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Q&A

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

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Beginning paddle boating

Assume I am completely naïve of boating concerns, that I know the following: There are things that float and carry stuff across the water called boats. A boat needs something to make it move. Som...

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

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How to store roe (fish eggs) at home in a refrigerator?

My boyfriend seems to think it’s OK to store his open container of roe on the top shelf of my refrigerator next to all of our food what do you think about this?

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Denise Romero‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Why is it undesirable for the New Forest to convert to a mature forest?

The source, Commoners of the New Forest referenced by @Liam in his answer to the question How do you become a New Forester Commoner? implies that for the New Forest to become a mature forest would ...

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

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Does body need to re-acclimatize after a few days out of altitude?

We will be in Peru visiting Machu Pichu (altitude 7,972 ft or 2,430 m). Then we'll go down to the jungle (essentially sea level) for 4 days and then to Cuzco (altitude 11,152 feet or 3,399 meters)....

4 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Gary Rudman‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Is fish tickling a reliable survival skill?

The practice of tickling fish in an attempt catch and eat them has a long history, and is often mentioned in passing in some circles. If I was going to focus building a single skill, I wonder if ...

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

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What are the main disadvantages to a kiteboat in terms of long distance bluewater sailing?

A kiteboat is essentially a boat that uses a kite instead of a sail for propulsion. This seems like an intriguing concept, and an interesting alternative to the traditional sailboat designs. As adv...

3 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by Erik‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Hypothermia risk from deflated sleeping pad

The inflatable sleeping pad I bought last year is leaking air and I'm debating the wisdom of taking a replacement to Alaska in September. When working, it's more comfortable than a foam pad. But I ...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by zadrozny‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How stuffed is a sleeping bag stuffed in its recommended stuff sack size?

Sleeping bags often have a recommended stuff sack size given either in dimensions or volume i.e. 6 x 11 inches or 5 liters. Is the recommended size for how small it can get for backpacking or is i...

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

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How to deal with changing clothing which was used while cooking as not to attract a bears?

It is said you not only need to keep food at least 30-100 meters away from the tent, which is easy do to, but you also can't sleep in the same clothing which was worn while eating, which can be ver...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by yannn‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What species of bear are most and least dangerous to humans?

Excluding hybrids it seems like there are eight species of bears. Which are most and least likely to injure or kill a human? Related Do black, brown/grizzly or polar bears ever prey on humans? ...

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

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Backpack for both ice tools and snow shoes

Are there backpack types/systems that would allow to both conveniently carry snowshoes and ice tools? I always find that packs with good ice tool attachment system simply have no place for snowsh...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Tnatsissa H Craeser‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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In the US is it legal to travel on any river/creek my canoe will navigate?

I have always assumed that if my Canoe will float, and the waterway ultimately reaches an ocean it is legal to travel on. I looked around for documents that said it clearly one way or the other. ...

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

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Does 'Single-oar sculling' have any use in recreational boating?

I have seen 'Single-oar sculling' on Gondola's and in crowded harbors (i.e Asia). From what I have seen on TV it looks like it is mostly an attempt to combine higher sight lines (paddle while stan...

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

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Will mountain lions eat wild horses?

If I remember correctly, someone proposed that the problem of wild horses over populating in the western United States would be to let the mountain lions control the populations. Would mountain li...

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

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How does dental floss compare to fishing line in a survival situation?

It is possible to catch fish with a hook and dental floss, and the flies can just be stored stuck in the brim of a hat or very small tin and then one improvises a rod from a stick. The advantage o...

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

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What are opposite and opposed carabiners?

It is often said that when using two carabiners at the same point, such as an anchor, they should be opposite and opposed. What exactly does this mean?

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

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Can a compass be thrown off by its surroundings?

Would it be possible for a compass be affected by its surroundings, such as a large iron deposit or other rocks to the point where it is not working correctly? I am not talking about declination ...

4 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What is the rather large bug with a green body, black stripe down the middle, 8 orange legs , two large antenna and large chompers?

I find this bug while hiking the Toiyabe Crest Trail in Nevada. It was probably 2 inches long and at an elevation of somewhere around 6,000 feet or so. I did decided that I didn't want to camp ...

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

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How do you safely cut wood with a knife?

Several people have talked about having single edge knife so that you can cut down small trees. What is the proper way to cut or carve wood with a knife?

3 answers  ·  posted 13y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How can I know if a rope is certified? I found a hidden tag

We (a uni student club, mostly hiking) own a rope that is practically unknown. We know that it's a year since it was bought (presumably new) and that it has hardly ever been used (no dead hangs, et...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by user56833‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How is the maximum legal altitude for campfires determined?

In most national parks in the United States, campfires are prohibited above certain elevations (9,600 ft for Yosemite,10,000 ft for Ansel Adams with exceptions). This is a good thing because after...

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

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What are the pros and cons of plastic and aluminim vs wood vs composite paddles for canoeing?

There are three main types of canoe paddle materials, Wooden paddles. Plastic paddles with aluminum handles. Newer composite materials (fiberglass, carbon) What would be the pros and cons of ea...

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

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How to progress in rock climbing after grades v4 / 5.11+?

I am wondering what is the best way to progress from being a consistent V4 and on-sight/redpoint 5.11 climber? I seem to have hit a plateau in my progression and it is super frustrating. Indoors, ...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Ice76‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Terminology and cues for reading river water when fly fishing

When reading or watching videos on about reading water for fishing in English, I often come across terms like riffle, run, pool, seam, among others. However, when I get o the river ready to float t...

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

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What is the survival rate for fish restocked via airplane?

In some places in the western United States, game fish are stocked into lakes via planes for fishing (every so often lakes will freeze to the point that it kills the fish). I have heard stories of...

