Communities

Writing
Writing
Codidact Meta
Codidact Meta
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Photography & Video
Photography & Video
Scientific Speculation
Scientific Speculation
Cooking
Cooking
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Judaism
Judaism
Languages & Linguistics
Languages & Linguistics
Software Development
Software Development
Mathematics
Mathematics
Christianity
Christianity
Code Golf
Code Golf
Music
Music
Physics
Physics
Linux Systems
Linux Systems
Power Users
Power Users
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Community Proposals
Community Proposals
tag:snake search within a tag
answers:0 unanswered questions
user:xxxx search by author id
score:0.5 posts with 0.5+ score
"snake oil" exact phrase
votes:4 posts with 4+ votes
created:<1w created < 1 week ago
post_type:xxxx type of post
Search help
Notifications
Mark all as read See all your notifications »
Q&A

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

Filters (None)
60%
+1 −0
Can anybody recommend a good mid-week winter mountaineering course or a good mountain guide in the Lake District, UK?

Me and my partner will be spending a week in February in the Lake District, UK (Monday to Friday). We want to get as much walking in as possible and attempt a number of the peaks / ridges. We are...

0 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Dan_h_b‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Does "dive your deepest dive first" still apply when using a computer?

When doing my PADI open water course, including all the stuff around pressure groups and calculating maximum depth times by hand, I was told that I should always do my deepest dive first, and go sh...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Gagravarr‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
If you are buried in an avalanche will you survive?

Obviously, my best chance of survival is in not being buried, but if I am unfortunate enough to become buried in an avalanche what are my chances of surviving it?

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

50%
+0 −0
Quality/robustness of avalanche shovels

At an online shop I found a great deal for an avalanche shovel (14€). It's not a no-name brand, indeed it is a trustworthy German label. Still there are users complaining about the robustness of th...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Wills‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Rules for Carrying flammable subtances in UK

I am planning for a trek in Northern and Eastern parts of England. I am planning to cover the Hull to Liverpool section of the Trans Pennine Trail, which is roughly 290 km or 180 miles. I have man...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
Where is it possible to use a hammock in the UK?

I have a hennessy hammock which is great, but so far I have always taken my tent along too... as it is rare that campsites have trees the correct distance apart, or let you pick a pitch with the fe...

3 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Loofer‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Ski set that does both downhill and backcountry?

So I know very little about skiing and have only skied about 3-4 times. I would like to ski more this winter. I want to purchase a ski set, but I don't know which one to get. Here is what I wanna...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by premsh‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Hills closest to East Anglia

I live in Felixstowe in East Anglia. It's rather flat around here - and we enjoy hill walking. We've not been for a good walking holiday for some time, mainly due to having children. Whilst we c...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by James Thorpe‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
How durable is cuben fiber in real, practical use?

For years I've seen high-tech cuben fiber gear and drooled over how incredibly lightweight it is, and longed to buy or make some of my own equipment with it. (Then upon seeing the price tag, well, ...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by manoftheson‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Where in the US can I find green mountains to hike like in Scotland, such as Dalveen Pass?

I really enjoyed hiking in green, grass covered mountains in Scotland, especially Dalveen Pass. Are there any mountains like that to hike in the US, especially in parks? The Dalveen Pass

5 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Ed McIntosh‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Hitch with no ends

Is there a knot that can be used to hitch a rope to a pole without access to any of the rope's ends OR the pole's ends? I know of hitches that work in the one case or the other but not both.

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Zeke‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Is department store merino wool less effective than branded (i.e. SmartWool) merino wool in staying warm and wicking moisture?

At my local Costco, I see a Kirkland brand 100% merino wool quarter-zip sweater being sold for $25. On EMS, I see a SmartWool 100% merino wool half-zip sweater costing $140. Would I be potentiall...

6 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Ryan Jarvis‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Bleeding a fish without a cooler

So, when I go to this lake I can usually catch table size catfish and I want to take some home, however due to the rough terrain and long trails to get to this secluded lake, it would be a hassle t...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by Will Costello‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Why are death percentages of death from trauma in an avalanche so different between USA, Europe, and Canada?

