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Q&A

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

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Is it safe to use a nylon climbing runner/webbing that has a small fray?

I have a 120cm nylon runner that I want to use to tether me to an anchor bolt while cleaning the anchor. The runner has a small fray (pictures below). Is it safe to use?

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Chris Morris‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Under optimal conditions, how far could an emergency whistle be heard?

Whistles are often used for emergency signalling, it would be good to know how far that signal can travel and still be recognized. There are plenty of factors that would affect the distance, so ho...

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

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Forearm Grab Grip Strength

Does anyone know if the forearm grab/hold (both people holding each other's forearms) provides more grip/strength then the normal wrist to wrist grab (similar to traditional handshake) if you are t...

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

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Correct way to wield a machete?

I regularly use a machete to clear brush. I must be using the wrong technique for the tool ... or the wrong tool given my technique. In order to maximize the speed of the blade, I rotate my wrist...

5 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by feetwet‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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With what unit are river flow speeds indicated on the Genshtab Soviet military maps?

On the Genshtab (Генштаб) Soviet military maps, I can read that this ford through the stream Вертный has a stony bottom, a depth of at most 4 dm, and a width of 29 m (under typical circumstances)¹....

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

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I didn't apply enough DWR treatment to my jacket, can I just add more?

I went and applied grangers DWR treatment to my waterproof cycling jacket and put it in the dryer for a few minutes to set it. After my first couple rides, it appears there are a few small spots wh...

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

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Which characteristics to look for in charcoal for a Son Of Hibachi portable grill?

In addition to my question about how to light a Son of Hibachi portable grill, I want to know which charcoals I should get. Which characteristics should I have an eye on?

1 answer  ·  posted 8y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Can you "kick and glide" and climb without skins in Alpine Touring ski gear?

I am wondering about the "cross country like" aspects of Alpine Touring gear. I am in Ontario Canada, where hills as small as 75 meters can be referred to as "mountains". I'm a relatively experie...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Cameron Roberts‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What types of wild foods are protected from foraging in the Swedish Lapland forests, and how is the status decided?

There's a question on the site seeking information about foraging food in Sweden. One of the answers says any wild food in the forests of Swedish Lapland can be foraged and removed except "protecte...

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

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Hunting bears with a knife?

Michael Strogoff by Jules Verne (1876) describes how Siberian hunters used to hunt bears with nothing but a knife. This was ideally done with a single lethal blow, to damage the fur as little as po...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How can I build a safe, effective igloo?

If I want to build an igloo to keep me warm in a snowy climate, how can I go about this? What size blocks should I cut? How big should the entrance be? How can I mitigate the risk of the igloo co...

1 answer  ·  posted 12y ago by berry120‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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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 7y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Material of shirt for desert hiking

I have pretty much always worn 100% cotton shirts when hiking but I have been reading more and more about the amazing "wicking" properties of other fabrics. Is there one that will keep me cooler ...

3 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by MaskedPlant‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What to do with a yacht when a stronger blast come?

When you're sailing upwind (in close reach) and there comes a stronger blast of wind, how should skipper behave? Should they turn away from the wind (because modern yachts are constructed so that w...

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

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How do you refill your alcohol stove while it's burning?

I'm collecting ideas on this topic. I'm using a DIY alcohol stove made of a soda can. I have seen a guy refilling the same stove using this, but he doesn't explain where he found it, or how he bui...

4 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by JinSnow‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Where in Europe is wilderness meeting the U.S. wilderness definition?

In this excellent answer, LBell quotes the U.S. definition of wilderness: (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substanti...

5 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Are these tracks on the sand in Portugal dormouse tracks?

I've found these tracks just a couple of days ago on the Ursa beach near Cabo da Roca, Portugal. I'm not familiar with the fauna of this place and the only possible candidate I've found for now is ...

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

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What is a glass artificial horizon?

On Amundsen's polar expedition they had, Of instruments and apparatus for the sledge journeys we carried two sextants, three artificial horizons, of which two were glass horizons with dark glas...

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

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How do I slow down while snowboarding?

Yesterday, for the first time in my life, I was snowboarding. I liked it very much, and I got used to it very quickly, as I was skateboarding before. The only thing I did not understand was how to ...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Ver Nick says Reinstate Monica‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How do you know you have reached North or South Pole without GPS?

Having read about the recent foot traverse of Antarctica by Colin O'Brady I was wondering which means the polar explorers of former, pre-GPS times used to determine that they had reached the North ...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Benedikt Bauer‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How much heel is optimal on a small katamaran in low wind?

I am a novice sailor (at best) and natively German-speaking, so the question might contain incorrect use of sailing terms and further misconceptions - thanks for any pointers in comments. In high ...

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

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How do you wave off a search and rescue helicopter?

We were out on a night hike. A helicopter showed up, by behavior it was search and rescue, looking not too far away from our group. It might have simply been doing training, but if it was a real ...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Loren Pechtel‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice?

This question (Calculate true north with a compass and map) got me thinking. I rarely bother adjusting compass bearings for magnetic north. Is this bad? I understand the theory but I just rarely bo...

6 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Rappelling with only one arm

I'm working on a novel. The main character recently (six months ago) lost her arm above the elbow. She's attending a summer camp, and I'm wondering if, with proper planning (and probably a mountain...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Beacon80‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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When is improvised water filtration warranted for survival?

In the comments of the accepted answer to this longstanding question: Water filters - why sand and rocks? the makings of a debate started, but no definitive consensus was reached. I'm going to do m...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Arash Howaida‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is there proof that it's good for animals in captivity to do activities such as painting?

