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Q&A

Posts tagged gear

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Q&A Telescopic trekking poles: clamp vs. screw system

I'm looking to get a new pair of trekking poles for my next trek as I find them an invaluable tool on longer hikes with higher pack load. It seems others and science agree to some degree at least, ...

0 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by fgysin reinstate Monica‭

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Q&A Starting cross-country skiing off trails

I've done a bit of cross-country skiing on trails at local mountains, but I'm more interested in getting off the trails and out into the woods. The terrain around here is pretty steep in general w...

2 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Ryley‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A How to repurpose an old self inflating sleeping pad?

I have some damaged-beyond-repair self inflating sleeping pads. On one the hard gel housing the valve has completely disintegrated so it cannot be inflated at all. Two others have dozens of tiny ...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What are these loops on my backpack for?

On either side of my backpack, I have a loop with some kind of locking mechanism on them. They look like this: They are placed on the upper center of my backpack: The plastic bit at the end c...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Birjolaxew‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question backpacks
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Q&A How long should a down sleeping bag last?

I just looked at our sleeping bags, which we bought in 1972. They are in pretty good condition, with only a few small patches. Is it unusual for a down sleeping bag to give service for 45 years a...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by ab2 MonicaNotForgotten‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question sleeping-bags gear
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Q&A Under what circumstances would I wish to extend the handle length of a snow saw?

A snow saw is useful for building snow shelters and for avalanche danger testing. Some models are said to be easily attached to ski/trek poles in order to increase the handle length. Under what cir...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear snow shelter safety
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Q&A Different kinds of Down: comparing insulation

There's many different kinds of "down" filling: "100% down" must legally be only down, while "down" can be any mixture containing down. Then there's "fill power" ranging from about 400 to 1200, wh...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by themirror‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear insulation
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Q&A Why is a "Czech bed roll" called this? History, uses?

This was actually something new I came across recently. A Czech bed roll. I've never seen a set up like this before. I was also intrigued by the name. Has anyone used one of these? Advantages/dis...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by System‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Any reasons to prefer braces over belts?

It accompanies me for quite a while. I see a lot of outdoor-people wearing braces ("suspenders" in USA/Canada) instead of belts. Also, a lot of outdoor brands have braces in their range, such as th...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear
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Q&A Can I use a quilt with a bivi bag?

Is it possible (read, can I spend a restful night sleeping?) By using a quilt, bivi bag and ground sheet? Quilt I'm looking at is here, the idea being that I can take an ultralight bivi bag and gr...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Chris J‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear wild-camping
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Q&A What to do about slippery plastic soles of cross country ski boots

I have a relatively new pair of NNN cross-country ski boots and noticed the plastic sole is much more slippery than previous boots I've owned (older SNS and SNS Profil). A quick look at the selecti...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by newenglander‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Do folding cross country skis exist?

Do folding (or telescoping) cross-country skis exist and if so are they useable? Update: Or are there small cross-country skis that are short enough for easy transport, yet still capable of provid...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by newenglander‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What do you hang on 1/4" bolts while rock climbing?

So 1/4" bolts, although not suitable for free climbing protection, are apparently still used for aid climbing to hold body weight, and for alpine rappels. What I want to know is, what do you use ...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by ShemSeger‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A How to use an avalanche shovel as a snow anchor for a belay?

Avalanche shovels come equipped with holes in the blades for use as rescue sleds and making anchors. I've got plenty of my own ideas, but I'm looking for any documentation provided by manufacturers...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by ShemSeger‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What does the three different volume specifications mean for the Gregory Whitney backpack?

REI's web page for the Gregory Whitney backpack lists its volume as 87 / 95 / 103 liter What do you think this exactly mean? Does the backpack have three different ways to use with these diff...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by qazwsx‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What can I do with a retired rope and harness?

I've recently retired a rope (dynamic) and a harness. They're both in very good shape, but just over 8 years old. Common sense dictates I throw them away, but I wonder if there are other uses I can...

4 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Roflo‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What characteristics should I look for in a good torch/flashlight?

I'm looking to buy a flashlight/torch (or build my own even if that works out cheaper), and am looking to take the following into consideration: Good battery life (LEDs would probably suit best i...

