Ask Kristin

Are there standards tents must meet to be designated 3- or 4-season?

Do you know of a good pair of beginner crampons for use in the Rockies? What's the price range?

I'm a novice who's weary of spending his cash in the wrong places. Should I go with a softshell jacket or something with a sturdier outer shell?

I was wondering if wearing two pairs of socks really helps prevent blisters/toe damage? If so, what do you recommend for the second sock?

I have found hiking in the sandals works for me because I can also use them as camp shoes, they dry fast, and they're so much lighter than my boots. Do you see any safety issues with do this?

On one hand it seems logical to bring an extra compass, flashlight, knife etc., but on the other it usually just turns out to be dead weight. What's your take on it?

We were hoping to start thru-hiking the AT when our child reaches age two and half, but is that too young?

Which should be applied to clothing and gear first? Waterproofing or Permethrin bug spray?

How can I stop the elastic on my underwear from chafing me under my hipbelt?

How can I recycle old polyester fiberfill sleeping bags to keep them out of the landfill?

Is there any one brand of hiking boots that you recommend that has excellent arch support? Currently I use an insole in my hiking boot which helps but I still have issues.

How can you tell if your water filter is still working properly?

Sure you can, but it's not as simple as throwing it into the washing machine.

When water comes over the top of Gore-Tex boots it can't seep out again like in regular boots, right?

What are some packing options for checking a loaded duffle on an airplane?

Soda can stoves can handle heat...but they aren't right for all cooking scenarios.

My wife and I are going to take our baby hiking and camping with us. Do you have gear recommendations for the main gear: baby carrier, baby sleeping gear, dirty diaper containment, etc?

I am having a very hard time finding the right pair of trail pants. I've searched online and found what seems to be a thousand pairs and none are the right pair. Do you have a favorite?

I love my sleeping bag/pad combo, except for one thing. I can't stop sliding off the pad! Is there anything that I can do to my pad to cut down on the sliding?

I am confused about the capacity figures that backpack manufacturers claim. With particular regards to daypacks it seems that the figures advertised are always about 20% higher than what the pack actually holds. What gives?

My friends are getting married in a and I want to give them a piece of gear specifically for couples. I looked into couples sleeping bags, my first choice, but I can't spend more than $200. Can you suggest something thoughtful and high quality?

I need a new winter sleeping bag. Should I choose a sleeping bag with or without a waterproof laminate? Can you explain the difference?

My tent has zip in/out panels and I'm not sure what the right balance is between keeping the heat in and getting the condensation out.

When walking around the neighborhood or out walking the dogs usually duringwinter the streets are most times icy. Are there any shoes or hiking boots that are studded or ones that would be best for ice?

I love being outside when it's cold, especially hiking, and I wear glasses. I have a hard time wearing face masks or balaclavas because my warm breath fogs up my glasses as I breath out into whatever is covering my face. Any suggestions on being fog free?

I am going on a week-long trip at around 10,500 feet elevation and we'll be using mules to carry our gear. Any suggestions on how to keep our food cold so we can carry perishables such as steak/chicken etc?

How do I get rid of cold feet while in my sleeping bag in the middle of the night? The rest of my body is fine but my feet are freezing.

Hats: Is there a secret to finding/wearing a great one as it gets colder out there? Synthetic? Wool? Is there one that's better than the other?

I'm a sweaty sleeper. Any tips?

It's getting colder but there's no way I'm not camping. Any tricks for staying warm?

What's your method for storing and hauling your trash on a multi-day trip? I usually just use plastic bags but there's got to be a more packable way.

Can you recommend a good glove system for colder hikes? Should I bring one pair or two? What should they be made of? Oh, and with longer gloves that bungee up my wrist, should that portion go over or under my jacket sleeve?

Is there one? Should I brush my teeth differently on the trail?

It's getting cold out there--when do I need a hardshell and when do I need a softshell? I've never really understood the difference and when to use which jacket. Help!

What's a good set of on trail eating utensils--fork, spoon, etc?

Hey Kristi, this doesn't seem to come up very often but should I be wearing a different kind of underwear in the backcountry than I do every day?

I'm having trouble deciding upon an insulating layer. I can't decide to go with fleece or PrimaLoft. What are the downs and ups of the two?

How should my daypack fit? Should it fit differently from my weekend or week-long pack?

I've got a great sleeping bag but I can't sleep without a pillow. Do you have a recommendation for a lightweight pillow or some kind of trick for making one with my gear?

