Activity for Systemâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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A: If in a survival situation, how can one preserve a hide of an animal with a minimum amount of tools and skill? To make a hide, you need to steam, smoke, and degrease it. I doubt any of this could be done in survival situations. Despite the website's dedication to wilderness survival, the link here suggests wilderness preparation, but not necessarily in survival situations: Hides If you used the hide from ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Is sunscreen toxic to marine life, especially coral reefs? Yep. According to this study by authors C. A. Downs, Esti Kramarsky-Winter, Roee Segal, John Fauth, Sean Knutson, Omri Bronstein, Frederic R. Ciner, Rina Jeger, Yona Lichtenfeld, Cheryl M. Woodley, Paul Pennington, Kelli Cadenas, Ariel Kushmaro, Yossi Loya: Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunsc... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Compass compatibility: Can I use my US compass in Australia? While it is true that the magnetic field encompassing the Earth is not a sphere and dips inward at the poles, there is no reason a standard compass would not tell you which way is south and which way is north. While doing a google search for compass zones and which one to use for where, I got an as... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How can one know where to throw one's spear when spearfishing? This is a great explanation of the concept: Investigating refraction and spearfishing Refer to the linked Word document inside. It is copyrighted, so I hesitate to include its contents in entirety here. No matter the angle, no matter the position, you always aim for below the apparent position of... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Why do I always wake up freezing? There are many medical reasons that could contribute to coldness: too thin, anemic, hypothyroidism, poor circulation, tired, dehydrated, not enough vitamin B12, diabetes, lean muscle mass, or maybe you have Raynaud’s. A checkup at the doctor should rule these things out as a cause. 10 Reason... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Is there a Leave No Trace equivalent specifically for boaters? LNT is a brief and easy to understand guideline on principles of how to live in harmony with the outdoors. The principles apply equally to remote back country travel, boating or even picnicking down at the local urban park. We already have many written rules, where the wording has become more impor... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What kind of mementos, if any, am I allowed to collect from State and National parks in small quantities? Most answers curiously omit a very dangerous reason why removing anything should be illegal, unless designated "affirmative" (that is, you are explicitly given permission to take away). You don't mention where you intend to take your mementos, and dangers lurk here as well. All rocks, animal parts,... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Can Propane lose its stink? Propane and any of several kinds of mercaptan used as oderants are mixed at the refinery. Due to pressures in the tanks and the physical characteristics (liquefying) of gases at those pressures, the gases mix as a sort of a solution. Mercaptan is an extremely pungent material, and is detectable at ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Is roadkill processed in the EU? To ask about EU would require one answer per participating country. So I'll answer for the UK and Finland. UK: Yes, you can - so long as you didn't intentionally kill the animal. Road kill For protected animals - like most wild birds - it's still legal. But, if you were ever questioned, you'd ha... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Do I need down-specific washing liquid for my coat? I bought some nikwax Down Wash to wash my sudden coat. Out of interest I compared it to a bottle of Nikwax Tech Wash. They appear to contain identical ingredients : contains among over ingredients less than 5% polycarboxylates. 5-15% soap. Non-ionic suficactants. So given that, I already own... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What are the risks when encounter a wild animal when camping? Yes, there is always a risk. You mitigate those risks by your behavior, and, since you didn't mention what behavioral steps you took/take, then it's difficult to answer your questions. You also didn't mention where you camp, although you did mention you were in France. But you can camp all over th... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Have mainstream knife steels improved in the last generation? For knife it is not just a question of steel. Big part of it is heat treatment and that is usually a thing where price rises. I have seen steels like S30V, 154CM, D2 in knifes for less than $100. If you go to websites like aliexpress that do direct sales from Asia you can score some good knives for... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How much stronger is a vertical v-thread than a horizontal one? One could argue its a mute point, unless you are taking Factor 1's on V Threads. A factor 1 fall generates about 5 kN - you should be no where near this, possibly if you screw up badly subjecting your anchor to half that. This is a 'debate' we (me and fellow instructors agreeing on a consistent app... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Why are carabiners so much weaker if the gate is open? Being metal carabiners are ductile and deform under load. When the biner is under load and gate closed, the gate of the biner is captured in the nose, and forms a closed loop. When the gate is open, this loop is not closed and the nose is free open beyond its designed limits. If you load a closed bi... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Can I re-use a via ferrata carabiner/harness for climbing? Yes. As stated by @Charlie, the ratings on the gear is more than adequate for safety while climbing. The reasons to buy a climbing harness are weight, comfort and convenience rather than anything to do with safety. Use your own financial situation and importance of the benefits to decide if you sho... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Are there any techniques for starting and maintaining a fire in snow? The base You need to clear an area so that there is little snow on the ground; eventually, your fire will settle down to the ground, so, the less snow there is underneath, the better. In really bad situations, you can't move the snow (maybe it's icy, or you don't have a shovel or easy means to move... