All Questions
8
votes
4answers
282 views
How could I treat scrapes outdoors without a first aid kit?
Say I'm hiking outdoors and I get a scrape. I've forgotten my first aid pack, or already used up the appropriate supplies. Is there anything in the wilderness I can use to sterilize and perhaps cover ...
8
votes
2answers
365 views
How should I treat hypothermia?
When I recognize the symptoms of hypothermia, how should I treat it? And what are the dangers if the symptoms are ignored?
8
votes
2answers
88 views
I put a big gouge in the bow of my canoe going across rocks. How can I fix it?
While going through some rapids, we slid across a jagged rock and it put a huge gouge in the bow of my fiberglass canoe. What method and process is best for repairing it, so that next time I hit some ...
8
votes
1answer
328 views
How do I mount a hangboard in an apartment?
The last few months I have come to the conclusion that I need to have a fingerboard at home if my rock climbing outdoors is to get to the next level.
But the problem is that I live in an apartment. ...
8
votes
2answers
220 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 ...
8
votes
3answers
163 views
Group protocol should the group become separated
A small group (2-10 people total) is travelling in a wilderness area. For whatever reason a person or a couple get separated. What is the best strategy for the lost ones? What is the best strategy to ...
8
votes
2answers
308 views
What are the best ways to increase your draw weight?
What exercises exist for increasing your strength in order to increase the amount of draw weight you can pull back on your bow? I was told just push-ups but, is there anything more that can be done?
8
votes
3answers
121 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).
8
votes
1answer
154 views
Are there boots made for a longer 2nd toe?
I have a longer 2nd toe than the big toe (Morton's toe or royal toe). The major problem is finding boots or sports shoes that fit properly. If I didn't have this longer toe I would wear a 9 or 9.5 ...
8
votes
1answer
79 views
What qualities should I look for in a good walking pole?
I've seen walking poles range from <£10 to >£100 - and to a casual observer there doesn't often seem to be much to distinguish them, with both having good grips and shock relief / suspension. What ...
8
votes
2answers
87 views
How can I calculate the time of sunrise?
From time to time I enjoy taking hikes in the mountains to see a beautiful sunrise and sunset. When doing this, I always guess when the sun will rise that day and then I plan my tour accordingly. But ...
8
votes
1answer
137 views
Toproping with two ropes joined by a double fisherman's
The other day we were waiting in line for a popular 200 foot single pitch climb in the valley and the party in front of us was using two 70 meter ropes they had joined together with a double ...
8
votes
1answer
80 views
Is there simple guidance on sunburn risk associated with altitude?
When skiing, if the weather is good, I often come back with a better tan than if I have been at the beach. Obviously with altitude, there is less blocking of UV rays by the atmosphere.
But how much ...
8
votes
1answer
235 views
Material of shirt for Desert hiking
I have pretty much always worn 100% cotton shirts when hiking but I have been reading more and more about the amazing "wicking" properties of other fabrics.
Is there one that will keep me cooler ...
8
votes
4answers
232 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 ...
8
votes
1answer
160 views
How does the Esbit stove perform in cold & wind?
I was on a group trip this weekend where a fellow hiker brought an Esbit stove which uses hexamine fuel tabs. The temperature was not what I would consider extreme. Temperatures in the high 30s to ...
8
votes
1answer
570 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 ...
8
votes
1answer
83 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 ...
8
votes
2answers
317 views
Is it safe to use water purification tablets after their expiration date?
As I understand it, water purification tablets (Chlorine, in this case) are just chemical tablets sealed in foil. So what causes them to expire? Are they still safe to use after their expiration date? ...
8
votes
2answers
1k views
Where can I find an iodine crystal water purification product?
For years I used a product called Polar Pure for water purification when weekend backpacking. It was an iodine based solution, so not great for a thru-hike, but fine for a week or less. Specifically, ...
8
votes
1answer
246 views
What's the best way to use up (and dispose of) almost-empty butane canisters?
I take a Primus EtaExpress stove with me when camping, and am slowing accumulating a collection of canisters with only around ~20% gas in them.
With this little gas, they don't have enough pressure ...
8
votes
2answers
103 views
Will any filter/pump purifier last through longer hikes?
I've been reading a lot of product reviews, and filter/pump solutions seem to be very high maintenance, very heavy, or both. Are there any lightweight filters which can be relied on for many liters ...
8
votes
1answer
84 views
Magnetic deviation at either pole
I know that the magnetic north is not exactly at the polar north, so when hiking very close to the Northern Pole, you have to take the difference into account.
This got me thinking: Is this also a ...
8
votes
1answer
201 views
How to treat shin splints while backpacking
It's been a couple of years since I last had bad shin splits but I can still recall how painful they can be. I was able to heal them before mostly with a couple weeks rest.
If the pain came back ...
8
votes
1answer
302 views
What can be safely trimmed on a backpack
When trimming weight there are a lot of options. Lighter gear, less gear, etc. One of those options is to take an existing pack and trim off "unnecessary" extras. For instance, I have (no kidding) ...
