Experts

Should people with high blood pressure eat freeze-dried meals?

Is it best to put gaiters on over or under rainpants?

I had my L4 and L5 vertebrae fused. Is there special equipment I should bring, or things I should modify when hiking? I know that Denali is out, but would like to hit some 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.


If I spray a DWR finish on clothing, will that also increase its wind resistance? Specifically I'm thinking of a pair of light gloves and a headband.

Will an EpiPen help treat a snakebite?

What are the pros & cons of a single-wall tent to a double-wall?

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

If I've had a spinal fusion in my lower back, can I still backpack?

Somebody recently told me that climbing a Fourteener kills brain cells because of the low oxygen levels. Is this true?

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

What are the best trekking poles to use if you have arthritis in your hands?

Do you know any stretches that will help?

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?

What goes on first, sunscreen or bug repellent?

Will eating sulfur keep mosquitoes away?

Are titanium trekking poles dangerous in a lightning storm?

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?

Is it true your shoe size increases after hiking the AT?

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?

I'm a Wilderness First Responder student with a SAR K9 team, and would like to know your experience with them.

What bug repellent do you recommend for my pup?

Why do the sides of my knees always hurt during descents?

What other mosquito repellents work?

Is it possible to acclimatize to hiking in hot temperatures?

After long hikes or backpacking trips, why do I always feel exhausted two days later?

Why do I get blisters on the insides of my heels?

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?

What's the best way to close an open wound?

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

What's the best way to remove a tick, and should I see a doctor?

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.

Why do my fingers swell when I hike?

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

How to repel black flies

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?

Can I still go camping if I sleep with a CPAP machine?

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

Is it safe to drink your own sweat?

Do you need extra-strength sunscreen at high altitude?

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

Is altitude sickness causing my headaches or something else?

Can you predict the weather by looking at campfire smoke?

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?

Does activated charcoal help remove venom from a snakebite? If so, should you put it directly on the wound or swallow it?

I am concerned about fleas and the plague. How is is transmitted? Should I not take my dog hiking with me? Can I get it if he doesn't come?

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?

How long will water stay potable in my hydration bladder? Can I add anything to make it last longer?

Is it safe to remain in the hammock during a thunderstorm? Should I leave the shelter of the rain fly between the trees, or set it up on the ground with trekking poles?

I recently came off trail in the night and nearly stepped on a rattlesnake in the Smokies. If bitten and you are an hour or two out, would you recommend to keep moving to get out?

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?

While trying to sleep in the backcountry my mind wants to stay in alert mode at night causing considerable sleep loss. I've tried OTC sleep aids and melatonin (3 mg) to only modest success. Any additional suggestions would bevery appreciated.

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?

Is there something that works better than water and if so, what? Also, does warm liquid hydrate better than cold, or vice versa?

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 went to Nepal this year and trekked thru the foothills of the Annapurna. After hitting one of the highest points of the trek, I started swelling in my hands, feet, and face. What exactly can I do to prevent this in the future?

I'm a sweaty sleeper. Any tips?

I hike in the Midwest and I was told that in a lightning storm that it's best to stay away from hardwoods like hickory trees and oak trees. Is this true?

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

After long, multiday trips, I get calluses on the bottoms of my feet. Lately they have been very painful. I've had this problem before and the pain went away after a two-day rest--but it's not going away now. Can you help?

I've heard that bleach and iodine tablets are only good for water purification for six months. What about white vinegar? Will it purify water?

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?

I have a burning sensation in the soles of my feet when I am long-distance hiking, but no blisters. Do you have a solution?

I've just returned from some bad weather in the mountains. The top half of my big toes have been numb during the trip till now. Should I be concerned? Will they regain feeling again in time to come?

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

Q: Can snoring deter bears and other animals from your campsite? I know that my friends like to not tent next to me.

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?

Will white vinegar (used to clean camping kitchen gear) attract bears?