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Q&A

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

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81%
+7 −0
Why do I see rodents out in a gale?

I live in a rural area around 59° north. When driving around I often see rodents darting across the roads during high winds (20-50mph), but very rarely see them when the weather is calm. Rain doesn...

0 answers  ·  posted 1y ago by Pastychomper‭

81%
+7 −0
Where do bald eagles go at night if not in their own nests?

I've recently learned of a local eagle cam and have been enjoying watching a pair of bald eagles and their three chicks. While I don't have access to many days of video to check (the site buffers ...

1 answer  ·  posted 2y ago by Monica Cellio‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by Pastychomper‭

81%
+7 −0
How do I safely ride my road bike in the winter?

It's November, and in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is fast approaching - and with it, the rain. As a cyclist, I do occasionally enjoy taking my road bike out on the roads and just pedaling, wit...

2 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Mithical‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by Peter Taylor‭

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

81%
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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

80%
+6 −0
How can I get oil out of my MTB disc brake pads?

I went to get something on my mountain bike checked out at the bike shop, and at the same time they told me that my brake pads were absorbing oil. Short of replacing the disc brake pads, is there ...

1 answer  ·  posted 2y ago by Mithical‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by manassehkatz‭

80%
+6 −0
Help! I found a lost dog - what do I do next?

I was working today when I saw a small dog run across the road in front of my apartment, narrowly being missed by a car. I went out and lured the dog in with a hotdog, brought her to my apartment, ...

3 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Sigma‭  ·  edited 2y ago by Monica Cellio‭

77%
+5 −0
What are these hooks on the rear and front tubes, right above the wheels?

My bicycle has a hook on the rear tube and one on the front fork. Both are of the same kind, face outside and upwards, and are positioned just above the wheels, as you can see in the pictures belo...

0 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Quasímodo‭  ·  edited 2y ago by Quasímodo‭

77%
+5 −0
Why is the official guidance to entirely detach fall protective gear before moving from a mechanically elevated platform to a tower?

While taking the certification course for working at height, the official recommendation for moving from a cherrypicker / crane device to a tower was to completely detach your fall protective gear ...

1 answer  ·  posted 2y ago by Mithical‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

77%
+5 −0
What are some good games or activities to do on a hike?

A few friends and I regularly play board games and RPGs together. We are planning a casual hiking and camping trip. We will go by car to the trailhead and hike in with our gear, tent camp overnight...

4 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Sigma‭  ·  last activity 5mo ago by Michael‭

77%
+5 −0
What makes pants "tactical"?

The last time I was in looking for fishing gear, they also had a bunch of "tactical" pants. They seemed like they would be decent pants for outdoor activities. What exactly makes a pair of pants "t...

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

77%
+5 −0
In the United States, how steep can a handicap-accessible trail be?

Once in Yosemite Vally, I saw a sign that one fork of a paved trail was marked as handicap accessible because it was less steep than the other fork that led to the same destination. How steep/what ...

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

77%
+5 −0
Planted cherry tomatoes too close together; can I still recover?

Two weeks ago I planted two small cherry-tomato seedlings ("tidy treats" variety; the description used words like "small" and "compact") into one 10" pot. I now know that's too close; I'm a beginn...

2 answers  ·  posted 4y ago by Monica Cellio‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by Monica Cellio‭

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

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

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

75%
+4 −0
Does toothpaste freeze?

When camping in freezing conditions, does normal toothpaste freeze? I imagine it would be hopeless to get it out of the tube.. And in the event that it does indeed freeze, are there some non-freez...

1 answer  ·  posted 3mo ago by Iizuki‭  ·  last activity 3mo ago by Iizuki‭

75%
+4 −0
Jig Radio, Wiesbaden?

I found the picture below in a stash of things that belonged to my father. My father served in the US army during WWII in the signal corps. He was referred to unofficially as a "radio repairman" ...

1 answer  ·  posted 2y ago by Olin Lathrop‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by samcarter‭

75%
+4 −0
Which unit/State National Guard was this F-100 Super Saber from?

