LBell

6,461 reputation

1351

bio	website	twitter.com/lbell
	location	Taos
	age
visits	member for	1 year, 3 months
	seen	May 4 at 7:12
stats	profile views	21

During my adult life I have spent more nights outdoors than in.

I have served as an outdoor guide, educator, conservationist, researcher, crew leader and enthusiast from the bear-chomps of Alaska to the rock-falls of canyon country.

Currently working at a remote research station deep in the rain forest of Borneo studying primate ecology.

"I would rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on Earth" - Steve McQueen

	6,461 reputation	bio	website	twitter.com/lbell	visits	member for	1 year, 3 months
1351 badges		location	Taos		seen	May 4 at 7:12

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Dec 18	comment	When is it too cold for Tarping? @DonBranson Admittedly "10+" is an unsubstantiated rumor, but it definitely ups the comfort factor...
Dec 10	comment	How do you determine current trail conditions before going on a hike? I wager the various aspects that go into making this decision are so broad and region specific, a "correct" answer is impossible. (Aside from general: "ask around" advice.)
Dec 7	comment	Recommendations for two-way radios to use while skiing For ski hills, getting a more expensive model with scrambler / privacy channels is essential if you don't want to listen to everyone else's chatter. (I've seen all 35? standard channels occupied). Motorola Talkabout used to be pretty reliable.
Dec 7	comment	Why don't we apply the principles of layering when it comes to pants? Long underwear (base), thin fleece (mid), shell (outer). These three basic layers are found pretty ubiquitously for both upper and lower. There may be more options for upper - but is that for function, or style?
Dec 7	comment	Why don't we apply the principles of layering when it comes to pants? I would add that keeping your core warm is more vital than keeping your legs (or even arms) warm. Other than that, answer seems pretty complete.
Dec 6	comment	Storing Headlamps: With or without batteries? I disagree that leaking batteries is no longer an issue. Perhaps less common, but I still see it happening.
Dec 6	comment	Storing Headlamps: With or without batteries? Interesting about the electricity leak -- as I wrote, I've always suspected it, but never tested it.
Dec 6	comment	What is the true risk of suffocation from different combustion sources in a tent? (CO2, CO) @Steed - I can attest to having boiled a cup of water over a candle. It's slow - but it gets there ;)
Dec 6	comment	How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing? @Mr.Wizard -- Your answer is pretty good - but if I want the answer to my question, I have to a) go off this site, b) watch a lengthy video (I read/digest diagrams faster than watch a video) and c) think for myself ;)
Dec 5	comment	When is it too cold for Tarping? Candle lanterns are an "essential" on my winter trips: rei.com/product/838881/original-candle-lantern-value-pack
Dec 5	comment	When is it too cold for Tarping? I've read that human breath creates more CO2 per hour than a single candle. People who have died were probably using propane lanterns with much higher combustion rates. If in doubt, crack your zipper an inch.
Dec 4	comment	Which will keep my food colder longer, draining the melted ice water, or leaving it in the cooler? Then why do they recommend to my Thanksgiving turkey in water to thaw
Dec 3	comment	How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing? Not sure that it makes that much difference - but I removed the non-locking specificity from the question. (Side note: I've slacklining for years with non-locking 'biners and never had one open, break, etc...)
Dec 3	comment	Tool for draining/crushing isobutane fuel canister Good point - added it in
Nov 30	comment	Can a PVC rain jacket also be used as a windbreaker? I have found anything more active than playing cards in a PVC rain jacket is likely to cause condensation. But I sweat easily.
Nov 15	comment	Can I use my leather jacket to go to ski? You can wear anything you please, and I've seen everything from leisure-suits to birthday-suits on the slopes.
Nov 15	comment	Is it warmer to sleep naked in a sleeping bag? Lots of good thoughts - but one thing I know is true: if you are cold and want to warm up, try taking off (and putting back on) all of your clothes without getting out of your sleeping bag. Works every time.
Nov 15	comment	Jerky or Freeze-dried food : Is the salt they contain a concern? @Amine -- That does seem excessive. Most canned soups (for example) seem around 35%... Check out this question: outdoors.stackexchange.com/questions/980/… for some lower-sodium options.
Nov 14	comment	Do bear-safe rules still apply in the winter? Good article - shows some variability by region as mentioned above.
Nov 14	comment	Jerky or Freeze-dried food : Is the salt they contain a concern? Just edited this question a bit to clarify (as I read it) -- feel free to roll back if I have changed the meaning.