All Questions
1
vote
1answer
37 views
Additional boating rules in addition to COLREGS?
I had a sailing test a few weeks ago and in it I was presented with the B flag and was asked what it means and what would be the applicable light at night.
I know the answer is "carrying dangerous ...
3
votes
2answers
49 views
Things to consider when choosing a sailing club
Apart from the obvious like price and location(s) what should I look for when choosing a sailing club?
Some of the things are difficult to assess, tips on assessment are welcome.
I want this question ...
6
votes
1answer
145 views
Is it safe to use a motorcycle helmet instead of a skiing helmet for skiing?
I have a perfectly good motorcycle helmet (one that encompasses the whole head, including the chin) that I never use (I bought it for lessons, but never bought a motorcycle). However, I do not have a ...
12
votes
2answers
503 views
Why don't we apply the principles of layering when it comes to pants?
Whenever I see clothing articles geared toward hiking and backpacking that discuss layering (base layer for wicking, mid layer for insulation, etc.), they always seem to discuss these things in terms ...
6
votes
1answer
90 views
Are PLBs banned or otherwise useless anywhere?
This comment raises the idea that PLBs may not be allowed inland in the UK. A later comment refuted this, but I never even considered they would be disallowed anywhere, but simply rented one and took ...
7
votes
1answer
199 views
Recommendations for two-way radios to use while skiing
Going skiing with another family next year and looking for two-way radios to use so we can stay in touch. I've used cell phones in the past but that can get awkward (and since we are going to Canada ...
3
votes
0answers
45 views
finger grip improvement exercisers [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What hand and finger exercises help with climbing?
I'm looking to get a product that will improve my finger grip- have been looking at powerballs & grip masters but ...
7
votes
2answers
167 views
What is a good tool for minor trail maintenance while hiking?
I hike a few trails in the lower Appalachians which are very infrequently traveled. Maintenance when it happens, is performed by hikers. I much prefer to just clear smaller blowdowns as I come to ...
4
votes
2answers
57 views
Storing Headlamps: With or without batteries?
When we store our headlamps, currently we store them with the batteries. Should they instead be stored separate from the batteries?
11
votes
2answers
71 views
Apart from down, is there any outdoor material that should not be stored stuffed?
Down sleeping bags and down jackets should not be stored in the stuffbag, but as loose as possible. Tents, as far as I know, can be stored stuffed as long as they are dry. Are there any other ...
8
votes
3answers
157 views
What is the true risk of suffocation from different combustion sources in a tent? (CO2, CO)
Aside from risk of fire (which for this question we will assume has been fully mitigated) what is the real risk of suffocation if one were to use a stove, lantern, or candle lantern in a tent?
There ...
6
votes
1answer
106 views
When is it too cold for Tarping?
I'm looking to get a tarp, and considering when I want to go out with it. My three season tent with the rain fly has pretty good heat retention, and while it doesn't get toasty, it does stay warmer ...
8
votes
1answer
81 views
Are there significant behaviour differences among bear species to adopt different safety rules?
Living the north-east part of America, my chances of encountering a grizzly bear is very low. I have greater chances of meeting a black bear. If I got the chance of meeting a grizzly, should I change ...
4
votes
2answers
91 views
Tool for draining/crushing isobutane fuel canister
I have seen a tool that helps drain the last of the fuel out of your isobutane fuel canister, and then pierce it to make it easy to crush. It's a simple little gadget that looks like a can opener.
...
2
votes
1answer
85 views
Performance of fur garments?
How does the performance of genuine fur garments, as might have been used traditionally, compare to that of down and modern synthetics? (Insulating power (wet and dry), water repellency, and any ...
6
votes
4answers
192 views
Running shoes for asphalt + winter conditions?
What is the good choice for the running shoes for winter conditions in city (mostly running on asphalt)? When the snow is shoveld, normal running shoes would be no problem, but when the snow falling, ...
8
votes
2answers
190 views
How can I improve my footwork while rock-climbing?