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How should you treat an open wound in the backcountry? Open wounds are treated the same in the back country as they are treated in your kitchen: DEPT Direct Pressure Elevation Pressure Point (now's a good time to call 911, if bleeding so far is uncontrolled) Tourniquet Direct pressure - apply bandage or cloth or clothing to the wound. Never remo... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What are some bare essentials camping spots for first-timers in England? First thing to point out is that wild camping is not legal in the England and Wales (It is in Scotland and Dartmoor). Now that said if you follow some basic rules it is possible. I cover these in a different answer here: Don't camp in enclosed fields, these will be owned by someone (farmer) a... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Would it be warmer to sleep at the bottom or on the side of a valley? As others have answered, valley floors tend to be exposed to cold air running down the hill side and on still nights are the coldest. In most cases it takes little wind to overcome this effect, so only still nights need to consider this effect in most cases. However Glaciers and very large snow field... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Sneaker Sole Replacement Is it practical to replace the sole of these shoes and if so, will I need to get a cobbler involved or can it be done at home? Yes, resoling boots is practical and cost effective way to repair boots. I've done it in the past. You can do it yourself, but I've never tried. Any good cobbler sho... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What type of weather conditions would lead to being above the clouds while mountaineering? That phenonmon is called a cloud inversion. It happens in mountainous areas when a layer of warm moist air passes over cold valley floor. So initially the valley is full of cold air: \ / \ cold / \ / \/ In certain circumstances (an approaching warm front) a layer of war... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How to walk on the hot beach or rather hot sand? Depends on what you're doing. My insights: Running/jogging? Barefoot or running shoes near the waterline. Try to avoid sandals that expose your toes completely, since you could hurt you toes & toe joints if you stumble. Walking idly? Walk in the seawater if possible or near the waterline so you... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How do you remove a fishhook from a human? Never try to pull the triangle-ish part near the tip of the hook through any human tissue. It is designed not to come off easily and will only cause additional injuries. Otherwise the hook is just a bent stick that will exit quite easily. If you need to remove a fishing hook no matter where it is st... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Is whiskey a good disinfectant? You see this a lot on films, the hero/heroine is injured and disinfects their wound(s) by pouring whiskey on it. I'm a bit sceptical. If I'm in an emergency scenario and need to prevent infection. Would pouring drinking alcohol on help? Just to clarify, I didn't mean a proper alcohol based disinf... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How to select a good sleeping bag liner? I would go with a silk liner. Be sure your thermals and socks are polyesther or poly-cotton blend. They should be no more than 30% cotton. Also, take caution with that down bag. On a 6-day hike, if it gets wet, you won't be able to dry it in time for the next night you'll need it. Down compresse... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Merino wool, brands and layers? Your best bet is a layering system. This allows you to alter your clothing to your need. Briefly you'll want: Base Layer Possibly merino if you want here. This layers principle job is to wick sweat quickly away from your body. Sweat (or any moisture) against your skin is going to get you cold. Thi... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How to select a good sleeping bag liner? For your three criteria the one that jumps out for me is a silk liner. It's warmth to bulk ratio is going to be the best. You'll prob get a couple of degrees (5C at most) for this. That said, A sleeping bag liner is mainly to keep your sleeping bag clean, not particularly add warmth, though they do ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Tips for leading project climbs the only issue I can see with what you did above was your proximity to the ground when you fell. It might be worth investing in a "Clip stick", something like this: From Rock and Run website The idea is that you can pre clip the first few clips thus saving you from the above issues in the danger z... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Why does the 528 thickness lines only appear on weather maps in the future? I've been learning about snow forecasting in the UK. I've learned an important feature is the atmosphere thickness, specifically the 528 line: Pressure decreases with altitude, and thickness measures the difference in height between two standard pressure levels in the atmosphere. It is propor... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What to look for in a good natural hiking stick? What characteristics should I look for in sticks in the forest to be used as a hiking sticks Strong and don't snap or break when weight applied Straight Correct height, I like one about the same height as me Smooth but not too smooth. Need to get a grip but not tear you hands apart where... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What to do when finding huge pieces of trash? In the UK you'd inform the council. This would be fly tipping and is actually illegal. Report fly-tipping or illegal waste dumping Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. You can report fly-tipping to the local council. If it's only a tyre or something small scale they may or may n... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How do I gut a fish? This varies slightly from fish to fish (for example gutting a skate is different to gutting a pollock) but for a typical "fish shaped fish" oO /". .-'` `-...-'/ < )) , ( `-.`.(.--"`.\ You want to have a very sharp flexible knife. It's easier to ensure the fish ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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How do I gut a fish? I've caught a fish and want to gut it (remove it's insides ready to eat/keep). How do I do this? Where do I cut? What needs to be removed, etc? (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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How can I effectively clean the "bite valve" for my water bladder? The bite valve on my Osprey water bladder is covered in a black mould. It's not very old and this is the second valve I've had on this. It seems to be impossible to remove and seems to grow no matter what I do. Couple of questions: Is this likely to be a health issue? I have used valves like... