quality American-made scouting knives.
I think it is very cool that this pocket knife is able to be used by an eight year old
Old thread, but for those who are searching for a good knife, I got an Opinel #7 carbon steel knife for about $11 with shipping. The also make a stainless steel version too. Light weight, has a easy to use twist locking mechanism, and really beautiful knife. My 8 y.o. will be getting his shortly.
That knife is horrible quality. I would take a Gerber, Buck, S.O.G. or CRKT.
The opinel N.O.8 knife has a thin blade it not of pour quality it is just less sturdy it is great for less demanding jobs like food prep.
get him something inexpensive, i didnt stop losing knives until i turned 13 and the only one i have left is a leatherman micra that i cant recommend highly enough. its especially good because it has scissors instead of pliers when you fold it out. it also doesn’t have any unnessecary tools. when are you going to use a flashdrive or bottle opener that you have on your knife anyway.
the BUCK 55 hunter would be a perfect knife for an 8 yer old! it is made in America as well!
Agreed! Also, get the ecolite, its lighter so it’ll be easier to carry and it helps the environment (something every scout supports 
I agree with The Gear Guy the Gerber Mini Paraframe is probably one of the best choices.
im ten i have a kershaw scallion and am looking at a h&k automatic
If it is an auto it is most likely illegal to carry unless your a Police Officer. Assisted blades are legal in all states. I recamend one that is made by Kershaw and has their patented SpeedSafe. Such as the Leek or the Funxion EMT. (please not there is a differance between assisted and auto knives)
Also the Buck Vantage Series also has a Buck Vantage Small Series and they have miniaturized versions of many of their models.
I think 8 is a perfect age for a kid to own a knife. Maybe not a Bowie knife or a Hunting knife but a little Swiss Army knife with all the accessories would be just fine under adult supervision of course. It also depends on the kid
I TOTALLY agree! 8 years old is perfect!
1 really good knife is the gerber paraframe 2 partially serrated.it has a strong lock and a thick sturd blade
Get the Gerber Paraframe 2 with partially serrated.It is a sturdy knife with a strong lock. althought it is hard 2 find try to get it in non reflectant black/grey
I’m not 8 but i cant find a good one (I do have a swiss army knife but cant find it) and the one i have it multi-tool so its realy bulky please let me know were to get a non-expencive but good knife. (I have my widdlers chip lol)
Just go to a sports authority or dicks sporting goods and go to the shotgun and knife section and there is a great buck knife multitool and switch for an inexpensive
I recommend anything with a small blade (easier to carry), easy to open (softer spring, if you’re getting a folding knife), and a high carbon blade (easier to sharpen). I grew up with an old Ka-bar sheath knife with a four inch blade. I did everything with this knife, including skinning game and working leather. I carried it on my saddle, used it in the Boy Scouts, and carried it with me many times in the military. I still have it and it’s still as sharp as a razor.
i have a whitetail cutlery hand made knife its pretty nice but not like the mini paraframe
I recommend getting both a multi-tool(Swiss Army) and a one-handed lock-blade. I usually carry both of mine to campouts.
Nice thought, but I think an 8 year-old is too young for knives. However, if you insist, get him one of those super – tiny colored pocket – knives they sell at Wal-Mart that couldn’t damage a glass ball.
Actually according to the Guide to Safe Scouting, a knife is appropriate for Wolves and above, ages 7+, and is a requirement for Bears, age 8. I remember working on the requirements as a Bear back in the day.
to Campking-8 year olds are Bears in Cub Scouts which is when they receive training for their Whittlin’ Chip. They absolutely are not too young to learn to use a knife safely!
get him a lock blade. if you want him to remember it and stuff by one at a trading post around 10-30 dollars. you could also engrave it with your name or his.
