���ϳԹ���

What's the best point-and-shoot film camera? I entering the Peace Corps in a few months and know that I will be in rural Africa. I need a small camera that will have a long battery life, will be durable enough to withstand life on the continent, and will take high-quality pictures. I usually use Nikon digital cameras and at a loss as to which point-and-shoot to choose. Katie Chico, California

I'm getting into photography for the first time and need a decent camera for taking wildlife shots. Can you point me in the right direction? Warren Portsmouth, United Kingdom

How do I find the best GPS receiver for my needs? I looking for a GPS that can provide detailed trail information as well as city information. I want something reasonably priced but flexible enough for long-term use. Do I need one with a PC connection or SD card compatibility? I going to the Grand Canyon later this year and want a unit that will help us safely navigate the trails. Grant Chicago, Illinois

Readers may have recently come across my thoughts on some of the more offbeat reader questions. One was: "What three or four skills should a true outdoorsman be able to do with a knife?" I had to admit—I was stumped. I use a knife to make shavings for a fire or for various gear-repair chores, but despite many years of hiking and camping, I'm not much of a knifesman. So I asked readers for help, and got some! Sue Duncan in Billings, Montana, read my plea, and responded with a detailed note. I thought her advice so good that it was worth posting.

I'm going to track and observe wolves in Yellowstone in March with a group of biologists. Do you recommend binoculars and/or a spotting scope? What models? My budget is mid-range, from $250 to $750. Kristy Hudson, Illinois

Bags / Bagpacks / Day Backpacks

I recently purchased a Canon GL1 and I would like to be able to take it skiing with me this year. I concerned about moisture getting into the camera and killing my baby. Is that actually an issue, or would I be safe so long as I didn't drop it in the snow? I was thinking about getting a watertight case. Good idea or not? Kyle Salem, Oregon

I need a waterproof backpack for my digital SLR on canoe trips—something that won't leak at all! I've checked REI and other outdoor websites and stores, but couldn't find anything. Do you have any suggestions? Brandon Hilton, Ontario

After a disappointing performance on Mount Rainier, I have decided to retire my point-and-shoot and start carrying an SLR into the mountains with me. But what kind? Should I choose a pro-level for toughness and control? A compact for its light weight and portability? A manual focus for both light weight and durability? Or are digital SLRs now reliable enough for the cold and exposure in the mountains? Nick Los Angeles, California

Boost performance and play in perfect comfort by investing in innovative made-to-order gear

���ϳԹ��� Electronics

I going peacock bass fishing in Brazil's Amazon this November. While there are four of us, we're going deep into the forest, so I would like to take a GPS unit with me for backup. Equally, I wouldn't mind taking along a personal communicator. Is there a GPS unit (with or without communicator) that has detailed Amazon maps available? John Dallas, Texas

I a runner and cyclist looking for a watch that tracks distance as well as elevation. Can you tell me the difference between GPS-based watches such as the Garmin Forerunners/Timex Body Link versus watches with the footpod attached to the shoe (Nike Triax CV10 or Polar S625X)? I'm leaning towards the Polar one since it's got a heart-rate monitor in addition to the cycling add-ons. Your thoughts? Mauro Sunnyvale, California

You've never let me down, Gear Guy, and I know you won't this time either. My entry-level GPS (Garmin eTrex) seems unable to see the sky if there is a tree within 50 feet. On a recent Sierra backpack it did well above timberline but not in forest, even with big clear gaps in the canopy. Would a more expensive GPS do better? Help me, I need my waypoints! Frank Sacrento, California

The gear world's global Big Tent returns to Salt Lake, and things get dirty. The Gear Guy reports.