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What are anti-sweat technologies in winter jackets called? paraphasing slightly: What are anti-sweat technologies in winter jackets The best way to prevent sweat in a winter jacket is to use a breathable layering system. Base Layer Tight fitting wicking material that sits close to your skin. The layers job is to wick the moisture off your skin ASAP.... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Would a Canada Goose deliberately try to keep a section of water from freezing? Would a Canada Goose deliberately try to keep a section of water from freezing? As with all animals, yes if there is an advantage to it in doing so. I suppose the real question is why, right? Well there must be something under the ice they want and therefore they keep coming back to that loc... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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What is the correct technique for self arrest, with an ice axe, on a snow or ice slope? When on an icy/snow slope if I loose my footing, what is the correct technique to self arrest and control my slide? To re-iterate, this question: What is the proper technique for self-arrest when wearing crampons? Is asking specifically what do they need to do with their crampons in this situtat... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: A technical question on spikes Either should be fine providing you use them in the correct context. Their jobs are to provide extra grip in minimal winter conditions. If there are patches of ice and your hiking on easy ground. If you intend on going on steep terrain and/or full winter (compacted snow, etc) then you will need at l... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A technical question on spikes I possess the spikes "Snowline Chainsen Trail" of two sizes: a small one and a large one. The small one (EU sizes ≤40) sits extremely tight on my hiking shoes "Nevada MFS 6½" (size 40 EU), the large one (EU sizes ≥40) sits ok, but if you pull the rubber with your fingers, you feel ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Baking with backpacking stoves Backpacking != baking. You can do it, but you have to lug around a lot of stuff to do it. Perhaps, you can take advantage of what is already around you? By this I mean build your oven, and take only your stove with you. It'll take some practice and know-how to pull it off. But once you figure ... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Correct and incorrect slip-slap-slide belay technique With SSS, the rope is also unlocked (hand in air) in recover phase. i.e. in SSS, the only time lock is applied is when the climber needs it, unlocked rope is the 'normal' state. In PBCS, an locked rope is the 'normal' state - the rope is braked unless you are pulling in. Having taught both technique... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What can I do about a rock climbing ban? As an individual, probably very little can be done, but what little you can do is essential. Ensure yourself and anyone you climb with obeys rules and climbs safely, and most importantly, is seen to do so. Be considerate to other users of the area as very often the "Safety" card is played but the roo... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Stove efficiency You'll have several considerations to think about. Altitude affects water's boiling point Temperature affects fuel efficiency Wind affects the stove's efficiency You'll need to make simultaneous comparisons between the two stoves, and do it in all conditions and at the altitudes you intend to use... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How do you deal with a picky eater on a backpacking trip? When we go backpacking, we first gather to discuss the logistics, and part of that is meals. Each person knows what they like, I write them all down and order them online or head over to the camping section of Target or whatever. So, our meals are usually commercially-prepared individual or two-per... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What are reasons to prefer waxed canvas vs. nylon bags? Canvass is: More expensive Heavier Easier to repair Easier to waterproof More rugged Once it gets mildewed, it's done forever Nylon is: Cheaper Lighter Harder to repair Harder to waterproof Less rugged; carry only soft/dull things; don't scrape the ground Mildewed? No problem. Wash with Chlor... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: What is the difference between a cascade and a waterfall? Example of both Note in the high background, that is a waterfall. In the foreground is the cascade. One part fills before the other does. The picture below shows a cascade. Key difference between the two: in a waterfall, water moves only downward, while in a cascade, it moves both downward an... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: First skills to learn for mountaineering First and foremost is Wilderness First Aid. There are official courses taught by the American Red Cross, and the Boy Scouts. The scouts offer the courses to non-scouters, all are welcome. Next on the list of skills to have, in no particular order: orienteering and map reading plant identificatio... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Mountaineering with a 6-year-old kid in winter Ouch. If you have to ask, you're not ready to take her. You also intimated that your hiking party is a party of 2. I wouldn't even be a part of a party of two adults in the summer, let alone a party of two with a young child in the winter. What will either of you two do if the other gets injured?... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Difference between a "path" and a "footpath"? I was chacking a map to see access rights on a particular route I know. I was checking if a path was a bridleway or footpath as I know Mountain Bikes should only use bridleways. Studying the key closely though I became a little confused. If you look at the below section of map: and look at the key... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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How can I build a board to mount climbing holds in my house? I want to screw a board in my house to mount indoor climbing holds, like an indoor wall. so a piece of board with evenly spaced screw holes in it that accept the standard screw mounts for climbing holds. something like this: Problem is I don't know how to do this? Multiple questions: What type o... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |