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Q&A

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

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How can one assess the fit of a shotgun?

How can I determine whether a shotgun fits (or can be easily adapted to fit) me without having the chance to test fire it? (And without spending thousands of dollars for customization?) Whether f...

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

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Overview of free and open huts in Norway outside the system of the official tourist association DNT

On my hiking trips, I mostly sleep in my tent, but occasionally I appreciate to have a roof. Mostly by chance, I've found on my trips a number of free and open huts in Norway that are not owned by...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Use of a personal anchor system to rappel (abseil) off a cliff with anchors by the edge and at foot level

Definitely not a duplicated question to this one... Rather a much more specific question... The situation arises when there are bolted anchors at foot level on the edge of the cliff: The issue ...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Enjoy nature‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Is it safe to fire .38 cartridges in a 38.40

I have an old Marlin 38.40 lever action rifle and am having trouble finding ammo for it. Can I fire modern .38 cartridges in this rifle?

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Kevin‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Are T-Tracks the same size on all brands of roof rack crossbars?

Looking at buying additional accessories or making some for my car's roof rack, which uses Whispbar brand crossbars. I'm wondering if other brands use the same size t-track slots and whether they'd...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by iiimik3‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Using roof rails to set up hammock

Has anyone experience with attaching a hammock to roof rails of a regular car? I just bought a hammock for my next camping trip. I will be traveling mostly by car and sleep in a tent but wanted so...

3 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Jon Isr‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to contain the stench of climbing shoes?

I take public transportation to my work and the climbing gym. This means my climbing gear stays in my office all day with me. My climbing shoes stink and are really offensive to have in my office. ...

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

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How much should my toes hurt in climbing shoes?

5.10s are known to be more comfortable, softer shoes, but I've also heard they tire your feet out faster. Edging, in particular, is harder in these shoes because it's your toes' responsibility inst...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by djechlin‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Scat identification from northern New Jersey

Can you please help me identify what is leaving these piles in my detached garage in Northern New Jersey? In case the photo doesn't do it justice, the scat is in piles, against the exterior walls, ...

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

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What's is the Leave No Trace way to dispose of loose tea leaves?

It's possible to buy tea that is loose leaf instead on in the tea bags and use it while in the outdoors such as cold brewing in a Nalgene. Coffee grounds need to be packed out but what about tea le...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to make sure that your arrows are flying straight?

Sometimes, if your knock is too high or too low or your rest is not perfectly in line with the string, your arrows will fly at a slight angle to the direction of travel instead of perfectly straigh...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How do I know when it's time to replace my climbing shoes?

I've been climbing off and on for about 3 years now, but only started going regularly in the last 6 months. I've had the same pair of shoes for about 2 years now. My brother recently pointed out th...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by DohnJoe‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is wrong with this belay setup?

This is a follow on from my answer here. I took this photo of my belay and shared it on Facebook, where I friend of mine (A qualified climbing instructor) pulled me up on it as I'd made one or two...

4 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is the v-notch on top of the &#x201C;Clickup&#x201D; climbing belay device for?

I’m wondering does anyone know what this part of a Click Up is for: I’m taking about the rounded cutouts on each side of the device on the climber side. In the normal position I can’t see what t...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Timmy O'Mahony‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Why is it bad to use your whole foot in rock climbing

I was reading: “The larger the foot-holds, the more beginners tend to put as much of their shoes onto them. Instead, also when the foot-hold offers more space, we must still use only the forefo...

9 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by frogeyedpeas‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Hiking trails in Pennsylvania

My friends and I are looking for a solid hiking trail in Pennsylvania. This will be our second trip, but we are in reasonable shape and had little issue our first time around. We are from Michig...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by Ryan Welsh‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Week long trek, how far each day? pace?

Background info: For environment, it is southwestern British Columbia and the weather is fair and there is plenty of water around. Pace wise, on level terrain, with or without water I have sometim...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Alexander‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to tell the difference between Lesser and Great spotted Woodpeckers?