Academy Sports, WalMart and Target sell a knife that any Cub would think was very cool. It has a spoon, knife, fork and can opener. I beleive that it is a Coleman. It is not very expensive either. Have someone that knows what they’re doing put a good edge on the blade as well.
usally if they are cubscouts they cannot use a knife
but if they aren`t a cub scout it is even worse to get them a kinfe
if u want a good knife try target or wal mart the aren`t the best knifes but the are in price range
Actually Wolves and above can use knives. Cubs can not use axes and saws.
THE PARAFRAME IS CHEAPER AT WAL MART DONT BUY FROM WEBSITE REPEAT DONT BUY FROM WEBSITE ABOUT $11 FROM WAL MART IT IS A GREAT KNIFE I RECOMMEND IT
i do not agree buy from this website! it benifits boy scout/cub scouts.
i like the victorinox tinker its $20 at wal mart it is a great knife
That was my first knife back in the day when I was 6
I found a knife set made by Gerber for my grandson, the set was two different sizes. My grandson is 8 and a cubscout, so next year he will be ready for his whittlin chit.
Q. I want to buy a pocketknife for my 8-year-old nephew. He has just started a pocketknife collection and has about 8 knives. Can you recommend a good knife for a boy that age?
go get a snowskate and make some rails they cost from $20- $100 they work just as well as a skateboard
why don’t you try an inside skateboard park if there are any near your home. otherwise try snowboarding
shaun white would sure like to see that! i only ski i want to be like shaun whit
Go snowboarding. It’s awesome! I just got back from Bogus Basin and my legs are sore1
you should take off the trucks on a skateboard in the winter and go down a hill.PS put some oil on the bottom for extrem fun.
I think I will try that if I can find my skateboard.
Q. Dear Gear Guy. I love skateboarding but every winter it’s snowy and cold and icy where I live so skating outdoors isn’t an option. How do I make sure that I don’t lose all my skillz?
I use my 3 leg “Dutch” (and all my cast iron) regularly. I even use it on the stovetop. here is my routine: wipe and scrape it out (plastic scaper). Water only wash with a plastic scrubber / sponge. Heat dry on the stove. while it is still warm, wipe it down inside and out with vegitable, corn or olive oil. Place a paper towel between the rim and the lid and hang it up where it can get plenty of air. I never have a problem with rust on any of my cast iron when I do this. Clean, dry, well oiled – No rust.
Store your oven in an oven bag; keeps dirt and dust off it. Once you are set to store your oven, make sure the basin is clean- clean; then and only then wipe it down with sunflower oil. This will keep is from being “bad” Don’t wipe it down with animal fat or peanut oils before storing, they will rot in the pot. Lastly, always pre bake your pot before each use to kill off any germs that could be incurred. Happy cooking.
I have stored my dutch oven just like it says two times now and again it has gone rancid. What is going on.
Rancid odors come from organic fats. That means that the oil or shortening or lard you used got old during the time your dutch oven was in storage. Your seasoning will only last a few weeks then must be used again; by doing so, you are storing a fresh coating of oil.
Q. What's the best way to store Dutch ovens to keep them away from dirt and bugs and to stop rusting?
My grandfather gave me a pocketknife too. Can I get the scratches out of it?
There is no way that I know if to cover up or remove scratches
There’s a difference between rust and corrosion. If corroded too badly, the knife may be beyond repair. If it just has surface rust, extra-fine wet-n-dry sandpaper will work. CLR does a good job of removing rust.
Use penetrating oil to loosen the blades and then you can use a very fine steel wool or 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper to get the rust off the blades. Keep the blade lightly oiled to keep from rusting in the future.
you can use naval jelly to clean the blade but it is a very powerful chemical so you have to be careful when using it but its very effective
thats alot of things used just to clean a knife!
I have a knife… When it gets rusty:Ill use this!
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?
I’ve been a big fan of building your own. When my Webelos were working on ‘Readyman’, we put together great kits. Use your Cub Scout Book or Scout Fieldbook as a starting point. There are also a lot of great backpacking books with suggestions.
