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Q&A

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

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What insect makes this hissing type sound, especially in the summer?

During the summer, I always hear this sound. It's like a long "hissing" sound. I assume that it is some sort of insect that produces this, and it's usually during warmer days. It can be heard ...

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

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How often are missing people found?

Sometimes, people go into nature and go missing. A big search party is set up but they may be never found again. A morbid version of “leave no trace”. We probably all know examples: Joe Keller, ...

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

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How can I backpack further without resupplying?

There are a couple of long hikes that I am thinking of doing, both are 70 to 80 miles (110 to 130 km) long one way. I would like to do a yo-yo (140 to 160 miles, 230 to 260 km) without a resupply. ...

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

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Do military style obstacle course trails exist in a genuinely forested setting and open to the general public?

I am interested in knowing if there are any military style obstacle course trails that exist in a completely forested setting for the military, police, search and rescue, and so on, yet are open to...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Ken Graham‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What are the dangers of walking barefoot in towns/cities?

I've walked barefoot practically all summer for every summer I can remember. However now that I'm a teenager my Mum is saying I need to wear shoes because of glass, needles, worms and diseases. I h...

10 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Lexi Bean‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What is the top-down (reverse) shoe lacing good for?

I have sees this lacing a few times now and was wondering why people are doing it. Is there any difference to the ordinary lacing and if so, what is that difference?

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

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Reasonable precautions against copperheads: will being noisy in copperhead habitat cause them to slither away?

In the more than 30 years I have lived in northern Virginia, I have never seen a copperhead, although there have been several reliable copperhead sightings in my neighborhood, the most recent last ...

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

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What are some things to do with teenagers in Quepos, Costa Rica?

I'm heading to Quepos, Costa Rica with 4 teenagers. We'd like to do some things like whitewater rafting, hiking, viewing waterfalls, and seeing nature and wildlife.

0 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Smax‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What should one do when climbing if someone above you yells ROCK?

Hearing someone above you yell ROCK when climbing is a scary experience because that means that an object (usually a rock) is plummeting down to the route towards you. Hopefully you are wearing yo...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Are there any advantages while backpacking to hike during the night and sleep during the day?

This is something I have pondered on multiple occasions, when the light of the full moon and the altitude induced insomnia kept me awake long into the night. I realize that this would be an unusua...

9 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How should helmets be placed on the ground?

Imagine you are sitting around ready to begin; you have your gear spread out, and your helmets are off. How should you place your helmet so that it doesn't wander off?

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How to follow the movements of a player while remaining unnoticed?

I know that this isn't the best stack exchange site for this question but was the best I could think of, if you think there is a better one please move the question / notify me. We are 2 friends w...

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Rocco Mancin‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is rustic camping available along any of Michigan's cyling trails?

Among all of the cycling friendly trails in Michigan, do any of them offer the opportunity for rustic or dispersed camping? Preferably, every 20 to 40 miles or so.

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

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Do regular lighters not work at high altitude?

Here is what I would consider a regular Bic butane lighter. However I have noticed that you can buy High Altitude lighters such as this one. Is that just marketing or would a regular lighter n...

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

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Backing up a abseil anchor with a human

Long story short, I want to abseil down from my balcony. The guard rail of my balcony feels sturdy, is bolted into multiple different bricks and uses big screws which makes me think that they will ...

5 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Henk‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How would navigation be different while hiking at night?

If one were to hike during the night and sleep during the day, what differences in navigation would one have to take into account? In my experience you are more on instruments (such as a compass o...

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What is dead reckoning when navigating with a map and compass?

There is a technique for navigation known as dead reckoning, what is this technique exactly and when would it be useful?

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What is the sport of Horse Boarding?

Recently a user mentioned something called Horse Boarding. At first I thought she was talking about boarding horses, like in a stable, but she was actually referring to an activity that's popular, ...

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

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How does ski binding height affect skiing off-piste?

I have this binding with height of 39 mm. I like to freeride and do jumps. I would like to know what are pros and cons of high and low ski bindings and how particularly the height affects ability t...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Peter Kva&#x10D;kay‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How do choices in design of a paddle-craft influence its handling characteristics?

If you imagine cutting a canoe or kayak along each axial plane, you get three shapes. If you cut along the waterline and look down from above, you get the plan. Cut thwart-wise at the widest poi...

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

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When is it a bad idea to follow a game trail?

If you are walking on trail, and a game trail heads off in an interesting direction is it ever a bad idea to follow it? If so how would you know when it is OK to follow a game trail? This questio...

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

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Why did people rub snow on frozen feet?

If you read old books from cold areas, it's not infrequent to run across the idea of rubbing snow on one's feet when they got frozen or frostbitten. However, subjectively, it seems to me that this...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by anonymous2‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is the warning call for falling rocks in your area?

I was inspired by the question "What should one do when climbing if someone above you yells ROCK?" to ask what the equivalents are around the world. So, what would I shout to warn someone below me...

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

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Differences between shock absorber and via ferrata set

What are the differences between a shock absorber as it is used in professional rope access and a via ferrata set? As I found out that in my country shock absorbers have to fulfill EN 355 and via ...

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

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Would waterproofing Styrofoam in a boat make water retention better or worse?

In theory Styrofoam is a closed cell product meaning that is water proof. In practice it tends to absorb and hold water It can take months to dry out very saturated Styrofoam. As a rule Styrofoa...

