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.
6
votes
3answers
221 views
Gas or liquid fuel lighter?
My backpack of course has a rechargeable gas lighter. I am considering buying a good Zippo, as I feel it more resistant, and it does not need to be kept with your hands to stay on. Would you suggest ...
6
votes
2answers
132 views
Is there a portable / comfortable pillow suitable for camping / backpacking?
I quite like my pillows to give a lot of lift - I usually sleep with two relatively beefy ones. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a good equivalent whilst camping, with the normal pillows ...
6
votes
3answers
207 views
What characteristics should I look for in a good torch/flashlight?
I'm looking to buy a flashlight/torch (or build my own even if that works out cheaper), and am looking to take the following into consideration:
Good battery life (LEDs would probably suit best in ...
6
votes
2answers
108 views
Does anyone have an account of someone using a survival tin in a survival situation
I have read several books about survival and outdoor field craft skills. Many of these books suggest building a survival kit out of an Altoids tin or something similar. These kits include very basic ...
6
votes
2answers
69 views
Recommended windproof matches?
I was looking for some good windproof matches - not for any specific use, but just because I considered they may come in useful in some environments.
Has anyone any experience with any particular ...
6
votes
1answer
83 views
Difference between a Fingerboard and a Hangboard
This is just a climbing terminology question:
What is the difference between a Fingerboard and a Hangboard?
Maybe there is no difference at all? Maybe it's subtle? I have been Googling around and ...
6
votes
1answer
187 views
What should I look for when buying a Lensatic Compass
Lensatic Compasses seem to be priced from $5 to $100 USD. What features should I look for when buying one?
6
votes
1answer
354 views
What are “Aggressive” climbing Shoes?
This question was borrowed from a comment on this question. But what is meant by an "aggressive" climbing shoe? What is the difference in a non-aggressive shoe? And when would you use one over the ...
6
votes
1answer
77 views
What levels of 'waterproofness' and 'breathability' should I be looking for in a ski jacket?
When looking at items like jackets and ski trousers and other clothing, I see stats on the garments similar to the following:
Waterproofness - 10000mm
Breathability - 15000g/m
Lining - 100% Polyester ...
6
votes
2answers
89 views
What to do with old hydration bladders?
I have two old hydration bladders, both of which are no longer usable (in one the cap is broken, in the other the internal bag is ripped). Spare parts appear to be unavailable. Is there anything good ...
6
votes
2answers
52 views
End-of-season maintenance / storage tips for ski boots?
After several trips with poor fitting hire ski boots, and having had no end of trouble finding suitable fitting hire boots at the current resort, I went and bought a fitting pair. The boots have been ...
6
votes
2answers
38 views
How to get rid of the smell from indoor climbing shoes?
When I go climbing indoors I typically wear my climbing shoes without socks because this gives me slightly better control over my feet while climbing which I particularly need in overhangs.
The ...
6
votes
1answer
162 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 ...
6
votes
1answer
212 views
Does Fjällräven produce serious outdoors gear, or is it just trendy? [closed]
I noticed that there is a lot of (quite expensive) Fjällräven outdoors gear for sale here in Germany and am curious whether this is a brand worth looking into, or whether their products are more ...
6
votes
0answers
33 views
How do I store my sleeping bag for long periods? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time?
We're at the point where we have more than one set of gear. We use different gear for different ...
5
votes
2answers
71 views
Snowshoes for hilly terrain
What are the snowshoes criteria that I should look for if I want to snowshoe on a hilly terrain ?
5
votes
1answer
67 views
Trekking Pole Length
I was recently convinced to buy a pair of trekking poles for backpacking. But how long should they be?
What is the optimal length to adjust my trekking poles, when carrying a heavy pack?
I have ...
5
votes
1answer
57 views
What is a “fast pack” setup for a tent?
Reading around forums and in products, I see descriptions and weights for a "fast pack" setup for tents. What does this mean and what is it used for?
