Questions tagged [gear]

Whenever applicable use a more specific tag like backpack, shoes, stoves, tents, ... Only questions that do not fit into such a tag and are related to any physical equipment for engaging in those activities discussed in The Great Outdoors should use the gear tag.

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Risk assessment for using draw knife/shave horse with children? [migrated]

I work at a school and we have a green woodwork area. Which is awesome! I’d like to work towards using a shave horse and draw knives with the children there, aged 8-16 years. I’ve used shave horses ...
Captainpadlock's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
151 views

Looking for a quick-release device that I can yank free and go

I am looking for a solution that will allow me to fasten something to my whitewater kayak but allow me to free it simply by yanking hard on it. My knife's quick release sheath does this perfectly; ...
gowenfawr's user avatar
  • 173
5 votes
1 answer
98 views

Store skins on skis between tour?

Usually, before going on a ski touring expedition, I prepare all the material beforehand to spare as much time as possible outside. This includes installing the skins on the skis while being warm ...
Puck's user avatar
  • 191
0 votes
0 answers
72 views

opsrey backpack modifications: eather 55

From these pics, you can tell I've slightly modified this pack. Something I did recently on top of all this was to remove the lid. That helped a lot with accessing gear and consolidation. At this ...
nate's user avatar
  • 173
3 votes
3 answers
384 views

What is the best way to dispose of an old ski helmet?

After severely whacking my head while skiing last week (don't ask - even I don't know how I fell!), I've been considering replacing my ski helmet, especially as this is the 3rd season I've been using ...
Peter M's user avatar
  • 133
17 votes
7 answers
3k views

Power for devices in cold and dark?

First post here -- and not an electronics expert at all. I really hope, though, that someone might give me an idea about best practice for this: I haven't found a similar question using search. What ...
Henrik's user avatar
  • 173
2 votes
0 answers
23 views

Waterproofing Pendleton jacket. Polyester/cotton blend shell [duplicate]

I want to apply a waterproof spray to my wife’s Pendleton rain jacket. I was just going to spray with Silicon, but I found out there are other, probably better choices. DWR. Durable Water Repellant. ...
Gary The Worden's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
117 views

Is it OK to use wash-in DWR on synthetic fill insulated clothing made with PrimaLoft? [duplicate]

I have heard mixed opinions on using wash-in DWR (i.e. Nikwax TX.Direct wash in or Gear Aid Wash In Water Repellent or Grangers Wash + Repel) for shells and other garments (some people say that it ...
BeginnersMindTruly's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
631 views

Columbia Omni Tech is not "re-appliable"

Since Omni-tech is not DWR (durable water repellent), there is nothing to re-apply? Just follow care instructions to keep it grime free, correct? e.g. It can not be made "more" waterproof?
paulj's user avatar
  • 149
3 votes
1 answer
107 views

Ratchet straps — Purpose of 15-inch loops

I have a set of Rhino 1-inch ratchet straps. The straps came with separate 15-inch loop straps: What is the purpose of the loop straps? And why do they have a twist in them? They aren't sewn with a ...
User1974's user avatar
  • 1,255
6 votes
2 answers
850 views

What are adjustable strap buckles called?

I have a folding seat for my aluminum boat that is broken. The seam between the two bottom pads has ripped apart after just a few uses. I want to build my own version of the seat out of plywood (like ...
User1974's user avatar
  • 1,255
1 vote
0 answers
89 views

Pulse oximeter gives no reading above 2000 Metres

Just out of curiosity I bought a cheap pulse oximeter. So cheap that it does not even have a visible brand. I tried it when I went hiking. I started from a height about 800/900 metres. Until 1800 / ...
FluidCode's user avatar
  • 721
2 votes
0 answers
156 views

Mountaineering expedition backpack considerations

I am trying to decide on a backpack strategy for Himalayan expeditions to 6k-7k peaks. Typically, these involve a few days approach march till the base camp. Then the actual climbing is another 3-5 ...
ahron's user avatar
  • 1,797
1 vote
2 answers
424 views

Any ways to disable sleep tracking on Garmin Enduro 2?

Basically it keeps telling me my sleep is poor(gotta wake up during the night to check that stuff is running properly sometimes). It's not a huge issue, but maybe anyone knows a way to completely ...
BrownT's user avatar
  • 188
1 vote
1 answer
306 views

How to repair dry sack with delaminated TPU

How can I re-apply a PolyUrethane (PU or TPU) lining on a (formerly) waterproof fabric whose original lining has delaminated? My trusty laundry bag's waterproof lining has delaminated such that it now ...
Michael Altfield's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
180 views

Durable Waterproof Dry Bags

What should I look for in a dry bag that will maintain its hydrostatic head (stay waterproof) forever? I use a ~20L dry bag for a few reasons: To keep my electronics dry in my pack To wash my clothes ...
Michael Altfield's user avatar
-1 votes
2 answers
144 views

At a low price point, should I buy one more upmarket trekking pole, or two lower quality ones?

