Questions tagged [gear]
Whenever applicable use a more specific tag like backpack, shoes, stoves, tents, ... Only questions that do not fit into such a tag and are related to any physical equipment for engaging in those activities discussed in The Great Outdoors should use the gear tag.
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Columbia Omni Tech is not "re-appliable"
Since Omni-tech is not DWR (durable water repellent), there is nothing to re-apply? Just follow care instructions to keep it grime free, correct? e.g. It can not be made "more" waterproof?
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Ratchet straps — Purpose of 15-inch loops
I have a set of Rhino 1-inch ratchet straps. The straps came with separate 15-inch loop straps:
What is the purpose of the loop straps?
And why do they have a twist in them? They aren't sewn with a ...
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2
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What are adjustable strap buckles called?
I have a folding seat for my aluminum boat that is broken. The seam between the two bottom pads has ripped apart after just a few uses.
I want to build my own version of the seat out of plywood (like ...
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0
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Pulse oximeter gives no reading above 2000 Metres
Just out of curiosity I bought a cheap pulse oximeter. So cheap that it does not even have a visible brand.
I tried it when I went hiking. I started from a height about 800/900 metres. Until 1800 / ...
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0
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144
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Mountaineering expedition backpack considerations
I am trying to decide on a backpack strategy for Himalayan expeditions to 6k-7k peaks. Typically, these involve a few days approach march till the base camp. Then the actual climbing is another 3-5 ...
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2
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Any ways to disable sleep tracking on Garmin Enduro 2?
Basically it keeps telling me my sleep is poor(gotta wake up during the night to check that stuff is running properly sometimes). It's not a huge issue, but maybe anyone knows a way to completely ...
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How to repair dry sack with delaminated TPU
How can I re-apply a PolyUrethane (PU or TPU) lining on a (formerly) waterproof fabric whose original lining has delaminated?
My trusty laundry bag's waterproof lining has delaminated such that it now ...
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2
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1
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110
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Durable Waterproof Dry Bags
What should I look for in a dry bag that will maintain its hydrostatic head (stay waterproof) forever?
I use a ~20L dry bag for a few reasons:
To keep my electronics dry in my pack
To wash my clothes
...
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2
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138
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At a low price point, should I buy one more upmarket trekking pole, or two lower quality ones?
I have never used trekking poles on grounds of being an additional expense, making you stand out from casual walkers, leaving you no free hands, and not being suitable for aircraft hand luggage (I ...
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What is the fastest safe abseiling method (for competitions)?
The competition's idea is to ascend 10-20 m of rope, then do a short sprint, then abseil 10-20 m back down. Repeat several times.
I am specifically interested in the abseiling part. I want it to be at ...
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Can I use a glass mason jar or an empty tin can as a DIY cooking pot?
I'm talking about a small gas or alcohol stove, for example like this:
Images from: https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/diy-how-to-make-an-alcohol-stove-from-soda-cans
Since the stove is DIY, I was ...
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2
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how to distinguish between Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent vs Merrell Men's Moab 2 Waterproof at a glance?
I have the Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoes and the Men's Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoes and it's not sure to me how I can tell them apart at a glance.
They're very different kinds of shoes. The ...
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What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots?
My hiking boots have a D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue. What is the purpose of this?
I don't think the purpose is to allow you to hang the boot on a hook or something, because there is a ...
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1
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Why are climbing hangers/anchors that thin?
I've always wondered why the typical plates bolted to rock in order to secure climbers are that thin. I imagine them behaving like a knife under a sudden load in a falling scenario. Wouldn't ...
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Would this kind of rope ascension system work?
Can i use a petzl ascender, regular Black diamond ATC (NOTE: not guide ATC), footloop and a prusik attached with a biner to my harness to ascend a fixed rope attached to a tree? I don't have a grigri ...
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2
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199
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Looking for Technical Information on a Gadget with Fall Detection and Reporting Capability
I am old enough to plan ahead on fall detection, but vigorous and stable enough not to need it in everyday life now. However, I no longer feel comfortable hiking alone, and would like a gadget that ...
