All Questions
9
votes
2answers
90 views
How to minimise erosion damage to footpaths when walking?
As a fair-weather walker I frequently find myself on routes that have suffered from erosion due to the large numbers of people hiking along them. I wish to cause the least possible amount of further ...
13
votes
2answers
163 views
How to clean a sleeping bag ?
A sleeping bag will eventually need a cleaning. How do you proceed, in particular according to the different materials?
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 ...
7
votes
3answers
95 views
Packing delicate equipment for a hike
I always try to avoid taking much delicate on a hike, but sometimes it either can't be helped or I decide I want to take it anyway (camera would be the prime example!)
How can I best pack such ...
3
votes
3answers
100 views
Places for canyoning in England / Wales
I've always liked the idea of canyoning, but it seems that there's few places where it can be done in England. Does anyone know of any such places?
5
votes
1answer
81 views
Finding water in the dry wilderness
If I'm in the wilderness in a dry, hot climate without much vegetation and I'm running low on water, what land features and other potential signs can I look for to guide me to a drinkable water ...
4
votes
1answer
106 views
Is a compass generally accurate in only one hemisphere, or both? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Navigational gear worldwide
I'm not that well travelled (never been outside of Europe!) but at some point I'd love to head elsewhere to perhaps hike somewhere a bit more ...
4
votes
1answer
67 views
Searching for a lost group member
Following on from this question, what searching methods and techniques are best used in scenarios where a single group member (or perhaps couple of group members) become lost and separated from a ...
11
votes
2answers
149 views
Formula for rough amount of water to carry on hike?
Is there a formula which can be used (I'm thinking one that gives amount of water needed factoring in time or distance covered and temperature) to roughly work out the amount of water that needs to be ...
8
votes
3answers
155 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 ...
18
votes
6answers
699 views
A list of suitable foods for a long hike
In my opinion, the priorities when selecting trekking food are:
many calories per kilogram
not easily spoilable, especially in hot weather
not very very expensive
diverse.
Diverse. That is why I ...
9
votes
2answers
482 views
Pros and Cons of paracord
So from a comment on this question I was curious, what is the benefit of paracord over hardware store yellow twisted poly stuff?
The yellow stuff is cheap, readily available, floats, strong enough ...
5
votes
1answer
52 views
Is there a website with current river water levels?
Is there a website that water meters on rivers report to? I am planning a white water river trip and I am worried the river will be dry. I know there are meters on the river but accessing them or ...
7
votes
2answers
165 views
Does a groover have to stink?
I have used several different products and none of them work that well. Bottom line, is there a product that will subdue the offending groover?
So a groover is a river toilet. On multiple day river ...
9
votes
6answers
4k views
What is the ultimate car camping bed solution — for two people?
I've been camping since I was a teenager in the scouts, and I've never really had a very comfortable night out. As an adult with a girlfriend, 20 years later, I'd like to just throw some money at the ...
15
votes
2answers
870 views
Is it possible to sunburn through clothing?
I sat for 45 minutes last summer in the hot sun (100 degrees) I was pinned in on the bleachers so I wans't able to get up and move, I could feel the sun burning through my pants, now I have everyday ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Why do some knives have one-sided sharpening?
Although most knives I have seen have their edge symmetrical, others (often serrated ones) have the edge ground out only from one side (the side of the serrations). There are also some straight edge ...
3
votes
2answers
243 views
How often should I waterproof a tent?
Currently I waterproof my tents at minimum once a year and often times 2 or 3 times a year. Other than condensation I don't usually have too much of a problem. On the other hand I live and often camp ...
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 ...
5
votes
2answers
71 views
Cam Sling Modification
How do you modify Cam slings with a straw as described here for easier removal?
8
votes
1answer
289 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 ...
4
votes
1answer
387 views
Making own Hammock
I have been looking but unable to find a good video or step by step with photos to make my own Hammock. I have a ton of paracord lying around and plan on using that, but I'd really like a guide and/or ...
3
votes
2answers
421 views
Eating Matches?
I have heard that eating the tips off a few match heads can help keep the bugs off of you. Supposedly you sweat out the sulfur and it repels the bugs. Has anyone else heard this or is there any truth ...
6
votes
4answers
201 views
What should I replace guylines with?
I need to replace some guylines on one of my tents. I normally use some paracord lying around but they have been getting tripped over more and more. I found some glow in the dark paracord, but before ...
2
votes
0answers
27 views
Exercises to prepare you for high altitude sickness [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Training to prepare for oxygen deficiency in the high mountains
My girlfriend and I are looking to do a portion of the Annapurna pass (Jomsom trek). She has climbed ...
6
votes
1answer
129 views
How do I correctly clean (remove) Tri-Cams?
Tri-Cams have a reputation for fitting where other protection will not, and they are light weight and inexpensive compared to SLCDs.
Unfortunately they also have a reputation for being hard to clean ...