I have never used trekking poles on grounds of being an additional expense, making you stand out from casual walkers, leaving you no free hands, and not being suitable for aircraft hand luggage (I ...
novice's user avatar
  • 261
1 vote
5 answers
192 views

What is the fastest safe abseiling method (for competitions)?

The competition's idea is to ascend 10-20 m of rope, then do a short sprint, then abseil 10-20 m back down. Repeat several times. I am specifically interested in the abseiling part. I want it to be at ...
anatolyg's user avatar
  • 4,518
4 votes
2 answers
251 views

Can I use a glass mason jar or an empty tin can as a DIY cooking pot?

I'm talking about a small gas or alcohol stove, for example like this: Images from: https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/diy-how-to-make-an-alcohol-stove-from-soda-cans Since the stove is DIY, I was ...
Spammer's user avatar
  • 41
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

how to distinguish between Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent vs Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof at a glance?

I have the Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes and the Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes and it's not sure to me how I can tell them apart at a glance. They're very different kinds of shoes. The ...
neubert's user avatar
  • 797
24 votes
1 answer
7k views

What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots?

My hiking boots have a D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue. What is the purpose of this? I don't think the purpose is to allow you to hang the boot on a hook or something, because there is a ...
pacoverflow's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
4k views

Why are climbing hangers/anchors that thin?

I've always wondered why the typical plates bolted to rock in order to secure climbers are that thin. I imagine them behaving like a knife under a sudden load in a falling scenario. Wouldn't ...
Andrestand's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
160 views

Would this kind of rope ascension system work?

Can i use a petzl ascender, regular Black diamond ATC (NOTE: not guide ATC), footloop and a prusik attached with a biner to my harness to ascend a fixed rope attached to a tree? I don't have a grigri ...
Neltitekno's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
208 views

Looking for Technical Information on a Gadget with Fall Detection and Reporting Capability

I am old enough to plan ahead on fall detection, but vigorous and stable enough not to need it in everyday life now. However, I no longer feel comfortable hiking alone, and would like a gadget that ...
ab2's user avatar
  • 23.9k
9 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is is okay for a SUP-pump to get wet?

[Moved here from the sports exchange] I have a Stand-Up-Paddle-Board, and I like to do some tours. I would need to take the pump with me. It's a typical pump for a SUP (double-action-pump with a ...
rcheetah's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
32 views

Down sleeping bag with 200 g fill temperature ratings [duplicate]

The advertised down sleeping bag has fill: 200 g grey duck down 90/10.700 Cuin. Other material is 20D 380T nylon. Total weight is 630 g. Temperature ratings are 9°C, limit 4°C and extreme -9°C. I don'...
Alex J.'s user avatar
  • 1,155
2 votes
1 answer
361 views

What is the proper method for attaching the straps to this North Face frame pack?

This internal frame pack came to me second (possibly third) hand with the straps all in a mess. The yoke attaches with two straps on the bottom and one on top. It’s obvious that the top strap is ...
saltface's user avatar
  • 424
2 votes
2 answers
532 views

How can I increase friction in a zip?

We had a question recently about decreasing friction in a zip, but this is the opposite case: I have a couple of zips that slide down by themselves. Is there anything I can apply to add a bit of ...
Chris H's user avatar
  • 26.4k
5 votes
2 answers
748 views

Lubricating / taking care of plastic zipper

How to lubricate / take care of a plastic zipper, so that it doesn't get stuck and have a longer life? I know that for metal zippers, wax makes wonders, but what about plastic ones? Is the silicon ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
234 views

What are the different types of camping for a beginner?

I am looking into the camping hobby no found few different styles, specifically the shelter used in the outdoor. So far I have learned that camping with a wood stove means it is hot tent camping, and ...
Asmodean's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
2k views

Is it worth to use LEP flashlights as a tactical or EDC?

LEP (laser excited phosphor) is the new technology of flashlights to use, with extra brightness. I get some cons to use LEP, like its effect on eyes if the light beam is applied directly to them. I ...
Retus's user avatar
  • 58
5 votes
1 answer
173 views

Diving without modern equipment (mask)

In case you're on the shore, but you have no diving equipment (mask) how can you manage to dive for fish or sea fruits? You don't see any details without a mask and sea water is very irritating to the ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
5k views

First aid: alternatives to hydrogen peroxide

** This question may contain medically unsound advice. Be sure you have read the answers and comments before making any medical decisions ** Recently a friend broke her arm while mountain biking and ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 6,871
6 votes
2 answers
229 views

Are there any handy gadgets to increase visibility range in whiteout conditions?