Do some research, and not only will you have an awesome kit, you’ll know how to use it, too.
Good luck!
Make your own, there is so much in a store bought kit that you don’t need and will likely never use. You will learn so much more by creating your own, adding things as you learn, and taking things out that you find you don’t need. Sharing the load with the rest of the troop is a good idea, but you should always carry your own basic kit, just to be prepared.
Build your own. Get together with your patrol and you can split the items up, that way everyone doesn’t need to have lots of extra supplies laying around in their drawers.
A small peanutbutter jar works great, serves as a drinking cup as well.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’m going backpacking and need a first aid kit that’s small and lightweight because I don’t have a lot of room in my pack. What would you recommend?
i have the WG2 and its great i go swimming with it! it takes great pix and has HD video and slow motion video and a digital microscope. and it still takes 16 mega pixel pix, thats as good as most DSLR’s. the only thing that can make a compact camera better is a ultra pod light weight tripod they are small durable and light they also can attach to trees with a Velcro strap. plus they are very reasonably priced
I got this camera recently, and it is awesome!
I bet it’s good and durable for camping but,I’m looking into a Nikon camerra
I used my new Olympus Tough TG-1 camera to take pictures of my dad a this years Wounded Warrior Convention. My dad (48 years old, former USAF Special Operations Operative and Purple Heart Veteran) said that if I was going to get a camera to get one that could take a beating. so the Olympus was what I got. And although tough and water proof, it is rather pricey. I wish I would have seen the WG-1 before I bought this one because it really burned a hole in my wallet.
Please tell your dad thank you for defending my freedom!
I really have not seen a bad camera made by a notable company yet. just make sure of two things though: It’s 16 pixels or greater for long shot clearity and second that you use only a photo quality flash card. If the flash card does not say photo flash card, it isn’t one. they do cost three time a standard card but its performance is well worth it.
I prefer “Sandisk Extreem” brand. $24.00 for an 8 GB card I shot 15 days of the 2010NJ with the one card.
Are you an expert in photography? I’m asking because I want to buy my own camera with the money that I earn, but if you are an expert, can you suggest a really good camera for me?
Q. Hi Gear Guy, I’m into digital photography, but so far I’ve been using my cell phone or borrowing a camera. So, I want to get one of my own. I saw the Pentax Optio WG-1 in the May 2012 issue of Boys’ Life and thought it would be perfect, but the reviews are all over the place. Some people say it’s awesome and some people say it sucks. Is it a good camera or should I look at something else?
I have always prefered a camping mess kit. It eveything you need for $5 – $30. If alyou want on a pack trip is the pot, you take the pot. If you need more for another trip then you’ve got it. The pot can be hung, set in the coals or even used as a mini dutch oven. I also carry at least 1, 1 quart Army canteen with the canteen cup. The cup holds nearly a quart and can be cooked in. The handle gets pretty hot so be careful.
We use #10 foodservice cans with bale wire a lot. You can get cans for free at any school or restraunt and bale wire is cheap at any hardware store. This is not only light in weight but inexpensive; a green concept too. After your outing simply toss it away and make a new one for the next trek. No scrubbing necessary.
Q. I recently bought a backpacking stove. Now I need a pot for boiling water. What is a good lightweight option?
i say the hiking boot because they have better grip than a hiking shoe
Being from MN we use a lot of different seasonal boots. For general hiking I suggest Timberlands; light and affordable ($40.00). if in colder weather I hike in Red Wing “Irish Setter” boots ($120.00). Again super light in weight, covers above the ankle, water proof and insulated to 20 temp rating. For real cold weather nothing beats “Iceman” or “Sorels” boots ($120.00); not the knock offs though; they look the same but offer far less comfort and cold protection.
If you go to shular shoes you can find the kind you are looking for and they will find the right size for the right fit, they also have great custumer service.