5
votes
2answers
269 views
Is it illegal to remove rocks from a riverbed in the UK
I would like to take just a few rocks from a local river bed to use in my aquarium. Is this legal?
6
votes
4answers
162 views
What are the benefits of a baitcaster over a spinning reel for bass fishing?
I have been looking at new rods and several people have suggested a baitcaster. I currently have a spinning reel that I am comfortable with but I would like to try a new rod/reel type.
What am I ...
4
votes
1answer
125 views
How should I wash Ventile clothing?
My Ventile jacket is getting a bit dirty. Is there anything special I need to know when washing it, or will a regular washing liquid and low temperature do?
5
votes
2answers
524 views
How to select paracord
What important features should I pay attention to when buying paracord for hiking (such as different types, load limit, etc)?
I just use it for bear bags, tarp lines, etc.
6
votes
1answer
131 views
technical clothing and fabric softener
I just found out that my technical apparel1 has been washed with 2 in 1 washing powder. I have been very careful about washing my clothes and told everyone about it. I did not know that a couple of ...
8
votes
1answer
69 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
258 views
What gear for sleeping in wild camping in western Scotland in May?
I intend to go camping in Scotland (mainly the Isle of Mull, that is Western, central Scotland) next week, i.e. last week of May. I have read quite a lot about the weather and know I should prepare ...
7
votes
2answers
165 views
How do I check paracord to determine if it's genuine?
Given some paracord, is there a simple check that I can make to check that it's genuine and not the cheaper knock off stuff? Number of strands seems like the most obvious point, but is there anything ...
10
votes
2answers
198 views
Surviving a forest fire
Awhile back I heard on CBC radio about a man who got trapped in a forest fire (surrounded on all sides) and survived. The way he survived was so ridiculous he was brought to court and almost fined/put ...
6
votes
1answer
62 views
Is it possible to have wild meat inspected or graded?
Is there any way to get wild meat inspected and graded in the same (or similar) way as domestic meats for parasites, contaminants, etc.? If so what are good starting resources or methods for finding ...
10
votes
3answers
309 views
Are Trangia and MSR fuel bottles inter changeable?
In other words, could I purchase a 1 litre Trangia fuel bottle and the MSR Dragonfly liquid-fuel camp stove and use them together? Or would the smaller, slightly more expensive MSR fuel bottle be the ...
5
votes
1answer
237 views
Royalex vs Royalite
According to esquif,
Royalite is a multi-laminate similar to Royalex but distinguished by
its lightness. [...] The result is a weight reduction of 15% with a
minimum loss of material strength ...
8
votes
6answers
885 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 ...
2
votes
1answer
113 views
Is cougar hunting legal? [closed]
I got shocked when I saw this video and related webpage. Is it still legal? If yes, how is it possible? Cougar population is apparently threatened and in decline.
9
votes
1answer
905 views
What can an injured person in the outdoors do to prevent infection by flesh-eating bacteria?
Perhaps you've heard about Aimee Copeland, the 24-year-old adventurer who contracted a flesh-eating disease after getting injured in a zip line accident over the Tallapoosa River. She's already lost ...
2
votes
6answers
77 views
Books to inspire you to get out in nature [closed]
What are some inspiring books by naturalists that write about nature and its trans formative qualities in such a way that you can;t just wait to get out there? I am not looking for books in extreme ...
7
votes
3answers
443 views
Is there a kayak / paddleboard for large people?
I am a very large man - I am 6'4" and weigh 450 pounds (I've lost a 100 pounds in the last year). I bike or walk everyday, (and swim laps occasionally) but want to add another sport to my exercise ...
6
votes
3answers
91 views
What is the most suitable cooking equipment to use for a long duration in central asia countries?
I'm about to go on a 2 month trip from England to Mongolia via Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakstan to mention a few far flung countries. Ideally I'd want a gas stove top such that refuelling the ...
11
votes
4answers
252 views
What to look for when purchasing a fixed blade knife
I'm planning on doing some back country canoe camping this summer. I would like to avoid bringing a hatchet if possible. I also find my folding knifes get full of gunk and I am a little bit afraid I ...
4
votes
1answer
137 views
Turkey Broadheads
I have seen many specialty broadheads for turkey hunting, like the Magnus Bullheads. What are the benefits of specialty turkey broadheads and are they necessary or can I use normal broadheads I would ...
6
votes
0answers
33 views
How do I store my sleeping bag for long periods? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time?
We're at the point where we have more than one set of gear. We use different gear for different ...
8
votes
1answer
221 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 ...
5
votes
1answer
60 views
How can I locate lanes where I can legally drive a 4x4 in the UK?
As above really, is there a resource where I can find all the "off-road" style lanes in the UK where I could legally drive a 4x4?
6
votes
2answers
69 views
Recommended windproof matches?
I was looking for some good windproof matches - not for any specific use, but just because I considered they may come in useful in some environments.
Has anyone any experience with any particular ...
