Activity for System‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Is it safe to tie a canoe to the top of your car like this? There is absolutely nothing wrong with it. In a perfect world, the rear strop would be tided further midships to prevent the Kayak moving forward, however, in a pragmatic world, this is not needed. The forward strop prevents the kayak lifting the roof rack off the car and wind forcing the kayak b... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Is ankle support a myth? There seems to be an ongoing holy war with "boots people" vs "shoes people". A comment on this question caught my eye: ...Ankle support is a myth for most folks.... Now I've always worn boots and I beleieve that ankle support helps a lot, especially when I'm tired. When I do wear shoes (approch... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	What should I look for in my first pair of snowboard boots? I'm looking at buying my first pair of snowboard boots. I'm heading to Scotland and the Alps (Portes Du Soleil) this winter. I ride about "Red" level runs with my girlfriend (who'c onsideribly better than me) dragging me off piste (more ot the side of the piste) occasionally and always trying to ma... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I clear spiderwebs in my path while hiking? What about a mosquito net? It would protect your face from any unwanted spiders webs: (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it possible to use a flint and steel with wet tinder? If you want dry tinder in a wet environment you need to put some extra effort in. Don't expect to find it lying around becasue everything exposed to the atmosphere is wet. But you can still get tinder (not including the dating app, you have to download that...). So where's is there a good source of ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I re-fit a hiking pole that came apart? I'm guessing these are screw fit poles. This has happened to me. The problem is that the mechanism that prevents the poles from collapsing when you tighten them is essentially a friction expending wedge type mechanism. So as you tighten the bolt inside the body the plastic "wedge" expeands. I'm u... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the advantages of different locks for collapsible trekking poles? Basically twist locks (in my experience) are a pain. They suffer from a number of issues: They're difficult to undo It's impossible to grip them with gloves on, this is a problem when it's cold The lock without careful maintenance can lock solid (had this happen a number of times to mine). This can... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Can I repair my climbing helmet strap? The other day the strap on my helmet snapped. It's not the main strap but the one that sits across the back of you head and has a tightening dial. So the helmet doesn't fall off but it also doesn't stay still anymore when moving my head around. It's now effectivly useless as it rattles around on my ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a butterfly tag, and what's the procedure for applying it? This web site seems to cover the details quite well. What does the tag look like? Each tagged butterfly must have a tag code (three letters and three numbers) for this system to work. To insure that they do, we create a series of tag numbers using numbers and the alphabet. Each year re... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why are tourniquets not recommended as a first aid for a snakebite? There are several issues with tourniquets for snake bite: It's likely too late anyway The venom will spread rapidly though your system (as Weda says, the lymphatic system is the main carrier, not blood). The chances of you getting a tourniquet on before this has happened is minuscule. It keeps al... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are corpses on Mount Everest used as way-points? There are lots of corpses on Everest, 200+ according to the Smithsonian, and yes many are used as markers. They tend to be wearing bright clothes and are often on the main routes so it kinda makes sense. Few bodies are actually retrieved from Everest above a certain height. Even with oxygen, Everest... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are grey squirrels really bad for the overall habitat in Germany? They say that it somehow matters for the overall habitat/natural environment. Just to tack onto Aravona's excellent answer: isn't losing a rare species to a very common species a bad thing in its own right? Un-natural tampering in the diversity in an ecosystem has always been proven to be ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to generate white smoke in the wilderness? In hindu festivals especially during Durga Puja dried coconut fibres (the exocarp of coconut fruit) are lit and then crystals of Dammar gum are sprinkled over it which produce dense white smoke with a characteristic smell. The smell is due to Dammar gum powder which is colloquially called dhuno. By... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: I shoot horribly at archery tournaments - what can I do about it? Have you ever looked into Mindfulness I've used it with resonable success to improve my climbing and particuarly to cope with fear, etc. It's a very good way to help you "be in the moment" and to remove external influences, such as performing infront of a crowd, etc. Mindfulness is the psychologi... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should an outdoors traveler know about the biodegradability of plastic? Answering the title question - What should you know or what do you need to know - the answer is nearly nothing or nearly everything. If you know nearly nothing, you should know at least know that a vast majority of plastics take a very long time to biodegrade and can be harmful to flora and fauna.... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: When to wear a chest protector? There doesn't seem to be anything in the (UK) rules saying this is required (unlike shooting jackets) Protective accessories may be used such as finger-protective tape or gloves, chest protectors, and arm guards As I understand it the chest protector is simply to allow you to pull the draw ve... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I tie a double fisherman's knot? This is covered extremly well on Animated knots by grog: Overlap the two ends. Wrap one end around both ropes two full turns. Then pass this end back through these turns and pull tight. Next pass the other end two full turns around both ropes. Pass this end back through and pull tight. Pull... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Difficulty belaying with a Gri Gri I'm having some trouble with my Gri-gri. It seems to keep "jamming" when feeding out rope. It's causing me so much trouble I've basically stopped using it and gone back to a good old fashined belay plate. I'm totally unsure what I'm doing wrong, any thoughts? I do wonder if it's my rope, it's rela... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Big black bug in Southern Germany Female stag beetle?? They don't have horns. Female stag beetles are usually smaller than the males, with smaller mandibles. and seem about the right size: Some species grow up to over 12 cm (4.7 in), but most are about 5 cm There are several species and they vary in size too. Pretty m... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I clean epoxy out of the insert that goes in an arrow shaft? If the epoxy is "hard to 200 °C" heating it isn't going to help. The only thing that removes epoxy is abrasion or chemical (resin stripper, acetone, etc.). So basically choose your weapon (excuse the pun). I'm not an archer so I don't follow some of the terms of where this is, etc. If neither ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Extending a two bolt anchor with one sling? Because I trust my biners way more than I trust a sling threaded though bolts, I consider a relying on (my) single biner safer than the above set up. With the hardware visible to me in that picture I would make a single point anchor using two biners, sling and one bolt, and back it up with the slin... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Am I able to "open up" a snake bite and suck the venom out of it? Basically this is a bit of a myth, I think perpetuated by old cowboy films! There's no way you could suck hard enough to remove the venom from out of your blood or lymphatic system. Most venoms are highly potent and only a very, very small amount is needed to cause damage. Most animals will produce... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best way to manage Scottish midges? Most of your question is covered in When is the midge season in Scotland?. But I'll answer the non-duplicate question: Is there anything else a part from midge spray I can use to keep them away? Yes quite a few alternatives, these are covered pretty well in this question. To name a few: ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Drinking water in Dartmoor Is it safe to drink water from streams in Dartmoor using simple purification methods? Basically it depends on the water source. Follow some general rules and you should be fine though. boil for four minutes to kill off any nasties. bear in mind this won't remove all polutants, something ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the pros and cons of ice axe leashes? I'm talking about a single "alpine walking axe" here, not a pair of climbing axes. (I presume this is what you mean?) For me it's pretty strightforward: Pro It stops you dropping your axe (or more to the point if you do drop it you won't loose it) Cons It's a pain and gets in the way (just gener... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there wild camping rules in Scotland? Basically it's an open access law, meaning you can camp in any "unenclosed space". So you can't camp in fields, private land, etc. As mentioned you should follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code for camping: Access rights extend to wild camping. This type of camping is lightweight, done in sma... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much rain (realistically) could a packaway rain jacket take? Both jackets are nylon shell with a waterproof coating. Which will keep the rain out but is reliant on the coating being intact (not worn out, etc.). By this I mean it has no physical barrier. Goretex (for example) is combination of a physicla waterproof barrier (the Goretex layer) and a chemical coa... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is a hand chainsaw legal to carry in the UK This isn't a knife, it's a saw. So the knife laws don't apply. Anyone can carry a saw (Woodmen, carpenters, etc.). So yes, there should be no problem with carrying a saw in open land. You state: UK law states the legal carry for a knife is less than 3 inches and must be a non-locking folding... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Any tips to prevent theft while tent camping alone in a caravan park? Caravan parks often have safes for people to use (rent). That's likely your best bet. They're often a bit like the lockers you get in swiming baths. Baring that it's either hide things (Bottom of a sleeping bag works ok but obviously your taking a risk) or take anything valuable with you. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to wear to walk to showers: clothes or towel? This will be very country and even camp ground specific. Least likely to offend approach is to do what most of the others do. If just one person is doing what you want, don't presume its acceptable, wait till you have seen several people doing it. If everyone is getting dressed to go to showers (u... