All Questions
18
votes
1answer
296 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
412 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
133 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
158 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
198 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
582 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
226 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
222 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
733 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
185 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
100 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
174 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
904 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 ...
14
votes
3answers
172 views
How do you properly dispose of human waste while snow camping?
Assuming the cat-hole is the preferred protocol for waste disposal in the area you are backpacking, what should you do when the soil is buried below A LOT of snow, and/or frozen?
9
votes
4answers
221 views
What are some alternative ways of fishing - i.e. catching fish?
If I'm out in the wilderness and want to catch fish to survive, what are some ways I can do this without a conventional fishing pole/line?
4
votes
2answers
134 views
What should I do if my raft capsizes?
I'm planning a whitewater rafting trip, and I'm worried what I should do if the raft flips over.
Is there a standard set of procedures I should go through to get back on the raft?
4
votes
1answer
324 views
What is the best material to make an outdoor shelter roof out of?
Say you are caught out without a tent in mild temperature conditions, e.g. moorland/woods. What material would you look for to make a good shelter roof out of?
7
votes
2answers
682 views
What mosquito nets can be used while camping?
When camping in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, what options are there in terms of mosquito nets? The mosquito nets I've seen are meant to be hung above a bed and tucked under the ...
7
votes
1answer
295 views
What kinds of knives are allowed while camping in California?
I have read that California has some of the strictest weapons laws in the US. What types of knives are allowed when camping, hiking, or hunting? What should someone camping in California know before ...
7
votes
3answers
286 views
How can I tie a bowline knot with one hand?
A bowline knot is an excellent rescue knot as it tightens when under load. However, its very use as a rescue knot may make it hard to tie - for example, if a person fell and damaged one arm to the ...
5
votes
1answer
250 views
How do I self arrest without an ice axe?
Self-arresting is used to stop a mountaineer who has fallen and is sliding down a slope.
Ice axes are generally used for self-arrest, but what should a climber do to self arrest if he has lost his ...
10
votes
2answers
305 views
Why does my belay device have two holes?
I have a belay device that looks like:
which I used when I am belaying someone who is top roping or leading. However, my rope only goes through one of those slots. What is the purpose of the other ...
3
votes
1answer
70 views
How can I minimize the risk of tree wells when backcountry skiing?
When skiing in the backcountry (or even in the trees at resorts), what can be done to minimize the risk of getting trapped in a tree well?
2
votes
0answers
54 views
What essentials should you bring with you on a day hike? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What are essential items in an emergency kit?
Another question asked about emergency supplies you'd bring on a multi-day hiking trip. But many people prefer going on ...
5
votes
2answers
46 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?
3
votes
1answer
158 views
Crew requirements for sailing a ketch
When sailing a traditional twin mast ketch, what are the recommended crew requirements?
Let's assume the following for simplicity:
Captain has 6-pack maritime license.
Captain and passengers ...
8
votes
3answers
488 views
How do I catch fish with fish hooks but no bait?
As most survival kits come with fish hooks, I am wondering how do I catch fish without any bait?
5
votes
4answers
742 views
How can I make a footprint?
I recently got a Marmot Aeros 3P for Christmas, but haven't been able to find anyone currently selling the footprint that goes with it. So how could I go about making one?
6
votes
2answers
33 views
How do I find known and documented trails for trail running in New England?
In my past experiences running on trails, the paths are demarcated for hikers and bikers and I learned about these running-appropriate paths through word of mouth and in person park information. After ...
14
votes
3answers
280 views
Synthetic vs Down sleeping bags?
What are the best conditions to use a synthetic sleeping bag vs a down one? Can you always use a down sleeping bag as long as you keep it in a dry waterproof bag?
9
votes
1answer
128 views
How do I recognize if someone is suffering from hypothermia?
How can I recognize symptoms of hypothermia on myself and other people I camp with?
3
votes
1answer
459 views
What is the difference between the different types of snowboards? (all-mountain/freestyle/freeride/etc)
I'm looking into buying my first snowboard, and there's all kinds of types:
All mountain
Freestyle
Freeride
Splitboards
Powder
What's the difference between these types?
2
votes
1answer
27 views
Wind surf sports optimal conditions
What are the optimal wind speed, direction, and surf conditions for wind surfing?
4
votes
1answer
110 views
How do I tie a bowline knot?
Bowline knots are among the most commonly used knots across many different outdoor activities. It is used to create a fixed loop at the end of a line, while still being easy to tie and untie.
How ...
9
votes
1answer
438 views
What is the difference between Gore-Tex and Mountain Hardwears DryQ?
They both are waterproof but what are the differences and is one better?
8
votes
1answer
572 views
What is the preferred knot for cinching a hard item to your car rack?
Let's say I want to tie a hard object to the top of my car, like a kayak. What is the preferred knot for cinching it down tightly?
I often run into this problem with boats, lumber, and the like. In ...
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?
1
vote
0answers
139 views
How do I prevent blisters in ski boots? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How do I treat hot spots and blisters when I have no moleskin?
How do I treat a blister? How can I prevent getting them in the first place?
I often get blisters in my ...
3
votes
1answer
290 views
What is the difference between Class III, Class IV, and Class V rapids?
I'm planning a whitewater rafting trip, and I keep reading that different rapids are different classes, and sometimes the same rapid is different classes at different times of the year?
What do the ...
7
votes
3answers
157 views
How do I Eskimo roll a kayak?
If I am whitewater or sea kayaking, it is possible that my kayak will get overturned leading to a live or death situation.
I've heard that it is possible to roll the kayak so it is right side up ...
10
votes
3answers
217 views
How can I signal for help in the wilderness?
What are some different ways I can signal for help in the wilderness?
I'm looking for methods that apply in all seasons, particularly in the mountains, with forests or meadows & plateaus.
7
votes
1answer
324 views
What to do if you're bitten by an adder?
I've heard that while adder bites are poisonous the number of people who have died from them are extremely low. If you're on a trek and you're bitten is it safe to continue for a couple more days ...
8
votes
1answer
172 views
What causes an avalanche and can I predict one?
Avalanches are extremely dangerous when mountaineering, winter backpacking/camping, or backcountry skiing/snowboarding.
What causes them and is there any way I can predict when an avalanche is about ...
10
votes
4answers
209 views
Is it worth buying a footprint?
I recently bought a new tent, is it worth the extra $40 to purchase a footprint for it as well? Or are there alternatives that can be found on the trail or even made at home?
3
votes
1answer
79 views
If I lose my compass, what is the easiest way to identify and follow a heading? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How can you navigate without a compass or GPS
Obviously we all carry a compass and a map when we go trekking, but if I lose them but know I need to get back to my car ...
11
votes
2answers
348 views
What should you do if you see a rattle snake?
In the area where I live, I have periodically seen a rattle snake when hiking, occasionally at the ready to strike pose. What should I do?
9
votes
2answers
426 views
Which side of an emergency blanket should I use?
an emergency blanket has two sides, one orange and one silver. Which one should I keep on the inside?
