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Q&A

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

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71%
+3 −0
Why would a skunk be chasing a human?

There is a video on reddit where a skunk is chasing a woman around. It's not spraying or even threatening to spray, but it's sure trying to keep up with her. Why would a skunk be doing that?

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

77%
+5 −0
How to keep gloves from getting sweaty?

When shoveling snow in the winter, if my gloves are warm enough to keep my hands warm, they tend to sweat and get the gloves wet from the inside out. How can I prevent this?

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

71%
+3 −0
Adjusting derailleur with bike upside down, is it ok?

I need to adjust the derailleur on my bike, I don't have a bike stand because I am on the bike trail. I have three options for pedaling while adjusting the the derailleur. Turn the bike upside dow...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Mithical‭

71%
+3 −0
Towing with a Recumbent Trike, Tadpole or Delta?

I have some experience towing with an upright bike I am considering getting a recumbent trike, as my back side does not last as long as my legs. With an upright bike I automatically move my weight ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

66%
+2 −0
At what point does a solar charger become more efficient weight wise than batteries?

For short trips, lithium-ion batteries to recharge your camera/phone/GPS make more sense. For something like the Appalachian Trail where batteries aren't going to last the whole trip, a solar charg...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

66%
+2 −0
How long does canned chicken repackaged into a ziplock last?

Rather than take a can of chicken while backpacking, it's possible to open the can, drain the juice and stick the meat into a ziplock which makes it much lighter and a ziplock is much more compact ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

62%
+3 −1
How stay fit enough to make moderately hard rides a couple times a month?

When I have time I like to get my bike and canoe out and do a day trip. Doing a mile or two is not hard but a good day trip is between 8 and 14 miles. When I started at the beginning of the year 6...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

60%
+1 −0
How to improvise baskets for trekking poles?

The baskets on trekking poles are very useful while hiking through snow, however, they have a tendency to break. How would one improvise a fix in the outdoors for this?

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

71%
+3 −0
What would the temperature rating of a space blanket/reflective tarp be?

Sleeping bags have temperature ratings that tell you the aproximate temperature that will be comfortable at. Reflective tarps do not have such ratings, probably because most people don't use them ...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

66%
+2 −0
Trailer connection, off the shelf parts and proven performer

I am planning a long bike and canoe trip (bike tows canoe, canoe carries bike and cart), There are a couple of purpose built products for towing a canoe with a bike dumb stick & woody hitch but...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
How should I support a droopy basil seedling?

Last year one of my CSA boxes contained a basil seedling in a 4" starter pot. I'd never grown herbs before, but I transplanted it to a pot, took care of it, and had a tasty bounty all summer. Thi...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Natalia‭

66%
+2 −0
How to build surge brakes on bike trailer?

There are a couple of pretty good answers in How to make a cargo trailer?. After looking at those, at the answer to What are the safety concerns of a high vs a low mount trailer hitch? and doing s...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
What are the safety concerns of a high vs a low mount trailer hitch?

When you Google for images of "canoe & bike," you find two basic solutions to towing a canoe with a bike: A traditional axle mounted trailer is modified to have a tongue long enough to loa...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  edited 5mo ago by Michael‭

71%
+3 −0
What are these small plants with red berries at around 9,000 ft in Colorado

I found these plants while hiking in Colorado, they are pretty small and have red berries slightly larger than peas. The area was old growth that had been burned in a fire at least a few years ago.

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

71%
+3 −0
How to find a safe portable 1500 watt heater

I have 20+ year old space heater that is nearing end of life. 120 volt, 1500 watts We use it in the camper when have electric hookup, and need a little extra heat. I started looking online for a...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

81%
+7 −0
How do you train a barn sour horse?

Sometimes a horse will become what is known as barn sour where all they want to do is hang around the stable/corrals and not go on rides. While on rides, they will keep trying to turn back and once...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Pastychomper‭

75%
+4 −0
How do you train a horse that bites humans not to?

Sometimes a horse/pony will bite humans. They bite each other to establish dominance and sometimes they will bite humans too. How do you train a horse to stop biting humans?

