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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

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

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

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

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 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
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

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

75%
+4 −0
What are the consequences of — illegally — using a 446 MHz PMR in the North American wilderness?

I've recently bought a pair of PMR446 walkie-talkies with some 5–10 km range, operating at 446 MHz. We've happily used them in Sareks Nationalpark in Sweden. Now I'm moving to Canada, where this ...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by gerrit‭  ·  edited 4y ago by ArtOfCode‭

66%
+2 −0
What is a place in the U.S.A that is between 40°F - 60°F (5°C - 15°C) year round and doesn't get a ton of rain?

I just wanted to know what place in america has forest, temperature ranges from 40°F - 60°F (5°C - 15°C) year round, does NOT rain for days on end, and rarely gets snow. I tried looking around on...

5 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by System‭  ·  edited 4y ago by ArtOfCode‭

60%
+1 −0
Is Salmon caught in the seawater or freshwater? Which is the preferred way, and the most ecological way?

Salmon is an anadromous fish, that means it is born in fresh water, it spends most of its life in the sea and it returns to fresh water to spawn. I was wondering when fishermen fish salmon. I guess...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Millemila‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

75%
+4 −0
Trekking with a donkey

I've just seen a documentary in which a guy trekks through some rugged terrain while he has his cargo on a donkey. It's a pretty cool and versatile animal overall. What are some pros and cons of t...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by amphibient‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
When should I report a potentially injured-looking animal to authorities in a large, monitored, wildlife area?

We prefer watching animals from a distance, to try and cause them the least disruption. Every so often I've seen an animal in a distant part of a large area that doesn't appear to feel right. For i...

3 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

66%
+2 −0
Flat bottom boat trolling motor power

I am wondering how to estimate the needed motor power for boating upstream on big rivers like, for example, Danube. (mean the bottom to middle part, i.e. where the Danube is wide and "slow"?). To ...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by jm666‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

60%
+1 −0
Portable power generator ballpark fuel consumption

tl;dr What is a likely value for fuel consumption for a small portable 4-stroke gasoline-powered inverter power generator in, say, litre / ( kilowatt * hour )? At times I attend music festivals wh...

1 answer  ·  posted 5y ago by eomanis‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

60%
+1 −0
Are there statistics on how often CPR on someone who has been struck by lighting works?

In all of my Wilderness First Responder classes and books, they have said that people who have been struck by lightning and need CPR have the best chance of it working (in general save rates with C...

3 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
Hiking with a mule or two?

For an older guy (say 65+) who likes to hike alone - are a mule or two a help or a hindrance? Maybe a mule for the pack, and a second mule to ride when I get really old? Historically people prefer...

6 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Censored to protect the guilty‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

66%
+2 −0
Camping site suggestions

My friend and I are planning to go camping for three days next week. Since it's winter here in the US, we're targeting the south east side (FL, SC, etc.) I am looking for suggestions on camping sit...

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

66%
+2 −0
What's the best way to preserve a skull, without bleaching?

My grandpa found this deer skull way out in the back of a golf course (he works there) and brought it home for me. I don't mind leaving the color the way it is, I just wonder, what is the best way...

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

71%
+3 −0
Nails in an emergency/survival kit

After reading this question about emergency kits, I noticed that no one mentioned nails. Why shouldn't we include 10 or 12, common 6d (2", 6 penny) nails in the kit? Ten 6d nails weigh about an o...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by B540Glenn‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
What can I do to be more visible to other ship's radar when traveling in a sea kayak?

I've seen small radar reflectors for sale. Should I carry one when kayaking? What else can I do such that boats can use their radar to be aware of my location when they can't see me due to poor v...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by mmcc‭  ·  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

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

60%
+1 −0
How to do a prussik with end of cordellete only? [duplicate]

Doing a Prussik with a small cordellete that is tied together in a O is relatively easy. Now some maneuvers require to do a Prussik/blocking knot with only one side of a long cordelete... how do yo...

0 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Matifou‭  ·  closed as duplicate 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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

75%
+4 −0
How much flotation does a canoe need?

Yesterday for the first time I turned my canoe over, then I tried to get back in it. I have been thinking about adding a sail to my canoe and now that I know a bit about sailing, I know I need to ...

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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

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

66%
+2 −0
Are elk and deer colorblind to blaze orange/pink clothes?

During rifle season, hunters are required to wear blaze orange (some states also allow bright pink). I have heard that deer and elk are color blind to blaze orange, is there scientific evidence to...

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

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

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

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

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
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

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

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
How do you flavour your water on camping trips?

Always drinking pure water can be boring and tasteless, especially when you have to filtrate it or use sterilizer/purification tabs which might cause the water to taste really bad. What are easy (...

10 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Wills‭  ·  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

60%
+1 −0
Climbing Mount Teide from sea-level

Is it possible to climb Mount Teide from sea-level in 2 days for a reasonably fit person? Essentially, I was thinking of walking up to the Altavista mountain refuge on the first day (can that be do...

9 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by cluons‭  ·  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

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
How do I find a less crowded trail in the southeast United States on the 4th of July?

In addition to "longest walk possible" are there any good guidelines for finding trails/areas in the southeast that are typically less crowded on holidays such as the 4th of July? State parks here...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
How to improvise or make pot grip / pot handle

How do you deal with handling hot pots / cups without using a pot grip (see the picture for an example)? It's inexpensive and rather light-weight, but why add gear if you can use what you already h...

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