6 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by berry120‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Hiking: How to start?

I would like to get into hiking, and would like some ideas on gear.training to start. I have always enjoyed nature walks and even did some hiking when I was a kid in boy scouts, but that was years ...

15 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by El Turner‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear hiking footwear
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Q&A How do I know what size ice axe I should get?

I'm going to start mountaineering. Is there a recommended size per height/weight for ice axes for general mountaineering?

6 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Reverend Gonzo‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Via ferrata equipment maintenance

How would you store via ferrata equipment between season? Temperature, humidity? Is there any additional maintenance required?

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Adrian Ber‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Can I re-use a via ferrata carabiner/harness for climbing?

I just started climbing and I am wondering if it's safe to use my body harness and the 2 carabiners from via ferrata kit - they are 25|10|8KN resistant - for climbing too.

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by jjrr‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What is a "top cap" on a climber's haul bag?

What is a "top cap" on a climber's haul bag and how does it work? In Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (and also at neilhopkins.us/mountaineering-guide-2/aid-climbing-equipment) is A to...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear rock-climbing
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Q&A How do you tie your shoes one handed?

My arm is currently in a sling with a separated shoulder from a mountain bike accident, so I'm trying to learn how to do everyday tasks one handed. Shoelaces are proving annoyingly difficult. What'...

3 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by ShemSeger‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question knots gear footwear
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Q&A What are differences between higher and lower shoes other than ankle support?

In this question with good answers, we can read that while being significantly effective for some cases, ankle support from boots/higher shoes does not have an important effect when hiking. I was ...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Vince‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear hiking footwear
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Q&A Advantages of wool/felt jackets

I consider buying a jacket made from wool. The fabric is some kind of felt. I hade one when I was younger, but since these jackets are really expensive I would like to know how they perform compare...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Paul Paulsen‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear jackets
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Q&A What is this belay/descender device called and how is it used?

Or may be it is an ascending device... There are two movable part, both on one axis. I tried searching about various descending devices, but I find mostly descriptions of Petzl things. This ma...

3 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by Vi0‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What are these numbers on the back of a pocket transit for?

I have a pocket transit and on the back are a bunch of numbers. They can be seen in these images here, here, and here. What are these numbers used for?

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear
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Q&A What should a rescue team be equipped with?

The last weekend when I was coming back home from a trek on Sunday noon, I got a news about this accident that took place. The place was on the way, so instead of choosing to rest at home, I chose ...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by WedaPashi‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What to look for in a good natural hiking stick?

Usually I don't have any hiking poles with me when walking. From time to time I think it would be great to wander one or two kilometers with some support while on the track. I then often end up wit...

0 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear hiking
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Q&A What to look for in a good natural hiking stick?

Usually I don't have any hiking poles with me when walking. From time to time I think it would be great to wander one or two kilometers with some support while on the track. I then often end up wit...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear hiking
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Q&A How to repair gore-tex boots split?

Last year I got myself a first pair of gore-tex B0 boots. Before I used only leather. I took care of those as good as I could. Keeping clean and using special sprays. However now one boot develope...

1 answer  ·  posted 9y ago by Val‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Carrying skis attached to backpack

I am getting back country skis and was thinking of doing some trips where the hike up is too steep to do on skis. I was wondering what are some good ways of attaching skis to a backpack. I came acr...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by amphibient‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Best knot (hitch) to backpack webbing

I've been tying a simple shoelace knot for this, however I'm worried it will eventually become loose and come apart all together - especially when on the outside of the backpack. I am looking for a...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by Miati‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question knots backpacks
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Q&A How to keep contact lenses from freezing during backpacking in cold temps?

My fiance and I are planning our first backpacking trip together. I am an experienced backpacker, so I can handle most questions he has and I already have most of the gear that we'll need. However,...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by jani‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What do the UIAA markings on rock climbing gear mean?

I buy my rock climbing hardware in America and it all comes labeled with UIAA ratings. These ratings make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. My gear has met mythological engineering standards. T...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by theJollySin‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What's the best lightweight pole for a tarp?