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Is is okay for a SUP-pump to get wet?
[Moved here from the sports exchange]
I have a Stand-Up-Paddle-Board, and I like to do some tours. I would need to take the pump with me. It's a typical pump for a SUP (double-action-pump with a ...
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Down sleeping bag with 200 g fill temperature ratings [duplicate]
The advertised down sleeping bag has fill: 200 g grey duck down 90/10.700 Cuin. Other material is 20D 380T nylon. Total weight is 630 g. Temperature ratings are 9°C, limit 4°C and extreme -9°C.
I don'...
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What is the proper method for attaching the straps to this North Face frame pack?
This internal frame pack came to me second (possibly third) hand with the straps all in a mess.
The yoke attaches with two straps on the bottom and one on top.
It’s obvious that the top strap is ...
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2
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485
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How can I increase friction in a zip?
We had a question recently about decreasing friction in a zip, but this is the opposite case: I have a couple of zips that slide down by themselves. Is there anything I can apply to add a bit of ...
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Lubricating / taking care of plastic zipper
How to lubricate / take care of a plastic zipper, so that it doesn't get stuck and have a longer life?
I know that for metal zippers, wax makes wonders, but what about plastic ones? Is the silicon ...
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2
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What are the different types of camping for a beginner?
I am looking into the camping hobby no found few different styles, specifically the shelter used in the outdoor.
So far I have learned that camping with a wood stove means it is hot tent camping, and ...
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3
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Is it worth to use LEP flashlights as a tactical or EDC?
LEP (laser excited phosphor) is the new technology of flashlights to use, with extra brightness. I get some cons to use LEP, like its effect on eyes if the light beam is applied directly to them.
I ...
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162
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Diving without modern equipment (mask)
In case you're on the shore, but you have no diving equipment (mask) how can you manage to dive for fish or sea fruits? You don't see any details without a mask and sea water is very irritating to the ...
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3
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First aid: alternatives to hydrogen peroxide
** This question may contain medically unsound advice. Be sure you have read the answers and comments before making any medical decisions **
Recently a friend broke her arm while mountain biking and ...
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2
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Are there any handy gadgets to increase visibility range in whiteout conditions?
Low visibility in white-out conditions are a common cause of mountaineering accidents/deaths.
I wonder if there are any gadgets that can boost the visibility in such conditions? Can using a thermal-IR ...
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414
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Silicone waterproof treatment on former PU treated tent
I read the following post and wondered if I could use the same method on a tent that was formerly treated from factory with a polyurethane coat.
What is the best way to re-waterproof a nylon tarp?
My ...
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9
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Are there any GPS devices with no transmission capability?
I thought about it for both privacy and energy saving. A GPS after all needs only to receive the signal and check the cached map, I also remember that until few years ago car sat/nav could not ...
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My Trangia leaves soot all over everything—how do I remove or prevent it?
Just got back from a delightful couple of days hiking in the Cathedral Range in Victoria Australia, and I'm washing all the pots and plates, and cursing the black soot that comes off my Trangia ...
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Do Spot devices have a sleep mode?
I’ve purchased a SpotX device and noticed that the screen never turns off. I’ve tried using the menu or pressing the power button but there’s only an option for Power Off, not Sleep.
(Spot questions ...
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What material should I use for picnic ground covering?
I plan on taking family to light camping/park/picnic. This includes infant daughter.
I plan on having some material on ground to act as moisture barrier as well as insect barrier.
So I am not looking ...
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Overtreated a backpacking outfit with permethrin. Safe to wear?
I purchased a spray-bottle of Sawyer 0.5% permethrin to treat some of my clothing in preparation for a backpacking trip. The spray nozzle turns out to have been quite a bit more generous than I ...
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Which way is which on the Wild Country variable controller belay device?
I purchased a Wild Country Variable Controller a while ago but have only used it a couple of times. It has an asymmetrical profile meaning one side provides more friction (for belaying) and the other ...
