Gear is a big deal. Whether its borrowed, bargained or inherited, appropriate gear is an essential component of any outdoor adventure. This week, I caught up with a few wizards of the outdoor gear world, Emily Stockwell ’11, James Broughton ’10, Laura Durgerian ’12, Devin Cowan ’10, Emma Stuhl ’10 and the wise Benjamin Blakeley ’97.

These folks shared some insight into the most reliable pieces they keep in their closet (or, um, the trunk of their Subarus).

Best mid-layer: A wool shirt, the original soft shell. The wearer doesn’t have to worry about it shrink wrapping onto her if she gets too close to the camp-fire.

Paddle : Blakely is an advocate of the homemade Greenland style sea kayak paddle. $25 sounds really expensive for a 2x4, but its really cheap for one of the best sea kayak paddles available. It totally redefines sea kayaking. For canoeing, Stockwell suggest a Bell wooden paddle, which served her well on a 42-day arctic canoe trip.

Puffy : A down jacket is an all-time favorite in the outdoor world. My suggestion is the Mountain Hardwear Sub Zero down jacket SL (in Ski Patrol Red). Besides being water resistant and insanely warm, it has a spiffy water/beer bottle pocket and windproof hood.

This jacket saved my Christmas this year: 16 hours into a 24 hour Christmas Eve drive from Seattle to Bozeman (via Portland), the window of my friend’s Jeep froze down on top of the continental divide in -20 degree weather. Within minutes, everyone in the vehicle produced their own stuff sack, pulled out a big puffy, and the journey continued without a hitch.

Base-layer : Merino wool long underwear. Wool has a broader comfort range than synthetics, plus the ability to handle moisture overload and dissipate water over longer time so you don’t get the “flash chill” when you stop moving.

Helmet : The Canadian made FNA full-face kayaking helmet is just plain smart protection for your Ivy-League brain. Action figure elbow pads sold separately.

Pants : Broughton suggests the breathable, light colored Patagonia guide pant, great for summer and winter exploration.

Climbing shoe : 5.10 Galileo. As Cowan said, “This versatile shoe is great for the wall, bouldering, sport, or trad climbing.” Light, durable, and sticky, the Galileo even has Velcro closures.

Hiking Boot : Old trail-running shoes; they’re ultralight and free! Or, for more ankle support, try a Gore-Tex ® Scarpa boot.

Shelter : Henry Shires’ contrail TarpTent is an ultra-light tarp enclosed with bug netting. It works great with Komperdell carbon fiber trekking poles, as Cowan learned backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail last summer.

Rain protection : An umbrella offers best breathability possible plus UV protection. But if you’re hunting for a jacket, search for something with breathable technology and vents in the pits and a stuff sack for quick stowage.

Backpacking stove : If you can’t stand the unreliable Whisperlite™ , try a home-made alcohol stove. It weights about an ounce and there are no moving parts to break. Directions are available on various sites online, and the price (next to nothing) is always right.

Backpack: The Osprey Talon 44 is lightweight, but heavy on features. The most critical characteristic of any pack is that it fits and is properly adjusted.

Don’t leave home without: A water bottle, extra pair of dry socks, multi-use pocketknife, 5-weight fly rod and an extra woolley-bugger or two.