5
votes
3answers
524 views
Dome tents vs popup tents, are there any inherent pros or cons besides price and ease?
I was lucky enough to be given an almost new double skin popup tent.
Where I'm camping right now it's got windy a couple of times and rainy a couple of times.
A friend of mine who is camping in his ...
5
votes
2answers
368 views
Avoiding compression when packing synthetic sleeping bag
I came across the following comment (From durable 3-season bag.):
don't forget that synthetic doesn't last nearly as long even if you take extremely good care of it (i.e. never compress it) – ...
5
votes
2answers
162 views
Does a red headscarf or hat provide better protection from the sun?
I read in an old tourist guide (from the beginning of the 20th century) that during mountain walks on sunny days one should wear a red headscarf or a hat with red lining to avoid heat stroke, because ...
5
votes
2answers
524 views
How to select paracord
What important features should I pay attention to when buying paracord for hiking (such as different types, load limit, etc)?
I just use it for bear bags, tarp lines, etc.
5
votes
2answers
212 views
How can you prevent trekking pole locking mechanisms from slipping?
When using trekking poles with a twist-and-lock locking mechanism, I've experienced slipping (the poles will slightly collapse during use, making you frequently extend and re-lock it). Is there ...
5
votes
1answer
63 views
What does “expedition-weight” mean with regard to clothing?
I'm going on a trip to Alaska in September, including a guided camping/trekking trip in Denali. In the packing list I received from the company, they recommend having an "expedition-weight" top and ...
5
votes
1answer
83 views
What is a safe type of backyard zip line for kids and adults to use?
I want to put a zip line in my backyard for my kids. I'm looking for advice on what type to use, safety tips, and installation advice.
5
votes
1answer
81 views
Repairing a North Face Tent rain cover
I have bought a North Face RoadRunner 3 tent 10 years ago. It is a great tent, and it served me well during a 9-month trip to South America.
The problem is that the transparent part of the rain ...
5
votes
3answers
95 views
How to select a good GPS receiver?
What should one look for in the specifications to determine whether a handheld purpose-built GPS receiver provides good navigational consistency under reasonably normal, low-speed conditions? Highly ...
5
votes
1answer
60 views
How can I improve on the straps on my travel pack?
I'm not back packing in the wilderness. I hope that doesn't disqualify me from asking a question that I think is still relevant for back-packers in general.
I have an MEI Travel Pack that I'm pretty ...
5
votes
1answer
208 views
How do you punch out toes in ski-touring boots?
I've got a pair of custom moulded Scarpa Spirit 4 touring boots where the big toes are bit too tight (I've lost the nails after a day or two of touring more than once). What is the proper technique ...
5
votes
1answer
85 views
Are there any cheap 1:25K electronic maps for the UK or Europe? [closed]
I have looked at offerings from MemoryMap and Anquet, but once you scale beyond a small area they become prohibitively expensive.
5
votes
2answers
43 views
How can I get rid of mold on climbing skins for skis?
There is a bit of mold on the sticky side of my mohair climbing skins for my skis. How can I get rid of it?
5
votes
0answers
61 views
Lacing materials for huaraches
I have been walking/running/hiking in my huaraches for about half a year now and have worn through 3 pairs of laces. I have been using accessory cord used in climbing as lacing material, since it has ...
4
votes
3answers
125 views
How do I light a spirit (ethanol) stove when it's cold?
I am very happy with my storm-proof spirit stove. When others are struggling to find a place outside the wind, I can cook wherever I like — provided I can lighten my ethanol fuel.
Trangia stove in ...
4
votes
3answers
94 views
Should food be in a bear bag/canister even when I'm hiking?
I've read that in the western US, backpackers need bear canisters or bear bags, for bears or for other animals. For example, a post comparing different methods is here. I must admit I'm a bit ...
4
votes
3answers
88 views
Can I get away with less advanced food storing methods if backpacking in areas where meeting bears is unlikely?
A page like this one, as well as a number of questions on this site, discuss how to pack food safely from bears.
What about other animals?
This post advices a pretty sophisticated way to protect food ...
4
votes
1answer
93 views
Why are there ropes on fingerboards?
I picked up a couple fingerboards from the pro shop, and hung them on the rafters in our basement. However, I have no idea what the ropes are for, unless someone might tie the boards to a tree. What ...
4
votes
1answer
42 views
What features to consider when buying a bouldering slipper?
I've been using the same Evolv shoes for bouldering that I bought for top-roping. It seems like they're worn enough to start considering a new pair of shoes. Since I'm doing bouldering almost ...
4
votes
2answers
45 views
Different kinds of Down: comparing insulation
There's many different kinds of "down" filling:
"100% down" must legally be only down, while "down" can be any mixture containing down.
Then there's "fill power" ranging from about 400 to 1200, which ...
4
votes
1answer
86 views
What to do about slippery plastic soles of cross country ski boots
I have a relatively new pair of NNN cross-country ski boots and noticed the plastic sole is much more slippery than previous boots I've owned (older SNS and SNS Profil). A quick look at the selection ...
4
votes
1answer
48 views
SkyDive Equipment
In 2009 I successfully completed the AFF course, after a stop due to the birth of my son I'm going to resume regular activity.
I currently have 31 jumps, all carried out by renting the equipment, and ...
4
votes
3answers
258 views
What gear for sleeping in wild camping in western Scotland in May?
I intend to go camping in Scotland (mainly the Isle of Mull, that is Western, central Scotland) next week, i.e. last week of May. I have read quite a lot about the weather and know I should prepare ...
4
votes
1answer
89 views
Best type of rope for glacier travel?
What sort of rope would be ideal for glacier travel? I have a 10mm 60m rope, but this is quite heavy. Would a 9mm 50m rope be suitable for a team of three, crossing glaciers in the Swiss Alps?
3
votes
2answers
50 views
How do I properly use the cinch-straps that came with my daypack?
I just purchased a daypack to stuff inside my larger backpack while travelling. It came with cinch-straps but I'm not sure of the proper way to use them (if there is one). The daypack is a North ...
3
votes
1answer
121 views
Can a PVC rain jacket also be used as a windbreaker?
I have a Columbia 100% PVC rain jacket. It has a nylon lining.
Can PVC material be used as an effective windbreaker? Are there any side effects (such as making me sweat a lot more) that could ...
3
votes
1answer
51 views
ski damaged from sticks, leaves, soil, etc?
Obviously cross/back-country skis can be damaged by skiing over rocks, stones, gravel and asphalt, but what about other, softer objects exposed when the snow starts to melt, like sticks, roots, ...
3
votes
3answers
65 views
Facility to test cold weather gear in London UK
I'm debating what equipment to buy to prepare for a cold weather in mountain terrain and felt it might be useful to test what different temperatures feel like while wearing chosen equipment. My ...
3
votes
1answer
28 views
What pre/post season maintenance is recommended for a 2 cycle outboard motor?
I just acquired a used Yamaha 50TLR.
I'd like to know what kind of routine maintenance I should preform to keep it in good working order.
3
votes
1answer
70 views
How to get started with packrafts?
I love hiking and I'm starting to love longer cycling trips too. I've done combined cycling/hiking trips (cycling to the trailhead of a hike). Last summer I met someone who carried an inflatable raft ...
3
votes
1answer
46 views
Do cross-country skis need to be broken-in?
I recently bought a new pair of cross-country skis that matched my weight (with or without a backpack), but when I tried them out for the first time (over a two-day period), I didn't have as much grip ...
3
votes
1answer
38 views
What are the different materials for ski climbing skins and advantages to each?
I'm using mohair climbing skins right now but I've heard of other materials. What others are there and how do they compare to mohair?