Q. Hey Gear Guy! I am moving to an 85-acre farm soon and I’m looking for a pair of boots for hiking, fishing, hunting and riding my dirt bike across the farm. What would you recommend?
I really love to use corn, night crawler and mealworms and yes i do thing that mealworms are way better then powerbait
They will both work,but one may work that day but not the next day.
Since two of you are fishing; both of you should be using different items to start. That way you can test the fish more efficiantly. Also, don’t limit yourself to 2 items; usually 5-6 items is a minimum. Talk with your local fishing outlet for suggestions on what’s been hot. They both fish and see more fishermen than anyone so they will be very knowlagable. Personally I always carry: (1) looper jigs (2) dry flies (3) wet flies (4) power bait w/#5 hook and slip sinker (5) Fox spinner w/ salmon egg. Best of luck.
i dont go fishing alot so i dont have that much experience, but whenever my dad and i go we usually try to find crickets. they ought to work on any fish
Use both like gear guy said it all just depends!
GOOD LUCK!
Powerbait yellow or natural is the only one I have had consistent luck with here in Oklahoma
I think worms work the best Live bait works the best for me.
power eggs and a drip of scent…works year round for those trout
Live bait will always win out over plastic or other synthetic baits no matter what they flavor them up with. Mealworms are the best for trout. I had not heard of using corn, but I imagine that where I fish the corn would never make it to the trout because of all the darn sunfish. I know there are bass and trout because I get them occasionally, but it is tough to avoid sunnies. Any advice?
I live in a densely populated suburb of DC. When I was in the country in Connecticut, I had pretty good luck with lures and other fake stuff. The fishing down here is not nearly as good and the only bait I’ve caught fish with has been live. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but in my experience the live stuff is a lot grosser but also what to use if you are interested in catching fish.
I don’t know about you guys, I like to use dynamite!!!!
Dude, don’t use either to catch trout, learn to fly-fish! You will be much more successful.
i really dont know much about trout fishing because in tx the only place you can catch them is in saltwater.
LOL. As far as TX goes, you can catch trout in both fresh and saltwater. I’ve caught plenty in both. However, one thing I like to use when I stream fish for trout is corn. Plain ol’ canned corn on the hook.
Try it!
Yeah, your right.There was somebody who used corn and caught 13 rainbow trout.The power bait i bought didn’t work.
Vitamin fortified Wonderbread sandwich bread pieces in about one inch pieces and moistened into a dough bread ball and placed on a fish hook will catch seven inch carp and some of the smaller fresh water pan fishes. The Wonderbread sandwich bread one inch pieces usually really attract small fresh water fish such as carp as well as wild pond ducks when tossed into the fishing pond before casting the fishing hook with the moistened sandwich bread dough ball.
Regular soft whole kernal corn from a grocery store and placed on an Eagle Brand fishhook size #5 will catch carp that measures over fifteen inches from a fresh water river.
mealworms all the way! caught 34 fish in a pond with them!
i have some of those powerbait trout nibbles i dont really like just having one or two on a hook so if i use them(which is rare) i put one on and a worm but i do agree live bait is SO MUCH BETTER! though some plastic and rubber lures are good
live bait will almost always win out over rubber or other artificial lures, but some places the fish are raised on the same thing each day, the trout especially, they jump all over bright colored puff balls with a hook in them.
worms are soooooooooooooooo much better than power bait for just about every thing i fish for. Bass, pike, crappies, and sunfish.
when me and pedro go fishing I usually use his tail as bait.
I fish in lakes around detroit and my dad and I use always use powerbait when we fish for trout.
My dad and I go fishing a lot. We used to use PowerBait but we just didn’t catch anything. So we started using mealworms and we caught much more. But the next time we went fishing and the other fishermen were saying the fish were biting the PowerBait! My dad and I love catching trout but we don’t know what bait is best for that?
I’ve got all my wheels off my skate board except for one, and I can’t get it off, how can I get the wheel off? I’ve been using sunflower oils, Cyder vinigar and nail polish remover, nothing seems to be making it budge, what should I do?