I am reading this highly-rated book about avalanches and I was impressed by this sentence, in its beginning. Over 25 percent of avalanche victims in the U.S. die from trauma from hitting trees ...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Dakatine‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What considerations are required for making a hiking ascent of Mount Othrys, Greece

Despite searching the various online databases I cannot find any documented routes, reports of guides to ascending Mount Othrys / Gerakovouni. Any help appreciated from people who have made the as...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by Venture2099‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Is Tyvek 44grs/m2 (Tyvek&#xAE; Soft Structure Style 1443R) waterproof enough to be used as a groundsheet/footprint or tent bottom, any experience?

Has anyone practical experience with the light, soft version of Tyvek used as footprint / groundsheet or tent bottom? I like the material, used it once so far as a ground sheet (footpint) on grass...

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

50%
+0 −0
What sleeping bags are needed for a northbound thru-hike of the AT

If you were attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, starting roughly now (being mid to late March) and going northbound, how many sleeping bags and of what types would you need, assuming c...

3 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Justin C‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Chaining locking carabiners

Googling seems to show that the conventional wisdom is that it's not a good idea to chain carabiners together: Another thing to avoid is chaining carabiners together to lengthen a connection in...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Ben Crowell‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What is a good substitute for water purification tablets

I have no Water Purification tablets and wanted to know if there was a substitute.

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by Jack O'Neal‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Benefits of tree tents over typical shelters?

I've recently learned about tree tents such as Tentsile and while they certainly look interesting and fun, they seem to combine the drawbacks of hammocks (heat loss due to wind and need for trees) ...

4 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Chris Mendez‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Installing a hand line for scrambling?

I've been reading this book about mountain scrambling in Washington State, U.S., and at some points it mentions the idea of using a hand line on some more exposed routes to give something to hold o...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Blackbear‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Should I be more careful about postholing during winter hikes?

This weekend I am going to do one of my favorite things: winter hiking in the Sierras. When I say "hiking", I mean that though we might be trodding up a mountain in the snow, it is not real mountai...

5 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by theJollySin‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Winter route grades

I was recently reading a article: Scottish Winter: Ten Must-do Routes at II and III. When it occurred to me that I had no idea how winter grades work? I understand British trad grades, etc. But w...

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

50%
+0 −0
Belay with a broken arm

I follow Andy Kirkpatrick(Hull's second best climber) on instagram. He rencently posted this photo: with the comment: Teaching self rescue...(how to belay with a broken arm) It looks like ...

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

60%
+1 −0
When is it too cold for Tarping?

I'm looking to get a tarp, and considering when I want to go out with it. My three season tent with the rain fly has pretty good heat retention, and while it doesn't get toasty, it does stay warme...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Pack for carrying a puppy

I have planned a smaller lake trip for me, my girlfriend and our two dogs(10 year Labrador, 5 month Eurasier). What I didn't think of is the fact that the puppy might need to be carried for a part ...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Marcus Wigert‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Is there a recommended safety standard for crampons?

I follow an outdoor group on facebook and one of the guys on it asked about these crampons on ebay They look very suspicious, they're a little too cheap and don't seem to fit very well, etc. The...

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

60%
+1 −0
Super/Krazy Glue on Outdoor Gear

I currently use All Purpose Krazy Glue to repair pinch flats on my road bike inner tubes. All it takes is one drop over the bite and it seals it perfectly, works every time and holds 95 PSI for we...

2 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by AM_Hawk‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Why some sleeping bags have four temperature ratings while others have only one?

Most sleeping bags have a rating with several temperatures, one for the upper temperature limit, one for the average woman to sleep in a comfortable position ("Comfort"), one third for an average m...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by Dakatine‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Are trekking poles proven to be helpful?

I covered quite a lot of ground, but approaching 36 my knees are starting to give me troubles. Should I expect trekking poles to restore my previous stamina and walking durability? Or are they just...

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

50%
+0 −0
Is it a bad idea to dry clothes by the fire?

Is there too great a chance of accidentally setting your only pair of undies on fire? What about putting the undies on a hot rock? Or would the rock explode ...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Jason‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
What are some good guides to the U.S. national forests, specifically those in California?

I was thinking of heading to some of the northern California national forests, but I wasn't sure which to pick. I've read all the relevant links in each fs.udsa.gov website, including attractions, ...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Jason‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

66%
+2 −0
How much does it cost to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail?

It's been a dream of mine to thru-hike the AT ever since I first discovered it. I'm hoping to plan a trip one of these days, but honestly don't even know where to start as far cost. I imagine it co...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by manoftheson‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Applications of a slip knot in climbing?

