Search
according to the boyscout handbook you can use moss (apparently it usualy/always grows on the North side of the tree...) It is generally believed that in northern latitudes, the north side of t...
No, they aren't real animals. Here's a wiki link for it. Its one of those things people like to tell tourists to watch out for so they'll look stupid.
Gently and very slowly pull the tick out. Do not burn the tick. Do not twist the tick. Do not pour oil or alcohol on the tick. It is a living creature and as soon as you stress it out, it will ...
You can get a rough estimate from using an online calorie estimation website. Make sure to use one that accepts weight as a variable, and add your pack weight to your body weight. I am a large guy,...
I led extended backpacking trips in Grand Canyon country for several years, and we required everyone carry at MINIMUM a gallon (almost 4 litre) per person per day -- which adds up. (Though rarely d...
A lot of this goes back to being prepared. Even a light hike in unknown terrain or with spontaneous weather can turn for the worst. Having a small kit with you will always help out and, should some...
Some types of spores can survive boiling. But they're either not disease-causing or they're not in any condition to make you sick as far as I know.
If you're "sinking" that basically means you're standing on a substance that's more permeable than solid ground, but (hopefully) less permeable than the surface of a swimming pool. Probably somethi...
To add to some of the answers already posted: External: The biggest advantage is how forgiving an external frame pack is. Since the load is hanging on a frame, you can get away with more casual di...
Looking at the picture of your new pack, those 'smallish straps' appear to be compression straps to pull in your backpack once you've packed to stop the weight inside from shifting. I'd say they're...
As far as I know, there is no way to stop the bleeding with out constant pressure. On the bright side, you only give up 1-3 CCs of blood due to leech bites. The problem with leech bites and hiking...
In general, I wouldn't recommend it, although it would probably be alright for a short trip. First of all, a bear has no fear of a dog, and they aren't really going to be too deterred. The fact th...
Here's a brief summary of what I can let you know. I should say this will apply more to the Eastern parts of the state, either North or South. I live in Arizona, which has similar difficulties... ...
Cracks in rocks or lying on the ground won't improve things. Creek beds might make it worse if there's enough water to conduct electricity. The best policy is to get down before the lightning sta...
Whatever you do, the membrane will wear out in a few years. That's one of the reasons why many people prefer leather boots, because once the membrane starts to leak, they can still waterproof the l...
First, pick the location you think it closest to the mark, based on the GPS. Then, walk in an outward spiral, looking at any place that someone would be likely to hide a geocache. Think like a pers...
One of the main questions is choosing between down and synthetic filling. Down bags are much lighter, they last longer because the down takes less damage when compressed, and they are generally war...
One of the things I've heard that wildland firefighters like to do (they often wear large, all leather boots, like these: Danner Flashpoint II) is put on the boots, stand in the bathtub with water ...
I would lay down your backpack and crouch on top of it. The backpack combined with your hiking boots should insulate enough. Of course, this should not be done on top of the peak. This technique is...
You can spray your socks/shoes with some type of deet spray or some tobacco water (soak some tobacco leaves in water). I've heard that salt affects leeches similarly is it does slugs, so you could...
If you can no longer see any trail signs, the best thing to do is go back the way you came until you find one and start searching in a circle from there. Never continue to go further assuming there...
Admittedly, my first aid training has lapsed - but the last mountain first aid course I took about 5 years ago made a point of matching the speed of onset. For example - if a person has fallen in...
It depends a little bit on where you want to signal emergency. But I think you're talking about remote areas. In these areas, searches are most often made by aircrafts. That's why it is necessary t...
Read the cache page closely. There may be hints in other places as well as the obvious encrypted hint - the cache description, title, and previous logs may all pose clues that would help you on you...
You need to distill it - I'm assuming that freezing is not an option (unless you're camping in the extreme latitudes). This is easiest, as the ice on top is almost pure water. Where you don't have...
