All Questions
17
votes
5answers
445 views
How bad do circumstances need to be before activating a PLB?
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can be carried during outdoor activities to use in case of an emergency. But are there any guidelines on what exactly constitutes an "emergency"? For example, what ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
What does IBO on a bow mean and how is it calculated?
When I look at bow manufacturers' websites, I see bows are rated with an IBO for their arrows speed. I was wondering what IBO stands for and how it is calculated.
14
votes
4answers
272 views
How to cheaply introduce someone to backpacking
I meet a fair number people who would like to try backpacking. Unfortunately the initial cost seems to be pretty high. Even an overnight requires a lot of big ticket gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc). ...
9
votes
2answers
194 views
What precautions should I take when hiking among herds of elk?
During certain times of the year, some of the hiking trails near where I live wind through herds of elk standing on or near the trails. What precautions should you take when hiking among elk?
12
votes
2answers
2k views
Can you eat pine needles in an emergency?
If you are in a survival situation in the woods and REALLY hungry, and you are unsure about which plants are edible, can you eat pine needles?
7
votes
3answers
126 views
Are life vests a good idea when rafting?
Are life vests good for rafting? It may seem like a silly question, but I have heard several times now that they increase your danger due to the risk of entanglement.
3
votes
2answers
62 views
Sky map for tropics
I like to use rotational sky maps to use in the field, but I have this only for latitude 50°N. I'd like to have a similar sky map for tropics: 10°N. Do you know where I can order one?
7
votes
1answer
78 views
Do I need skins to drag a pulk on skis?
In a few weeks time I will be taking part in expedition skiing across Iceland. Our kit will be in pulks and we will be skiing with Nordic skis. Uphill I'm sure we'll need skins, but on the flatter ...
9
votes
2answers
160 views
How much fuel to carry for melting snow?
I'm using a multi fuel stove (MSR Dragonfly) for a 10 day ski tour, how much fuel should I allow to provide sufficient water for cooking and drinking. Meals will be mostly dehydrated just-add-water ...
10
votes
2answers
583 views
Is bear spray effective against other animals?
Is bear spray (pepper spray specially formulated to be effective against bear attacks) effective against other animals, especially mountain lions or wolves? Or is there something in it specifically ...
25
votes
5answers
357 views
Backpacking or hiking in areas open to hunting
A lot of areas that are good for hiking or backpacking are also popular hunting grounds. I am an avid backpacker and hiker, but I do not know much about hunting. How do I find out what is the ...
11
votes
5answers
373 views
What exercises are recommended to build strength for hiking?
I've not had much opportunity to go hiking for any decent distance recently and I feel the next time I do my body will probably complain a lot. However, I've access to a gym with a lot of equipment so ...
4
votes
1answer
369 views
How do I pack a mummy type sleeping bag in a M10 or M28 haversack?
It is fairly easy to pack a blanket or a small sleeping bag in a haversack, but in cold weather, one would sometimes like to have a warmer bag. A mummy type sleeping bag usually does not roll up ...
14
votes
3answers
211 views
What kind of canteen material will have the least effect on the taste of water?
I want to buy a canteen, and I have choice between aluminum, stainless steel, enamel and various kinds of plastic. I had canteens before that made any liquid taste horrible after just few hours. I ...
10
votes
2answers
184 views
Staying dry in severe weather
I've been in pretty big storms before on campouts, but only two were big enough that the water would seep in through the sides of the tent. One of those times I used a tarp, rope, trees, and ...
7
votes
2answers
630 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 ...
14
votes
2answers
189 views
Where are good places to look for water sources when I have run out on a multi-day hike?
Luckily this has never happened to me, but even the most prepared hiker can often get themselves into difficulties if they run out of water. My question here is in your experience in remote arid ...
11
votes
2answers
167 views
How to make a signal fire that can be seen miles away
If I were lost in the North American woods, how could I make a signal fire that would attract attention many miles away ?
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.
10
votes
2answers
93 views
Are there any specific guidelines for edible plants in North America?
I know there are dangerous plants and fruits to eat, but are there any basic rules one can use when in an emergency situation that apply to all safe foods? The 'rules' don't necessarily have to apply ...
17
votes
6answers
256 views
When buying a backpack, what should I pay attention to?
I know one can compare backpacks by the following:
Content (in liters)
Number of external pockets (for quick accessable water bottles for example)
Hip belt available are not
Waterproof / Water ...
6
votes
1answer
128 views
Good ways to avoid snakes when hiking?
I'v been told that walking with a heavy foot-fall will deter snakes. Is this really true?
7
votes
2answers
122 views
Where can I find information on letterboxing in my area?
Letterboxing is a precursor to geocaching, wherein participants leave notes / stamps in boxes in the wild...
It's helpful to have a list or guide to letterbox sites when embarking on a search, as ...
9
votes
2answers
121 views
What should I look for if I want to buy a winter-proofed tent?
I really like to go snowshoeing during the winter. I'm going up to 3500 meters and when I'm doing long tours I would really enjoy to try out winter camping in very remote areas. Is it a good idea to ...
