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Q&A

General Q&A about the great outdoors and outdoor pursuits.

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How to improvise a rescue 'throw bag' rope?

Dealing with water rescue, it is valuable to have an easily thrown rope nearby. There are specific items made for this, such as this throw bag with 50 ft. of high visibility MFP rope by Scotty. Ho...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by cr0‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What situations/locations would be ideal for using a solar stove while backpacking?

After answering this question, I am wondering when it would be useful to cook with a solar stove. It certainly wouldn't make sense in an area that is constantly overcast or when speed is of the es...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Deodorising rain jacket without ruining waterproofing

I have a Mammut jacket that's made with their DRYtech 2-layer material. It's been used quite a bit but still appears to have a lot of life left in it. However it's acquired a weird smell, not unlik...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by tomfumb‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What are Filson hats?

I saw the following - Filson Hats: Navy USA-Made 60198 NA Merino Wool Cuff Water-Resistant Cap The cap/hat is described as Filson hat. Is this a brand-name or the type of hat ? If it's not the...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by shirish‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How to safely use reverso with ferrata harness?

Ferrata harnesses (FH) can be probably safely used also for climbing, as stated in another post. However, I am not sure how to use the reverso with FH. This is because in a usual FH, the belay ...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by jjrr‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What do you call it when a sailboat starts to have trouble?

When you are in a sailboat, and you start getting gusts and choppy water, how do you describe what's happening to your boat? Can you say that it starts to "flounder," or is there a better word?

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by aparente001‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What kind of tree produces these seed pods looking like spiky balls?

I recently moved to southern Virginia near the coast (about 15 miles in from it). All over the ground are these spiky balls that I assume contain seeds to the tree they fall off of. There are lit...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Timmy Jim‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is it worth getting snow shoe chains/spikes for only a one week trip to a snowy area?

Tourist from Australia so bit clueless about these things, going to Canada and wondering if it's worth getting the snow shoe chains/springs/spikes that go over your shoe or boot ? Can't really aff...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by D-on‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How do you make a stone axe?

If I am in a survival situation with a knife as my only cutting implement, and I need an axe to chop trees (because I know burning through them is not practical) how would I make one? What attri...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What are the advantages of horizontal front points on crampons?

There are two (main) types of front points with crampons (that I am aware of): Vertical and horizontal ones. Usually vertical is used for technical mountaineering, ice and mixed climbing and horizo...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by imsodin‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Foxes in the living room - what causes this behavior?

There was another report recently about a fox sneaking in a house and resting in its living room. Due to the news report it was caused by the extreme cold weather. The fox didn't even bother the ma...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Relation of ski edge sharpening to skiing ability and snow conditions

What is the effect of sharpening ski edges at different angles (85-90) and with different grit diamond stones (150-1200+) or regular files? How does this relate to the level of the skier and the t...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Adrian Ber‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What is a "Vintage Ski Sweater" and how is it different from a normal sweater?

I'm confused as to what separates "Vintage Ski Sweaters" from other sweaters. My initial thought was that is would be ski themed or that it would be designed to be light weight with good thermal...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Glorious_Coffee‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What are these strange seeds that looks like a mini porcupine which you can find all over Germany?

These were in abundance throughout Germany and looks kinda strange.

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by ishan‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Terms for different parts of a mountain

Is there a graphic representation of the terms used in mountaineering literature which narrates different aspects/parts of a mountain? While reading any expedition report, climbing detail we come ...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What factors should I consider to prepare high protein meals using a single camping stove and pan?

I understand the basics of trek / hiking meals which are primarily freeze-dried, lightweight and carbohydrate rich. For those of us with access to a base camp who wish to consume mainly protein ...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Venture2099‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What materials can be used to make cordage in forests of the Adirondacks?

Context: Rope, aka cordage, is useful in many bushcraft projects. Cordage can be useful to hang things up, and it is particularly valuable in constructing tools (e.g. bow drills for fire making, m...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by cr0‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How do you remove leeches from your eyeball?

Leeches have been known to fall and attach on the eyeballs of hapless hikers. Where I'm from, if a leech attaches itself to you, you just spray it with alcohol and it will shrink and fall off. Obvi...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by user19652‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Will a live clam on the beach have a better chance of staying healthy if I put it in the water?

Usually when I'm at the beach, especially at low tide, there are many pieces of open or broken shells of mollusks, including clams. They can't survive without their shells, so those broken pieces a...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How to manage the risks of sleeping and cooking in a camper van?

There is a significant proportion of individuals who enjoy the Great Outdoors that also travel to the wilderness in vehicles converted for camping (RV, Vans, some boats etc). For those living an o...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Venture2099‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What kind of tree produces these long multi-seed pods?

My last question provided me with a very thorough answer and I'm hoping for the same thing with this one. Another kind of tree in my area (southeast Virginia) produces these long seed pods with se...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Timmy Jim‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Relation of ski characteristics to skiing ability and snow conditions

How do different ski characteristics relate to the skiing ability and snow conditions? Also how do these relate with ski durability in time? Ski characteristics: Front tip width Middle width Bac...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Adrian Ber‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How do I judge what fabrics used to make ear warmers mean, in terms of their function?

My husband recently lost a pair of ear warmers he got at North Face 15 years ago. North Face no longer sells them, so I'm looking for a high-quality replacement. I'm confused by the types of materi...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How to learn ski touring

I love the idea of ski touring. However, I wonder what would be the best way to learn it. Should I focus on learning alpine and cross-country skiing and then combine the two, or should I rather jus...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Paul Paulsen‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Self rescue procedure when falling through ice, but the ice keeps breaking

There are a lot of videos and instructions out there on what to do when you fall through ice: You turn the direction you came from, pull and kick until you get out and roll yourself to safety. But...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by user1721135‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What are the measurable prerequisites of strength and/or flexiblity for starting to climb in a climbing gym?