My wife and I (non-glasses wearers) are going whale-watching in Canada. We don't want to spend more than $150 for binoculars, and we'd like something with a little durability. What can you recommend? J. Sweinberg New York City

My wife and I will be backpacking in Denali as a 25th wedding anniversary getaway in late August. The Nikon 10x25 Premier LX L binoculars were recommended an ideal way to see the wildlife. However, Nikon's own 10x25 ProStaff Waterproof ATB's seem to be spec'd identically to the LX L's, except for weight (which we could live with) and, oh yeah, they cost a third as much. We don't want to use inferior binoculars on the trip of a lifetime, but that's a big dollar difference. What's your take? John San Diego, California

I going on a seven-day backpacking trip to Yosemite and would like to take along my Nikon D70 camera. What is the best pack or way to carry this camera so it is easily accessible but protected from the elements? Paul Elizabeth, New Jersey

���ϳԹ��� Electronics / Watches

Last March you were not enthused about weatherproof digital cameras. Pentax's OptioWP looks promising. What are your thoughts? Tom Normandy Park, Washington

Which is the best solar charger for backpacking? For years, I have taken along my Canon Elph film camera on my adventures, mostly because I don't have to worry about battery life while on extended trips. Well, now I have the digital Canon SD20, so I need a way to charge its proprietary batteries with the sun. Rob Cambridge, Massachusetts

If you want to chase tornadoes and the thunderheads that spawn them, you need adventure-tested tech and gear that can weather any tempest

It's time to leave the nerd herd behind

Accessories

I getting back into backpacking and hiking after a 12-year hiatus, and I'm appalled at some people's apparent need for technology like cell phones and two-way radios out in the backcountry. Is this stuff necessary and desirable in the wilderness? Gary Denver, Colorado

I have a Yashica T4, bought new in 2001. It no longer works (not a battery problem). What should I do with it? It's a great little point-and-shoot. Hate just to toss it. Nick Santa Fe, New Mexico

Optics/Accessories

Would there be any advantage in having a small two-way radio system attached to your rock-climbing helmet? Basically so you and your partner can talk to each other easily while climbing. Tim Dunedin, New Zealand

I'm looking to purchase a digital camera for a road trip that my girlfriend and I will be taking this summer. Apart from being able to take nice photos (five megapixels, three-power zoom), I'd like something durable as I an avid hiker and climber. Can you recommend something for no more than $300? William Rancho Cuconga, California

Earphones / ���ϳԹ��� Electronics

I've looked for a year now to find a sturdy watch for my smokejumper. Money isn't the object. I'm looking for simplicity in functions: time, waterproofness, stopwatch (and, made in this decade!). A date display is OK, too. Sounds easier to find than it is, so I come to you. Kary Boise, Idaho

Wherever you're going, today's digital audio players have the memory and muscle to keep the tunes coming

What is the best handheld GPS on the market for hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing? Harlan Olympia, Washington

I'm looking for a recommendation on a digital camera that is safe for the beach (i.e. sandproof). Scott New York City

Which manufacturers make a portable GPS that will operate at sub-zero temperatures? Garmins work to plus five degrees Fahrenheit, which doesn't cover most of the year in Fairbanks, Alaska. David San Diego, California

Wrap your wrist with a chronometer built to keep your adventures on schedule

Three dream tools for the globe-trotting geek

I'm looking for compact binoculars that I can carry for various activities, such as kayaking where size and access counts. Mostly, I'll use them for birding. Rick Port Townsend, Washington

I'm looking for a kick-ass sports watch for my boyfriend who's into lots of sports, currently mountain biking. What do you recommend ong those that show heart rate? JT

Can you recommend a quality camera to use while spending the next two years in the Peace Corps? I'm open to either digital or film, but not sure which would be the best option. I also don't know if I'll be living in the middle of the jungle or in a metropolitan area. Matt Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm looking for a versatile fixed-blade knife to carry in all sorts of weather and activities. I will be using it mostly as a cp tool but do a lot of lightweight backpacking. I can't seem to find one that's light, durable, sturdy, and priced at around $25 to $50. Any ideas? Josh Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What's a good, trail-worthy MP3 player? It's got to be light and needs lots of storage space since I'm out in the woods for days at a time. I've looked into the iPod mini, but if the battery dies, I can't swap it out for a fresh one. Any ideas? Matt Shasta Lake City, California

I thought I saw during the Tour de France that Lance Armstrong was wearing the latest Oakley glasses with an MP3 player built into them. I right, and did Lance actually wear them during the race? Susan New York City

We are searching frantically for a ccorder—preferably digital—that tolerates operating temperatures below freezing to take on ski holidays in Norway and Finland, where winter temps are around ten degrees. All the ones on the market for less than $1,000 state operating temps of 32 degrees plus. What do folks use in Canada or Alaska, for exple, without breaking the bank? Martina London, United Kingdom