I'm joining a rock climbing club that requires an evaluation test in order to become a member. (I think this is a great idea.) They have a detailed handout listing exactly what you need to know for...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Ben Crowell‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Is there special etiquette for hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) during AT Season

Is there any special etiquette or "good things to know" for hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail (AT) during AT, or peak, season (for that section)?

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Winter bivvying in the Alps: what is a good temperature rating for a sleeping bag

I am searching for a sleeping bag that would allow me to comfortably sleep in the snow eventually at a significant altitude (2800 meters - 9000+ feet), but also (and likely most often) at lower alt...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Dakatine‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
How to use legs more effectively to avoid grip stress on overhangs

Overhangs are a weak point in rock climbing for me currently. I think I know the theory: the goal is to use the legs to push yourself up, keep straight arms as much as possible and avoid pulling, a...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by djechlin‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Am I likely to need multiple pairs of boots on the Appalachian Trail?

Reading up on a hiking boot size question, I came across this review from Silver Spring, Maryland for a wide hiking boot. This boot has a "lifespan" of 400 miles. Is that typical of a hiking boot...

1 answer  ·  posted 12y ago by Clare Steen‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Toproping with two ropes joined by a double fisherman's

The other day we were waiting in line for a popular 200 foot single pitch climb in the valley and the party in front of us was using two 70 meter ropes they had joined together with a double fisher...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by DudeOnRock‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Lowering off from anchors vs. rappelling after a climb?

What is recommended after finishing a sport climb--lowering off from the anchors or rappelling ? Rappelling preserves the hardware better, but is usually thought to be more dangerous since you take...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by shimizu‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Learning to fall when leading: what is good fall technique?

I'm learning to lead climbs, and I'm terrified of big falls. Part of this is learning to trust my gear placements, but a large portion is because I don't know how to fall - I've only taken small fa...

5 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by simont‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Are camping washing machines actually effective?

I was checking these small hand powered or electric powered washing machines, such as this one, and I was wondering if they are actually effective. Do they wash properly? Are they worth the price?

0 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Stefano Borini‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
Walking up the slopes. To walk brisk or to walk slow?

This question has been eating my head for quite some time now. I trek often and most of the treks involve climbing up to a peak or something similar. I usually carry heavy loads of around 13-15kgs...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Ricketyship‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

60%
+1 −0
Are portable solar panels useful on pack trips?

Have you used portable folding solar panels (5-20W) like Anker or GoalZero with much success? It seems like they would really only work well on a pack trip if you have a day off periodically to re...

0 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by J.Q. Whitcomb‭

50%
+0 −0
Is it ok to bleed a fish in muddy water

Sometimes I go to a secluded lake and want to take some table size Catfish home. However, the lake is particularly muddy and dirty, the water is actually brown. Is there a problem with bleeding fis...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Will Costello‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What is the easiest way to prepare a rabbit snare with minimal tools?

If I don't have much with me and I want to catch a rabbit for food, What is the easiest way to prepare a snare? What kind of knot should I use and where should I put the snare?

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by G.Rassovsky‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
How to rate a walk/hike by length, height gain, etc using analysis of GPS data?

I have GPS data for a few hundred walks/hikes/treks. I would like to grade the walks by toughness, say from 1 (easy) to 10 (hard) Is there a mathematical formulae I can use? Just using statistica...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Andrew Murphy‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

gps
50%
+0 −0
During high-altitude lengthy expedition: To shave or not shave?

"Should one be shaving on a lengthy high altitude trek?" shall be the question that I'd like to ask to great mountaineers with wisdom in high-altitude mountaineering. If you have observed, there ar...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

50%
+0 −0
What are the navigation considerations on the Ohio River between Pittsburgh PA.& Wheeling WV?

I want to travel by canoe from Pittsburgh Pa to Wheeling, West Virginia on the Ohio river. What are the navigation considerations? Also I will have a bike and trailer for the canoe, will be int...

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

50%
+0 −0
What are the navigation considerations on the Ohio River between Wheeling WV and Parkersburg WV?

I want to travel by canoe from Wheeling, West Virginia to Parkersburg, West Virginia on the Ohio river. What are the navigation considerations? Also I will have a bike and trailer for the canoe...

0 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by James Jenkins‭