Wd40 is the worst lubricant for bearings, and silicone based sprays lose their lubrication properties very quickly. It is best you use liquid wrench to clean them properly and use something like tri flow to keep them spinning.
I have a cheap walmart board and my wheels stopped so i just sprayed wd40 on them. It works like a champ know.
WD40 works short term but it actually shortens your bearings life and wears away very quickly
ither you have a crappy wallmarnt sate bord or you need new berings
i bought a new blind board for 105$ and the wheels are really slow do i buy new ones or what?
Maybe you should just buy a new skateboard dude. I mean if tings aren’t working right with me i mean if i buy some new bearings or something and it doesn’t work, i would just buy a new one man.
just replace the bearings if you need faster bearings i recommend bones reds
how do i fix my board i have all my bearings but im missing the thing thats in the bearing its the thin round thing that holds the wheel
i recommend bones swiss bearings they set the standard the are fast u dont even have toclean them and alll the pros use bones swiis so get bones!!!
just get some abec 1 bearings, their cheap and work great if you clean them out
Apec7 yellow jackets are awesome they are like butter
Yea just place it in acetone for 5-10mins then just put some wd40 on it and it’ll work fine. I just did that with mine and it works like a charm. I polish my board bottom every time after use and clean the outside of the wheel everytime after use. There’s a saying,” take care of your board ad it’ll take care of you”
dont use wd 40 it attracts more dirt use a silicon based lubricant thats why they have skateboard specific bearing lube.
Yeah I’d say that too man. Use some silicon based lubricants for that type of situation man.
I just stuck brand new wheels and bearings on my board and all but one of them have a decent spin. I have no idea why only 1 of the wheels goes slow! Any ideas?
Oil will make it worse if they get some dust from ground, they become slow and noisy
yeah, just go to your local skate shop and get Bones Speed Cream.
I go to Zumiez.
lube them and then ride hard for a hour or two that will do the job…
i just like to put on w-d 40 and that w3orks because i don’t want to buy new bearings.
if your gonna spend 15 bucks on cleaner, u might as well spend the 15 dollars on new bearings…but, i was wondering what if ur bearings have been lubed up and all but they still run slow…? if they’re broken is there a way i can fix them?
swiss bones are some of the best bearings out there, i use them on my jam skates
Yeah deffiantely dont use WD40 on your bearings, if grits up and attracts dirt easily, rubbing alchohol works great to clean but to lube it all up I recomend spraying white lithium grease inside the bearing while th cap is off but only a very small amount. Ismade not to wear out or wash off and doesnt attract dirt if you dont put to much on.
look, i went and bought some graphite which my friends said worked really well if you apply a little bit then rup all over the sheild of bearing. i tried it and had to wash graphite out in petrol. i ended up just putting all of bearings in petrol for cleaning and i didn’t bother to lube them and they work just fine and each wheel spins for 20 seconds when spun by hand! i recomend just doing what i did. im going to try graphite powder again though and try to use less! hop this helped!
also, i was in a skate shop and the guy there said not to use speed cream. but he didnt tell me y?? he was creepy so i just didnt ask!! haha!
HOW DO I PUT BEARINGS ON WHEELS I NEED HELP ASAP!
DUDE, skateboarding with Bones Bearings is AWSOME!!!!!!!!! :):):):):):):):)
wot ive done before is use wd40 then put a little petroleum jelly. It will attract more dirt though
get bones cleaner or lube and soak them for a couple of mins.
i think wd 40 or around da house oil works best
You could always just oil your wheels and i agree with jjjjjjjjjjjg.
Personally bearings aren’t that expensive, and just some spitfire bearings work just fine for me. Also everyone else has a legidiment answer and i think wd 40 works just fine.
If you dont want to clean your bearings and you have an old board with good bearings just switch them out and they should feel good.