Low visibility in white-out conditions are a common cause of mountaineering accidents/deaths. I wonder if there are any gadgets that can boost the visibility in such conditions? Can using a thermal-IR ...
ahron's user avatar
  • 1,797
3 votes
1 answer
566 views

Silicone waterproof treatment on former PU treated tent

I read the following post and wondered if I could use the same method on a tent that was formerly treated from factory with a polyurethane coat. What is the best way to re-waterproof a nylon tarp? My ...
thook's user avatar
  • 31
17 votes
9 answers
7k views

Are there any GPS devices with no transmission capability?

I thought about it for both privacy and energy saving. A GPS after all needs only to receive the signal and check the cached map, I also remember that until few years ago car sat/nav could not ...
FluidCode's user avatar
  • 721
10 votes
8 answers
3k views

My Trangia leaves soot all over everything—how do I remove or prevent it?

Just got back from a delightful couple of days hiking in the Cathedral Range in Victoria Australia, and I'm washing all the pots and plates, and cursing the black soot that comes off my Trangia ...
stib's user avatar
  • 700
0 votes
1 answer
181 views

Do Spot devices have a sleep mode?

I’ve purchased a SpotX device and noticed that the screen never turns off. I’ve tried using the menu or pressing the power button but there’s only an option for Power Off, not Sleep. (Spot questions ...
JonathanReez's user avatar
  • 2,997
2 votes
1 answer
290 views

What material should I use for picnic ground covering?

I plan on taking family to light camping/park/picnic. This includes infant daughter. I plan on having some material on ground to act as moisture barrier as well as insect barrier. So I am not looking ...
paulj's user avatar
  • 149
13 votes
2 answers
3k views

Overtreated a backpacking outfit with permethrin. Safe to wear?

I purchased a spray-bottle of Sawyer 0.5% permethrin to treat some of my clothing in preparation for a backpacking trip. The spray nozzle turns out to have been quite a bit more generous than I ...
Conduit's user avatar
  • 233
2 votes
1 answer
358 views

Which way is which on the Wild Country variable controller belay device?

I purchased a Wild Country Variable Controller a while ago but have only used it a couple of times. It has an asymmetrical profile meaning one side provides more friction (for belaying) and the other ...
Darren's user avatar
  • 2,433
4 votes
3 answers
329 views

garbage collection equipment: frame with handle as garbage bag holder

My son (almost 2) loves picking up garbage, so I decided to give him garbage collection equipment as a birthday present. For that, I'd like to get a thing which serves as a bag holder with wide ...
Kjara's user avatar
  • 143
4 votes
2 answers
732 views

How can I safely walk along the top of a steep scree slope?

I'd like to walk along some bluffs, but there's a bunch of gravel at a 45° angle along the bluffs that's kinda slippery and treacherous. My question is: what kind of gear would assist me with this? I'...
neubert's user avatar
  • 797
4 votes
1 answer
394 views

"Slideable" backpack buckles

How are these "slideable" backpack buckles called? I am asking because I want to get a replacement. The backpack is a "Millican Fraser 32L" but the type of buckle should not be ...
Stücke's user avatar
  • 143
0 votes
3 answers
737 views

Drying neoprene gloves to prevent growth of fungi

I have SUP neoprene gloves, which are quite tight and curved, which makes them dry even longer than the scuba dive gloves. I've washed them recently because of unpleasant smell from inside, and it ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
632 views

Belaying/rappelling with a rope thicker than allowed by belay device

I've got an 11mm static rope. Can I use it safely for top-rope belay/rappel with a belay device that is designed for "9.5 - 10.5 mm rope"?.. I actually rappelled three times with no issues ...
Alexander's user avatar
  • 1,770
6 votes
1 answer
458 views

Flashlight for night open water swimming

My swimming season ended for me when it's dark before I manage to get out of work, eat something and get to the beach. I'd like to continue swimming, but I want to see where I swim and be seen. What ...
Danubian Sailor's user avatar
0 votes
0 answers
1k views

Coleman Stove / 5 gallon tank adapter / Doesn't work consistently

https://www.coleman.com/all-camp-kitchen/camp-kitchen-parts/5-ft.-high-pressure-propane-hose-and-adaptor/col_2000014877_pr/COL_2000014877 Bought the item above to connect: Classic (x2) burner camp ...
user3533030's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
335 views

Liquid chalk spill on climbing gear

So we were climbing today with some friends and an accidental liquid chalk explosion occurred in one of the backpacks. Contents of said backpack include: carabiners, a nylon sling and the nylon ...
Momchill's user avatar
  • 143
1 vote
1 answer
227 views

Turning on a rgb headlamp with red first

I currently own a PETZL TACTIKKA + RGB 2019 which offers the possibility of making red, green and blue (and of course white) light. It's a good lamp but the white light is the first light to turn on ...
Hadock's user avatar
  • 113

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