8
votes
2answers
95 views
Are there any specific techniques that should be used when starting a fire in the rain?
Starting a fire can sometimes be hard enough when it's dry, let alone when it's tipping it down. But when it is, what steps should you follow to try to ensure the fire gets going successfully?
I'm ...
8
votes
1answer
51 views
Sailing with a child
Inspired by this question on taking an infant sailing, as it is quite different when they can move, I thought I'd ask the same question in respect of a toddler or child.
What essential safety ...
8
votes
1answer
304 views
How to toughen up hands?
So I climb. It keeps my hands pretty rough, but for my day job I am a desk jockey now. I was wondering, are there exercises can I do to keep my hands rough so they don't get torn to shreds when I do ...
8
votes
1answer
131 views
How can I tell when pemmican has spoiled?
Following this video I have made pemmican. When making the pemmican I used a food processor instead of rocks (because I'm lazy). I handled it with care, and according to this handbook, this stuff ...
8
votes
1answer
465 views
Will bug repellent repel deer?
I was wondering whether the deer would be able to smell bug repellent if you are wearing some while out hunting. Is there a specific type of bug repellent that can be used that is less likely to make ...
8
votes
1answer
85 views
Am I allowed to swim in the Austrian Alps lakes?
The title really says it all, is it legal to swim in the lakes in the Austrian Alps?
8
votes
1answer
985 views
What sleeping bags are needed for a northbound thru-hike of the AT
If you were attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting roughly now (being mid to late March) and going northbound, how many sleeping bags and of what types would you need, assuming cost ...
8
votes
1answer
165 views
Wild berries in Southern California
Are there any edible wild berries in southern California? Are there any conventional berries (like wild strawberries or blueberries) and how far out of the city do I have to go to find them?
8
votes
1answer
244 views
Legality of “semi-permanent” wooden structures in state and national forests in the US
Imagine the following situation:
A group of friends found a remote spot in a state or national forest that they really like. They keep returning to the place quite often, lately there are at least ...
8
votes
1answer
78 views
What is the minimum gap needed for a windscreen on a cat can stove?
I've constructed a cat can jet stove as described here. He has a windscreen design, but it seems to be overkill (and doesn't work for my pot). I've tried a couple of my own now, but they are all ...
8
votes
1answer
70 views
Under which conditions are weather forecasts reliable?
All outdoors activities precautions include taking note of the weather forecasts for the day.
However, I have seen those forecasts be terribly wrong in many places, even for a two-hours ahead ...
7
votes
4answers
318 views
Is buying an expensive sleeping bag better?
I went camping a week ago and it was so cold. I woke up many times at night shaking because of the cold. I have a cheap and old Wal-Mart sleeping bag, and I am thinking about buying one of these $150 ...
7
votes
4answers
166 views
Cooking over a fire
Is there a way to make a wood fire that is good for cooking? Why is it better than others? Assume little to no wind. Would it make a difference if I cooking hot dogs on a stick or a steak?
7
votes
4answers
123 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 ...
7
votes
3answers
400 views
Can I heat a shelter with fire?
So I built my survival shelter and I decide a nice fire would really warm things up. Is there a way I can build a fire that would heat the shelter without too much smoke? I know I could make the ...
7
votes
3answers
380 views
Is the “Rule of 3” proven for food?
The proverbial "Rule of 3" says you can live three weeks without food. Are there any documented cases of people actually living three weeks with no food in the wilderness and surviving?
For those ...
7
votes
4answers
128 views
Looking for a Topographical map resource?
Does anyone know of a good way to find topographical maps for either download or purchase?
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 ...
7
votes
2answers
213 views
what are the differences between high-end sleeping pads and cut to fit foam mats
I'm pretty tall and I find that to purchase a brand-name sleeping pad means shelling out serious $$$. To solve this I have always just purchased a roll of foam padding that I could cut to make sure it ...
7
votes
3answers
510 views
Folding versus fixed blade knives
Similar to Serrated vs flat-edge knives, I'm wondering what the strengths and weaknesses are of folding knives versus fixed blade knives?
What are fixed blades good for? What are folding knives not ...
7
votes
2answers
207 views
What is the difference between single and double wall tents?
Tents are described being either single or double wall.
What is the difference and when is one preferred over the other?
7
votes
2answers
95 views
How can I effectively conserve water?
Is there any way I can balance out drinking water when taking a trek, or simply taking a hike to one of the local peaks around here? Even if I come stocked, I tend to end up run out of water close to ...
7
votes
3answers
269 views
How do I prevent rocks or sand from getting in my boots?
So when I hike, usually I get a small pebble or two, or sand in my boots. How can I prevent this? I already wear pretty tight boots, and stopping every so often to take off a boot and get a rock out ...
7
votes
3answers
131 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.
7
votes
1answer
96 views
How can I locate the leak in a inflatable pad, while hiking
Kevin did a nice job of providing a quality answer here for how to find the leak if you are at home. However I usually realize I have a leak when it deflates under me in the middle of the night. If ...
