All Questions
13
votes
3answers
229 views
What makes a good head lamp?
I'm looking for a decent head lamp, with a bright light and good battery life. Most on the market these days seem to be LED based, but aside from those three (perhaps obvious) considerations are there ...
10
votes
2answers
225 views
Are carabiners useful tools to have in the wilderness? If so, what would they be used for?
Carabiners are obviously essential in certain circumstances, such as with any type of climbing / rappelling. But are they a good tool to have generally as well, and if so what might be some example ...
14
votes
1answer
190 views
Why tunnel tents for the poles, Geodesic for the mountains?
I've noticed that polar expeditions seem to favour tunnel tents, and mountaineering expeditions prefer geodesic designs. Is there a reason why one design fares better than the other in its preferred ...
17
votes
2answers
158 views
Which careers allow working in the wild on a daily basis?
If someone wants his job to take place mostly in the wild, what kind of career should he look into?
10
votes
1answer
128 views
How to tell if water is likely to have cryptosporidium?
I often use CLO2 (for example this product) to treat drinking water when I’m backpacking and boiling is not convenient. The instructions for the product say that the dose should be tripled if the ...
6
votes
2answers
141 views
What are the most important indicators of an high-risk avalanche zone?
If I'm heading out ski touring into an area I haven't been, what are the most important things to look for and think about to avoid high-risk areas for avalanches?
9
votes
1answer
351 views
Is it legal to collect firewood (to take away) from woods and forests in the UK?
I've seen lots of people do this, and unless it was clearly stealing en-masse for profit I doubt there'd be a problem, but is it legal to pick up dead logs, kindling etc. and take them away to use ...
17
votes
2answers
747 views
Best/safest wood to carve a spoon from?
Say I want to carve a spoon from wood that I find, are there any trees I shouldn't use due to their toxicity? Are any that are particularly easy to carve or hardy?
7
votes
3answers
363 views
Is the “Rule of 3” proven for food?
The proverbial "Rule of 3" says you can live three weeks without food. Are there any documented cases of people actually living three weeks with no food in the wilderness and surviving?
For those ...
5
votes
1answer
435 views
How to reduce pain of wasp stings
Assuming I am not allergic, or showing signs of allergic reaction, what's the best way to treat multiple yellow jacket (a type of wasp) stings in the outdoors while hiking/backpacking?
My key concern ...
10
votes
3answers
179 views
Which stove fuel has best weight to bulk to heat ratio?
Pack stoves come in a variety of flavors, consuming white gas, denatured alcohol, propane, wood, gels, unleaded, kerosene... etc.
Given the assumption that I will be carrying all the fuel I need (no ...
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 ...
14
votes
2answers
288 views
How to stay clean on a multi-day hike?
I love hiking but there is a serious problem - I find it disgusting to be sweaty or dirty. I am literally unable to function properly if I do not get a thorough and warm shower every morning.
This ...
13
votes
2answers
429 views
Washing clothes on long hikes
I'm looking for a good solution for clothing (or clothes washing) on long hikes with the following considerations
Southeastern United States, Appalachians
We hike light
10+ day trips
I don't want ...
15
votes
7answers
855 views
Can/Should I cook in my tent?
When camping in bad weather I'm always asking myself if it is a good idea to cook in my tent with a gas cooker. Obviously there is the danger of fire. But how dangerous is this really? Can you easily ...
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 ...
4
votes
2answers
156 views
In rock-climbing, how do I safely belay another climber?
I am learning to rock climb, and I have heard that I will need to belay climbers, so if they fall, my belay will stop the fall and prevent an injury.
What do I need to do to properly belay my ...
14
votes
2answers
161 views
What is the proper tension for a tent line
When setting up a tent and staking it out, what is the proper tension for the lines? I generally just make them arbitrarily tight, but have no idea how that would perform in high wind or other ...
6
votes
1answer
194 views
How is ATA measured on a compound bow?
I know that ATA is axle to axle, but is that when the bow is drawn and the limbs are flexed or when the limbs are relaxed and the compound bow is undrawn?
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 ...
10
votes
1answer
217 views
For a DIY wood burning stove, is there a significant advantage of the double wall “bushbuddy” style?
I made myself a simple wood burning stove from a small tomato can, and I am pretty happy with it, but now I am wondering if I would get significantly increased performance by making a more complicated ...
8
votes
1answer
445 views
Will bug repellent repel deer?
I was wondering whether the deer would be able to smell bug repellent if you are wearing some while out hunting. Is there a specific type of bug repellent that can be used that is less likely to make ...
21
votes
3answers
357 views
If I have to cross an icy, flowing river, what are some ways I can cross safely?