If I were a couple of decades younger, I would seriously consider trying climbing in a climbing gym, but I doubt I have enough flexibility, and I would feel horribly out of place. The thing that a...

6 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How to triangulate your position with a map and compass?

While navigating or orienteering with a map or compass one of the essential skills is the ability to find your position on the map with the aid of the compass. This can be important if you need to...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What should I look for in a used wet suit?

I am considering getting a used wet suit for sailing and canoeing in the early spring and next fall. What should I look for? Based on the related Q&A below, it looks like I will want 6-7mm (1...

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

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Is it normal for a compass to develop an air bubble at high altitude?

I live in Denver, Colorado. Going above 10,000 ft. (3,000 metre) always results in an air bubble large enough for me to want to tilt the compass to prevent the bubble from interfering with the nee...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by jsf80238‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Can a compass reverse polarity?

Can a compass have its polarity reversed so that the end marked "north" points south and vice versa? If so, what could one do to prevent and fix this problem?

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is it dangerous to rope together on an ascent of hard packed ice?

This image has recently come under considerable criticism on social media for dangerous mountaineering practices. The location is unknown as the qualified mountain guide observer wanted to maint...

7 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Venture2099‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

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Cross-country style baskets for Black Diamond collapsible poles

I have two pairs of collapsible poles made by Black Diamond (Traverse and Expedition 3). I tried using them for cross-country skiing on groomed trails, but the baskets I was using (the trekking and...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by newenglander‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Techniques for handling pumped arms?

I love rock climbing and I try to go to my local gym and boulder as often as possible (usually 2-3 times a week). But it's really hard for me to climb for any extended period of time because my arm...

9 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by James‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What are the different techniques to jam in a crack?

I have been told that climbing cracks is very much a methodical procedure. Especially in places like Yosemite and Indian creek, where the cracks can be the only feature of the rock that can be used...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by imsodin‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How to get up for an alpine start without an alarm?

Sometimes, one needs to get up for an alpine start i.e. really, really early, and yet not have a functioning alarm. Cell phones have a tendency to lose the correct time when shut off and then turne...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Why are large/pear shaped locking carabiners called HMS carabiners?

Carabiners like this one, Image Source are called HMS carabiners. Why are they called that and what does HMS stand for?

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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What accounts for the predominance of Kendall Mint Cake over York Peppermint Pattie in mountaineering expeditions?

I have eagerly consumed many accounts of early mountaineering expeditions in which the mountaineers always eagerly consumed Kendal Mint Cake (KMC). I got the impression that they would have found i...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Dos and Don'ts in an area signed with the shield "Rabies! Endangered District" in Germany

There are often town signs featuring another smaller sign reading "Wildtollwut! Gefährdeter Bezirk" in Germany. This directly translates into "Rabies! Endangered district". How to react to such...

0 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Trick from a Novel to find cardinal point

In Treasure Of Khan by Clive Cussler, the main protagonist is lost in a desert and uses his watch to determine directions, here is the quote : An old survival trick, he knew that south must be...

0 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by vincenth‭

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For outdoor recreation, what are the practical implications of the downsizing of Bears Ears National Monument?

In spring 2018, I intend to visit Bears Ears National Monument. Not any more; President Trump has declared to reduce the size of the monument. The area I intend to visit, around the Valley of the...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Can I visit Betatakin in mid-May?

The Navajo National Monument website notes that Betatakin can only be visited on a ranger-guided tour. It states that groups leave daily between May 27 and September 3, and cliff dwellings are clo...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How should I walk or hike barefoot?

I've been some months reading as much as possible about walking biomechanics, and unfortunately I haven't found too much information or usually contradictory information. Usually everything is focu...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by nck‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What is the most reliable way to start a friction fire?

What is the most reliable way to start a friction fire using foraged materials? Not necessarily just the overall technique (ie: "drill" or "plow" or whatever); it's good to compare specific varia...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Loduwijk‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Are there any natural materials that can work for a "fire roll" friction fire?

I have seen a few videos of people using an interesting friction-fire technique, and a couple of them called it a "fire roll." To do this, they fluffed up a cotton ball, put something in it such as...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Loduwijk‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to carry a German Shepherd up and down ladders on the trail?

I am planning to hike a section of the Bruce Trail next year with my German Shepherd. It's mostly low hills but every once in a while I run into vertical ladders. How can I carry my German Shepher...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Censored to protect the guilty‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Can I use the blade of a multi tool as a spear point?

A recent question asks about disassembling a multi tool pictured below. We have an existing question How do you fashion a spear with a fixed blade. All of the blades pictured are long handled an...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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If I put a smoker in a shed, does my exhaust have to be at the top of my shed? (Does exhaust height matter)?

I'm looking to purchase a " Weber Smokey Mountain," but wanted to get an enclosure for it so that during cold/rainy/windy weather I can smoke without issues, since I heard it isn't greatly insulate...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by XaolingBao‭  ·  last activity 2mo ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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Best material to protect wooden skegs

In the last few years on rivers, the wooden skegs under my homemade houseboat have gotten chewed up. I will have to drydock and repair them this year. While it is out of the water, I thought I migh...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Wes Modes‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Hunting for aurora near Tromso - few questions

I'm planning to fly to Tromso in February with my friends. We'd like to stay for 3 - 4 days and have few questions, I'd be glad if someone could answer them. We are going to get a tent so we can ...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Mark‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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As an outdoor beginner, what features in knife/tool combinations should I look for?

As an outdoor beginner, I was interested in some possible tool combinations for shorter outdoor hiking trips, say, 2-5 days. From what little experience I have, I reckon that the most common tasks...

4 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Martin Dreher‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