Questions relating to any physical gear for engaging in those activities discussed in The Great Outdoors. Examples include packs, knives, bikes, kayaks, and climbing harnesses.
9
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I use these “guy line runners” to adjust the tension on my tent's lines?
I was given my current tent and I have to admit to being pretty ignorant of tents, having not done much camping since I was a kid some decades ago.
Now when it came time to use the guy ropes I ...
9
votes
2answers
120 views
How should I correctly use poles and other equipment to avoid back pain on long hikes?
3 of my lower vertebra have irreparable damage, so I have various workarounds to minimise pain and swelling at home and in the office, and even on short term hikes (ibuprofen FTW) but on a longer hike ...
9
votes
3answers
114 views
How to find objective reviews of outdoors gear? [closed]
It is often difficult to know what to look for when shopping for outdoors gear. Is there some magazine, website, or other resource that does Consumer Reports style objective evaluation of outdoors ...
9
votes
2answers
57 views
How to store fuel tablets for travel
I'm looking into using some fuel tablets for cooking with a stove like this esbit as a backup/emergency stove when rafting. However I have heard that the fuel can easily foul food, clothing, etc. ...
9
votes
1answer
432 views
What is the difference between Gore-Tex and Mountain Hardwears DryQ?
They both are waterproof but what are the differences and is one better?
9
votes
2answers
80 views
What to look out for when buying used backpacks
I'm looking to buy a used backpack in the near future. What are the key things I should look out for/avoid when inspecting used paks?
9
votes
1answer
104 views
How do you sharpen a hand chain saw?
For group hikes where we plan on having a fire, I carry a hand chain saw for dead wood. We've used ours for a while now and it is definitely getting dull. How do you sharpen this?
9
votes
1answer
175 views
What are the tradeoffs for a Tomahawk over an Axe
I've watched a few videos on cutting tools and the use of axes. However I'm not clear on what the advantage (or disadvantage) is of a tomahawk style axe over a typical belt or hand axe, such as this ...
8
votes
6answers
889 views
What is the proper way to tarp tent to avoid condensation?
I tried pitching a tarp instead of a tent this weekend. In worked well, kept off the rain etc, except for the condensation. It was far worse than any condensation I've ever had in a tent. We had ...
8
votes
2answers
558 views
Thinking about a road trip out West
My wife and I are thinking of taking a road trip from northwest Ohio to "out west" - Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Montana, etc. I've never been farther west than Indiana, so it's a whole new ...
8
votes
3answers
850 views
How do I remove mildew from a tent?
Similar to this question, but mildew tends to be very resistant to removal. I sadly failed to keep my tent dry enough, and now it has a couple of mildew spots. They're not bad, but I would rather ...
8
votes
3answers
120 views
How do you know if smaller brands of climbing equipment are safe?
There is a local shop that sells small brand name gear for pretty good prices. I am looking at their harnesses and quickdraws and would like to know:
1) Whether the equipment is safe - say compared ...
8
votes
2answers
159 views
Does wash in waterproofing work on a non-waterproof shell?
I'm considering an ultralight (non-waterproof) shell and Nikwax wash-in waterproofing as a rain layer. I'd like it to be waterproof through several wearings (a week or more).
Does this result in ...
8
votes
2answers
82 views
Do bag liners add the same warmth value to all sleeping bags?
I have a bag liner that claims to add 15 degrees to the "range" of a sleeping bag. Is it reasonable to assume that it would work the same for all bags? For instance, would it extend a 40 degree bag ...
8
votes
2answers
86 views
Is it necessary to carry a knife sharpener?
Under the assumption that an emergency kit like the ones listed here are for the emergency of getting lost and being stranded for days, how necessary is a knife sharpener?
8
votes
1answer
271 views
How do I mount a hangboard in an apartment?
The last few months I have come to the conclusion that I need to have a fingerboard at home if my rock climbing outdoors is to get to the next level.
But the problem is that I live in an apartment. ...
