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GEAR
Gear Expert - Annie Getchell

Expert Answers
Answer Archive

Sleeping Bags and Pads
*Are"women's" sleeping bags really better for women?
*How do you recommend cleaning a dirty down sleeping bag?
*How to pick the temperature rating for you
*Is a convertible sleeping bag a good investment?
*How thick should my self-inflating air mattress be?
*Is a good bivy sack equal to a tent?
Tents
*What to do when waterproof floors get sticky with age
*Preventing tent condensation
*In need of a spacious 3-person tent
*Can a 3-season tent work in winter?
*What's the best way to wash my 20-year-old tent?
Backpacks and Daypacks
*How do I measure torso size for an internal-frame backpack?
*How do I waterproof a backpack?
*Getting the right fit in a daypack
*Safe air travel with an external-frame backpack
Rain Gear and Apparel
*Repairing torn 2-layer Gore-Tex pants
*Caring for a Gore-Tex jacket
*Does cotton really kill?
*Women's rain gear recommendation
*Dressing for Mt. Hood in the summer
*Fleece or an insulated jacket?
Boots and Other Footwear
*Should I wear gaiters for wet-weather hikes?
*High-traction treads
*Can you recommend a good hiking boot?
*What do gaiters do?
*Footwear for kayaking and rafting
Stoves and Water Filters
*Operating an unfamiliar stove
*Cleaning frequency
*Can I trust an old stove?
Paddling Gear
*Can you tell me how to choose a flatwater paddle?
*What's the best kayak for paddling the Great Lakes?
*Packing for a sea kayaking trip
*Footwear for kayaking and rafting
Snowsports
*Backcountry skis vs. cross-country skis
*The best snowshoe for backpacking
Packing and Organizing Gear
*What are the"10 Essentials"?
*What's missing from my backpacking packing list?
*Packing for a sea kayaking trip
*Packing for a trek in New Zealand
*Lightening your pack load
*Organizing car-camping gear
Accessories
*Shopping for a personal locator beacon
*Considerations when shopping for trekking poles
*Preventing sunglasses from fogging
*How to use ascenders
*Are trekking poles worthwhile?
*Geared up for a bear encounter
Miscellaneous
*What are some good bear avoidance tips?
*Equipping to battle mosquitos
*Should I buy used climbing gear?
*How do I get an outdoor gear internship?


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