Questions tagged [improvised-gear]
Questions on the art of constructing one's own equipment when one does not have access to an off the shelf device.
35
questions
11
votes
3answers
4k views
Duct tape as adhesive bandage
If I'm out of adhesive bandage, and have a wound to treat, how can I improvise, using duct tape?
Adhesive bandage is actually a sticky tape with a piece of fabric inside, so I could slice a piece of ...
4
votes
3answers
95 views
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 ...
8
votes
4answers
271 views
How big a tarp for one person?
Based on this question: Best tarp setup for camping on the plains? I wonder how big a tarp I need to carry for one person, for emergency use only.
I am hoping to do a multi day hike where I will ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
How to improvise a pair of tweezers in the wild?
From slivers caused by chopping wood, thorns from plants, or bee stings there have been times when out in the woods when a pair of tweezers would come in handy and none where on hand. Are there are ...
19
votes
8answers
5k views
Are there any natural materials that can be used as a magnifying lens (or to craft one)?
I am currently stuck in the wilderness, and I have been out here for a while. I want to focus light. There are various reasons for wanting to do this, with the two biggest reasons being for vision and ...
6
votes
1answer
680 views
Can you start a wood fire with a Spark Bunsen Burner/Laboratory Lighter?
Someone suggested using a Safety Spark Bunsen Burner/Laboratory Lighter with 5 Flints to start tinder for an emergency fire. I don't currently own one so can't try it. I have used them to light ...
2
votes
2answers
583 views
Start a fire with nail clippers?
My inexpensive nail clippers are chrome plated steel. All the keys on my key ring are brass or some other non-ferrous metal (I checked with a magnet). The nail clippers have that small nail file ...
7
votes
2answers
445 views
Start a fire with key fob battery?
We know that you can start a fire with a battery. the better prepared you are the easier it is going to be.
I am not prepared and all I have in my pockets is my car keys, which includes a keyless ...
9
votes
4answers
877 views
Hot water system as a heater for car camping?
For car camping near the snow line, is there anything that can safely be used as a heater while sleeping?
For example, how large would ordinary hot water bottles need to be, to comfortably emit heat ...
8
votes
3answers
6k views
How to protect sunglasses without a case?
I find abandoned sunglasses fairly frequently, right now the snow shoe and cross country trails are melting, and all of the sunglasses that were lost during the winter are now visible.
I don't find ...
9
votes
1answer
2k views
Starting a Fire with a Battery - what are the fundamental guidelines for safety and efficacy?
There are numerous videos online demonstrating that its possible to start a fire using a battery. Here are four examples using different starting materials. But I have not found any tutorials that ...
9
votes
3answers
4k views
How can one tiller a bow without a tillering tree or similar wooden device?
I've been crafting a longbow from ash and am about ready for tillering. By tillering I mean: stringing the bow loosely and drawing the bowstring back little by little to give the bow some flex, making ...
0
votes
0answers
59 views
Building a fridge in the wild [duplicate]
I've read that one can create a (actually a pretty decent) fridge with quite common materials a few years ago.
How do you do that?
6
votes
3answers
579 views
What are some heavy-duty alternatives to a long line for walking a dog on rugged terrain?
Ok so we've a Shetland Sheepdog, roughly 6kg for his max weight, and he has a pretty decent harness (as in you can pick him up from it and it doesn't hurt him, choke him etc) but he only has a decent ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
When stranded, how do I choose a place to camp on an island?
We are in a Robinson Crusoe situation where we're stranded on a tropical island (lonely or not). We've to setup our camp.
How to determine the right piece of land? For example you might wanna have a ...
8
votes
3answers
5k views
How to create a cast or splint to aid a broken bone?
Assuming you or one of your party has broken his leg (or something). How can you create a provisional splint or cast to bring you/him/her back to the next hospital etc.?
Would be cool if it's made ...
10
votes
4answers
29k views
How to measure the temperature without a thermometer?