My husband and I will be climbing in Patagonia this Christmas. As a pre-trip, pre-holiday present, I'd like to buy him a ccorder. Can you recommend a good model, one that's compact and burly enough for a week in the outdoors? Margaret Chattanooga, Tennessee

Poach the perfect moment with the latest chip-enhanced optical wizardry

My boyfriend has paddled a couple of rivers solo and is planning a third this fall. Typically gone for a week, he tries to call me each night to give me his location and coordinates, but sometimes ends up in places that don't have cell-phone coverage. His parents and I are afraid of "sounding the alarm" too soon after not hearing from him for 24 to 48 hours. I can see him peacefully eating his granola as the cavalry rides in to save the day. Therefore, we have decided to buy him a personal locator beacon (PLB) for his birthday for peace of mind! Which one, then, do you recommend? Marisa Charlotte, North Carolina

What is the best camera for new photographers wanting to get into wildlife photography? Pela Monroe, LA

My wife keeps bugging me about getting a phone so I can keep in touch with her when I'm out backpacking for several days. Is there something light and somewhat affordable available? Peter San Carlos, CA

Do you know where I could purchase mountain-biking trail maps that are uploadable to my Garmin GPS V unit? I'm specifically thinking the Bend, Oregon, area. Mike Bend, Oregon

I'm a snowboarder interested in recording video footage of skiing and 'boarding. The mind boggles, though, with all the available formats, options, models, etc. I've also been told I should get a camera with a wide-angle lens, but all the salespeople I've asked didn't even realize wide-angle lenses were either interchangeable or available. Help! Stu Yakima, Washington

Don't be a tool! The latest in advanced cutlery puts a survival kit in your pocket.

Where can I find a good digital-camera tripod that's lightweight enough for backpacking? Crystal Tacoma, Washington

I'm a little boggled by all the choices in multitools these days. From the venerable Swiss Army all-in-one to the expensive Schrade creations that look like they've been crafted for Viking warlords. Any faves? More importantly, what tools do you think essential, which are gear-makers' fripperies? Malcolm Vancouver, British Columbia

With these intelligent devices, going digital is the fastest way to hotwire that great big analog world outside

I'm trekking to Everest Base Camp in October and want to buy a new camera for the trip, probably the Yashica T4 Zoom. As I can't find any advice on photography at high altitudes, would you recommend this camera or go with a digital? Thanks, Gear God. Adam Bethesda, Maryland

A lot of training guides I consult for my running and cycling training talk of heart-rate "zones." I have been looking at the wide range of heart-rate monitors and wondering if you could suggest one that's reasonably priced and good for running and cycling? Michael Providence, Rhode Island

Go fast and furious in the (1) TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 dive watch ($595; 866-260-0460, www.tagheuer.com). The (2) OAKLEY GMT watch ($650; 800-403-7449, www.oakley.com) has two dials—one for your present location, the other for where you’d rather be. The Swiss-made (3) ORIS XXL FULL…

I have a Canon Rebel 2000 that I want to take when I go skiing, but I'm worried about it not being able to handle the cold or the impact if I fall on my back. I will be carrying it in a medium-sized daypack. How can I keep it safe and warm? Matt Glastonbury, Connecticut

I'm thinking of buying a GPS system for my son. What's the best value out there (good quality at a reasonable price)? Hir Buffalo, New York

I've seen quite a few hikers with two-way radios on the trail. What's your take: recreational gimmick or worthwhile piece of equipment? Our family of four hikes together a fair amount, so I can see their worth. But, then again, does trail etiquette mean this is akin to using a cell phone on the bus? Philip Burlington, Vermont

What's the best audio device that I can clip onto a pair of shorts when running and doing other multisport activities? Ceron Christchurch, New Zealand

I want to upgrade from a cheap pair of compact binoculars. Assuming I had a pile of money burning its way out of my pocket, would I see much difference between a pair of Nikon Travelites and Leica Trinovids? Also, are there any other models I should look at (through)? Joe Lawrenceville, Georgia

