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Q&A

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

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How to estimate is the branch thick enough to stand on it?

Some geocaches are placed high on trees: You need to climb there to log. But standing on too thin branch can be very dangerous. Is there a formula to estimate how thick must be a branch of a g...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Danubian Sailor‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Safe looking for caches in hollows

Caches are very often hidden in hollows. Generally any tree with more or less visible hollow is a very probable geocache hide. Often you can't easily look into that hollow because it's deep or lo...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Danubian Sailor‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to choose a safe cliff path

When walking alongside eroding cliffs in more built up / touristy areas, there's usually big warning signs or closed paths if the cliff is unsafe to walk on. Sometimes it's obvious why, if the path...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by berry120‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What is the proper way to tarp tent to avoid condensation?

I tried pitching a tarp instead of a tent this weekend. In worked well, kept off the rain etc, except for the condensation. It was far worse than any condensation I've ever had in a tent. We had...

6 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Keeping warm in an emergency

When roaming the outdoors, it might happen that one finds oneself in a situation that is much, much colder than one planned for. What can one do in such an emergency, especially when it's so col...

5 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Pekka‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Carry compound bow on back

I'm new to hunting. Last time I went, I found myself needing to go up or down relatively steep slopes with a little bit of snow. For that kind of terrain it's nice to have both hands free to catch ...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Phil‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Am I allowed to swim in the Austrian Alps lakes?

The title really says it all, is it legal to swim in the lakes in the Austrian Alps?

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by zoul‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Testing waterproofness of outdoor apparel

What would be the best way to test the waterproofness of different outdoor apparel such as: Boots Jackets Pants Gloves etc... I'm interested in both the binary case (e.g., is this boot still wa...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Felix‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to hide something at the telestation?

I've tried to find a few caches, where the coordinates were showing the T-Mobile telestation, such like that: I'm used to not being able to find geocache (I'm not enough experienced, or maybe sim...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Danubian Sailor‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to pick a trekking/hiking shoelaces?

The laces of my Scarpa MAIN boot been worn and torn after a few years. Since the boots are still in very good shape, I'm looking for a new lace. What features should I be looking for in trekking/h...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Adam Matan‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What are the best resources for learning about foraging?

Having recently moved the country (North Wilts, UK) I am really excited by the idea of getting out into the land and foraging for food and to brew with, but I have no idea where to start. I don't ...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Mild Fuzz‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Factors to be considered and prepared in case of unavoidable bivouac

There are numerous situations when mountaineers may have to bivouac. A few of them are exceptionally not advised but unavoidable at the same time. I was going through the details of the K2-Trag...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Small fitting outerwear

I'm a smaller guy (5'7"/125lbs) and I always have difficulty finding clothes. I'm currently looking for some type of down/synthetic filled layer to go ice climbing in. My main issue is a men's smal...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Miles‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Shall I buy a Large size shell if I am wearing Medium size Down Jacket?

So that I can have some spaces to wear Down or Fleece inside the jacket? Normally Large size shell is too large for me, or I should buy the same size so as fit as possible?

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Ryan‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to get rid of the smell from indoor climbing shoes?

When I go climbing indoors I typically wear my climbing shoes without socks because this gives me slightly better control over my feet while climbing which I particularly need in overhangs. The pr...

0 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Michiel‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Freezing fingers and toes

When I work outside in near zero degree temps and mittens or gloves are too cumbersome to work with my fingers get so cold they ache. My toes may get cold and ache as well depending on how long I'm...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by toyman2014‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What shoes to wear while climbing monolithic granite rocks?

There are a few monolithic granite rocks around my city. These are rocks with gradient of around 30 - 40 degrees. None of these offer a technical rock climbing opportunity. It's mostly about hiking...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Ricketyship‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Effective measures to minimize the damage due to Snow-blindness?

I was reading the novel: No Way Down by Graham Bowley, which is a detailed account of August 2008 K2 tragedy. There was a survivor named Wilco Van Rooijen, who eventually was rescued up somewhere b...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Climbing volcanic mountains

I'm planning to climb a few volcanic mountains in Indonesia the coming year. Mostly Mt Kerinci and a few adjoining ones (I'm still making a list of those near by to Kerinci). I believe that most v...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Ricketyship‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Are nutrition bars/energy bars good for high altitude treks?

In this question Suitable food for high altitude trekking Wedapashi asks about food for high altitude trekking. Also, in this question, there is a discussion about engergy bars. One of the answers ...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Ricketyship‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to rappel on an over-hanging cliff?

I have rappelled quite a few times. I have also done commando rappel on shorter patches (up to 100 ft or so). The pic of a cliff that I have attached below is Kokankada. The height to rappel will b...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What type of mosquito repellent is most effective?

There are many different kinds of insect repellents and bug sprays on the market: sprays and lotions, chemical and natural, huge percentages of DEET and lower percentages, etc. What type of bug re...

4 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by jrdioko‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Do CO2-based mosquito traps work?

My parents get a lot of mosquitoes in their garden during the summer. We've tried torches with citronella additives in the oil, but this has not been effective. I don't want to install a UV-based...

1 answer  ·  posted 12y ago by UpTheCreek‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What should I do about a reviewer who leaks final coordinates?

Mystery- or multi-caches are not published with their real coordinates, but with fake coordinates that have to be within a certain distance of the cache. Reviewers however need to receive the real ...

0 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Baarn‭

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How do I tie a figure of 8 knot

How would I tie a double figure of eight knot for attaching to a rock climbing harness?

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Can Primaloft One be Layered?