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by ArtOfCode‭

66%
+2 −0
Boat Septic Pump Out?

I am very familiar with dumping septic holding tanks in a camper on land. I do it regularly and safely, either at the camp ground or at home. I am considering a boat trip on the Ohio and Mississi...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  edited 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

81%
+7 −0
What causes these big gathering of ants on a sidewalk?

Here is a whole bunch of ants gathered on a sidewalk around dusk, I have seen this before so its not totally uncommon. What would lead to ants doing this?

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

66%
+2 −0
When building a trail how is the length of the leg of a switchback decided?

I have done lots of hiking on trails with switchbacks and one thing I have noticed is that the length of the legs (how long you walk in one direction before switching back to the other) can vary w...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

75%
+4 −0
When hiking up a steep hill without a trail, how do you determine the angle to switch back and forth?

On trails that go up steep hills, there are usually switchbacks where the trail goes first one way and then other, resulting in an overall less steep path. In the complete absence of a trail, how ...

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

77%
+5 −0
How to cut and seal backpack straps?

My backpack has straps that are way too long and I would like to shorten them, both to save weight and to make it more organized. How can I cut the straps and then seal them so the ends don't come...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Sigma‭

66%
+2 −0
How do I protect necessary glasses while kayaking or rafting?

My team at work has occasional outings and one of the activities we've talked about for the future is kayaking or whitewater rafting. I've never done either and am also dependent on expensive pres...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by ArtOfCode‭

71%
+3 −0
What are some good ways to go outdoors in a city while safely social distancing?

I live in a downtown urban center. Normally I exercise by going to the gym or by taking long walks around the different neighborhoods or some local hiking trails in parks. Current social distancin...

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

75%
+4 −0
Are bats harmed by fumes that gather in old mines?

Once in Nevada, I saw a sign on an old abandoned mine that said two things, Stay out, mines have noxious fumes. Stay out, bats live here. Both of those are good reasons to stay out, but it seem...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

77%
+5 −0
What can I burn in an open cup burner stove?

I'm looking for easily obtained fuels for an open-cup stove, such as a Trangia, in case I need to top up while travelling. I have a small simple DIY open cup spirit stove, for boiling water when b...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Chris H‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Pastychomper‭

71%
+3 −0
When to acquire a glider over the course of paragliding lessons?

Thinking hypothetically, person A is taking a paragliding course over the course of a year in three stages. The first two are about mastering ground handling, taking off, basic landing, different a...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by miguelmorin‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

71%
+3 −0
What is this lizard-like thing?

This just crawled out of a houseplant I purchased last weekend. Can anyone help me identify it? I also need to know what to feed it because it probably hasn't eaten in a long time. It's about 4 inc...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Fo.‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

75%
+4 −0
Drinking water in the backcountry wilderness in Northern Great Plains (Grasslands National Park). How to deal with the salinity?

If the topographic map is to be believed, there are plenty of streams in Grasslands National Park, but apparently they are saline. Last and Ginn report that there is no other area in the world th...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
How can I secure the car key while surfing?

I had a near miss yesterday as I tried a strategy of a fellow surfer: I buried my mechanical car key in the sand, put my bag on top of it, and went surfing. A few dogs on the beach must have shifte...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by miguelmorin‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Do Glacier National Park (USA) backcountry camps have bear poles / bear canisters?

In Glacier National Park (USA), there are 63 backcountry campgrounds. I looked at the backcountry campground website including the map and campsite information. Are there bear poles/boxes at back...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What are the differences between expensive, mid-priced and cheap skis?

There are lots of ski models out there, ranging from $60 to $2000. But what difference does price actually have on the performance you get out of the skis? How does one know that it makes sense to ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by JonathanReez‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Why are American ski resorts so expensive?

While doing some research for my answer in are ski areas shutting down? I was a bit shocked by the American prices for lift tickets. Vail is at $220 and while this may be an exceptionally expensive...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Manziel‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Can putting nails in trees cause longterm health problems for the tree?