Around my work I walk in local parks for a couple of hours a day, and I've noticed we have Green Woodpeckers, and I've seen them quite a few times and can now recognise them rather easily. Recentl...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Aravona‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Is there anywhere to dive in the Mediterranean that's like the Red Sea?

Have heard great things about diving in the Red Sea. However, Egypt's not the most stable and safe place to visit. What are the alternative locations for diving in the European side of the Medit...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by GlennG‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How can I tell if there's a camouflaged octopus in a coral reef, so I can keep from disturbing it?

This question is based on my desire to avoid disturbing, injuring, or scaring away an octopus which is camouflaged to look like a coral reef. Since it's so difficult to see, I'd like to know how to...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Rock Climbing falling.Turning upside down

What are the chances of falling and turning upside down, with your head down. Is the gear special from preventing such falls?

4 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Manolis Lyviakis‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is the strongest knot using a steel-thimble to make a steel-eyelet at the end of the line?

(to be clear, I know I can just check knot-strengths for a general end-of-line attachment, it's the inclusion of the steel thimble - I'll find a link to add to end of post - it's that inclusion tha...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by WantToClimb‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Eating ash in Soviet Union

My Polish grandfather in early 1950's was sent by communist regime to a gulag. People were starving there and malnourishment was common, so they came up with idea of burning some kind of trees and ...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by user46147‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Climbing-line "rope-thimbles", unsure how to utilize these (got several 1/2" 'steel rope thimbles' with my climb-rope!)

I got some 1/2" steel-thimbles for my climbing-rope but sadly I'm not sure how to safely use them, I'd thought "I can just tie a knot at just the right spot so that the thimble is securely nested i...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by WantToClimb‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is the Leave No Trace way to dispose of coffee grounds?

If one makes coffee in the backcountry, there will be used grounds. Coffee grounds are biodegradable, but should one instead pack them out completely? What is the Leave No Trace way to deal with u...

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

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How do they tell the sex of Peregrine Falcon chicks?

Related to this question where the difference in size might possibly be due to one of the 3 peregrine falcon chicks being male, how do they tell whether a peregrine chick is male or female? Eventu...

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

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Would dry or wet flies be easier for a beginner fly fisherman?

Inspired by this question, if someone was just starting out fly fishing, would dry flies (float on top of the water) or wet flies (sink below) be easier for a beginner to use? My experience is tha...

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

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If you are starting to tie your own fly fishing flies, what types would be the easiest to start with?

The are two main types of fly fishing flies, wet (sink underneath) and dry (float on top). If one were trying to learn how to how tie the flies yourself instead of buying them, would one type be e...

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

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How much vegetation is represented by the green on USGS 7.5 minute topo maps?

On official USGS topo maps, vegetation is represented by green, and non vegetation by white as you can see below. How much vegetation does an area need to be colored green? Are short bushes enou...

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

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Where in Europe is wild camping permitted?

Is there any resource (website, book, etc) that lists all European countries, and the state of free camping? Specifically, I want to see in which European countries I'm not fined when I place my t...

22 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by RoflcoptrException‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Ultra-light camping setup for solo-backping in the Uintas

I am considering a solo three-day trip in the Uinta Mountains in Utah in August. I have lots of experience backpacking but I've never soloed before and so am thinking of ways to shed some weight. M...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by gregmacfarlane‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to manage the sail of a sunfish when paddling?

The sunfish is a small sailboat with a lateen sail. Realistically you can not raise the sail while in it. Usually raising and lower the sail is done at shore. It is occasionally necessary to p...

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

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Best sun protection for swimming

When I am going swimming in the pool my skin gets tanned due to sun. Which SPF value is suitable for my purpose? Should I go for some specific ingredient, so that the lotion won't dissolve in wa...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by JigarGandhi‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Has an excise tax on rock climbing/backpacking/hiking gear to support conservation ever been proposed in the US?