We are in the wild and need to know how cold/hot it is. How can we measure the temperature if we don't have any thermometers? Can we build something similar, etc.?
It doesn't have to be necessarily ...
8
votes
2answers
768 views
What materials from nature can I use to make a hunting bow in the wilderness?
What materials can be used to make a hunting bow in the wilderness? Not just for the main structure but also the materials that would be suitable for the string. All of the materials should be from ...
18
votes
2answers
16k views
How to make a traditional torch?
How would you go about preparing an old fashioned torch for use in survival situations where an electrical torch has failed?
8
votes
1answer
116 views
What are the things I need to know when fashioning a sling?
I was trying to make a sling the other day to entertain my kids (yes this is a terrible idea) and although the finished product worked (sort of) it occurred to me that this, like all ancient handi-...
20
votes
6answers
4k views
How to make DIY ice axe protectors?
How to make ice axe protectors yourself?
I have few ideas from using duck tape to 3D printing, but it would be nice to hear about methods proven to work.
The reason I want to add protectors is a lot ...
5
votes
2answers
535 views
Tent Fly Coloured Reflective Tape
I have an MSR Elixir 2 tent with footprint that is great for my spring/summer/fall rock trips and is made of quite durable fabric. It has worked quite well at very cold temps and has very effectively ...
16
votes
2answers
13k views
Making a Make-Shift harness from Tape-Slings
I have some common knowledge about knots used for Climbing and Rope-care.
There was an incident last week, where I needed a Seat-Harness which I didn't have with me. I needed one for tying up a ...
16
votes
5answers
11k views
How to find new poles for old tent?
I have a nice and small tent I really like that is around 30 years old. It is from Sierra West, but I don't remember the model name. Here is a picture so that you can see the size and general ...
5
votes
1answer
805 views
How to improvise heavy rain protection for a backpack?
Heavy rain can soak all of your gear. There are some things that you don't ever want to get wet, like your camera. I've learned to protect those things with string bags, which are light and I always ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
What to do with old hydration bladders?
I have two old hydration bladders, both of which are no longer usable (in one the cap is broken, in the other the internal bag is ripped). Spare parts appear to be unavailable. Is there anything good ...
16
votes
3answers
4k views
Safe way to mark a carabiner gate?
At the crag this weekend I noticed that my climbing partner's carabiner had a great feature: a red line painted such that you know the carabiner isn't locked until the red is hidden.
I love this ...
24
votes
2answers
29k views
Is it safe to use denatured alcohol as an antiseptic?
A lot of hikers carry denatured alcohol for cooking. Is there any risk to using it as an antiseptic for cuts and lacerations?
12
votes
6answers
4k views
What should I do if I break a shoelace in the wilderness?
If I'm hiking in the wilderness and my shoelace breaks, what's the best way to go about fixing it assuming I have no spare?
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Is there a way to light a fire in the wild using rocks?
Just for fun, how would I go about lighting a fire with naturally shaped rocks by striking sparks? It might be useful if I were to camp in the far north, where there are no trees. What should I use ...
10
votes
1answer
281 views
Is it possible to improvise a knife sharpener in the wild?
Assuming I am lost with minimal tools, but have my knife, is there any way to improvise a knife sharpener in the woods?
18
votes
2answers
1k views
How to sail a packraft
I would like to use the wind to propel my packraft on passages over lakes. Are there any lightweight and/or improvised sail systems?
Especially: how do I erect a mast on the packraft without it ...
14
votes
2answers
588 views
How can I make/improvise a rope on a trip?
If I'm out in the wilderness and find myself in need of a rope I don't have with me (forgotten, not enough, another snapped), how can I make one? Are there any natural ropes I could use with minimal ...
11
votes
4answers
2k 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 ...
16
votes
6answers
949 views
What are some alternative ways of fishing - i.e. catching fish?
If I'm out in the wilderness and want to catch fish to survive, what are some ways I can do this without a conventional fishing pole/line?