I asked a question about marking trails and one of the answers suggested nailing markers to the trees. Does this damage the trees? I'm mostly concerned about long-term infection or rot that will ev...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by WaterMolecule‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
Trail marking material that will last a few years

I'm currently trying to remark a trail that seems to be forgotten or had very little use in the past few years. The markers that remain (different types of ribbon) are fraying or crumbling dependin...

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

60%
+1 −0
Are ski areas in the United States shutting down?

Interesting video I ran across. The high point are quotes from sugarbush's president. All the rest information is less important, except for statistics. I'm not sure where they got their stats. NSA...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Paul Blair‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
Jumping off of a cliff into water - survival tips

Another scary scenario: Let's say you're in a situation where you have to jump off of a cliff into the water to survive. The cliff is at least 100 feet high. What would be the best way to surviv...

8 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by mph85‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Can you Rappel with an Old Climbing Rope?

I received an old climbing rope, whose history is unknown. I know this rope should not be used for any situations where a fall is possible since it may have already sustained one. However, can it ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Jesse Yishai‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
What are these grayish plants with little white "hair" in Joshua Tree National Park?

While hiking Ryan Mountain (elevation 5457 feet) in Joshua Tree National Park last month, I saw several of these grayish plants near the top of the mountain. I did not see any at lower elevations. ...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by pacoverflow‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What kind of Rope for a Bosun's Chair

I'm going to make a bosun's chair to lift me 40 ft in the air to a tree platform (with at least a 6' clearance, so closer to 50'). Of course I would like the right type of rope with the right tensi...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Jesse Yishai‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

71%
+3 −0
Should I wash new child snow mittens before wearing?

I bought new mittens for my kid for the coming winter holiday. They should be waterproof or at least water-resistant. Normally when i buy clothing, i wash it before wearing. The fabric may not hav...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Ivana‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Is there a more accurate way to gauge the fuel level on my ski boat?

I own a 1988 Malibu Skier, and one of the things I've been thinking about upgrading on it is the fuel gauge. Specifically, I want to be able to have some kind of digital reading of how much fuel I ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by kingderzelas‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

71%
+3 −0
In-helmet communication for ski

I am often skiing with some friends, and would love to have some way of communicating. I've seen quite a lot of bluetooth based systems for motorcycles, but not as many for skiing. The ideal syste...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Paul92‭

66%
+2 −0
Waxing G-1000 trousers - melting options

I really need to wax my G-1000 trousers - but I do not own a clothes iron and only a flimsy travel hairdryer. The instructions for the trousers/wax say, I should use either to melt the wax after ap...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Erik‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
How do multi radius skis work in practice

Some skis nowadays have a different sidecut radius at the front, center and back of the ski. With the different radius they claim to be suitable for both long and short turns. (So far the theory) ...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by Manziel‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What can I do when I or someone in my party falls through a floating mat?

Once, I had the opportunity to walk on a floating mat on a guided tour with a nature organisation in De Wieden (Dutch: trilveen). On the surface, it looked (to my amateur eye) exactly like other p...

0 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

71%
+3 −0
Permission from military when hiking in Israel

When hiking in Israel I've seen some trails that had information on them to contact IDF first for permission before going on them. How I'm supposed to get the permission? How much in advance you h...

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by pbm‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
Do U.S. Wilderness areas allow bridges?

A U.S. wilderness area prohibits road-building and other forms of development. Are bridges on hiking trail permitted, or are all river crossings in wilderness areas necessarily unbridged?

1 answer  ·  posted 4y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
Do animal trails have switchbacks?

When hiking in a rarely frequented area, trails may be very faint to the level of being essentially invisible. In such situations, it has happened more than once that I accidentally followed an an...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
How often should I clean my water bladder/reservoir while on a thru-hike, extended backpacking trip, or survival scenario?

I'm wondering how long before one needs to clean their personal water bladder/reservoir while on a thru-hike, extended backpacking trip, or survival scenario. I know it's advised to clean after ev...

3 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Peter‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