Last spring, we went to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, United States. We don't like places with captive animals, unless they're work is essential for the survival of life on the planet. We m...

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

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Need help identifying a vintage George Hine Production Co Rod

My mother gave me an old rod that I think she just found and I need help identifying it. There are some pictures below. The whole group of pictures is here. Its only identifying marks is a sticke...

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

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How to walk as a roped party on a glacier?

If you want to walk on a glacier you usually do this roped together as a team. How to walk as a roped party on a glacier? What I have to pay attention to when knotting the rope? Related ques...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Jon‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Headlamp with open flame

I just saw a documentary where they investigated lakes inside of glaciers. They rapelled in big crevasses and even dived in those sometimes huge water reservoirs. The scientist had a regular looki...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Wills‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is a sentinel (guard) Canada Goose always a male, or a female, or does it vary?

While there are a number of recognized sub-species of Canada geese, this question pertains to the main species, Branta canadensis. This answer to a question asking how many hours a day Canada Gee...

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

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What should you look for when buying hiking socks?

A quick search online shows there are dozens of different types of hiking socks, with different materials, thicknesses, and properties. In general, what should you look for when shopping for hiking...

2 answers  ·  posted 13y ago by jrdioko‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What are the differences between alpaca wool and merino wool?

I'm curious what the differences are between alpaca wool and merino wool. Say for hiking in hot weather and cold weather, using socks and base layers. I'm especially interested in the durability ...

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

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How much should your backpack weigh?

For a multi-day backpacking trip, what is the ideal weight of a backpack? And what is that max weight that no sane human should go over?

10 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by PBeezy‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What is the best method for protecting my bees from pesticides?

I have hives that are close to a field that gets sprayed each year, any help to protect my bees would be nice.

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

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Is it illegal to walk on single or dual carriageways in the UK?

We're planning to walk / run the entire 275 miles (443 km) of the A5, from London to Holyhead. On Page 5 of the Official Highway Code, it states that: Pedestrians MUST NOT be on motorways or sl...

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

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Sparrows eating grains strewn on floor but not the grains in a nice bowl

Have the good fortune of having sparrows around my house. I feed basmati rice + big bowl of water to sparrows. I sprinkle basmati rice and other grains in the balcony. The sparrows flock once in...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by kRazzy R‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Kayak for fishing and low class rapids?

I am in the market for a kayak and am wondering what type of kayak or what features I should look at given my requirements. Here's the details you'll probably need to help me out: I'm 6'1" and 21...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Dave‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What do I need to look for in good, quality hiking boots?

My wife and I are going to buy some hiking boots as we've been using regular tennis shoes anytime we go on a hike. What are the things I need to keep in mind when looking for a good set of quality...

3 answers  ·  posted 13y ago by Justin Self‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Can an overhand loop be used to shorten nylon webbing as a personal anchor?

Is it safe to girth-hitch nylon webbing through my harness tie-in points and then shorten the webbing via an overhand loop (assume it is too long) and clipping the non-bight part to the bolt in the...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Chris Morris‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What factors should be considered when helping to feed crows/ravens in the yard?

We've had at least one discussion about what to feed birds in the crow and raven families in our yards. This question is about the most effective way to do so. When setting up the feeding areas o...

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

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What is the difference between back country camping and front country camping?

I heard two terms 'back country camping' and 'front country camping' but I don't know what the difference between the two is. How are they different.

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

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+1 −0
How to repair a plastic canoe?

I have an older plastic Coleman canoe. It gets a lot of abuse I have noticed some weak spots that may be a problem in the future. I looked around online and seems that they are made of High-densit...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How do you deal with blackberry bushes on the west coast when bushwhacking?

I'm on holiday near Sechelt right now, and have been hiking the trails and powerline right of ways. On several occasions I've come to the end of one trail, and can see the start again on the other...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Sherwood Botsford‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Winter hiking socks (calf-length) for beginner downhill skiing

I am considering taking a few skiing lessons soon (never skied before), and the amount of specialized gear seems to be a lot. I hike a bit, and have good merino socks, which are great for warmth as...

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

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Do chipmunks hibernate in woodpiles, and, if so, how do I avoid disturbing them when taking wood from the pile?

We have a woodpile, protected from wind and precipitation, under the eaves of our house. Earlier, perhaps a month earlier, I several times saw two chipmunks emerging from, and going back into the ...

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

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Found in a river in north Georgia USA. What type of rock is this?

Found this rock on a river bed in north GA while snorkeling. I can not identify it. It appears to be granite with crystal growing inside. There or deep holes and pockets on bothe sides and rathe...

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

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How to tow a canoe with a bicycle?

There are a few pictures on the internet of people towing canoes with bicycles, there are even complete solutions that you can purchase for the task. But what is really involved, what are the chal...

5 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Timberland classic 6 inch boots for mountain hiking/trekking

The original Timberland classic 6-inch boots were made 40 years ago for the cold, wet and mountainous terrain of New England. They were innovative footwear for their time, but now have become mostl...

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

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What are the differences between a lighthouse and a light station in terms of the specific purpose?

One summer evening we drove to Race Point, the farthest tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. We were told there was a lighthouse at that spot, and wanted to see the light shine through the darkness...

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

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What to do if someone gets impaled in the stomach?

Background: This question is motivated by an accident that happened to my sister in a very rural area. She was on a fence and fell onto a t-post which basically impaled her, but which fell out by ...

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