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I'm trying to plan a five-day camping trip in Joshua Tree NP. We already have a campsite booked, so that's taken care of. The catch is that we're coming from the East Coast. What makes the most sen...
What makes the most sense in terms of effort, cost, etc? (1) Assuming you don't have small children: It is no more effort -- actually, it is easier -- to pick up your luggage at the carousel ...
I've read many of the posts that are related to this and believe it to be a be a snowflake of a question on the site. If you have fallen into icy water and the temperature is very challenging, wha...
If you have a local outdoor shop, take it in to see what they recommend. If it needs repairing, they might be able to do it if they are licensed by TNF, or they might be able to send it in on your ...
Stay hydrated. Dehydration prolongs the time it takes to recover from exertion. Eat. Make sure you bring enough and the right kind of food for the trip to adequately fuel your body. Sleep. Make su...
Diving is first and foremost a PRACTICAL skill so the best way to practise is to do it. Yes you can read through the books to refresh your theory, but this will not refresh your ability to dive. ...
First, what are your priorities? At one end of the scale you have fastpackers who aim to cover as much ground as possible and damn the discomfort. At the other end, you have people who want to hik...
Be observant If you go to the gym often take note of who the regulars are and their general abilities. You aren't going to know everyone's name but you might get a rough idea of their capabilities...
When it is about new climbing partners you need to be very careful. This is not paranoia, simply necessity as you will be trusting them with your life. In any other situation, you wouldn't take tha...
I'm signed up for an AMGA single-pitch instructor course (to learn how to teach other people single-pitch climbing). One of the pieces of gear we're supposed to bring is a 30 meter static rope "for...
If this is really your first time hiking, ever... then don't start out in the back country. That's like doing your first climb ever on a Grade V, or your first trip skiing on a black diamond. I w...
I wouldn't count ascenders as common climbing gear, so I'm answering for gear that almost every climber has available: An ATC Guide (or Reverso, or similar device with a guide mode) and some cord o...
As the others have said, this appears to be a homemade assisted-braking belay device or homemade descender, similar to a GriGri. The moving lobe inside is meant to grab the rope under upward pressu...
In aid climbing the frequency of difficult placements and the length of potential falls essentially determines the grade. Basically anything A2/C2 and up is going to require you to use some combina...
While most people think that the YDS system is easy compared to the British rating system, I am not sure that is the case. In the YDS system, there is a rating, a grade, and a class. The grade ind...
Why the A-Frame fell out of fashion Until around 25 years ago, A-Frames dominated the 1-2 person market, both for car camping and in the mountains. Then we saw the emergence of lightweight flexib...
This is not a direct answer but more of an extended comment about safety when rappelling on overhanging terrain. When rappelling over an overhang or an overhanging wall, make sure that you are cer...
My outdoor gear has been relegated to the garage but I want to keep it off the ground, I have a beam and paracord and am using a double fisherman's bend and a midshipman knot to keep it elevated bu...
The most important advice is get a good quality 6-person tent. You don't want to deal with leaks and broken poles with 2 young kids while camping. Since your children are still napping, you want ...
I would recommend starting by making a list of the gear you'll need, not forgetting anything. (Note separately fuel, water and food as the amount will change, consider if you'll be carrying water o...
I think this is one of the biggest myths in outdoor gear. No insulation is "warm even when wet", the real difference is whether it's life threatening or just really unpleasant when wet. The usefu...
As a ski patroller for many years I usually have a pack on when riding the lift. Yes packs can be dangerous, but it is a manageable hazard, and a potentially life saving and life saving and require...
Make the trip short and easy. Better to have them wishing for something longer than regretting that they're stuck on the trail. Just spend one night on the trail, in good weather if you can arrange...
As mentioned in other answers, starting with a short hike is good. A week-long monstrosity through rugged terrain, while possessing a high "cool factor," isn't ideal for getting new backpackers ho...
Let's say that you are out backpacking and a bear spray canister accidentally goes off and gets on your skin or in your eyes or onto your clothing? It can't be a pleasant experience as it is meant...