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3
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garbage collection equipment: frame with handle as garbage bag holder
My son (almost 2) loves picking up garbage, so I decided to give him garbage collection equipment as a birthday present.
For that, I'd like to get a thing which serves as a bag holder with wide ...
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How can I safely walk along the top of a steep scree slope?
I'd like to walk along some bluffs, but there's a bunch of gravel at a 45° angle along the bluffs that's kinda slippery and treacherous.
My question is: what kind of gear would assist me with this? I'...
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1
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"Slideable" backpack buckles
How are these "slideable" backpack buckles called? I am asking because I want to get a replacement. The backpack is a "Millican Fraser 32L" but the type of buckle should not be ...
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Drying neoprene gloves to prevent growth of fungi
I have SUP neoprene gloves, which are quite tight and curved, which makes them dry even longer than the scuba dive gloves.
I've washed them recently because of unpleasant smell from inside, and it ...
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1
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Belaying/rappelling with a rope thicker than allowed by belay device
I've got an 11mm static rope. Can I use it safely for top-rope belay/rappel with a belay device that is designed for "9.5 - 10.5 mm rope"?..
I actually rappelled three times with no issues ...
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Flashlight for night open water swimming
My swimming season ended for me when it's dark before I manage to get out of work, eat something and get to the beach.
I'd like to continue swimming, but I want to see where I swim and be seen.
What ...
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Coleman Stove / 5 gallon tank adapter / Doesn't work consistently
https://www.coleman.com/all-camp-kitchen/camp-kitchen-parts/5-ft.-high-pressure-propane-hose-and-adaptor/col_2000014877_pr/COL_2000014877
Bought the item above to connect:
Classic (x2) burner camp ...
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1
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Liquid chalk spill on climbing gear
So we were climbing today with some friends and an accidental liquid chalk explosion occurred in one of the backpacks. Contents of said backpack include: carabiners, a nylon sling and the nylon ...
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Turning on a rgb headlamp with red first
I currently own a PETZL TACTIKKA + RGB 2019 which offers the possibility of making red, green and blue (and of course white) light.
It's a good lamp but the white light is the first light to turn on ...
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is the shoe sole based on kirigami likely to change climb ratings and rules for climbing competition?
For the source, see this article in the Smithsonian.
A material based on a technique, called kirigami (a relative of the folding technique, origami) of cutting a flexible three dimensional pattern ...
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1
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Removing pickle smell from a tent
While camping a little while back, my GF dropped an open jar of pickles inside the tent. Brine was all over the tent's floor, and after we cleaned what we can and it completely dried out, some odor ...
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1
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Can a full body harness help reduce the chances of suspension trauma?
Those who are well-versed with rock-climbing (and other variants of climbing) are aware of the dangers posed by Suspension Trauma.
Here at The Great Outdoors there had been a healthy discussion on ...
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Rest position of pin binding over summer?
I have an ATK Crest 10 binding. What should be the position of the pin binding over summer when the binding is not used for a long time (a few months)?
Should the binding be fully opened or in the ...
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Should I wash new child snow mittens before wearing?
I bought new mittens for my kid for the coming winter holiday. They should be waterproof or at least water-resistant.
Normally when i buy clothing, i wash it before wearing. The fabric may not have ...
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3
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Can an energy absorber or elastic lanyard be used in glacier travel to give greater time to react in case of a fall?
In the case of a roped up team marching along a glacier with some hidden crevasses, the greatest risk is of a team member falling in and then dragging everyone else along before they can self-arrest.
...
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Nails in an emergency/survival kit
After reading this question about emergency kits, I noticed that no one mentioned nails. Why shouldn't we include 10 or 12, common 6d (2", 6 penny) nails in the kit? Ten 6d nails weigh about an ...
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2
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How to waterproof leather gloves & mittens?
I have leather gloves and mittens and I want to waterproof them. I usually use mink oil on my leather boots to condition and seal them, Can I do the same for gloves and mittens or should I use ...
- 30.3k