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Good camping pillow
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I need a good camping pillow that is not too expensive and can be used easily on backpacking trips. —Brian Hardhead, Dallas, Texas A. Hey man, thanks for the question. Getting quality...
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Good, but Inexpensive Buck knife
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....
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Simple, cheap fly rod
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...
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Reversible rain jacket
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? —Lost Luis, Dumfries, Va. A. Hey...
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Stuff We Like: Gerber Omnivore Flashlight
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...
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Repair leaky rain pants
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...
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Well-ventilated tent to prevent condensation
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? — Wet Wesley, Ridgeland,...
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Modular tent systems
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. – Drayton & friends, Gilbert,...
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Why is my pack so heavy?
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...
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How to get back to your car?
Q. This is not so much a gear question but a technique question: My buddy and I plan to backpack a 24-mile point-to-point trail one weekend, camping halfway. Problem, we only have one car. How do we...
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Good inexpensive waterproof watch
Q. My troop is sending boys to Sea Base and I was wondering about good inexpensive waterproof watch. Any ideas about where I could get one? —Super Scout, Oakdale, Minn. A. There are lots of inexpensive...
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Work boots for hiking?
Q. I don’t have a pair of hiking boots, but I do have a pair of Georgia Giant work boots that come eight inches over the ankle. Would they work? Or should I get a pair of hikers instead? — Nathan the...
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Good knife for exploration
Q. I need a good knife for exploring a forest. I want a knife that either unfolds or stays open. Any suggestions? —Matt the Explorer, Kent, Wash. A. Exploring a forest, huh? Sounds fun. I think your...
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Hiking or camping packing tips
Q. Sometimes on hikes or camping trips I pack a little bit too much or a little bit too little clothing. How can I restrict myself from packing an amount of clothing that is wrong? – Overloaded Lloyd,...
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Best jacket for Philmont?
Q. Hey Gear Guy! What kind of jacket do you recommend for Philmont Scout Ranch? I need the jacket to be preferably something light and under $100. —Curious Kannan, Herndon, Va. A. Hey there, Curious....
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Steel-toed boots for hiking?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, Is it a good idea to wear steel-toed boots for hiking? —Curious Jason, Midlothian, Texas A. So, Jason, steel-toed boots for hiking? Nah, not the best idea. Steel-toed boots are...
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Gear for a canoe trip
Q. Hey Gear Guy, I was just wondering what kinds of special gear my troop should get when going on a canoe trip? We are going down the Delaware River and as ASPL I was assigned to learn what sorts of...
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Waterproof tent fly, but still get wet
Q. Dear Gear Guy, I have a tent with a waterproof fly, but I still get wet. Why is that? —Soggy Samuel, Morristown, Ind. A. Hey Soggy Sam. Thanks for the question. There are a couple reasons you’re...
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Where to buy the Leatherman Fuse?
Q. Dear Gear Guy, My son and I saw your knife reviews…his question is (him typing now)…where can I buy the Leatherman Fuse? — Mike and Dad, Tyrone, N.M. A. Hey Mike and Dad, If you want to find a store...
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Water shoes or neoprene socks?
Q. Gear Guy, I’m going on a Boy Scout backpacking trip in a couple of weeks with my son to Utah. We will be walking through water and sand for three days at the bottom of the canyon. Any recommendation...
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