In the United States, there are a couple of excise taxes on outdoor gear that goes towards conservation, Pittman–Robertson Act which taxes firearms, ammunition and archery equipment and the Dingell...

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

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Is caffeine helpful or hurtful when backpacking?

When backpacking for several days, is there a benefit to drinking coffee and the likes in the morning, or does the crash that comes later in the day hinder the progress of a group in the back-count...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by SierraCalifornicus‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What are the pros and cons of cotton vs mesh filters for making cold brew coffee in a Nalgene water bottle?

From my research so far into making cold brew coffee in a Nalgene while backpacking, I have found there to be two types of filters, cotton ones called "coffee socks" and mesh ones that screw onto t...

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

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How many miles should one expect to get out of a good pair of hiking boots?

They say that on average 400-500 miles is a good bet for running shoes, but for myself it's only about 300-350 miles before the aches of worn out shoes start to occur. It seems that shoes are one ...

4 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by wanderweeer‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Choosing a kayak for a 5'9" 300lb man

I'm looking to get myself a kayak, but weight limits are an issue for me. I like the ascend kayaks from Cabala's because of the high back seats. I'm undecided if i want to get a 10' hybrid kayak or...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Corey‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Descending a dry grass slope with serious inclination and exposure

This post here mainly talks about Ice slopes I reckon. The region where I live, we don't have Ice slopes, but we have lots of grass slopes. Usual threat is a slope, probably a good 100 m, no bolt...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How dangerous are wild horses?

In some parts of the western United States there are herds of wild horses. How dangerous could a herd be to a human on foot while hiking or backpacking? If they are dangerous how should a human pr...

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

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How do people deal with sweating and 'feeling hot' at high altitude climbs (above 5500m)?

How do people deal with sweating and 'feeling hot' at high altitude climbs (above 5500m)?? Just a background on myself: I've done hikes/climbs up to 3000m where temps hit at the lowest of around ...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by S. Ong‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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How to help birds with water?

In India, the monsoon lasts for 4 months between June and September. Since last week or so the rain is gone, and this monsoon hasn't been decent, the rainfall had been it's lowest since the 1970's ...

4 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What kind of bird is this greyish small chicken sized one I found in the Uintas?

On my hike through the Uinta mountains, I came across this greyish bird and her 3-4 chicks. The timelapse I took of the birds can be seen here. It looks like some sort of grouse, does anybody kn...

0 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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What is an efficent and effective way to find a reputable private guide for a backpacking trip?

My first question on TGO was about low altitude trips that have the feel of much higher elevations. I asked that question because of the declining physical capacity of my husband. I received spect...

0 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What overnight backpacking trails are clear of deep snow now (or likely to be in the next two weeks) in northwest Washington?

I am looking for an overnight backpacking trip to do in the next few weeks somewhere in western Washington. But I am worried about deep snow remaining on the trails. Based on last winter's snowpac...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Skylar Benson‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What is SPF in sunscreen cream?

What is SPF in sunscreen creams? I go to 2500m-4000m altitude. What should I use? And I've heard that SPF more than 55 is not for men. Does more SPF mean more sun protection?

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by ALH‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What knot is this that starts off like a taut line hitch but ends differently?

I thought that Les Stroud was about to make a taut line hitch. But at the end he did a couple of things a little different. What is this knot? Does it hold better than a taut line hitch?

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Don Branson‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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What can I do with a lone young cardinal I found in my yard?

A pair of cardinals have nested in my yard for years. Yesterday found a young one in the yard, made it comfortable, just didnt want a cat to get it. Still alive, cant fly. What to do?

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

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Why is this woodchuck losing its fur?

This woodchuck has been in and out of our yard in Massachusetts, United States, for a few weeks, since early May. It comes out from under our large rhododendrons which have a small area of woods be...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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When to clean out old bird boxes?

We had birds (blue tits) at who work last year nested in a metal wall mounted cigarette bin, this year we provided a hand-made wooden bird box specifically designed for blue tits and then blocked u...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by Aravona‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