Experts

Why is it that wild animals can drink water that's unsafe for humans?

Just standing flat footed and lifting my toes I get a sharp pain shooting from the ball through the underside of my toe and my hiking has ceased. What could the problem be?

My boots seem to fit me well, but after about three hours of backpacking the balls of my feet become sore. Friction probably plays a role, so I duct tape the balls of my feet to slow down the pain process. Eventually they do get sore. Any suggestions?

I am a backpacker and mountain climber and am trying to find out more information specific to diet and keeping up my endurance, energy and strength. I have celiacs disease and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information on obtaining the right carbs.

As a CO native, hiking Fourteeners in the summer is a favorite activity of mine. I'm excited to introduce my one-year-old to an easy one this summer (carrying him in a baby backpack, of course), but am a bit concerned about him and altitude sickness. Should I be?

Why do I get headaches nearing the end of hikes? I drink enough water, eat enough, but the last two miles of so of any hike I get a killer headache.

Does hiking and sleeping at altitude for the weekend one to three weeks prior to taking a hike at 14,000 help acclimating? I would be back at sea level for the work weeks in between.

How soon after exposure to poison ivy do I need to wash my skin? If I apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact with poison ivy, will it reduce my reaction, or stop it altogether?

When I through-hiked the PCT a number of people I was hiking with came down with giardia. We drank from the same sources for weeks. They treated their water and I never did and I still never got sick. Why?

Are giardia issues now greater than they were, say, in the 60s? In the 60's I often drank out of remote streams, with no ill effects.

Is Gore-Tex still the #1 all-time best waterproof material you can buy?

What are the best quick-dry pants to use in cooler temperatures?

I've heard that DEET is bad for sleeping bag fabrics. Since I use it on most camping trips, should I wash my sleeping bag after every trip?

My friend and I have a debate going about how to pack a tent: He says stuffing it is better, but I say folding and rolling is better. Who's right?

Tents have warnings to "maintain adequate ventilation. Death by suffocation is possible!" My tent has lots of mesh. What's the story here?

How can I be sure my water treatment equipment is doing it job. Is there a way to test this?

I am new to backpacking and have only made a few serious trips. Everyone I hike with always carries a gun. Do you carry a firearm when in the United States? Or am I just paranoid?

What is the mosquito's hunting range?

How can reduce the pain from knee arthritis so I can still hike?

Will bleach make water safe to drink?

Will trekking poles help prevent my hands from falling asleep and getting itchy when I hike?

I am planning a thru-hike on the AT. Can you give me insight into the pros & cons of ultralight poles vs the old standbys?

If a rain fly has a few areas of mildew will it still work to repel rain, or do I need to get a new fly?

For a summer trek at Philmont, which is better, a wool sweater or a fleece garment?

I accidentally left my down sleeping bag in a stuff sack for two years! Is it ruined?

How many quarts of water per person per day should you carry when packing in the desert Southwest in the middle of May?

Is it true that placing a rope around your sleeping bag will discourage snakes from crossing it?

What can I do to prevent getting numb hands and arms when I'm sleeping in the backcountry?

Is it safe to drink untreated ground water?

I like sleeping under the stars. Is the fabled "rattler joins camper in his sleeping bag" tale at all a meaningful risk?

What is the shelf life of chlorine dioxide tablets?

How long does it take for human feces in a cathole to break down into soil?

Because of a toe injury, my index toe now bends to the left. Should I do anything about it?

I have been away from backpacking for a while, why the shift away from external frame backpacks?

What's the best way to patch a tear in a siliconized Cordura pack cover?

I need prescription sunglasses, but can't afford them. Do you have any cheap sunglasses solutions that won't make me look like a geriatric?

I'm looking for a super packable rectangular sleeping bag–do they exist?

I have always used the "Potable Aqua" pills to treat water in the wilderness. Now I hear that they won't kill one or two specific water-borne diseases. Is this true, and if so, what can I do to kill the extra germs?

Three days into a five-day hike, your knee blows up to the size of a softball, despite there being no fall and no trauma. Why, and what can you do to help the knee?

Is QuikClot a friend or foe?

I want to do some backpacking in Florida, but I know that the water in the Everglades and most streams is high in tannins. Is it safe to drink after filtration or purification pills?

How can I treat this condition on the trail?

My understanding is that the maximum amount of sodium you should have in your diet is about 2,400 mg. Is there a minimum amount you should have? I perspire excessively and get headaches without salt replenishment.

Is there a medicine that will treat leg cramps?

I have very poor circulation in my fingers and toes. What is the best way to keep them warm consistenty without overheating?

What is the best way to clean your hydration pack and tube?

What do you do with the water that is "backwashed" into the "dirty" bag? Discard the water or re-filter?

My baselayers say not to wash with fabric softener. Are dryer sheets out too? No dryer sheet = major static.

Can rechargeable batteries be used in LED and non-LED headlamps and flashlights?

How do the GPS apps for smartphones compare to a regular GPS?

Is it true your body swells at high elevations?

How can I keep glucose near me at night without attracting bears?

How should you purify water in the desert, since it is often high in heavy metals?

Is it safe to put icicles in my drink?

I have a friend going to an altitude much higher than where he lives. Is there any way to train to be better prepared?

I heard that the salt in sweat crystalizes and that's what causes chafing on your inner thighs. Have you heard this

How to decrease knee pain and stay on the trail

Will bear spray work on a mountian lion?

Am I too old to take up hiking?

Does going to higher altitude make it difficult for your lungs to clear moisture?

I'm in the military and for deployments and long field ops, I am unable to wash my sleeping bag. I have adopted the practice of spraying the inside of my bag with Lysol and drying it in the sun. Do you see this ruining the bag in any way?

The rubber from the sole of my boots is starting to separate from the leather. Is there something I can do to mend this or are my boots toast?

My GPS works great in the Walmart parking lot, but in a steep valley, next to a mountain, or in the woods it can't get an adequate signal. How can I solve this problem?

Does campfire smoke degrade the properties of DWR or breathable laminates?

What should you do when the ground is frozen and you have to dig a cathole?

Should ibuprofen be thrown away after the expiration date, or is it really still OK to use?

Do you need to worry about water purity when doing activities like shaving?

If I want to purify just 8 ounces of water instead of the recommended one liter or quart, can I just use a smaller amount of the recommended treatment dosage?

See the wild side of West Virginia's best backcountry.

Will my ankle pain worsen at altitude and can I take anti-inflammatory drugs for it?

I'm bringing my one-year-old camping. What meds and ointments should I pack?

Any suggestions for small, leakproof containers for carrying cooking supplies such as oil, syrup, sauces etc.?

What is the best way to repair a tear in my fleece?

What is the best way to add down to areas of a sleeping bag?

I have Reynaud's syndrome. How can I keep my fingers warm?

Can I use nonpurified water to rinse my dishes?

I have an old The North Face expedition down bag. It has been in storage for 35 years. It looks good still, but will it fall apart?

I am looking for a hydration pack for day ski trips this winter–need to attach skis, shovel, probe, food, and a few pieces of clothes.

How can I keep from losing my toenails during long backpacks?

I am considering retro-fitting my old Kelty external frame backpack with new shoulder straps. Should I also replace the hipbelt?