All Questions
7
votes
4answers
97 views
How can I avoid putting cinder burn holes in my clothing?
This is especially problematic if you dress up in layers, the last one being, for example, a raincoat. Putting a burn hole through your rain coat let's the rain in...
Are there some tricks in ...
7
votes
5answers
293 views
What is the fastest style of sled?
Winter is here and, like every year, I am still thrilled when the extended family rounds up all the little kids and we go sledding. This year we compared our sleds found that some were significantly ...
7
votes
2answers
168 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 ...
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 ...
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?
...
7
votes
2answers
153 views
How big a fall is a “major” fall?
I answered a question about rope safety with some advice about retiring the rope after a "major" fall. Another user asked me what would constitute a major fall - and I have to admit that I can only ...
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 ...
7
votes
2answers
151 views
What is the best way to break up a fight among dogs on a sled line?
Fights happen. Sled dogs have personalities that aren't always compatible... Is there a technique to breaking up a fight that will minimize risk of injury to both me and my dogs?
7
votes
3answers
507 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
3answers
101 views
Navigational gear worldwide
Is there any difference in navigational equipment between the northern and southern hemisphere? We live in the northern hemisphere but will be emigrating to the southern in the next few weeks. We'll ...
7
votes
2answers
474 views
What is a good starter kit for beginning indoor climbing?
If I want to get started on indoor climbing, what is the bare minimum I need to have, assuming I don't want to rent equipment?
7
votes
3answers
153 views
How do I Eskimo roll a kayak?
If I am whitewater or sea kayaking, it is possible that my kayak will get overturned leading to a live or death situation.
I've heard that it is possible to roll the kayak so it is right side up ...
7
votes
2answers
630 views
What should you do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake?
You should obviously avoid rattlesnakes if at all possible. But if you do get bitten by one, what should you do? What supplies can be brought ahead of time to allow for the best treatment, and what ...
7
votes
3answers
241 views
How to Clean Rock-Climbing Shoes
I have never found a good answer to this one:
How do you clean rock-climbing shoes, without ruining them?
Let me be more specific.
I have a pair of modern leather-and-fancy-rubber climbing shoes ...
7
votes
2answers
198 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?
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?
7
votes
2answers
115 views
How easy is to magnetically destroy a compass?
I have quite a lot of items with built-magnets in my backpack, like a mobile phone, an iPod or headphones. How easy is to destroy my compass by putting it too close to these items?
7
votes
2answers
280 views
Using a Girth Hitch in Alpine Draws
I've recently started making my alpine (or "trad") draws by girth hitching one end of a sling to the gear side carabiner and then clipping and passing the rope side through as usual. The girth hitch ...
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 ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
What fps does a bow need to hunt moose?
I have been looking into how strong of a bow would be required to bow hunt moose. I haven't been able to find a specific number as to how many fps you should be shooting to safely hunt moose.
7
votes
1answer
272 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
5answers
167 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 ...
7
votes
1answer
221 views
One-day hike around Prague
I'm planning on visiting Prague and I was wondering if there are any nice one-day (two-day tops) hikes that I could do around there.
It doesn't have to be in the mountains, although that would be ...
7
votes
1answer
60 views
When should you be alert for snakes?
Are there specific seasons or temperatures that increase the likelihood that a hiker would encounter a snake? I go backpacking solo in the mid-Atlantic (US) and carry a snakebite kit as an extra ...
7
votes
2answers
133 views
How to maximise the chances of survival when stranded in open sea?
I read with interest about news of a scuba diver being stranded in the open sea when the diving operator failed to account for all members of a group. Mishaps like this and accidents such as boat ...
7
votes
2answers
72 views
How do I make a fin selection for various surfing conditions
There are many surfing fin designs available for modern surf boards. What are the criteria for selecting:
Tri-fin
Bi-fin
Mono-fin
No fins
And why would I want to have larger or smaller surfing ...
7
votes
1answer
59 views
How can I rescue someone lost in an avalanche?
