All Questions
17
votes
5answers
442 views
What is the best way to cross streams while backpacking?
I'm curious of a good technique to cross a stream while backpacking that's above the boot's waterproof line but no higher than the knees. I typically face upstream and use my hiking poles for ...
3
votes
4answers
120 views
Dealing with wildlife in the desert of California/Nevada in general and in the White Mountains in particular
I'm planning a hike in the White Mountains of California; see also this related question. So far, all my hiking have either been day hikes in the densely populated hikes, or treks for up to three ...
6
votes
3answers
88 views
Advice for first Grand Canyon Hike for Eastern Hikers
My friend wants to do an overnight on the grand canyon this summer. We are experienced hikers in pretty good shape. However we've NEVER hiked out west, much less the Grand Canyon. What are the key ...
10
votes
2answers
110 views
Do kevlar sacks work against bears?
We ran into a hiker on the AT last year using a kevlar back to keep out bears and rodents. He said the product was an Ursack and seemed very happy with it. However he'd never had a bear try to get ...
4
votes
3answers
96 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
21 views
PLB or satphone rental in the USA?
I've read that in the United States, national forests, ranger offices, etc. often have some safety-related equipment for rent, such as bear canisters. Do they rent out Personal Locator Beacons, ...
16
votes
5answers
2k views
How much water should be carried while hiking in the desert?
I live in the Arizona desert, and during the summer, despite my best intentions, I always seem to end up doing some hiking in the summer heat.
What is a good formula to figure out how much water I ...
9
votes
5answers
359 views
What shoes keep me warm in the cold?
One of the biggest problems I have keeping warm in the cold are my shoes. When I'm out cycling in temperatures below -20°C, ordinary sport-shoes or hiking boots fail to keep me warm
Cycling to work ...
3
votes
1answer
48 views
How do you get the right shape on trim-to-fit insoles?
My hiking shoes starting having problems with the insoles, so I got replacements. However the replacements I have are "Trim to fit."
How do I get the proper shape so that I don't end up with any ...
3
votes
3answers
71 views
A removeable solution for slipping insoles?
Is there anything that can be done to stop my insoles sliding? has a pretty good answer for semi-permanent solving of insole slippage.
However, I switch my insoles between two pairs of shoes on a ...
7
votes
5answers
169 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 ...
10
votes
2answers
115 views
How are backpacking conditions at Yosemite in April?
Looking at the webcam, it looks like things are still pretty wintery in that area. Being Michiganders, some snow is not going to deter us (we love winter camping), but we at least want to be prepared ...
8
votes
2answers
561 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
386 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?
5
votes
3answers
222 views
How safe is the bowline knot in different situations?
The bowline knot (picture below, source) has a great reputation as a very safe knot. Is it really completely safe in all situations and loads, or are there use cases where it may fail?
4
votes
1answer
65 views
What is water resistant down and how is it made?
Water resistant down has interesting properties which make it appealing for outdoor applications. However, it is not widely available and seems to be only offered in certain fill powers.
How is the ...
6
votes
3answers
349 views
Is there a consensus or ethic for rappelling off a tree?
When trad climbing I have seen many people wrap their rope around a tree and then rappel, and then yank the rope down at the next belay station or tree. I have also seen the scarring as a result of ...
7
votes
1answer
273 views
When rock climbing, what is the difference between top-roping and leading?
I'm starting to learn how to rock climb, and there seem to be two types of climbing, top-rope climbing and lead climbing. What's the difference between the two, and what would be better for a ...
6
votes
2answers
98 views
What to teach someone who wants to start lead climbing?
I have a friend who climbs with another group.
She recently had her first couple of experiences as lead climber (sport climbing).
I'm concerned that she doesn't have the required theory for lead ...
5
votes
1answer
83 views
What are the advantages of a double sleeping bag?
In the context of a long hike (AT, PCT, CDT, LT, etc.):
What are the advantages and disadvantages of double sleeping bags over two individual sleeping bags? How do they compare to single sleeping ...
5
votes
4answers
133 views
What's the problem with electrolyte imbalance and how do I mitigate it?
In the past week I've seen two answers mentioning electrolytes; one about the grand canyon and one in an answer on a question that was actually about wildlife, but where other desert dangers were ...
24
votes
3answers
8k views
Is drinking urine safe?
We've all heard stories about how people saved their lives by drinking their urine. Is drinking urine safe when there are no other water sources available? Can I filter it with a water purifier?
8
votes
2answers
95 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
46 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
159 views
Tips for travelling through Europe with just a tent
Myself and my girlfriend are hoping to start off in the Netherlands and hitchhike our way down to the south of Spain through various French towns / cities.
We are planning on just bringing sleeping ...
3
votes
1answer
84 views
How do I Plan a Hiking Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
I need some help planning a a hiking trip to CO. I have been on a couple of hiking trips and have grown up going into the mountains with my family but I have never been the one to plan a trip. I'm ...
5
votes
1answer
80 views
What temperature to prepare for on Everest base camp trek?