Take your barings and spray them with wd-40 and if that dosent work, wash them off with a rag and get some plated bearings or what I have are baring proters that you can put on the out side of your barings and keeps your barings clean.
The wheels on my skateboard aren't spinning well anymore. Is there anything I can do to fix them or do I have to buy new wheels?
You should buy anti-bacterial spray often used for hockey gear at a sports store. Smells like oranges and eliminates the problem; not cover it up. This is by far the best stuff around. Hockey skates are the worst smelling things ever; ask the guy who sharpens them.
I have found that drying boots using a blow dryer and then sprinkling some powder (cornstarch) in them works to prevent the insoles from getting saturated in sweat.
If your foot doesn’t become cramped with the cotton socks and wool socks–and your hiking boot will permit them to fit snugly in your boots, Dr. Scholl’s “Odor Eater” foam shoe insert fitted into your hiking boot may help eliminate the hiking boot odor by trapping it in the foam and activated charcoal liner of the boot. Just be careful to not cramp your foot so as to permit a heel blister to form while hiking in your hiking boots. Dr. Scholl’s “Odor Eater” foam inserts really work hard to eliminate odor from sweating feet. Smelly hiking boots also are formed when the boot leather doesn’t “breathe” such as in acrylic plastic “water-resistant” hiking boots.
i like internal packs, because i like to go on more rugged trails, the packs are also very confortable on the trail. they are very good for a center of balance and they pack a lot.
thanks for the tips, this has happened to me before, i just put some lysol in my shoes to make them smell better, that did the trick for a while, but now i know the real answer.
Internal frames usually have a greater volume to carry more stuff (cubic inches). They are designed to hug the body better giving you a better center of gravity. Weight is packed closer to the back. This is ideal for cross country skiing, climbing, etc.
External frames provide better support from the hips which allows more weight to be carried higher in the pack making trail hiking easier. External have a place to strap the sleeping bag to the frame where the internals have a section you stuff the bag into. Some people prefer one type to the other, I will switch between the 2 depending on the type of activity I am doing.
Thanks. I’ve been looking for an answer to my smelly sneaks and work moccassins. This should do the trick.
It depends but a good lock back or a short fixed is generally the best choice
Try looking online, or better yet, go to REI or your local sporting goods store and ask an employee. there are many adjustable packs that can fit you now and be adjusted as you grow. I also had a hard time finding a pack because I was only 4′ 5″ when I started backpacking. I bought a kelty yukon 2900 cu. in. that fit real nice.
Whats better:Internal vs. External Frame backpacks?????
Would you know the best way to survive a rafting trip on rapids?
My hiking boots smell terrible. Is there anything I can do to take care of that?
If you can find last season’s osprey bladders, they are really well made. They have the nalgene cap and do not require an o-ring to stay watertite. My local outdoors store is selling the 70liter bag for $24.
Q. Where can I get a spare bladder for my hydration pack (straw included)?
The way the stove works is to capture the heat using a peltier element. A peltier element is an electronic device that if you pass electricity through it, one side gets cold and the other side gets hot. By working in reverse, we make one side hot and the other side cold, and it will generate electricity. Google thermoelectric generators and you will see how the stove works. You can purchase peltier elements online and tin cans are usually free….
Just a thought…
This is cool I wish it was a prize for a contest I would totally submit!!
Electronic gadgets do not belong on Camping trips. Keep it basic and have fun
Nah. I go camping to get back to the land. I don’t need electronic gadgets while I camp. If I am PREPARED, and remember my Scouting lessons, I trust I can avoid or get out of almost any situation.
I agree with Sly Fox. I’ll stick with my Dragon Fly and my Peak 1.
I love the idea, but I can’t afford $130 for another camp stove… maybe I could convince my scoutmaster to get one for the troop… if only he allowed electronic gadgets!
Cool concept but I think I’ll stay with my Dragon Fly and solar charging pannel until more information hits my neck of the woods; far north Minnesota.