If someone from our group is caught in an avalanche, what can I do to rescue them?
7
votes
1answer
47 views
Proper technique for self-arrest with an ice axe, when wearing crampoons
What is the proper technique to self-arrest and brake a fall, given steep icy(frozen snow) slope, when wearing crampons and wielding an ice axe? Should the crampons be used for stopping or held high ...
7
votes
3answers
130 views
An alternative to geocaching, but with classic maps instead of GPS?
Geocaching is a great fun, but it is oriented on GPS devices. I'd like to participate in searching caches, which location is given on the map (full, or fragmented, or just a drawing) - like in ...
7
votes
2answers
311 views
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fiber?
What are the advantages / disadvantages of a rock climbing hat made from hard plastic to one made out of carbon fibre?
I have done a Google search already, but wanted some pointers with people who ...
7
votes
2answers
592 views
What mosquito nets can be used while camping?
When camping in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, what options are there in terms of mosquito nets? The mosquito nets I've seen are meant to be hung above a bed and tucked under the ...
7
votes
1answer
109 views
How do I tie a Prusik knot?
Prusik knots are useful in emergency situations as they can be used for both climbing up a rope (out of a canyon) or down a rope (rappelling) without the use of someone else as a belay.
How would I ...
7
votes
1answer
58 views
Sailing with an infant
My wife and I are thinking about sailing with our ~ 6 month old baby boy.
We understand this is not something to take lightly, and we're planning either a canal/river sail or a sail in a very calm sea ...
7
votes
1answer
263 views
Methods for taping hands, wrists, and fingers for climbing?
I've been climbing off and on since I was a teenager, but one thing I've never done much of is taping my hands. As I'm getting older I can see more value in it than before.
What are some good ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
233 views
What wood burns toxic?
So the title says it all. If I am scavenging wood in the wilderness, does some of it burn toxic? If so what kinds. This question is derived from this answer.
7
votes
2answers
86 views
wilderness maps
The Norwegian directorate for nature management publishes a map of wilderness showing how far away a particular area is from heavy technical interventions, such as roads, electricity lines, hydro ...
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 ...
7
votes
2answers
155 views
Does the solar powered fridge work as advertised whilst hiking?
I stumbled across this link the other day which seems rather ingenious and was wondering if anyone has tried such a contraption whilst hiking? If not, do you think it would be effective? I'm tempted ...
7
votes
2answers
928 views
Is it legal to light bonfires on UK beaches?
Assuming a lack of signage indicating the legalities, is it legal to light a bonfire on a beach in the UK? I haven't been able to find an authoritative source on this either way, hence the question. ...
7
votes
4answers
507 views
Which brands make wider hiking boot sizes?
My old boots are dying. Sadly it took me quite some time to find them, and the particular brand is not made anymore. I have wide feet, like 4E wide, but some 2E boots will fit fine. Unfortunately ...
7
votes
1answer
296 views
What to do if you're bitten by an adder?
I've heard that while adder bites are poisonous the number of people who have died from them are extremely low. If you're on a trek and you're bitten is it safe to continue for a couple more days ...
7
votes
2answers
115 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 ...
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 ...
7
votes
1answer
259 views
Is it a good Idea to drink grape sap if you have no clean water?
In spring, the grape vines are so full of watery sap that a cut from my pocket knife causes it to trickle out fairly fast, and it can be collected in a container. Someone told me that it is a good ...
7
votes
2answers
222 views
Is there a functional safety difference in types of helmets
From a pure safety standpoint is there a functional difference between a climbing helmet, cycling helmet, etc? Is a cycling helmet actually the safest solution for a cyclist, or would the greater ...
7
votes
1answer
279 views
What kinds of knives are allowed while camping in California?
I have read that California has some of the strictest weapons laws in the US. What types of knives are allowed when camping, hiking, or hunting? What should someone camping in California know before ...
7
votes
1answer
148 views
Serrated vs flat-edge knives
Each has their purpose, I'm sure. So for what activities is each better? When would I use one over the other? What about half-serrated blades?
