All Questions
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 ?
9
votes
2answers
173 views
Moose: How to decrease the risk of being injured?
Based on Wikipedia:
Moose injure more people than any other wild mammal and, worldwide,
only hippopotamuses injure more.
In this case, what should I do to decrease the risk of being injured ?
...
20
votes
9answers
436 views
The outdoors, solitude and dealing with loneliness
I have been out camping a few times, once with a group, the other times with my girlfriend. Although I enjoyed those times very much, I often wondered what would it feel like to enjoy the complete ...
4
votes
1answer
172 views
Canadian Law with respect to knifes
I keep seeing slightly different answers for some of these questions.
In summery of what I know already, please tell me if I am wrong.
You can own any knife of any length, with the following general ...
5
votes
1answer
124 views
Are there any exceptions to the layer principle?
This question asks why we don't apply the layer principle on trousers. Personally, I disagree with the pretext of the question: I certainly do apply the layer principle on trousers when cycling in ...
5
votes
1answer
69 views
What’s special about a winter gas mixture? Why does it work better?
There’s a special “winter” gas mix available for gas stoves. How is it different from the usual propane/butane mix and why does it work better in low temperatures? (Does it work better in lower ...
13
votes
2answers
205 views
How can I prevent my sun glasses from fogging up when skiing?
When I'm cross-country skiing, I usually wear glacier glasses to protect from the intense glare off the snow. When I'm moving, they usually stay clear . Whenever I stop though, my glasses seem to fog ...
5
votes
3answers
214 views
What is the benefit to telemark skiing?
Occasionally I've seen skiers free-heeling it down the slopes in telemark style but not understood why they do it. Is the main benefit for exercise, style, control or just to try something different?
24
votes
6answers
2k views
How can I identify edible berries/fruit from poisonous?
How can I identify edible berries/fruit in the wide and avoid the poisonous varieties? Is there a general guideline that can be followed or is each plant specific?
12
votes
5answers
176 views
Are Ice grips worth buying
The cold weather has finally hit the UK and once again I am tempted to buy something like https://www.yaktrax.co.uk/shop/yaktrax-pro. For those of you not in the UK we get some snow each year (enough ...
29
votes
8answers
514 views
How should I remove a tick?
If I find a tick on myself or a friend, what is the best way of removing it?
I've heard some people say that singeing the tick with a match makes the tick detach and fall off. However I've also ...
9
votes
3answers
120 views
Should I always take a hard hat if I go scrambling?
Should I always take a hard hat if I go scrambling?
Scrambling (also known as alpine scrambling) is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges
Quite often when I'm out on ridges in the UK, I ...
3
votes
2answers
115 views
Where can I get Tyvek maps?
I'd like to get some Tyvek maps, both topo maps and regular street maps of a few U.S. cities.
Where can I get these?
4
votes
3answers
112 views
What are examples of inappropriate places to hide a geocache? [closed]
Geocaching.com has a listing of fundamental placement guidelines that include legal and and other restrictions like cache saturation. What are some more informal guidelines to follow when placing a ...
7
votes
2answers
195 views
What makes nylon an effective material for hiking pants?
I often see 100% nylon pants a lot in stores. What properties does it have that make it effective when hiking? Is it effective in all seasons or just under certain conditions?
5
votes
2answers
76 views
How do you determine current trail conditions before going on a hike?
In addition to getting the current weather report on the day of a hike, how does one find out if the trails are currently in good shape and what kind of gear may be necessary that day (i.e. crampons)?
...
7
votes
4answers
91 views
New Zealand recommended hiking maps, books and other resources
Me and my girlfriend will go there in January and we plan on hiking for a week or so. Unfortunately there are no maps or books available for NZ hiking in my area. Could you recommend some for me?
...
13
votes
4answers
198 views
When sailing, how do I rescue a man overboard?
If someone falls overboard from a sailboat, it is firstly imperative not to lose sight of the person since finding a man in water, especially when there's waves, can be very difficult.
What ...
8
votes
4answers
212 views
How can rope/cordage be packed to minimize tangles?
I generally pack my cordage in little bundles like
Unfortunately for any significant length (100' for instance) it just turns into a wadded mess when I try and use it.
How can I pack this stuff ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
1answer
146 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 ...
11
votes
2answers
281 views
What is a buff?
What is a "buff", how is it used, and why should I have one?
I've seen them advocated in numerous places, but I'm not sure why a tube of cloth is better around my neck than a scarf, etc.
17
votes
2answers
148 views
What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?
I will be going above 15000 feet (4500 meters) on a trip next month, and I've heard people will often get altitude sickness. Is there anything I can do beforehand to prevent sickness or take while I'm ...
11
votes
2answers
3k views
What are some natural glues found in nature?
I'm curious how one could get/make some glue when in the wilderness. How did the Native Americans do it?
6
votes
3answers
163 views
What is a a good source of vitamin C in the wild?
I know I could just carry a bottle, but scavenging is much more fun. What is a good source of vitamin C in the wild? Have spruce needles really got enough?
9
votes
1answer
175 views
What are the tradeoffs for a Tomahawk over an Axe
I've watched a few videos on cutting tools and the use of axes. However I'm not clear on what the advantage (or disadvantage) is of a tomahawk style axe over a typical belt or hand axe, such as this ...
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 ...
14
votes
3answers
492 views
What are some ways/devices that I can use to charge my batteries in the wilderness?
When backpacking, I might carry a MagLite flashlight or something similar that requires two AA batteries. I tend to favor rechargeable batteries for a variety of reasons.
How can I recharge my ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
6
votes
4answers
182 views
What are some good ways to waterproof a geocache / letterbox?
Has anyone got any good tips on how to (cheaply) waterproof a geocache or letterbox? Those pill pots used to work brilliantly - one inside the other - but now they seem to be rather hard to come by ...
3
votes
2answers
58 views
What's the best writing implement to carry to sign a Geocache?
I often find when Geocaching ordinary pencils don't seem to leave much of a mark at all, especially if the log is wet, and especially on the smaller logs pens are difficult to "get going" without a ...
8
votes
2answers
193 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 ...
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 ...
13
votes
4answers
501 views
What equipment do I need as a beginner outdoor rock climber?
What are the bare essentials that I need in terms of equipment when it comes to rock climbing? I've done indoor rock climbing but always rented my equipment from the rock-climbing gym.
(For the ...
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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
3answers
127 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 ...
9
votes
2answers
358 views
How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing?
Commercial slackline solutions seem bulky, heavy, overpriced, and a little too industrial for my liking. I have 6 carabiners and 50m of tubular webbing. What knots do you recommend for building, ...
7
votes
3answers
503 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 ...
5
votes
2answers
119 views
Are there any easy hiking daytrips up mountains in Lofoten, Norway?
I realise that's a pretty big area, but we're going to be there for 6 days and we have a car so we can go prettty much wherever. We're not big on climbing - anything requiring equipment is out, we ...
13
votes
1answer
1k views
Can I use a bicycle helmet as a climbing helmet?
I have a bicycle helmet that fits well. Can it be used effectively as a rock climbing helmet?
Most climbing helmets have a hard shell that the bicycle helmet does not. However, one of the more ...
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
1answer
120 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 ...