I've read many outdoor books to get up to speed on camping, cooking, hiking, etc. I would like to hear what your choices of books might be in the outdoor education area.

Going to the bathroom in the wild. What do I need? Do I need to pack out my waste? How? I'm going on a multi-day trip and am not sure what I need.

How do I remove pine sap from my down sleeping bag (and other gear for that matter)?

love hiking and camping, but not alone. I'm one of those people who think about running away when I hear one stick break in the woods. Is there any way I could mentally prepare myself for sleeping alone in the wilderness?

I'm a navigation newbie. Basically, I just head to the trailhead, look at the map there, and go. Is there essential, basic navigation equipment that I should have at all times, even on a dayhike?

Trekking poles are not for every occasion.But, man, my poles sure saved the day (and my knees and ankles) when I descended from the rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River.

Could you explain what "minimum weight," "packaged weight," and similar terms mean?

I know I'm supposed to use a bear canister all the time in bear country but they're really bulky. If I'm going on an overnight trip, do I really need one? And if I do, is there a sealable bag option that might work

Baselayers. I need a good one for summer and fall. I know wool is great but frankly, I itch and get pretty hot when I'm mid hike. Any suggestions?

How do I get the campfire stench out of my gear? I tried washing it but no-go.

What can I feed my dog throughout the day while we are hiking to keep his energy up?

Yes, pee is about 95% sterile water, but that other 5% is a noxious brew of waste material that your body is trying to expel.

Pain in my shoulders and hips is destroying my ability to camp. Can you recommend the best, most cushioned, and lightweight pad that might help solve this problem?

I commute by bicycle to work 15 miles one way. Where can I find a backpack for clothing and hydration that is visible to vehicles?

Is it really necessary to have big hiking boots with really sturdy ankle support? I've always used trail runners on multi-day trips without a problem.

Times are rough, and I don't have the spare cash to blow on top-dollar gearfor every essential. If I have to skimp on one, which one should I cut corners: tent, sleeping bag, pack, or boots?

What would you suggest for a windproof lighter that is simple and dependable?

I am going to summit Kilimanjaro, but I only have summer weight sleeping bags good to 40 degrees. Would it be effective to double bag a couple of my summer bags?

How should a shell fit ? I can't decide between L or XL. Is it best to have ample layering room or should it be tight and form fitting. I can't decide whether to go up or down.

Does Talc powder block the GoreTex membrane of my boots? And what are the best odor killers for GoreTex Boots?

Do campfires deter bears?

I have been backpacking for 15 years and I have not been able to find a way to stop black toenails. Help!

On a recent backpacking trip, the sole of one of my hiking boots came loose. I was able to use a tent cord to tie it on and hike back to the trailhead. How do you repair loose soles on hiking boots?

I'm an extremely heavy sweater no matter what the weather. Should I really trust my hi-tech clothing to be absolutely dried by my body heat?

I am wondering how to keep warm in the tent at night. Is there a such thing as a tent heater?

How do you remove poison oak or Ivy sap from boots?

If I only backpack in America, do I have to get a water filter with a purifier, or will a filter for bacteria only suffice?

What are your thoughts on waterproofing your own clothes, particularly pants. Would that be a waste of time?

Is steel better than aluminum when choosing crampons?

When camping in subzero temperatures whats the best way to keep my food warm long enough to eat it?

My favorite trail is snowed over now but I still want to get out there. Should I use snowshoes or crampons? Or is there something in between?

How much gear I should pack? I don't want to bring too little, and I don't want to be overexerting myself with too much. What's in the ideal pack?

What are the best products for re-waterproofing Gore-Tex rain jackets?

Is it safe or advisable to use Febreeze or other "fabric refreshers" on my down sleeping bag?

What are some important tools to take along for good food prep on the trail?

Should I be worried about hiking in bear country when menstruating?

How do I prevent chafing? Nothing I've tried seems to work.

I've never really understood the principles of layering. For cold weather treks, should my baselayer be cotton or wool? What about my midlayer? Wool? Fleece? What are the basics of layering for any occasion?

How can you take along trekking poles when flying a commercial airline?

I take long dayhikes (20-30 miles) and am looking for an emergency shelter to use in case I don't make it out before nightfall. Will a waterproof bivy sack on its own be sufficient in case of rain?

You can safely bring 100 packs in the tent with you, but what I think you're really asking about is food...