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

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What is a 'Whitecap' and why should I be concerned about boating in them?

I heard someone talking about whitecaps and how they could be dangerous for boating but I am not sure I understand, what they were talking about. What are whitecaps and why should I be concerned a...

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

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Is there a backpacker's guide to edible plants that is very light?

Several decades ago, we were three days from the trailhead with no food. Let's not get into why that happened, please. It is too embarrassing. We had to slog through snow for two days, but on th...

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

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Identifying a plant seen in Cyprus

This plant was seen in Cyprus a few days ago and my girlfriend was wondering what it is. Is anyone able to identify it please?

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Tim B‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What constitutes mountain exposure when hiking or scrambling?

In this question, I focus on the fall exposure component. While I understand the perception of danger will vary from person to person, I'm having trouble characterizing mountain exposure. I can see...

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Gabriel C.‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How do you decide on a climbing grade?

Rock climbing and bouldering tours are classified e.g. Sierra from 5.2 to 5.15c or Fontainbleau 2 to 8c+. As you advance in your climbing experience you achieve higher grades and learn new move...

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

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How to prevent sleeping bag from expanding in its bag

I have bought a down sleeping bag that comes with two bags: one for storage and one for packing. The packing bag is not as small as it could potentially be, and it is shaped like waterproof bags, w...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by april rain‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Neoprene as a base layer for winter activities?

How does neoprene perform as a base layer for winter sports? Is it a way to be warm while remaining sweaty, as opposed to wicking sweat away? What are its disadvantages? What are best practices ...

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

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Safest way to carry ebooks outdoors?

There are a number of hazards that can kill electronic products (water, impact). We want to take a few ebooks with us (i.e. plant & animal identification, directions, trails info, etc). Assum...

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

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Has extended exposure to sunlight and UV in the arctic or antarctic ever caused someone's eyes to change color?

In Biology SE I have just asked Could being exposed to excess UV in the arctic lead to a human eye color change? If so, what is the mechanism? but comments there questioned weather Arctic hiker Rob...

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

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Pros and cons of Tent vs bivvy bag

Tent vs bivvy bag - different camping experience, protection from the elements, comfort and weight? What are the pros and cons of both? Is it even a valid comparison - e.g. is it viable to rely on ...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Andrew Welch‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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Beginning boating

Assume I am completely naïve of boating concerns, that I know the following: There are things that float and carry stuff across the water called boats. A boat needs something to make it move. Som...

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

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Buying Campingaz in Eastern Europe

My boyfriend and I are currently a month into a 3-4 month trip in Europe and are finding it quite challenging to find suitable gas refills for our van. The gas runs both the cooktop and the fridge....

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

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Hiking/Scrambling Etiquette? (UK Specific)

I'm an American who moved to the UK 2.5 years ago but didn't start doing a lot of outdoor activities until early this year (here, specifically, as the job that moved me over was very demanding at f...

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

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Are there any credible estimates of how much of the US National Park System does not have cell phone reception? If so, what do they conclude?

We have found that almost any place that is interesting to hike, and especially backpack, does not have cell phone reception, or at best lousy cell phone reception. To which I say hallelujah! I d...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What makes some of the lakes in the Himalayas saline?

I recently had a tour to Ladakh, a region in India's Jammu and Kashmir state. The plan included a visit to (and camping at) lakes Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri and Tso Kar. These lakes are saline. Is i...

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

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Are there any natural materials found in the wild that can be used as an effective sunscreen?

There are animals such as pigs and elephants that wallow in mud which possibly serves as protection from sunburn. There are also some plants such as Aloe vera (Aloe vera) and Jewelweed (Impatiens...

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

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Artificial reintroduction of wild animals: how frequently does it happen, and what is the purpose?

One of the most debated issues concerning wilderness, in Italy, is the reintroduction (or bizarrely large increase in the population) of animals almost extinguished till recently. While in most c...

1 answer  ·  posted 6y ago by Fuca26‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How should I pack for a week of backpacking in the rain?

So, next week I will be leaving on a hiking trip, which was supposed to be in the middle of summer whilst it's at its hottest, but instead it will be raining all week. Luckily there are public use ...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by David Mulder‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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What do I need to do to a tent that's been stored for a long time?

I have a rather nice 1-2 person hiking tent from over 20 years ago. It's still made, with very few changes, and is a double wall design that pitches in one go. I thought it was nylon but the curren...

3 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Chris H‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

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How can I find Corner Caps for my 1963 12ft StarCraft boat?

I have a 1963 12ft StarCraft boat, and one of my corner caps needs a replacement. I'd like to find one, either new or used. Does it affect the stability of the boat, or is it only for looks?

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

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Nature camping sites in (western) Europe

Last week I have been cycling through my home country (Netherlands), mostly camping on so called "nature camping sites" (natuurkampeerterreinen in Dutch). These are quite minimalistic camping sites...

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

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What type of rope should I use for roof work?

Am going to do some repairs on my roof, (not a climber). not sure regarding the type of rope I should get? Also, any advice as to how to secure the rope to my harness?

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

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Hiking trails between Mt Moosilauke and Rumney NH

I would like to hike from Mt Moosilauke to Rumney NH. From the all trials map it looks like I can take the Carriage Road Trail almost all the way to some sort of extension to the Three Ponds Trail,...

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

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Which is bigger, as in longer, Omura's whale or Blue whale?

I recently came across an article discussing Omura's whales, which I had never heard of, off the coast of Sri Lanka. I was positive I then read something saying they got up to 125 feet long, longer...

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

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What can I do to help relieve joint pain in fingers after climbing?

After I've been climbing for a while, my finger joints are very sore. Is there anything I can do to relieve that pain?

7 answers  ·  posted 13y ago by Reverend Gonzo‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