I currently wear a Polartec Power Dry base layer and a 60g Primaloft One insulated jacket. This keeps me warm all the way down to about -10C when active(walking/hiking/Cycling). At temperatur...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by AM_Hawk‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Lowe Alpine - TFX Cerro Torre: pack is moving to sides

I bought a new pack Love Alpine TFX Cerro Torre 65:85 (this one). I am quite satisfied, but have one problem. The pack is moving to sides and isn't very stable. On begs it fits really well, bat th...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Tom Tich&#xFD;‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Body weight compressing Down insulation in Sleeping Bag

Supposedly Down (and most other sleeping bag insulations) lose a lot of their thermal insulating properties when they are compressed. When I'm inside a sleeping bag, obviously whichever side is on...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by themirror‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Rock Climbing - Beginner's Guide for Quick Improvement?

I've recently become quite interested in climbing, and I have been frequenting a local gym. As I become more serious, I'm curious how to most quickly improve. For example, Should I focus on im...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by bhekman‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How do I mount a hangboard in an apartment?

In the last few months I have come to the conclusion that I need to have a fingerboard at home if my climbing is to get to the next level. But the problem is that I live in an apartment. How can I ...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by theJollySin‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Is it really that unsafe to touch a stranger's wound?

I am about to participate in a first aid training workshop. Before I do so, I am supposed to pass an online first aid course. While going through the course, I came across this section about applyi...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by ArjunShankar‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Sleeping pad inside or outside bivy bag?

I have recently started trying out the backpackinglight.com mantra of a tarp and a water resistant breathable top bivy bag with a waterproof bathtub bottom (basically a shrunk inner tent). Assumin...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by nsandersen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What Rope to purchase?

I climb comfortably at 5.11c at my gym (Top Rope Only), but I have never climbed outdoors so a group of experienced climbers have offered to teach my friend and I how to lead sport routes. I have ...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by AM_Hawk‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Tips for travelling through Europe with just a tent

Myself and my girlfriend are hoping to start off in the Netherlands and hitchhike our way down to the south of Spain through various French towns / cities. We are planning on just bringing sleepin...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by TomSelleck‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Does my layering system need adjusting?

I'll be "backpacking" -- to imply traveling from country to country, but also hiking and camping in the backcountry -- various parts of Europe in winter for 3 months. I've camped and hiked before,...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by MarkE‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Cramping Fingers

I recently re-started to get into rock climbing but I've been having a lot of tough time with my fingers cramping up after I get off the wall. And the worst part of it is, I have to paddle down a g...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Can body-to-body rewarming be used as a last resort treatment of hypothermia?

All of the arguments I've heard against using this method assume that you have adequate supplies for alternate rewarming methods. If you literally didn't, and it appeared they were going to freeze ...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by Chris Carr‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Is it ever safe to let a hypothermic person sleep?

My understanding is that with severely hypothermic patients you want to keep them awake if possible. I'd heard moving a hypothermic patient is risky as you dont want to jostle them, some wilderness...

4 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Chris Carr‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Minimal northwest mountain camping with emerg. bivvy and tarp?

I plan to do some overnight solo camping in the mountains (400-1200m elevation range) in the next few weeks to escape Vancouver for a bit. My available layers I can bring are polypropylene thermal...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Alexander‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Energy bars for outdoors activities: what are the important criteria?

What are the criteria that I should worry about when buying energy bars ? What are the ingredients to avoid and those to look for ?

3 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Amine‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What are the proper precautions/protocols for storing food while car camping in an area with bears?

Anyone with experience in bear-populated areas, what's the best way to store food when your on the move with a car? Are some foods better than others? Wondering specifically about black bears in ...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How do you wash your water repellent apparel (DWR)?

Although some have said that Tide was acceptable, I've read that any kind of detergent is unsuitable for washing water repellent / breathable material. Apparently detergent leaves behind a residue...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Dowwie‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Will any filter/pump purifier last through longer hikes?

I've been reading a lot of product reviews, and filter/pump solutions seem to be very high maintenance, very heavy, or both. Are there any lightweight filters which can be relied on for many liter...

4 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What shoes keep me warm in the cold?

One of the biggest problems I have keeping warm in the cold are my shoes. When I'm out cycling in temperatures below -20°C, ordinary sport-shoes or hiking boots fail to keep me warm Cycling to wo...

6 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How do I set a top rope anchor?

When rock-climbing, I need to set up a top-rope anchor so if I fall, it will minimize chance of injury. So, how would I safely set one up?

2 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Reverend Gonzo‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How to put trekking poles in back pack?

I have trekking poles that I need to store in my back pack for air travel. However, the manual says for long term storage -- in my case, possibly days to a few weeks before I need to use them -- th...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by MarkE‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Sweating in sleeping bag

I sweat a great deal when I sleep. When it's really warm outside at night I just keep my bag unzipped and there's no problem. However, when it starts to get cold and I have to zip my bag up, I soon...

3 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Tradsud‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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Will using a sleeping bag stop the body from adapting to cold?

The sleeping bag (at least as I've understood it) works in that way, that it uses the heat the body creates to create a layer of heat air between the body and the sleeping bag's border, therefore p...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Danubian Sailor‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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What is the main purpose of the foam inside a self-inflating mat?

All self-inflating mats I have seen are self-inflating in the sense that you’re supposed to inflate them yourself. [That is, the mat self-inflates a bit, but mostly you have to breathe the air in.]...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by zoul‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

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How can I tell if a natural snow-bridge is safe to cross?

In early summer in the high mountains, snowfields may lie over rivers. These rivers may be otherwise tricky to ford, and it can be very tempting to use the snowfield to cross the river. However, ...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