Activity for Systemâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Answer | — |
A: How to safely descend a slope in high winds? The risk of a strong wind (Chinook or foehn winds are common here in New Zealand. Highest recorded wind speed 250km/h caused by one) should never be underestimated. It takes a lot of physical and mental energy to move safely in these conditions - even the most benign snow slope can become treacherous... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: Is "Short roping" "Death Roping"? A logical, no emotional, (simplified) mathematical way consider it- it turns a potential fall with X percent of death or injury into a fall with X percent possibility of two deaths or injuries. It reduces the chance of a double fall to Y percentage of single fall. So the maths is simply short rop... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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Is "Short roping" "Death Roping"? I had a "discussion" with someone on Facebook recently. It came about over a photo shared in a group I'm a member of (I can't share the photo as it's not my property). The photo showed two people in winter conditions on Crib Goch in snowdonia. The two were attached via a rope. The rope was taut betw... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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How do I know if I've made a "first ascent"? Last night I was walking the dog near area where I climb a lot. Above the quarry where most of the climbing happens there is a really nice natural short crag. Looking at this crag I thought there were a couple of really nice boulder problems on them. A lot of the stuff was junk (low grade scrambling)... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: How to toughen up hands? To toughen up the skin on your hands you want to be climbing or generally doing things that scuff up the skin (i.e. exercises already suggested above). There really isn't any short cuts to this. Just keep working on it and it will get better. Tough skin is great it stops your hands tearing up on rou... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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Understanding a ski resort weather report I am planning to learn snowboarding for the first time and would like to take some classes. I am trying to plan a visit to a ski resort and for that I am looking at the weather report shown below and would like help understanding it. What does the Mountain, Valley and the height mentioned mean? Wha... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: What kind of technique is required for bouldering outdoors? Couple of things to supplement Andrea's answer: Learning to read the route (as already stated) Bouldering indoors has one big thing that makes it easier than outdoors all the holds are bug brightly coloured plastic. At no point do you have to search around to find that crimp or foot placement, it's... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: What qualities to look for in a good emergency whistle? You should look at scuba diving stores. They have whistles that are so loud they put a BIG warning on the box that tells you not to blow them indoors because they can damage one's hearing. If you do get one of these heed the warning. Your ears will be ringing if you blow it with half effort in a ho... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: How to properly wash a snowboard/ski tech jacket? So that appears to be made of "Dry Flight 10K" whatever that is... oO I can't find any washing instructions for this...whatever it is Reading between the lines a little I'm guessing it's breathable in which case I'd follow the below instructions: Thoroughly clean your washing machine and remove re... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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In rock climbing what does the term "Flash" mean? If someone "flashes" a climb what does this mean? (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: How to progress in rock climbing after grades v4 / 5.11+? A good tip I've used a couple of times, do that V5 project your stuck on and get someone to video you doing it. Watch it back, you'll be surprised what you see. Often what you think your doing and what your actually doing are two very different things. V4 is pretty good (I don't boulder a lot these ... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: How do you safely and legally dispose of old, damaged/unsafe camp stove gas canisters that are still full? Putting my comment into an answer - I don't think you need to over think it, they are nothing special. Propellant for most aerosols is Butane, these have an odor added, so are no different than a can of air freshener and could be used as one if you like the smell of gas. As the amount of butane in ... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: Can you really get Frostbite within 30 minutes at -35 'C Yes. Refer https://www.almanac.com/windchill-chart-united-states Frostbite is possible in temperatures as warm as 10F in 30 minutes, and easily within 5 minutes at the temperatures you are quoting. It is not entirely down to wind chill, clearly appropriate clothing makes all the difference, include ... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: As an outdoor beginner, what features in knife/tool combinations should I look for? I used to carry a solid 6" knife when hiking.... What I have learnt for longer trips, you have to carry it. A single quality 3"-4" swiss army knife will do everything that you need to do well (A 2" folding knife will do 95% of what you need well, and the other 5% it can do), ideally with a locking bl... (more) |
— | almost 7 years ago |
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A: Dealing with very cold climate (clothing) One small note to add to all these good answers: After you get all your gear, try all of it on at home. Get familiar with it. You don't want to go there and try it on for the first time, and then find out that you can't fit all your layers under your coat or in your boats, etc. The best time to find ... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Have attacks on humans by raptors other than owls been documented, excluding cases where they were defending their nests? I looked at the links in your article. That is a barred owl according to the photo linked to the news story/webpage. Like most other raptors, the male owl can be 2/3 the size of a female. So, it can appear to be an immature bird. Having seen these owls here in Northeast Ohio, I can tell you that th... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: How is a backpack supposed to fit on the shoulder? Too long for a comment so will add this to complement the excellent answer by @Beanluc. Referring solely to the picture. Even with the apparent light weight of the pack, it appears that pack is adjusted too long for the person in the picture. The straps are attached to the pack well above her sh... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: What is the meaning and proper usage of the term "irruption" in bird behavior? I am not sure where you live, Sue. But, as a birder in NE Ohio, I watch this website in the fall as do a lot of other birders: http://www.jeaniron.ca/2017/wff17.htm This predicts the amount of food seed-eaters will have in Canada, which can give some indication of what northern birds will come to O... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Backpacking propane canister too tall and unstable I tried answering this, but the answer was locked. So anyway... I posted a picture of a 3" burner that only weighed 96 grams as opposed to your 6" tall burner. Using said 3" burner would make the the whole unit shorter and less top heavy. (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Sports tape to prevent blisters while backpacking? So I bought a roll of KT Tape Pro and cut some for my usual blister spots. It stayed on for a week, at home not on the trail. It’s synthetic, not cotton, thin and super adhesive. I think it will work well for blister prevention. I’ll try it on my next trip, 4 days in December. (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: How to harden feet to avoid blisters on long hikes Rubbing alcohol, also known as surgical spirits, can be used to harden skin. It is used in hospitals as a cleanser and also to prevent bedsores developing. I always apply it twice daily to my feet for a week, before wearing new footwear, boots in particular and have done so for decades. (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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Sports tape to prevent blisters while backpacking? My doctor just used sports tape on me for a hip injury. I had never used sports tape before and realized that it might work well for blister prevention on my feet while backpacking. It seems very similar to the Spenco brand from the US that I order and keep on hand because nothing like it is availabl... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: How to painlessly remove gunk left by tape gloves? Swarfega will remove anything from motor oil to tape gunk (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: What is the responsible way to sell a firearm? There is nothing that says that you can't require a background check. Most firearms stores would do a background check and transfer the firearm for a small fee. Its the same process if you buy a gun online and have it shipped to a licensed FFLdealer to have it transferred to you. You would have to f... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Should I activate my beacon if the road to safety is blocked? My first response is "No, you should not set off your beacon, it would interfere with Natural Selection." Seriously though, if you are not equipped to spend a single night out, you should not be there. Your beacon should be used only in a life threatening emergency, a tree across the road should no... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Should overweight people ever climb? Last spring I was in Italy climbing. There was a group from Switzerland, all a bit pudgy, and one guy with a beer belly led something like a 6c or 7a. Seriously frustrating. Now obviously you should not jump into it without thought: your sinews and tendons have not yet adapted to your weight, and ... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: How to get a beached pontoon boat back into the water? I am looking at this using techniques from a 4x4 recovery. My approach with just a few men would be a hilift jack (you would probably need two) and rollers. The boat has a great point for the jack to access on the lower gunnel. Lift one side, insert rollers and do the same on the other. Another ... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Experiences hiking with a baby: diapers Have you considered making a "poop tube"? This is something I've heard of people using when in areas where your required to carry out all waste or big wall climbing etc. Essentially it's an air tight pack able tube for depositing waste into. You make one using plumbing supplies, so a length of pipe (... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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What kind of baby carrier is best for use walking and climbing in the hills? I'm going to be a Dad for the first time early next year. My wife and I are very active outdoorsy kind of people. I've started looking at a baby carrier so we can take our wee one out on short walks and for me when I take our dogs out for a walk (which I do a couple of times a day). I want a carrie... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Is there a type of binoculars to view both nature reserves (birds, etc.) at a distance, and airplanes? I use a very nice pair of 15x50 image stabilised binoculars for birding/wildlife. Yes, they're pretty heavy but when I can stand next to a birder with a dedicated spotting scope and see things that he can't, I'm pretty happy with myself. It's also pretty good for aviation and for casual star-gazing... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: How can I prevent this canvas swag from sagging in the middle? At the risk of suggesting the obvious here: 1) Rig up an internal hoop. Use a spare of one of the external hoops and cut a few inches off to fit. Pad the ends, and Velcro the ends and top to the inside of the tent. 2) Put a few more guy-ropes on the end hoops to encourage some more lateral tensio... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Can I use solar showers when camping at Department of Conservation or other campsites in New Zealand? DOC has different levels of camp sites from fully serviced though to the most basic. A few (eg Totaranui and Whites bay) have cold showers, and many of these have a rope and hooks for hanging a solar showers for those who prefer warm water. For the basic sites you will most likely be visiting, espe... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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Why is the European robin associated with winter? Reading some of the comments on this answer: ....they're seen in the UK as winter birds. Not, I think, that they're not around in the summer; more that other birds aren't around in the winter but robins are. Robins are often found on Christmas cards in the UK. (Christmas being in the winter... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: I need to wash my waterproof coat without ruining the waterproofing As stated, your first port of call should be the manufacturer's washing instructions I'm not familiar with this fabric. A quick google of IsoTex basically shows it's Regatta waterproof fabric. Not much details on how it's made, etc. but it does state it has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR): The D... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Sailing from the Wash, UK to France during World War II. Would it have been possible to sail a small boat from The Wash, Norfolk, UK to Dunkirk in WWII? During the evacuation of Dunkirk the authorities called on all available civilian boats to aid in the evacuation. These were called "The little ships of Dunkirk". These ships gathered at Ramsgate b... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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When, how and by whom was sport climbing invented? A comment: One little thing that I understand differently: Sport climbing did not evolve from trad climbing (at least not in the modern sense), but more of artificial climbing. Using gear for advancement not only protection was the standard and the revolution was to ditch that and climb on ... (more) |
— | about 7 years ago |
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A: Does "Sport Climbing" refer to bolted climbing outdoors only or both indoors and outdoors Sport climbing means both indoor and outdoor climbing. Why? Sport climbing originally developed out of Trad climbing where climbers wanted to climb really hard routes without the nasty business of fatal falls getting in the way. This was the original definition of sport climbing (I think everyone ag... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Is it safe to take a shower outside during a thunderstorm? Recently I was camping in the local mountains and while showering a storm blew in so I took a shower in a thunderstorm. Some people said it was very dangerous. The showers were basic structures outside. Is it safe to take a shower outside during a thunderstorm? (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Hiking and climbing in smoky areas Smoke from a burning fire is essentially the stuff from the fire that hasn't burnt well and gases formed by the reaction of whatever is burnt with whatever is in the air. In a forest fire this is going to be mostly carbon in various forms. A well fitted, well made mask of a decent quality is going to... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Is belaying a lead more difficult than a top roped climber As others pointed out, as a rule yes. Here are a few cases where lead belay is actually easier: on a well-drilled route with crux (like a roof) close to the bottom and bolt above but within easy clipping range. In that case, the lead belay will make cruising the crux pretty safe while the toprope... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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Is belaying a lead more difficult than a top roped climber Assessing potential lead climbing partners for competence and safety asserts that a lead climb belay is more complicated and has higher potential for a serious accident over a top rope belay. Is this the case? Are top rope belays inherently simpler and is the potential for a serious accident mu... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Considerations for older campers? Recently, I started backpacking again after a 20 year break. I still had my old equipment in the storage room. I tested my Coleman Apex unleaded gas stove and it worked fine. Then the first trip out the pressurized fuel line split open and started spraying gas out while the stove was lit. Fortunately... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Tips for avoiding losing things when backpacking? I try to always check all the zippers on my pack before putting it on and then turn around and scan the area before walking off. (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Which knot to tie bulky objects together for transport Tie a loop in one end with a bowline, thread the rope though the loop and around the package, as you would with compression straps. If you can't get it tight enough with a couple of half hitches use a truckers hitch. (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: The dangers of simul-rappelling A very important point here is rappelling/abseiling is the most dangerous part of a climb. You're very exposed, typically relying on your rope alone and whatever you're anchored to and nothing else, your backups are minimal. An accident at this point is more likely to be serious or even fatal at this... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How high is too high for a spotter while spotting a climber? This varies a lot so it's hard to write a definitive answer. But if you're bouldering (full stop) and you think you're going to fall off (high in your grade) and your concerned about your landing, you want a spotter. Height is pretty much irrelevant. The spotters jobs include: Making sure you d... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How to stop in the middle of a rappel without an autoblock? I'm not sure I'd fancy trusting my life to wrapping the rope around my leg. The conventional way to escape a belay is to tie it off, see here For extra safety you can clip the figure eight onto your harness using a carabiner. (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: Is it a pheasant? A grouse? What do I feed it? The photos are a bit blurry but I'm reasonably sure it's a young Grey Partridge Photo source RSPCA has more info on them A medium-sized, plump gamebird with a distinctive orange face. Flies with whirring wings and occasional glides, showing a chestnut tail. It is strictly a ground bird, ne... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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A: How can I be sure that I'm ready to do the Three Peaks Challenge? All 3 main paths up Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis are well marked maintained and straight forward. I'd suggest anyone reasonably fit should be able to do anyone of these (up and down) in 3-4 hours (my fastest time up and down Snowdon is 2 hours). The hardest bit of the 3 peaks is the driving. G... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |
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What UK mushrooms will kill you? I've recently gotten into foraging for mushrooms locally and have been happily eating field mushrooms and giant puffballs (these are absolutely delicious if you can find them BTW). I was reading a foraging book the other day and it stated that there is only one truly deadly poisonous mushroom in th... (more) |
— | over 7 years ago |