Q. That BioLite stove seems like a neat idea. But does it really work?
Soccer cleats are good, never get metal cleats for ultimate… 175g disc from discraft, go to amazon 
Never ever buy any discs that says “frisbee” They are made by whamoo, and you will just be the laughing stock of any game or tourney you go to if you show up with a whamoo. Also i wear soccer cleats, sometimes a hat, or bandana if its hot. Under armor is good.
Discraft ultrastar is a world class mold which is used for ultimate. Can’t think of the site off hand for the ultimate players association where you could get more info.
Frisbee makes a disc specifically designed for Ultimate called the “Ultimate”. It’s about 180 -190 grams and large diameter. Very easy to catch and control.
the soccer cleats are a good call, when you wipe out with those sneakers it hurts.
just use regular everyday shoes, and a baseball cap.
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I prefer the game of Ultimate Frisbee. But nobody knows anything about ultimate. There is no one to tell you what type of shoes to get or what type of disc to use. Could you please help?
The best brand i get all my gear is at dicks sporting goods the thing is it is not a cheep price but the quality is better
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I love rock climbing a lot! But I don’t have my own gear. I want good quality gear but would like it at the cheapest price. I was wondering what brand I should buy and where I should buy it?
In my opinion, I think that both shoes and boots are useful in the different types of hiking just like Gear Guy said. I personally prefer old tennis shoes, but if I’m hiking in the snow or rough trails I’ll want boots.
Q. What's better: a hiking shoe or a hiking boot?
If you follow the Gear Guy, then you know I LOVE headlamps. They're definitely one of the handiest things you can carry in your pack. And I've really been digging a new one I've been testing called the LED Lenser H7.
Roll the clothes up tightly and put them in multible ziplock bags.
Q. How do I keep my clothes dry whenever I am in the water?
I have been to Philmont twice now. Each time we used liquid fuel and I think it is the best for the conditions and easy to fill up in the back country if you run low!
I prefer electric stoves. We bring a genarator and a microwave so we can cook anything quick and perfect every time.
WOW. HA,HA,HA,HA,HA!!! so when you go hiking who packs along the 250+ pound generator and microwave!? We are talking camping here.
I don’t use liquid or gas fuel. I bring a solid fuel stove which is compact and burns efficiently.
I prefer propane canister. They are the most popular type of stove. Find out you know
what is easier for you to work with.
Another thing to look into is to find out what other members of your group are using. That way you could share fuel supplies. Propane / butain stoves are quick and easy – liquid fuel is longer lasting per volume container size; it’s a personal choice. I use a MSR Dragonfly (Liquid fuel). To clean is you simply shake it; easy enough.
I agree with you on this one S.F. I use the Dragonfly as well and it works like a charm!
Do you recommend a propane-canister or liquid-fuel backpacking stove? I've heard good things about both, and I'm unsure about which one I should bring to Philmont Scout Ranch.
I’ve seen lots of lads slipping their shoes off while sitting and most of them are too lazy to get them properly, so they just stand up or even walk treading on the heel counter of their shoes. Avoid crushing your shoes and they will last much longer.
make sure you dont use your feet to take your shoes off like me
That aways happened to me until I started not being so lazy!!
Mabe your foot is too long for the shoe try a new size or trynew socks that may be thinner.
You need to loosen the laces a good amount before you put your shoes on or take them off.
i used to some times take off my shoes by taking one foot and putting it on the back of of the other one and pressing really hard and my shoes would come off but than my shoes would be all scuffed up after a while maybe you are doing the some if not i have no idea – I Love Cars
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Whenever I get a new pair of shoes the stuffing in the backside of the ankle goes away. I just got a new pair of boots about a month ago, and it’s already happened. Why is that? I have no idea. Please help?
I have this and it is totally awesome! Works great!
I Have it!!!!! sports authority has the best selection. Its totally epic!
