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As a Boy Scout, I prefer the external frame backpack. The internal is more comfortable, but on long hikes, the external is not only practical for more gear, but vents your back so it's not dripping...
I use a Petzl shunt: http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/multi-purpose-ascenders/shunt As noted by others, self-belay is always going to carry risks - the shunt has a smooth camming surface so is rop...
Another thing to consider is the quality of sleep you'll be getting. I've never slept in a pop-up tent, but the ones I have seen pitched seem like they have trouble staying up even without wind. ...
When I first read this I was thinking an actual Japanese tanto vs a Rambo style utility knife. I would have said go with the utility because other than fighting, the tanto wouldn't be as much use. ...
For an all-around knife I'd tend to stay away from a serrated knife, myself. Serration is nice for cutting rope and, um, I think that's pretty much it. You'd shred a fish or small game with that ...
Sunscreen and lip balm, saw a show where the people were burned badly. But that is something that you either have or don't. Your pants can usually be tied at the legs to create a short term Floata...
I always learned swimming on your back does not cost much energy. Your hands which are mostly tired first do nothing while swimming this way and your legs do the work. Also you don't sink when you...
The only reliable information I seem to be able to find points to the fact that if you store a compass next to a strong magnet for a long period of time, it can wreck it. Additionally, it seems tha...
I have heard of a wide range of stories where people were saved using some string, a piece of flint etc. (A related example from earlier this month is reported in the Hamilton Advertiser where a bo...
I have carried an Altoid tin survival kit for years, but have never had occasion to use it in a life-and-death situation. I have used the flashlight, knife, duct tape, and ferro rod, but always in ...
A good rule of thumb would be: Can you move around and have easy access to everything you/everyone need to manoeuvring the vessel.
Camping on a slope is really quite common, and while an extreme slope can cause problems a mild one shouldn't and is all part of the experience! I find it comfier to set the tent so I'm sleeping at...
There are rivers and channels which forbid sailing without an engine running! In Europe there are several countries which have by themselves more than one law system. But as every law, they are wri...
If car camping, you should go for the two-burner stove: It will be far more stable than the backpacking stove. This is IMO the most important feature. It will probably have a larger burner (thus ...
You will probably need, as you mention, a mallet/hammer or rock, but if you find a particularly resistant spot, you may have hit an underground rock, and you should move the stake around a bit, see...
In two weeks, there's no way you can drive the route you propose, and have any time to actually see the parks you'd drive through. :( In 2007, my wife and I did a 3-week trip to Yellowstone &...
I recommend visiting Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park - they border each other. Here's what I recommend: Take Interstate 90 across South Dakota (or go up through Wiscon...
When I am out fishing what I look for in plastic/hard bait is the water clarity. In murky water I tend to use brightly colored bait. If it is clear water with good visibility I try and use bait t...
Jewelweed should do the job, if you have it locally. It usually grows close to the poison ivy.
There isn't necessarily a way to prepare your body for the altitude. You should however: Be in good condition overall, i.e. able to handle at sea level more than you are planning to do at altitu...
Good Ol' Reliable Peanuts (GORP), or Trail mix: Trail mix is a combination of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and sometimes chocolate, developed as a snack food to be taken along on outdoor hike...
The short answer is, it varies. The three factors that most influence the UV transmission factor of clothing are kind of obvious: Material: Some materials are better at absorbing UV than others;...
It somewhat depends on how warm you sleep and how much you're willing to layer up in your bag. I've met people who claim they used one 30F bag the whole trip (with thick layers at the start, and u...
Personally you don't need to go for any of the name-brands, unless that is important to you. Some things to look for: Comfort. Wear them for several minutes. Yes, the salesman is trying to w...
Acclimatization is the most common technique. Altitude sickness occurs at 2,400 m, so you go to a base camp (for example Cuzco if you're doing the Incan trail, or the South/North Base camps for Ev...
