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.
8
votes
2answers
845 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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
2answers
39 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
27 views
reliability and performance of NIS mounting plates (x-country skis)
How do NNN bindings mounted on cross-country skis with NIS mounting plates compare with the screwed-in versions in terms of reliability (are they more likely to break) and performance (do I get ...
3
votes
1answer
61 views
NIS mounting plate for x-country skis: why only for NNN bindings?
I see a lot of higher-end cross country skis now have an NIS mounting plate to enable the mounting of bindings without drilling any holes (and easy adjustment).
But why are the only NIS compatible ...
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 ...
16
votes
5answers
473 views
Selecting backpacking cooking pot – teflon, aluminum, steel, titanium, or cast iron?
What are the relative advantages / dangers of different cooking wear? I'm a one-pot gourmet that has been using the same stainless steel pot for 15 years, but am considering an upgrade.
Some things I ...
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 ...
2
votes
3answers
57 views
Comfy inflatable pillows for car camping
I use a combination of an 18"x18" inflatable pillow and a Thermarest compressible one, the largest size (commonly seen at REI and similar stores). However, the inflatable often slips out and I just ...
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 ...
7
votes
5answers
167 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 ...
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 ...
10
votes
1answer
379 views
Plastic or fiberglass for a kayak?
I'm an intermediate level kayaker but have only paddled plastic boats. I'm looking for a kayak to do multi-day trips in on the ocean. What are the differences between plastic and fiberglass?
8
votes
2answers
94 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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
8
votes
6answers
886 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 ...
13
votes
2answers
167 views
How much gear will the AT eat?
We're planning on hiking the AT, and this question prompted me to ask:
What gear should we expect to replace, and how often, on the Appalachian Trail?
Assume that we know basic gear maintenance 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.
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 ...
0
votes
1answer
98 views
What kinds of stores sell multi-mode (adjustable-brightness) flashlights? [closed]
Which types of vendors sell multi-mode (adjustable-brightness) flashlights? Both online and offline vendors. Both sellers of new flashlights and used ones.
I know that outdoors stores sell them, but ...
1
vote
1answer
39 views
Caveats of dual (propane, liquid) fuel stoves
My MSR Whisperlite has served me well for more than 10 years. It started leaking a few weeks ago, and I'm looking for a proper replacement.
I've read some good reviews about dual fuel stoves ...
7
votes
3answers
242 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 ...
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?
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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?
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
2
votes
1answer
53 views
Are folding poles suitable for cross-country skiing?
There are several manufacturers selling folding/collapsible poles, usually for hiking or splitboarding. Are they also suitable for cross-country skiing?
9
votes
6answers
4k views
What is the ultimate car camping bed solution — for two people?
I've been camping since I was a teenager in the scouts, and I've never really had a very comfortable night out. As an adult with a girlfriend, 20 years later, I'd like to just throw some money at the ...
7
votes
3answers
195 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 ...
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 ...
11
votes
5answers
528 views
How do I know what size ice axe I should get?
I'm going to start mountaineering. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering?
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 ...
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, ...
7
votes
5answers
295 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 ...
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 ...
14
votes
3answers
157 views
How should I check climbing equipment to tell whether it is still safe to use?
I have, unfortunately, not had the opportunity to go climbing (and thus use my climbing equipment) for a couple years. I know that such equipment, especially the rope and webbing, can degrade over ...
2
votes
0answers
54 views
How can I find manuals for old Kelty equipment?
I've come across a Kelty Kids carrier. The tag says 'Kangaroo', and the date code on it is F11-95, style 21959030. I've called Kelty and looked on their website. The problem is that the Kangaroo is ...
8
votes
1answer
269 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. ...
18
votes
5answers
2k views
Tent and sleeping bag: pack inside or strap outside a backpack?
When I bought my pack, we were told to always pack the tent and sleeping bag in the pack. Since then I have seen a lot of articles and hikers doing the outside. What are the benefits on packing the ...
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 ...