Your Gearness, I planning to drive cross-country this summer, hiking and camping wherever the road takes me. For the driving portion, I was thinking of investing in a GPS system to help with the "figuring-out-where-the-heck-I-am" moments. Do you have any advice as to the value of GPS for this? (I will not need it for hiking, using the old-fashioned technique of map, compass, and trail blazes) Realistically, I'd like to stay under $300, but will go higher for an exceptional device—one that does the navigating, driving, AND laundry. Charles New York City, New York

I'm dumbfounded by all the choices with regard to heart rate monitors. Should I stick with the well-respected Polar or try other brands? Tracy Los Angeles, California

What's the best way to clean my hands in the wilderness prior to handling contact lenses? My waterless hand sanitizer warns against eye contact and I don't want to use stream water.

My daughter is flying to Europe this fall and is looking for a good all-around pack for all travel essentials, plus a computer. She is small-fred, five-feet four-inches tall, and weighs 110 pounds. This is the only luggage she is taking and she plans on being there five months. The packs needs to be durable and easy to carry. What should she be looking for? Janet Boise, Idaho

Dear Gear Guru, Each year I spend more and more time engaging in technically demanding backpacking, backcountry skiing, and mountaineering trips into the remote backcountry. Due to my exposure, the natural dangers of the mountains, and the probability of accidents, the need for a reliable and durable communications system has arisen. Do you know of a system that has long-range communication capabilities and can withstand the needs of being both portable and durable? Is a satellite phone the answer? As always, I look forward to the wisdom of your responses. Sean Constine

I would like to buy a digital camera to bring on climbing, canoeing, and hiking trips. I had been planning to buy an SLR, but I've recently been tempted by digital cameras and their ability to make you impulsively take snapshots. What factors other then weight and picture quality should I consider? Any help you can give me would be much appreciated. Eric Winnipeg, Manitoba

Where can I find a waterproof video camera, for filming surfing and other stuff? Luke Ft. Myers, Florida

We know your favorite sub-$500 camera is the Yashica T4 Super. But, what are your favorite point-and-shoot cameras for $500 and above? Roy Boston, Massachusetts

My wife and I will be hiking in the Canadian Rockies this summer. We'd each like to carry a pair of compact binoculars for birding and the occasional vast vista that we might come upon. Without breaking the bank (we don't need waterproofed and rubber-armored), what would you recommend? As far as magnification goes, should we consider buying zoom binoculars or stick with a basic model? Also, how important is it to have the widest field of view possible? Byron Phoenix, Arizona

I looking for a two-way radio. I don't know much about them and need some advice on a dependable and weatherproof model for outdoor activities such as camping and boating. So it would need to be. I hear you need a license for anything that has range of over five miles and would like to avoid that. KJ San Diego, California

I travel consistently for my job and like to hike and cp when I home. Could you recommend a digital camera that holds up to the abuse of travel and camping but still takes great pictures? I'm looking for something around the $500-mark. I have looked at some Nikon products, but what else would you recommend? Matt Minneapolis, Minnesota

I'm looking to get a lightweight and compact pair of binoculars to carry with me on hikes. Do you have any general tips and some recommendations for good buys? Joe Voelcker Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I read a column you wrote last February on weatherproof digital cameras. Is there anything new that would fit the bombproof, sand-proof, waterproof category? We work as river guides so the cameras get some hard use. I also looking for a camera for my 11-year-old daughter, traditional or digital. Any recommendations? Peter Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

I wondering what binoculars you'd recommend for ge viewing in Africa. This will be for use on open plains and in thick bush, both when I'm on the go and standing still. I'm considering either the Leica Duovid 8+12x42's or Swarovski EL 8.5x42's. Bertus Calgary, Alberta

What is your opinion of two-way radios for climbing and skiing? What features should I look out for when selecting one? Tjaard Breeuwer Eindhoven, Holland

Can you recommend a lightweight digital camera for backpacking? I was ready to purchase the Yashica T4 that you talk so highly of, but digital cameras are so compact and I don't need to carry all that film. Also do they make water-resistant digital cameras? Dan Hearty, Missouri

What types of materials in gaiters are best for snake protection? I know of Teflon, but is a heavy canvas also suitable? (If you're wondering how my question has any relation to where I'm from, it doesn't. I'm moving to Australia.)—Karen, Vancouver, British Columbia