If I'm alone in a survival situation and I have to cross a very cold river that's still flowing, how should I accomplish this safely?
18
votes
4answers
250 views
What precautions should I take to protect myself and my camp from bears?
Most of my prior hiking experience has been in areas that are not home to bears, so what precautions should I take to protect my camp (and myself as I am hiking) from bears.
I am aware of a couple of ...
8
votes
3answers
412 views
What type of mosquito repellent is most effective?
There are many different kinds of insect repellents and bug sprays on the market: sprays and lotions, chemical and natural, huge percentages of DEET and lower percentages, etc.
What type of bug ...
11
votes
2answers
471 views
What things should I look for when buying a compass?
Compasses seem to come in all shapes, sizes and (especially) prices! What sets a good compass apart from a bad one and what are some good characteristics to look for when making a purchase?
12
votes
2answers
149 views
Is it practical to get a satellite phone for communication from remote areas?
When going into remote areas, it would be great to be able to communicate with the outside world, for emergency purposes or just to be able to call home on long trips. Is it practical for an average ...
10
votes
1answer
255 views
What should you look for when buying hiking socks?
A quick search online shows there are dozens of different types of hiking socks, with different materials, thicknesses, and properties. In general, what should you look for when shopping for hiking ...
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? ...
6
votes
1answer
188 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?
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 ...
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 ...
12
votes
3answers
584 views
First time camping, need advice
Me and my wife have never done camping before and always wanted to do it. This time we are planning to go for a small camping trip but have no idea how to prepare for it. We like to hike and are ...
15
votes
2answers
219 views
If I cross paths with a bear, what should I do?
If I'm out hiking, and I come around a corner and stumble upon a bear, what's the best course of action to take to minimize the chance the bear will act aggressively?
Do different types of bear ...
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 ...
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. ...
3
votes
0answers
159 views
Are there performance differences between lead and lead-free ammunition? [closed]
According to this article (full disclosure: I wrote it) lead-based ammunition is a well-known threat to Condors and other scavengers, and may have negative effects on humans who unknowingly ingest ...
20
votes
3answers
726 views
Does hiking with a dog in bear country increase or decrease your risk of a bear encounter?
I've heard various rumors that dogs might help keep bears away, or might be a bear attractant. Is there anything more concrete than anecdotal evidence to go on?
From the companionship end, they are a ...
7
votes
2answers
224 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 ...
9
votes
5answers
116 views
Resources for finding public hunting land
Are there any good resources out there for locating publicly available hunting land?
UPDATE: I should have stated that I'm looking for land in the US. Also, I'm interested in any public land ...
24
votes
5answers
684 views
How to carry water in freezing temperatures?
When backpacking in freezing weather, water in a canteen often turns to ice. I am looking for a canteen that
Will not burst when the volume of water increases due to freezing
Will make it possible, ...
5
votes
2answers
80 views
How to improvise a signal mirror?
If I'm out in the wilderness and I don't have a signal mirror, what other objects could I improvise to work similar to a signal mirror?
7
votes
1answer
60 views
Search and rescue costs in Iceland?
I'm about to take part in a Ski Tour across Iceland in a few weeks time, I've just noticed by travel insurance doesn't include Search & Rescue costs, here in the UK mountain search and rescue is ...
14
votes
3answers
126 views
Do I need any technical skills to climb Kilimanjaro?
Ive heard that climbing Kilimanjaro doesn't require any mountaineering skills and is really just a (very difficult) hike?
Is that true? Is there any gear I would need besides traditional hiking ...
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 ...
11
votes
2answers
270 views
Should a hiker be concerned about wolves in the back-country?
In this question, it was asked whether bear-spray was effective against other animals, such as wolves.
I know the old adage that "there has never been record of a healthy wolf attacking an adult" is ...
8
votes
4answers
261 views
How could I treat scrapes outdoors without a first aid kit?
Say I'm hiking outdoors and I get a scrape. I've forgotten my first aid pack, or already used up the appropriate supplies. Is there anything in the wilderness I can use to sterilize and perhaps cover ...
16
votes
4answers
282 views
What are the rules for eating raw, wild meat?
Can you always eat raw meat (wild) as long as it is fresh?
19
votes
2answers
574 views
Handling feminine hygiene on multiple-month treks?
How can I handle multiple months of menstrual cycles on a long trek like the Appalachian Trail? I am asking about how to handle the mess. Here are my personal considerations:
Using hormonal birth ...
9
votes
4answers
144 views
How to get started skiing?
I've never skied before, but I'd like to try it out.
What sort of gear should I buy (as opposed to renting) before hand?
What would be a good strategy to learn to ski?
