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
Comment >>

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
Comment >>

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
Comment >>

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
Comment >>

What container should I use to pack all of my water into the Badlands? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm going backpacking in South Dakota's Badlands, and everything I read says that you have to bring in your own water. For a four day trip, that could mean as much as five gallons. What type of water containers should I use to most effect... more
Comment >>

Got any advice on buying a bike while abroad? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm in the military and will be stationed in Aviano, Italy, in June. I would like to purchase a road bike in Italy for half ironman and ironman triathlons. How do I find a reputable bike shop abroad, and what manufacturer would you recommend?... more
Comment >>

Is there a real difference between men's and women's boots? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
Other than color, is there any difference between men's and women's boot in the same model? I am specifically interested in the La Sportiva Glacier.... more
Comment >>

What's the best backpack for an Appalachian Trail thru-hike attempt? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
For the past five years I lived out west, but I'm now in Indiana for a year. To make the best of my stay, I'm looking for new goals to tackle and have decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. What is the best backpack to take on that ... more
Comment >>

Is there a durable two-person tent that won't break the bank? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I would rank my outdoorsyness at a seven. I love backpacking, but I don't get out as often as I would like. I did, however, recently backpack South America and survived winter in southern Argentina with a cheap-o tent. Now I want to invest in... more
Comment >>

Which mateable zero-degree bags are light enough for backpacking? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
My husband and I are looking for relatively lightweight, zero-degree sleeping bags that can be zipped together and are suitable for backpacking. Any advice?... more
Comment >>

What is the best type of sock to wear on a day hike? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
What is the best type of sock to wear on a day hike? I am a naturally sweaty person and often my socks get so wet that is causes blisters. Not pretty, I know, but that's the truth of it.... more
Comment >>

Which hydration pack will prevent liquids from freezing while skiing? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
What is your recommendation on a hydration pack that will keep fluids from freezing? Ideally it'd be small enough for resort use, but big enough to carry an extra layer, snacks, goggles, and possibly the option of straps for ski/board carry.... more
Comment >>

Are any stoves designed to perform at high altitude? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm looking for a new camp stove for climbing at high altitude (10,000+ feet). What's the best stove for the harsher conditions at higher altitudes?... more
Comment >>

Which down jacket holds up to the demands of mountaineering? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm climbing in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia this May, and I know I need to have a down jacket. I hear it can get really cold there. What type of down jacket would you recommend?... more
Comment >>

Does the newest generation of light hiking boots really cut it on the trail? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
Though the treads on my six-year-old Garmont Nagevi boots don't look too worn, I've noticed that I'm slipping more than I used to. I've spent some time trying on other light hikers at the stores, and they all feel light and flimsy. I'm told this is d... more
Comment >>

Can a semi-rectangular bag keep me warm enough in the Colorado Rockies? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I find mummy bags to be really confining. I understand the point, of course, but I'm a side sleeper, and I like to lay "can-opener-style." (You know, with one leg pulled up and the other straight.) Can this question get any more awkward? Anyway, d... more
Comment >>

Are cotton clothes really a no-no for hiking in hot weather? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
What clothing do you recommend for hiking in hot weather? From time to time I've heard that light cotton or hemp clothes are, in fact, the coolest choice for hiking in high temperatures.... more
Comment >>

What kind of preparation and gear do I need for a 250-mile hike? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
My buddy and I are planning a mega-hike down one of Colorado's mid-length trails during summer 2009. What type of preparation and equipment will we need for a 250-mile hike? What about an overnighter that I'll be doing later this summer?... more
Comment >>

Which GPS unit goes above and beyond in terms of data output? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I cycle long distances, run, backpack, use my bike trainer, etc. And I'd like some type of GPS that has it all so that I don't have to use three or four different tools. I want something that can map a route whether I'm on my bike or h... more
Comment >>

What's your pick for the best lightweight, fast-drying women's travel clothing? Outside Magazine Gear Reviews
I'm doing research this summer in Panama, which means hot, humid, and often wet conditions (including wading around in water and mud). Can you recommend the best lightweight, fast drying, and somewhat bug-proof women's clothing? Lot of pockets w... more
Comment >>