SO COOL, MUST BUY ONE!!! (Hey, Mom, can we go to REI and get one of these? They are super light, and they stand up, and they can roll up, and they can fit in your pocket, and they are so AWESOME!!!)
It sounds like a really nice item, I don’t really know what to say about it.
The Vapur Element has to be the coolest, handiest new water bottle we’ve tested. But, here’s the catch: It’s not actually a bottle.
get either a butterfly or a sunfish, Sunfish are smaller and simpler for beginers, butterflies are bigger and much faster. A good sunfish is about $500 and a good Butterfly is about $750
Where can you get the boats for a cheaper price in Dallas Texas.
Q. I like to go small-boat sailing. I think that it is fun and educational. What kind of boat do you recommend for use on a lake?
Try Churchill Manufactuering. Probably the best Longboard for the money.
i have the tan tien longboard, by loaded. i use reds bearings, paris 180 trucks and flashback wheels it is more on the expensive side but its AMAZING
This is really great information. Where can someone purchase wheels that contain ball bearings in them such as like used in roller skates and roller blades to build a person’s own skate board axle if someone wanted to personally design his or her own skate board for use on skate board rinks and on sidewalks (where expressed permission is given by the local Deparment of Public Works and the person in charge of maintenance and upkeep of sidewalks in a municipality) and other places that are designed for use by skate boards?
Q. Hi Gear Guy, I like skateboarding. I think it is fun. Do you have a skateboard? If you do, is it a longboard or a regular board? I live in Indiana; where could I get an inexpensive longboard? Thanks for your time.
Some knives, if they are old, will not get sharpened. If you have one like that, ask your scoutmaster or a person who knows about knives if they can sharpen your knife for you. If they can’t, or if they do and it’s still dull, then it is time to get a new knife.
One other thing you might be able to use would be a file you would use to sharpen
an axe, I wouldn’t recomend it though. The wetstone probably be the best choise, if
you are going to bring one when you are going on a trip, like canoeing in the boundry waters, you should find a smaller sized wetstone that will much more easily fit imto your
pocket. There ate a sot of ways to sharpen your knife. The wetstone would be the best.
We just purchased an Ozitech Furi Diamond Fingers Sharpener. Really neat device. Folds up. Worth the price. Easy to use. Thanks Gear Guy!
Smith’s Edge Pro is only $15 and has Ceramic for the fine stone and carbide for the coarse and it can sharpen serrated edges with the Ceramic
You can flip over a ceramic coffee mug and sharpen your knife on the circular ring of exposed ceramic, it works great but it will take a little longer to sharpen your knife. Also if you roll down a car window or any kind of glass (be carefull) you can sharpen you knife on the edge of the glass.
The ceramic coffee mug and glass ideas are pretty clever. Good to know in an emergency.
Is there any specific model? A quick Google shows dozens of types for all three, and I have no idea which are good or bad. Any help?
Sandpaper works just fine. Lower grit to just do a basic sharpening, higher grit to make that blade sharp.
ARE YOU CRAZY! sandpaper is a bad choice! sandpaper is basically a sheet of paper with a ton of small rocks glued to it . And rocks my friend, are a knives worst enemy.
Sandpaper covers a lot of stuff. I use the same crocus cloth and emery paper I would use to polish a piece of metal. You can glue a few pieces to wood and pack them along. PLUS what do you think a whetstone is if NOT stone? I have sharpened a knife with a picked up piece of sandstone. Works.
Try a small diamond steel, low cost and work great. You can even get a pen size steel that will fit in your shirt pocket. Mine also has a groove in it to sharpen fish hooks. Cost about $10.00.
Q. Hey Gear Guy, which devices (other than a traditional whetstone) can I use to sharpen my knife? How well do they work?
Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Just click on the link below to send in your questions for the Gear Guy.
8) 
Need to know what you need to bring on your next trip? Here are gear checklists for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Nope, no suggestions here. But hammocks do allow bears to eat without bending over; cool.