8
votes
1answer
79 views
What qualities should I look for in a good walking pole?
I've seen walking poles range from <£10 to >£100 - and to a casual observer there doesn't often seem to be much to distinguish them, with both having good grips and shock relief / suspension. What ...
8
votes
4answers
213 views
How can rope/cordage be packed to minimize tangles?
I generally pack my cordage in little bundles like
Unfortunately for any significant length (100' for instance) it just turns into a wadded mess when I try and use it.
How can I pack this stuff ...
8
votes
1answer
156 views
How does the Esbit stove perform in cold & wind?
I was on a group trip this weekend where a fellow hiker brought an Esbit stove which uses hexamine fuel tabs. The temperature was not what I would consider extreme. Temperatures in the high 30s to ...
8
votes
2answers
852 views
Where can I find an iodine crystal water purification product?
For years I used a product called Polar Pure for water purification when weekend backpacking. It was an iodine based solution, so not great for a thru-hike, but fine for a week or less. Specifically, ...
8
votes
2answers
101 views
Will any filter/pump purifier last through longer hikes?
I've been reading a lot of product reviews, and filter/pump solutions seem to be very high maintenance, very heavy, or both. Are there any lightweight filters which can be relied on for many liters ...
8
votes
1answer
285 views
What can be safely trimmed on a backpack
When trimming weight there are a lot of options. Lighter gear, less gear, etc. One of those options is to take an existing pack and trim off "unnecessary" extras. For instance, I have (no kidding) ...
8
votes
2answers
95 views
What can I do with a retired rope and harness?
I've recently retired a rope (dynamic) and a harness. They're both in very good shape, but just over 8 years old. Common sense dictates I throw them away, but I wonder if there are other uses I can ...
8
votes
1answer
911 views
What sleeping bags are needed for a northbound thru-hike of the AT
If you were attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting roughly now (being mid to late March) and going northbound, how many sleeping bags and of what types would you need, assuming cost ...
8
votes
1answer
75 views
What is the minimum gap needed for a windscreen on a cat can stove?
I've constructed a cat can jet stove as described here. He has a windscreen design, but it seems to be overkill (and doesn't work for my pot). I've tried a couple of my own now, but they are all ...
8
votes
1answer
109 views
What do I need to be aware of if I'm considering purchasing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)?
Obviously, I can't just buy it, push the button and expect a helicopter to show up.
Are there monthly or registration fees? Do I need to get a permit or register with someone? How does it all work? ...
7
votes
2answers
208 views
what are the differences between high-end sleeping pads and cut to fit foam mats
I'm pretty tall and I find that to purchase a brand-name sleeping pad means shelling out serious $$$. To solve this I have always just purchased a roll of foam padding that I could cut to make sure it ...
7
votes
2answers
196 views
What is the difference between single and double wall tents?
Tents are described being either single or double wall.
What is the difference and when is one preferred over the other?
7
votes
4answers
631 views
Do reusable “hand coolers” exist?
I often carry around a couple of reusable hand warmers when hiking or just around the outdoors when it's cold. They don't take up much space, they're easy to reuse (just boil) and they provide a fair ...
7
votes
3answers
196 views
Safe Way to Mark a Carabiner
At the crag this weekend I noticed that my climbing partner's carabiner had a great feature: a red line painted such that you know the carabiner isn't locked until the red is hidden.
I love this ...
7
votes
2answers
166 views
How do I check paracord to determine if it's genuine?
Given some paracord, is there a simple check that I can make to check that it's genuine and not the cheaper knock off stuff? Number of strands seems like the most obvious point, but is there anything ...
7
votes
2answers
203 views
Can oiling keep tools from rusting?
Even stainless-steel can rust, and I've seen axes and saws that were visibly rusted. I've been told that wrapping the metal parts of the tools in oiled paper will prevent this.
Can oil really be used ...
7
votes
4answers
97 views
How can I avoid putting cinder burn holes in my clothing?
This is especially problematic if you dress up in layers, the last one being, for example, a raincoat. Putting a burn hole through your rain coat let's the rain in...