I'm doing the popular tourist trek from Lukla to Everest base camp in late April / early May. I know the minimum temperature is on average -1 Celsius (30.2 Fahrenheit) in the Khumbu region at this ...
5
votes
1answer
119 views
6 day trek in Nepal Himalaya
What are some easy/moderate hikes in the Nepal Himalayas that do not span more than 6 days of walking? I looked at Jomsom trek but it is 8 days. I am looking for a trek that offers nice scenic beauty ...
11
votes
1answer
85 views
How can I go camping in Nepal and Northern Pakistan?
A group of friends would like to go camping in Northern Pakistan on their own. The only problem is to know some locals who can help us with food and a place to find where we can put up our camps. How ...
9
votes
4answers
104 views
Is there a difference in performance between a fishing kayak and touring kayak?
Last year my wife and I rented a couple of SOT kayaks and used them to paddle around our local lake. We enjoyed it so much we have decided to purchase our own this year.
We are looking at some entry ...
7
votes
1answer
74 views
What alternative topographic maps exist in the USA?
This answer recommends topographic maps as downloadable from the USGS. A comment holds that those are definitely the best thing for the US.
An except for the San Joaquin river near Mammoth Lakes ...
4
votes
2answers
73 views
GPS topo map downloads
I know the USGS and many others offer free downloadable raster topo maps for almost anywhere.
But what if I want vector maps using GPS coords? I'm new to GIS but I would assume there is a de facto ...
10
votes
1answer
277 views
Techniques for building a raft from wood
What are some good techniques to use (materials, knots, etc.) for building a raft by gathering wood in the local area? I'm talking about something to sail on still or slow moving bodies of water, not ...
7
votes
2answers
116 views
How should I check the anchor is secure when I anchoring a small yacht off unfamiliar land?
When sailing I may anchor in a different bay each evening and take a dinghy in to land to sleep in a tent overnight.
I always worry that when I wake up in the morning the boat may no longer be ...
5
votes
2answers
68 views
What do unusual waymarks in France mean?
I recognize the official system for French waymarks of Grand Randonees and local paths like shown here:
but I've also seen large white rectangles with a horizontal red line in the middle. They are ...
5
votes
3answers
75 views
How would you evaluate sailing lessons for adults?
I am lucky enough to live within an hour of several cities (or large towns) on Lake Ontario, and near "cottage country" which is full of lakes. I'm considering a learn-to-sail program this summer. A ...
4
votes
1answer
54 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, ...
6
votes
2answers
133 views
When should you repair rock gouges in skis?
When downhill skiing (although I assume this would apply to cross-country skiing or snowboarding as well), when should a gouge caused by a rock or other obstacle be considered large or serious enough ...
8
votes
3answers
108 views
How should I remove a leech?
Once a leech is attached, what is the proper way to remove it?
(I'm assuming that the method would generic for all leeches, but if there are special kinds, please note that).
6
votes
2answers
44 views
Avalanche forecast in North America?
In Switzerland, there is a avalanche forecast twice a day, at least during the winter months. This forecast reports about potential risky part regions, especially avalanche-prone expositions, and ...
4
votes
2answers
119 views
Tips for outdoor during the dark winter?
The dark winter is approaching on the northern hemisphere. At my latitude (67½°N), the sun sets at 15:00 by now, and a little more than a month away the polar night will start. So far, I'm virtually ...
8
votes
6answers
895 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
110 views
How to avoid pendulum descent when belaying?
I recently started indoor rock climbing at a local spot. I got to the top and (after appropriate communication) my partner started to belay me down. I instantly starting swinging and spinning pretty ...
13
votes
2answers
168 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 ...
11
votes
2answers
370 views
How harmful is the rising/setting sun?
Often, while hiking, my companions and I treat the very early/late sun as being less harmful (as far as skin cancer and UV radiation are concerned). For example, we might not apply sunscreen ...
3
votes
5answers
244 views
What is scientific relation between body weight and backpack weight in mountain climbing?
I am eager to go mountain climbing but cannot carry heavy backpacks because of my light weight. I want to know if there is any scientific equation to help me know how much weight is safe for me to ...
34
votes
9answers
1k views
What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?
Last summer I spent 15 days hiking with my boyfriend, in Sarek National Park, where there are no places to restock with more food.
The food issue was a major part of the pre-planning, as weight was ...
16
votes
6answers
2k views
How to keep water cold in hot weather?
When doing outdoor sports like hiking or biking I'll always take a lot of cold water with me. I love to drink cold water and I feel more refreshed compared to drinking warm or not-so-cold water. But ...
12
votes
5answers
192 views
How to warm up your cold toes and fingers?
In winter your hand and feet (especially toes and fingers) may get painfully cold or you may even stop feeling them. How can you warm them up?
This usually happens, when it's below 0°С or when it's ...
7
votes
2answers
103 views
Logs & Rocks - Step on or over?
Growing up we were always taught to never step straight over a rock or log because it is a good way to step on or startle a snake that you cannot see. However, on a lot of hiking forums I see it ...