Over the weekend I hiked to the site of a crashed F-100 Super Saber. Most of the paint is gone, but there was this insignia with a Minute Man and two fighter jets. The crash is dated to 1967 but...

1 answer  ·  posted 2y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  edited 2y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

75%
+4 −0
How are Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder courses being done during Covid?

I need to take either a WFR recert or a WFA before July and am wondering how Covid is affecting them. Both types of classes usually have close contact between participants but I do know they are st...

0 answers  ·  posted 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

75%
+4 −0
At what temperature does rain gear become a liability?

At what temperature does rain gear become a liability? If it is a couple of degrees above freezing and you are wearing rain gear to stay dry. It helps keep hypothermia (too cold) away. If the temp...

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

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

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

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

75%
+4 −0
Why aren't birds using these feeders?

I've been hanging these fat balls for a good while and they're intact. Previously I was hanging a feeder filled with seeds (for birds) in front of the window and that was also intact for a while; s...

2 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Neeku‭  ·  edited 4y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

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

75%
+4 −0
Is it warmer to sleep in a car or in a tent?

Is it warmer to sleep in a car or in a tent? Suppose that our old internal-combustion-engine car breaks down in a remote place at -30°C, -40°C, or -50°C, and the engine won't run at all. Suppose ...

12 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by gerrit‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

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

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

75%
+4 −0
How to clean a sleeping bag ?

A sleeping bag will eventually need a cleaning. How do you proceed, in particular according to the different materials?

3 answers  ·  posted 12y ago by Stefano Borini‭  ·  last activity 2mo ago by Iizuki‭

71%
+3 −0
How should I prepare for and react to unleashed dogs when hiking with young children?

I take my young children (0-7 years) outside to local trails. It's not remote, virgin wilderness, just a few dozen hectares of forest and stream. The kids enjoy it, and the youngest one is still le...

1 answer  ·  posted 4mo ago by Michael‭  ·  last activity 4mo ago by Lundin‭

71%
+3 −0
What is this object in my garden (that looks like a bomb)?

My parents moved into a new house several years ago. In one of the gardens behind the house, we found this round metal object about the size of a bowling ball: Both my mom and I think that it ...

2 answers  ·  posted 2y ago by Trevor‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by cobaltduck‭

71%
+3 −0
How to keep humans from stealing your food from the bear boxes in Yosemite Valley?

Some of the Yosemite Valley parking lots have communal bear boxes as do some of the trailheads because you are not supposed to store your extra food in your vehicle while you backpack. Bears can't...

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

71%
+3 −0
Is there a reason for the seemingly over labeling gear in the UK with "unisex" ?

From this question and it's answers it looks like a lot of gear sold online in UK is label as "unisex" when it wouldn't be in the United State. For some gear like climbing harness labeling a harn...

0 answers  ·  posted 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 2y ago by Monica Cellio‭

71%
+3 −0
How long after a fire will the majority of the dead trees fall over?

There are several higher altitude forested areas that I go hiking that have burned this summer and I am wondering about how they will be next summer. Dead trees falling on you is always a concern w...

1 answer  ·  posted 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

71%
+3 −0
Are there less crinkly emergency space blankets?

Was using a space blanket for warmth over the weekend and found it to be really crinkly, it was really noisy with any movement at all, even just breathing. Are there less noisy/crinkly space blanke...

1 answer  ·  posted 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by James Jenkins‭

71%
+3 −0
What is the best method for storing a 'pre-mixed baking mix' in a camper for long periods?

I have a camping trailer that we keep stocked with food and beverages. When we head out on an impulse trip, it stocked and ready to go. Most of the supplies are canned or dried, so we don't need to...

2 answers  ·  posted 3y ago by James Jenkins‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Monica Cellio‭

71%
+3 −0
What is this small winged bug with a black spot on its back and dusky colored wings

I just saw this small winged bug out in a prairie would anyone know what kind it is? Top view Side view

1 answer  ·  posted 3y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by Olin Lathrop‭

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

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

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

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

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

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

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