When I'm rock climbing, I feel like I've got hand holds down as far as where to grab on and understand that the hands are mainly for balance. However, I can't seem to figure out my feet. There are ...
3
votes
1answer
119 views
Can a PVC rain jacket also be used as a windbreaker?
I have a Columbia 100% PVC rain jacket. It has a nylon lining.
Can PVC material be used as an effective windbreaker? Are there any side effects (such as making me sweat a lot more) that could ...
7
votes
3answers
126 views
Is there a large difference in WFA (Wilderness First Aid) programs?
I am looking at taking a WFA (Wilderness First Aid) class and there are a couple of outfits in my area offering it. Namely, SOLO, NOLS, and The American Red Cross. I have heard nothing but great ...
6
votes
3answers
156 views
Is department store merino wool less effective than branded (i.e. SmartWool) merino wool in staying warm and wicking moisture?
At my local Costco, I see a Kirkland brand 100% merino wool quarter-zip sweater being sold for $25. On EMS, I see a SmartWool 100% merino wool half-zip sweater costing $140. Would I be potentially ...
3
votes
3answers
200 views
Are 35mm film canisters safe for holding spices?
Some of you may remember 35mm film** and the black cases it came in. I have a few lying around, and have seen people use them as backpacking salt and pepper shakers. I have also heard that's a good ...
4
votes
3answers
87 views
What should I look for in a rope for climbing?
I just started rock climbing recently. I don't have any gear of my own and the first thing I wanted to get was a rope. There are various ropes of different prices. What should I look for when buying a ...
6
votes
2answers
139 views
How to heal “blown tips” faster after a climb?
I just started rock climbing recently (by the way, it's awesome!). I tend to tear up my fingertips though when climbing on rough rock or for long periods of time. It takes a couple days for them to ...
3
votes
1answer
78 views
How to seam seal Tyvek?
Tyvek generally comes in 4' and 5' wide sheets. To make a suitable tarp, footprint, groundcloth, etc. I will need to sew together a couple of sheets. How do I seam seal the Tyvek to prevent leaking ...
6
votes
5answers
78 views
What can I use to label my medicine tubes?
For my first aid kit, all of the medications are repackaged. I use nalgene snaptop vials like these.
I have found that even permanent sharpie marker rubs off fairly quickly when hiking. I can ...
4
votes
1answer
122 views
What kind of Tyvek is suitable for footprint material
When buying Tyvek online, there appear to be a myriad of options and numbers. Which numbers are suitable for making a tent footprint?
Known numbers: 1443R, 1622E, 10G, 10GX, 1460, RV, 14M... (may ...
5
votes
2answers
70 views
Snowshoes for hilly terrain
What are the snowshoes criteria that I should look for if I want to snowshoe on a hilly terrain ?
7
votes
2answers
87 views
Are roads in Iceland closed to hikers outside the winter?
In a couple of years I hope to cross Iceland east to west through the centre. I understand the the roads in central Iceland are only open in the summer. Is that for vehicles only or for walking as ...
6
votes
2answers
69 views
Climbing Insurance [closed]
I think I should've donde this ages ago, but, well... better late than never.
Could you recommend a good insurance that covers climbing? It could be a travel insurance or a medical insurance. I'm ...
3
votes
3answers
248 views
How efficient is the Altai skis “the Hok”?
I have been reading for a while about the altai ski "the Hok" . It is being promoted as :
the Hok is a ski to be used whenever and wherever there is snow. With a partial climbing skin integrated ...
7
votes
3answers
502 views
What exercises should you do before a ski trip to build leg stamina?
I'm planning to go skiing this winter, having not been for a few years. I remember that in the past, the first few days often ended up being cut a little short as my legs were aching too much from the ...
3
votes
1answer
72 views
Outdoor activities in San Francisco when it's misty and raining?
I'm spending the weekend in San Francisco, and after a week indoors at a conference I'm keen to do something outside. My plan had been to ride the trolley down to Fisherman's Wharf, hire a bike and ...
