Which backpack is suitable for both travel and technical backpacking? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm going to Nepal for an internship this summer and then to South America for the Peace Corps next winter. I need a backpack that's durable enough for travel and big enough to hold all of my stuff. But, I would like one that is technical enough f... more
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Do I really need a liner and/or a vapor barrier for my sleeping bag? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm climbing Kilimanjaro this summer. Does it make sense to use a silk liner on the inside of my sleeping bag and a vapor barrier liner on the outside of the bag?... more
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Is a hitch rack still considered the way to go for hauling bikes? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I had to give up my truck, so now I'm looking for a bike rack for my car (for three bikes). I am very short, so a roof rack probably won't work. Do you recommend a hitch rack?... more
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What's the optimal backpack size for weekend outings? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm looking for a woman's overnight/weekend backpack for a friend. I'll likely carry most of the gear, so I'm not sure of the optimal pack size. An Osprey Aura 50 was recommended, but it seems slightly small. What do you think?... more
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What type of bike should I ride on well-maintained trails? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'd like to get a bike to ride the Katy trail. I'm nearly 60 and haven't ridden a bike in years. Should I get a mountain bike or a hybrid? And do you have any suggestions for gear?... more
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Do I really need double boots for Denali? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I have a pair of Montrail ICE 9 insulated boots that I used on Aconcagua with insulated gaiters. I'd like to take them to Denali with a full overboot. The guide outfit, however, recommends double boots only. Should I go ahead with my set-up?... more
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How do I break in my new leather backpacking boots? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I just got a pair of Vasque Summit GTX boots, an all leather, sturdy backpacking boot with smooth leather and a Gore-Tex liner. What's the best way to break them in? And how can I keep the leather conditioned long-term?... more
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What's your take on paddle vs. pedal kayaks? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
Should we get paddle or pedal kayaks? We have demoed both but don't know enough about kayaking to make a decision. We'll use them in backwater from the Gulf, so we'll be dealing with tides.... more
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Got any ideas on how to transport a tandem bike? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
We are planning to buy a tandem bike, but we're concerned about how to transport this big, long bike on the back of our small fifth wheel. We don't have a hitch receiver on the back of the RV. Is it possible to add one on? Any other ideas... more
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Is a down sleeping bag appropriate for a humid climate? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'll soon be living in my tent for six weeks in Tanzania, and I'm looking for a lightweight, compressible, and not-too-pricey sleeping bag that will do well over that stretch of time. I like the idea of a down bag, but I'm worried that moistu... more
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How can I shave pounds off my backpacking-gear setup? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I've been a backpacker for 30-plus years, and recently I've noticed my knees complaining after steep downhill stretches. I'm considering making a shift to ultralight gear, and I think a lightweight trail-running shoe is a good start. Can you offer so... more
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Which summer-weight, car-camping tent will suit my family of six? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
Do you have any recommendations for a good weather-tight, car-camping, summertime, family tent (for six people)?... more
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Where can I find an entry-level road bike for $1,000 or less? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
You have written quite a bit about road bikes that range from $2,000 to $4,000. What about entry-level bikes? REI's Novara brand has bikes for $799.... more
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What degree rating do you recommend for a year-round sleeping bag? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I snow camp, warm-weather camp, and do moderate mountaineering, so I need a good all-around sleeping bag. Is the Mountain Hardwear Lyell (rated to -15 degrees) suitable?... more
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What should I look for in an all-around trail-runner? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm an experienced road runner, and now I want to train for an off-road triathlon. Where should I start with trail-runners?... more
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What's the best way to track how many miles I've hiked? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I can't find an accurate pedometer to take hiking with me. I've tried several different brands and have found them all unreliable when it comes to calculating mileage hiked. Any recommendations?... more
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What's the story with Vibram soles? What's so special about them? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I want to know about Vibram rubber. What is so special about it?... more
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Which underwear performs best for active women? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm headed out to Quetico for little over a week, and I need women's underwear that will last a long time, limit chafing, dry fast, and rinse well. Any suggestions?... more
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Do hiking boots made with fabric uppers offer enough ankle support? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
Are backpacking boots made with fabric uppers stiff enough for good ankle support and protection against sharp rocks? I'm looking at the Kayland Apex Trek for a trip to Alaska, where I will glacier walk with crampons. Most of my other packing is d... more
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Can you help me salvage a hand-me-down tent? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I have just acquired a Quest Starlight tent that's in pretty good shape. But, the older fellow who sold it to me said that it likely wouldn't hold up to several days of rain. Can I make the fly waterproof enough so it won't wet-out if rained ... more
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