Are there some tricks in ...
7
votes
5answers
303 views
What is the fastest style of sled?
Winter is here and, like every year, I am still thrilled when the extended family rounds up all the little kids and we go sledding. This year we compared our sleds found that some were significantly ...
7
votes
2answers
165 views
Does a groover have to stink?
I have used several different products and none of them work that well. Bottom line, is there a product that will subdue the offending groover?
So a groover is a river toilet. On multiple day river ...
7
votes
2answers
474 views
What is a good starter kit for beginning indoor climbing?
If I want to get started on indoor climbing, what is the bare minimum I need to have, assuming I don't want to rent equipment?
7
votes
2answers
632 views
What should you do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake?
You should obviously avoid rattlesnakes if at all possible. But if you do get bitten by one, what should you do? What supplies can be brought ahead of time to allow for the best treatment, and what ...
7
votes
3answers
244 views
How to Clean Rock-Climbing Shoes
I have never found a good answer to this one:
How do you clean rock-climbing shoes, without ruining them?
Let me be more specific.
I have a pair of modern leather-and-fancy-rubber climbing shoes ...
7
votes
2answers
200 views
What makes nylon an effective material for hiking pants?
I often see 100% nylon pants a lot in stores. What properties does it have that make it effective when hiking? Is it effective in all seasons or just under certain conditions?
7
votes
2answers
280 views
Using a Girth Hitch in Alpine Draws
I've recently started making my alpine (or "trad") draws by girth hitching one end of a sling to the gear side carabiner and then clipping and passing the rope side through as usual. The girth hitch ...
7
votes
3answers
95 views
Packing delicate equipment for a hike
I always try to avoid taking much delicate on a hike, but sometimes it either can't be helped or I decide I want to take it anyway (camera would be the prime example!)
How can I best pack such ...
7
votes
5answers
168 views
Water-resistant shoes for Trekking in New Zealand
My spouse and I are going for 3-weeks vacation on the southern island of New Zealand. We intend to go for one multi-day trek (the Kepler Track), and a few more day treks.
Do we need water-resistant ...
7
votes
2answers
72 views
How do I make a fin selection for various surfing conditions
There are many surfing fin designs available for modern surf boards. What are the criteria for selecting:
Tri-fin
Bi-fin
Mono-fin
No fins
And why would I want to have larger or smaller surfing ...
7
votes
2answers
311 views
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fiber?
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fibre?
I have done a Google search already, but wanted some pointers with people who ...
7
votes
2answers
223 views
Is there a functional safety difference in types of helmets
From a pure safety standpoint is there a functional difference between a climbing helmet, cycling helmet, etc? Is a cycling helmet actually the safest solution for a cyclist, or would the greater ...
7
votes
1answer
164 views
Do folding cross country skis exist?
Do folding (or telescoping) cross-country skis exist and if so are they useable?
Update: Or are there small cross-country skis that are short enough for easy transport, yet still capable of providing ...
7
votes
1answer
71 views
Will gelled fuel work in a cat can stove?
Recently a friend suggested using gelled fuel in a cat can stove instead of liquid alcohol. Since a cat can stove works by using pressurization to create the "jets" it seems flawed, but has anyone ...
7
votes
2answers
449 views
How to patch holes in waterproof/breathable jacket?
I have a waterproof/breathable rain jacket which has a few holes in it (caused by a minor bicycle crash, in case that information is relevant). They are not too big, about 5mm across. How can I ...
7
votes
1answer
172 views
How can I prevent plantar fasciitis?
Every year or so I'll end up with plantar fasciitis after periods of time where I've walked a lot. In general my walking shoes are fine and have arch support but occasionally I'll need to use sturdier ...
6
votes
3answers
159 views
Walking trailers
Heavy backpacks can spoil the pleasures of being in the outdoors. There are two ways to resolve this:
Carry less
Find an alternative to the backpack
While the first option is usually the best one, ...