10
votes
2answers
167 views
Jerky or Freeze-dried food : Is the salt they contain a concern?
Almost all outdoors activities require having a certain quantity of water to prevent dehydration.
Many types of jerky or Freeze-dried foods contain high amounts of salt. Should that be considered?
If ...
7
votes
1answer
147 views
Tips for hunting nocturnal deer
I recently moved to a property on 20 acres and I'm a total noob when it comes to hunting. There are several deer stands setup all over the property mostly along the tree line overlooking some open ...
11
votes
1answer
83 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
80 views
Isn't Nor'easter supposed to move from the Northeast to Southwest?
Ok, this is the closest forum that I could find to post this question on StackExchange. I think this question is appropriate for this forum too.
Isn't Nor'easter supposed to move from the Northeast ...
20
votes
4answers
302 views
Do bear-safe rules still apply in the winter?
I understand, and practice, bear-safe rules like hanging (or canister-ing) during summer months, but what about in the winter when bears are (theoretically) hibernating, and the shorter / colder days ...
6
votes
2answers
117 views
Energy bars for outdoors activities: what are the important criteria?
What are the criteria that I should worry about when buying energy bars ?
What are the ingredients to avoid and those to look for ?
6
votes
3answers
115 views
What lower temperature limit should I look for in sleeping bag for the Appalachian Trail?
I'm planning on hiking about half of the AT Northbound at the start of May 2013. What sort of temperature ranges can I expect to encounter, and what should I look for in a sleeping bag to best suit ...
7
votes
2answers
89 views
Winter food : Should I change my habits for winter?
Should I change my food habits for my winter activities?
Is simply increasing the quantities or choosing food with higher calories enough?
4
votes
5answers
167 views
How to prevent skin cracks?
So every winter working in the dry cold, my skin, on my hands and feet, cracks. Particularly between my fingers and toes. What can I do to prevent this?
3
votes
2answers
149 views
How do people safely trek in polar bear country?
For hiking in polar bear country, this answer cites a page that advices to avoid camping under the stars at all times. Yet people do go trekking on Svalbard, and I don't think the density of huts is ...
5
votes
1answer
67 views
Trekking Pole Length
I was recently convinced to buy a pair of trekking poles for backpacking. But how long should they be?
What is the optimal length to adjust my trekking poles, when carrying a heavy pack?
I have ...
10
votes
5answers
566 views
Can I use my leather jacket to go to ski?
It might be quite a stupid question but... can I use my leather jacket to go to ski ?
I think it is waterproof and it is reasonably warm. If I wear quite heavily under it, do you think I should be ...
9
votes
5answers
358 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
125 views
How do I light a spirit (ethanol) stove when it's cold?
I am very happy with my storm-proof spirit stove. When others are struggling to find a place outside the wind, I can cook wherever I like — provided I can lighten my ethanol fuel.
Trangia stove in ...
8
votes
3answers
319 views
What natural (non-synthetic) fabrics are good for the winter?
Which natural (non-synthetic) fabrics are good for hiking winter weather? I know cotton will generally trap moisture and invite hypothermia, while wool is warm but heavy. What other natural fabrics ...
5
votes
1answer
124 views
Does camping in polar bear country require someone to keep guard during the night?
Some animals are big and dangerous and, when hungry, may realise that humans contain a pretty decent amount of meat. I've never hiked in such areas, but they do exist.
Photo from Wikipedia, ...
6
votes
2answers
154 views
In what conditions is a four-season tent needed?
Growing up hiking the southern Appalachians, I've never actually needed a four season tent. However we are starting to look at hikes around the country where the temperatures and conditions get worse ...
5
votes
3answers
271 views
What is a freestanding tent and why should I want one?
What is a free-standing tent? What are the advantages of a free-standing tent as opposed to a tent that isn't, and what are the disadvantages?
See also:
What is a self erecting tent and why should I ...
