Q. I’ve been in Scouts for about a year and I was wondering why my backpack is so heavy. I only pack about two pairs of jeans, extra socks and two shirts. I also pack a mess kit and a flashlight plus batteries. My sleeping pad is not heavy; neither is my sleeping bag. Why might my pack be so heavy and do you know how to fix it?
Q. I am looking for a type of tent that can zip onto other tents (of the same style) for my friends to use on campouts so we can each have our own living quarters.
Q. Gear Guy, I am trying to find a tent that is lightweight, and very well ventilated to prevent condensation, but without being too expensive. Do you have any suggestions?
Q. My rain pants are leaking because there is a hole on the inside of the leg on the seam. I want to be thrifty because I am a Boy Scout. I would like your advice as to how to repair them. If I am not able to fix them, what should I pay for a new pair?
Ever been scrambling before an outing for fresh flashlight batteries but never have the right kind on-hand? If you’re like me, the answer is a big fat yes. In fact, I have a great flashlight sitting in my drawer right now that requires a CR123 Lithium battery but I never remember to get one of those at the store and I definitely don’t have one just lying around the house. But that’s exactly the type of situation where the Gerber Omnivore Flashlight really shines -- pardon the pun.
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I’ve been searching everywhere for a reversible rain jacket, with one side to be waterproof, the other side just to keep me warm. Think you can help?
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I’ve been bass fishing for a couple years now but I really wanna get into fly fishing too. My friends say it’s really expensive—so can you recommend a simple, cheap fly rod and reel to get me started?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I would like a good quality but inexpensive Buck knife. I saw the article in September 2008 about the fixed-blade knives, but my troop does not allow sheath or fixed-blade knives. What can you recommend?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I need a good camping pillow that is not too expensive and can be used easily on backpacking trips.
One of the best ways to stay safe when bicycling is to make sure that you and your bike can be seen. This is especially important at night. Basic reflectors are a good start, but you really should have lights too.
Q. I have been looking for a pot, plate and bowl all for under $50. But I can’t find any?
Q. What equipment do you need to cook an oyster? I caught one on my fishing pole. Hope you write back!
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I have a problem: I’m getting a little too “old” for my BMX bike. I’ve had it for three years, but now I need a new one. My saddle is too low, and when I stand on the pedals for a while, my back begins to hurt. There’s one big problem: I’m kind of low on the green stuff (if you know what I mean). Any suggestions?
Q. Hi Gear Guy, I’m a swimmer and our coach has us time our laps with wristwatches, but every waterproof watch I try, the buttons don’t work underwater. What can I do?
Q. Yo Gear Guy, I’m about to go on a winter camp-out and I need some good warm gloves but my budget is just $15. What could I do?
Q. What skateboards are best for kickflips, grinds and ollies? Which board goes the fastest?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Where can you find unbarbed fishing hooks? I keep on catching pumpkin seed fish, and they have sharp teeth. I think unbarbed hooks would help.
Q. I’m looking for an advanced first-aid kit that has everything I will ever need at a low cost with quality stuff for wilderness, desert, cave, boat, home, camper, car, etc.
If you’re like most guys I know, you’re tough on your stuff. Problem is, most electronics like cell phones can’t stand up to your kind of abuse. That’s why you’ll be stoked to hear about this super-durable mobile phone.
Q. I have a lantern that has a removable glass covering, and it has soot all over it. How can I get it off?
A hoodie with built-in headphones? No way.
Q. I have some old camping shoes, but they’re winter hunting shoes. I need a pair of warmer-weather shoes that can get wet and still be dry on the inside; and so my feet won't stink. Can you help me?
Q. I've had a lot of people tell me I should get a CamelBak for outings. Can you help me pick the right one? How much water should it hold and how much space should it have?
Waterproof dry sacks are among the most handy things to bring along on a backpacking trip. They are perfect for stuffing in your sleeping bag, clothes, a down jacket, whatever you want to keep dry.
Q. We went camping on the beach last weekend. It was fun, but the wind blew all night long and made our tents flap like crazy. It was so loud that it was really hard to sleep. Any advice?
While there are so many cool knives on the market, I was really excited to come across this unique wooden-handled one.
Q. I’ve heard some people talking about barefoot shoes lately. What are those? And what are they used for?
If you like capturing your outdoor adventures, this waterproof pocket high-definition camcorder might just be what you need. The Kodak Playsport is about the size and shape of a cell phone but it shoots great quality HD video and 5 megapixel JPEG photographs.
Q. Dear Gear Guy. My Scout leader says that when hiking in the winter you should always wear wool because it keeps you warm even when wet. But I am allergic to wool. Any ideas?
When it comes to buying cool clothes for school, shopping online is one of the best ways to save your parents some cash. And one of the best new sites we’ve found is axlscloset.com.
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.
Need to know what you need to bring on your next trip? Here are gear checklists for all kinds of outdoor adventures.
Lose the frying pan in the mess kit, go with a spork of a plastic spoon. You can cook meals in just the 2 cup pot.
Look at what your food is packed in. If you are carrying cans, change you menu to stuff that you can add water to. A weekend’s food should fill a gallon frezzer bag. I can do it and I am bigger than the average bear.
Jeans are the dumbest thing to bring on any trip. Never bring them.
That is SO helpful!
My jeans are actually pretty heavy!
Thanks!!!
What about your food? I assume if you are backpacking you are carrying something to eat! You don’t want to starve, but take a look at what you are carrying to eat. Extra packaging material and too large portions add weight (and waste). General rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2 lbs of food per day. So for an overnighter you should only be carrying 2 lbs of food. Water also weighs a lot so evaluate that as well. (approx 8 lbs per gallon or 2 lbs per liter roughly.)
The heaviest things are your pack, sleeping bag, and tent. If yours are heavy, they are probably old and can be replaced by newer and lighter versions. You might be able to borrow a piece of equipment from a friend to check it out. Many backpackers take only one change of clothes. Wear one set of clothes and pack the other. Jeans are about the heaviest and worst thing to take. Skip anything cotton and buy clothes made of synthetic fabrics. they are lighter and dry faster.
one thing is probaly the metal frame inside your pack
I love back packing I’m doing a 50 Miller in spring break. Hay gear guy do you have any tips?
i love backpacking!!!!!!!!!!!!
It depends on how long you are going to be hiking. You may not need but one change of Jeans with two t-shirts. You can use natural elements instead of a pad to sleep on such as leaves and moss. Wear your knife in a sheath. Make sure that you have a good backpack with a frame if possible to support weight evenly.
The other thing to look at is the kind of flashlight you pack. If it takes anything bigger than AA batteries, consider getting a newer, lighter one. They make some really bright LED flashlights that weigh next to nothing, and run for what seems like forever on one or two AA batteries.
Also, even if your sleeping bag and pad don’t seem to weigh much when you’re holding them, they can be deceiving once you have to put it on your back. Consider whether you should trade up to an ultrlight version. You’ll still stay warm enough.
Jeans are really heavy. Only wear a pair of quick dry zip off pants and pack your rain pants. Your rain pants can double as a warm layer, a dry layer or a layer to use if you need to wash your pants. The zip offs are your shorts and pants. Socks are important. Happy feet make for a happy backpacker. Evaluate if you need the extra shirts. A very small LED flashlight gives plenty of light. Keep evaluating where you can cut back. You’ll get it.
Could it be you just are not used to backpacking yet and you just need to get used to it. I found that boys Do pack way too much. Weigh the bag it should be 25 to 40% of your own body weight.