11
votes
4answers
283 views
What are the most effective ways to start a fire in the cold?
I frequently hike and camp in the forests of the Midwest (Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, etc). Considering this climate can get quite cold in the Fall & Winter, what are the best strategies to starting ...
-4
votes
1answer
138 views
Does “Cow Tipping” hurt the cow? [closed]
Does "cow tipping" actually hurt the cow?(other that psychologically)
6
votes
2answers
391 views
What is the best rope to have in a survival situation?
What rope would be most helpful/versatile in a survival situation?
2
votes
1answer
260 views
What is the most important survival tool I should have when in the wilderness? [closed]
When venturing out into the wilderness, what is the most important thing I should bring?
6
votes
3answers
166 views
How do I read a topographic map?
When navigating in the backcountry, you'll usually bring a topographic map that shows the terrain so you can tell if there will be steep slopes or cliffs that might make the route difficult.
A ...
6
votes
3answers
254 views
What can I do to prevent getting poison ivy?
I have a very bad reaction to poison ivy. I take extraordinary measures to avoid any and all contact with it. I wear long socks and full pants in the middle of summer but I still end up getting it ...
7
votes
4answers
120 views
Time of high / low tide
When in coastal areas, where can I get times of high tide / low tide? I know that Garmin GPS can do it, but without it? What is the simplest way to determine in the wilderness? Which factors does it ...
5
votes
3answers
150 views
Pain in the heel after a hike
So, I just went hiking, testing out a pretty new pair of shoes. The test trail was about 6 miles round trip. I started to notice on the way back that the back of my heel was a bit uncomfortable, like ...
5
votes
1answer
68 views
How do you make a snow shelter?
Sometimes when mountaineering, there may be an emergency situation which leaves you in bad weather with no or damaged shelter (such as returning from a summit attempt or after a wild and crazy storm). ...
12
votes
5answers
926 views
How do you prevent mold in CamelBak hydration bladders?
When using a CamelBak (or other hydration bladder system), it is easy for mold to grow if the bladder is left sitting with water in it. What is the best way to avoid mold (or other nasties) growing ...
18
votes
1answer
281 views
Why do shin splints happen?
I've gotten shin splints on long hikes - once 2 weeks into a hike, and another time 2 months. I wasn't able to determine how I got them though, which has really annoyed me! I get that I could ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Is there a way to reduce mosquito bites from swelling [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are some effective ways of reducing itching from a mosquito bite?
Anyone have suggestions on how to reduce or prevent mosquito bites from swelling or becoming ...
14
votes
4answers
391 views
Where in the Alps is it safe to drink the water without filtering?
In some places, the Swedish Lappland for example, it's perfectly fine and even recommended to drink water directly from streams.
Is it also recommended whilst hiking in the Alps, and if so is it only ...
12
votes
1answer
127 views
How long is too long to suffer from constipation in the back country?
Quite commonly, due to the barrage of newness the body experiences on an outdoor outing (new sensations, new exercise habits, new diet, etc) the body can stop the system up while it tries to figure ...
3
votes
1answer
146 views
Backup prusik for Abseiling: Where does it go?
When abseiling from an anchor during rock climbing, I like to use a backup prusik as a potential lifesaver in case I screw up.
However, I have heard different advice on where to put it, both for ...
14
votes
5answers
180 views
Keeping warm in an emergency
When roaming the outdoors, it might happen that one finds oneself in a situation that is much, much colder than one planned for.
What can one do in such an emergency, especially when it's so cold ...
14
votes
3answers
544 views
Do polarized sunglasses protect against snow blindess?
Will regular polarized sunglasses protect me against snow blindness? And if not what type of glasses/goggles will protect me?
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 ...
9
votes
4answers
181 views
Does drinking alcohol cause problems at altitude?
If I'm going to be climbing a mountain, would drinking a small amount at altitude have any negative effects (besides general alcohol effects)?
7
votes
1answer
101 views
Is it legal to camp on private property in Russia?
In some places, like Scandinavia, you can camp pretty much anywhere you like as long as it's only for one night and you don't leave a mess.
Is this also the case in Russia?
16
votes
3answers
689 views
How do I treat hot spots and blisters when I have no moleskin?
A few times I've been out walking or backpacking and have no moleskin with me. Sure enough, my boots start giving me blisters. How can I prevent or treat hotspots and blisters without using ...
5
votes
1answer
180 views
What to bring into a tree stand?
What should you be putting into your pack when you head up to a tree stand, beyond your gun or bow and ammo, to hunt whitetail deer?
8
votes
2answers
67 views
Is it better to camp in a disturbed area, or pick a new spot and let the first rest?
When practicing Leave No Trace camping (which I am sure we all do), which camp spot should I choose, assuming there is not an obvious well-impacted "sacrifice site" nearby to concentrate my impact in:
...
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
1answer
171 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 ...
16
votes
5answers
826 views
How to deal with wet feet?
Say for instance I'm walking on boggy ground, I find a small muddy hole or some other minor tragedy that leaves one or both of my feet soaking wet and caked in mud. What is the best way to deal with ...