I'm considering starting to use a bivvy bag/tarp combination for solo backpacking in the UK (read: no trees where I'll be walking!) Most people seem to use trekking pole(s) for rigging these up wh...

3 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by aucuparia‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A How to distinguish "bad shooting" from "bad spine"?

To tune arrows, one should shoot bare shafts (so called "bare shaft test") onto a target. If it's left or right of your "aiming-point", you should adjust the dynamic spine accordingly. I'm afraid...

0 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear archery arrows
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Q&A How to distinguish "bad shooting" from "bad spine"?

To tune arrows, one should shoot bare shafts (so called "bare shaft test") onto a target. If it's left or right of your "aiming-point", you should adjust the dynamic spine accordingly. I'm afraid...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear archery arrows
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Q&A Is it bad to rely on trekking poles?

I haven't used trekking poles but I've used wooden poles and they make a huge difference while hiking. Ascents are somewhat easier, and descents are much more so thanks to the poles as another thin...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by user19652‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A When should I carry both a wind jacket and hard shell?

I warm up very quick and sweat a lot, that's why I am usually looking for the most breathable equipment. My chose is regular fleece plus a breathable wind breaker on top if there is wind. (Please r...

2 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by cripox‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear hiking jackets wind
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Q&A Why are there ropes on fingerboards?

I picked up a couple fingerboards from the pro shop, and hung them on the rafters in our basement. However, I have no idea what the ropes are for, unless someone might tie the boards to a tree. Wha...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by Don Branson‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear rock-climbing
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Q&A Would a Jackson Fun or Wave Sport Fuse kayak work for a beginner on low category rivers, but mostly flat water?

I have done some miner kayaking and can barely roll but want to get into kayaking. I would mainly use it at the lake but I want a kayak I can also take down a river. I knew I didn't want a sit on t...

1 answer  ·  posted 8y ago by p..c‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear kayaks
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Q&A Does skiing over things like sticks, leaves, roots and tree needles damage the skis?

Obviously cross/back-country skis can be damaged by skiing over things like rocks, stones, gravel and asphalt. What about other, softer objects exposed when the snow starts to melt, like sticks, ro...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by newenglander‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Why do some archers wear two gloves?

I've recently noticed that some archers wear two gloves and some only one. Latter always have them on the hand which pulls the string. Two gloves: One glove: What's the difference? Is it up t...

2 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear archery
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Q&A What would you call wool taken directly from a sheep (unprocessed)?

Late I've been shooting with a friend and he had a sack filled with sheep wool a target. This was quite impressive! I've never seen such a cheap and yet qualitative target! As I don't have any sh...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear wool
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Q&A What does an X chamber construction in a sleeping bag look like?

At the moment I'm online shopping around a bit for down sleeping bags. I came across some sleeping bags that are specified to have an "X chamber construction". I have found lots of online resources...

1 answer  ·  posted 10y ago by Benedikt Bauer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question sleeping-bags gear
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Q&A Is using ultralight gear possible without sacrificing safety, comfort, or skills?

I recently came back from a 17-day backcountry hike. At the start of the hike, my backpack was 28 kg. At the end of the hike it was around half of that or a little bit more. I'm fine hiking with...

4 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A Can a cooler (warm weather) sleeping bag be used when combined with a warmer (cold weather) under quilt for hammock camping?

My general question is as such: If I use a 30°F (-1°C) under quilt with my hammock, would I be fine using a 50°F (10°C; or higher) sleeping bag as a "top quit" during 30°F (-1°C) winter nights? My ...

3 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Cmpsnetsua‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A How did/do scouts venture into the wild?

Scouts, messengers, pioneers exploring the frontiers of civilization - images of these sorts of characters paints an ancient archetype, one that I think could be useful to understand in present tim...

3 answers  ·  posted 8y ago by cr0‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What to look for in a quality shooting glove?

A shooting glove seems to be quite important for archery. I'm a bit lost when it comes to characteristics of a good shooting glove. What makes a 40 $ glove superior to a 15 $ one? What should one l...

1 answer  ·  posted 7y ago by OddDeer‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Question gear archery