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

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Good resources for climbing

We have a number of questions dealing with how start climbing, how to learn it (and how not to learn it) - e.g. Is it realistic to teach yourself rock climbing?, What to teach someone who wants to ...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Paul Paulsen‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Getting into canoeing - UK

It's been a beautiful Sunday here in the UK today and I went by the river (Thames) with my girlfriend to get some sunlight and fresh air. (We rarely do that, so that might be why I'm writing a ques...

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

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What is this really tall grass-like plant?

Where: North-central Massachusetts When: 8 April 2017 Whenever I'm out and about, I look at wetlands as I go by to see their general state, how much the invasive phragmites is pushing out the nati...

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

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How strong are the individual internal strands in 550 parachute cord?

550 Parachute cord is a very small kermantle rope (has a core and an external sheath) as you can see in this image. The minimum breaking strength of the cord is 550 pounds, hence the name. It i...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

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Who should I contact if I want to have a campfire?

I want to have a campfire on Southport beach in a few weeks as a small birthday celebration with some friends. I was wondering who I should contact to request permission to do so, as I know it's il...

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

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Can I fall out of my sit harness?

In sport and trad climbing, a sit harness is widely used (except for children). However, I wondered if there is the possibility to fall out of it? One situation where I could see this happen is in...

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

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How fast does suspension trauma happen?

In this question I asked about suspension trauma and why it's effects come to be. Apparently the main reason is reduced blood flow/ circulation. This is due to blood vessels being constrained/pre...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by fgysin reinstate Monica‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Eating ants/termites on outdoor expeditions

Recently on one of the jungle trails we came across a colony of termites and we went ahead and tasted them (Bear Grylls style?). We did the same with the weaver ants which are quite common in the S...

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

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Camp fire starting for the novice?

We have several posts about fire most of them are about specific challenges. A recent question had myself and others searching for fire starting basics. We don't seem to have a post about it. Wh...

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

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What is this floating raft-like object in the waters of a reservoir in Massachusetts?

My husband frequently walks at the Wachusett Reservoir, which spans a few towns in central Massachusetts. This past Sunday he was on his usual path, and saw something floating in the water which ...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Confusion in selecting a tent, too many variables

I am planning to do the Laugavegur Trek in Iceland this summer (rain and snow can be expected) and need to buy a tent. I read a few articles on what to consider while buying a tent and got confused...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Arsalan Ahmed‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Power Snare Is a 14.5 LB weight enough to kill a racoon?

I have a home made snare that when tightened, causes a weight of 14.5LB to fall, pulling the snare loop closed and towards a chain link bolted to the ground so that the animal will be pushed agains...

0 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by NULL‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Fly fishing leaders braided

Since braided line floats and mono sinks slowly; do they sell a tapered leader braided line? This is my first-year fly fishing - so I may not know enough. My current setup is a #8 rod with a brai...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Dan Andrews‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What is the minimum amount of gear that would allow one to ascend a climbing rope?

If you had a climbing rope anchored above you on either a sheer cliff or a really steep incline, what is the minimum amount of gear that a person would need to ascend the rope without assistance fr...

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

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How rapidly (or slowly) is work progressing on "consumer" exoskeletons for baby boomers to extend their hiking and backpacking years?

Several years ago, the Washington Post had an article titled This remarkable new exoskeleton slips on like a boot and makes your walking more efficient. Engineers at Carnegie Mellon University ...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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How to stay dry in the nether regions?

I'm outdoors quite a bit. But the one thing that takes me out of action is sweat buildup and rubbing in my nether regions. It can literally take me out of action for a few days. I think it comes do...

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

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What is the risk of starting a forest or wildland fire with a flare gun?

When firing a flare gun in the air, what is the risk of accidentally starting a forest or wildland fire? Does the flare go out completely before it touches the ground?

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

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Is there a safer way to use a flare in a wooded area?

This answer on another question says that there is a risk of causing a forest fire when using a flare. Is there a recommended/safer way to use flares that lessens this risk, in the event that some...

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

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How do you aim a signal mirror?

Say you are in the middle of a desert where there is lots of sunshine, and you are trying to signal for help with a signal mirror. Either in the distance there is a person, or there is an airplane...

5 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How much colder is hammock vs. sleeping in a tent?

I just got my first hammock and am eager to try it out! I don't have an underquilt, I was planning to use my current bag and foam pad. In a tent, they would be on the lower end of comfortable for t...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by user812786‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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What are the differences between black sheep merino wool and other merino wool?

I've noticed that some icebreaker clothing is labeled as "black sheep" merino wool and the same with other brands, so I am wondering if someone can explain or link to something that explains well w...

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

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Do some parts of the world really have 12 hours of daylight each day of the entire year?

I live about 45 degree north latitude. Other then at the Equinox, daylight is seldom 12 hours. Sometimes it is more sometimes less. The summer sun can last 16+ hours. I understand how and why th...

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

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The thread of my point broke while being screwed-in. How to get the insert out of the shaft?

Something curious happened this weekend. One of my field-tips broke inside the shaft. The actual point and the thread of the tip got separated. The problem is that the thread is stilled screwed in ...

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

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How can I make sure there are no more ticks around?

I'm back from outdoors and while lying down in bed I noticed a tiny tiny insect walking around on my clothes. While trying to take a picture of it to see if it is a tick, it just disappeared and I ...

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

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How do I get to M&#xE5;sk&#xE5;sj-gammen?

In 2013 I visited Nuortakrågge: Nuortakrågge is located at 67.8084°N, 16.6203°E, above Vuodnabahta, Norway. It is open and free to use. It is not listed on official maps but there is a small s...

0 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