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can I expect a mountain stream to have less water in the morning, even when it is not primarily fed by meltwater? Although not the effect of mountains river, local conditions are important, sometimes in ways you may not have thought of. Here is an example of one that you may find interesting, taken 5 km inland. However, rain higher up is not always obvious lower down stream and can lead to unexpected river le... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do hikers cross fast-flowing rivers without wading staffs? In New Zealand most river crossings are not done solo. After being taught how important it is to choose a safe crossing point or choose not to cross, you are taught to link people in the group together and cross as a group (Up to four per group, although specifics of terrain may mean pairs are better... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Quality of duck vs goose down Bit or preamble: Down is measured in "Fill Power". Fill power is a measure of the loft or "fluffiness" of a down product that is loosely related to the insulating value of the down. The higher the fill power the more air an ounce of the down can trap, and thus the more insulating ability an... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: White-water (slalom) kayak in calm waters (lake)? Compared to a 'lake' kayak, it will be hard for a novice to paddle in a straight line, and is not efficient (i.e. slower)) paddling in a straight line, so for day tours is less than ideal. You may have problems with it being too unstable and tipping you out. If you want one for fun and playing close... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hints for hiking the west highland way I did the same hiking trail as a noob: here are some advices. You can book a pitch on the Sallochy campsite, a semi-formal campsite on the banks of Loch Lomond between Drymen and Rowardennan. Camping on the banks of Loch Lomond is forbidden elsewhere. Booking the pitch online ensures that you get ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Swift, Swallow or House Martin? What are the identifying features that allow you to tell the difference between these 3 common UK summer visitors? I've been looking at the RSBP advice but it seems that a swift and a house martin are very similar if you only have a fleeting glimpse. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What characteristics should I look for in a good torch/flashlight? for me I look at Amount of lumens produced Several modes (battery saving to full on light everything up) Battery life Bulkyness (or lack of!) You can get good LED torches that have all of the above these days. Small, good output and good battery life. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Did I see an Osprey? My friends think that I'm mad, but I'm pretty sure I saw an Osprey the other day. Could anyone confirm that what I observed is an Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) or, at least, Osprey-ish? I saw the bird here -> Llandegla Forest, North Wales. It was early evening and I was walking our dogs near Pendinas ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do the skills required for mounted archery (archery from horseback) differ from those required for other forms of archery? how do the skills required for mounted archery differ from being stationary and shooting at a target? Well quite a lot really. For a start you need to be able to ride a horse very well! Number of points: Your moving The horses gait is not linear (it goes up and down as well as moving) Contro... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Carrying soda instead of water due to nutritional energy? From a fluid perspective - The energy density of most soda (non-diet types) is high enough to kick off a digestive system response for processing food, which requires fluids and oxygen. In the case of dehydration or high levels of exertion, where fluid replacement is the aim this is undesirable. Cok... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What water is fit for cleaning hands & gear during a visit to the Great Outdoors? There is a far higher risk of disease from poor hygiene by those in the outdoors than the consuming stream water, let alone using it for hand and dish washing. By not using stream water directly, you introduce a level of rationing of water. This rationing is likely to encourage poor hygiene habits, a... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Is it possible to differentiate between a dog print and wolf print? This question got my thinking: Did I see a wolf's paw print?. I did a bit of Googling and it appeared that wolf paw prints and dog paw prints are very very similar. Is there any good way (given that the size of a dog and wolf can be very similar) to differentiate between them? (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do so many people hike with such light footwear? There seems to be a general trend for people abandoning traditional hiking boots for lighter approach shoes. As I see it there's two driving factors here: Approach shoes have gotten better No need to have a choice between trainers and boots any more. You can get good solid approach shoes that are... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Hunting bears with a knife? Michael Strogoff by Jules Verne (1876) describes how Siberian hunters used to hunt bears with nothing but a knife. This was ideally done with a single lethal blow, to damage the fur as little as possible. [Michael Strogoff] was between the bear and the girl. His arm made one movement upwards, and... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you avoid Norovirus on the AT? TL;DR It's very difficult if not impossible. Norovirus is very, very contagious. It can be spread: close contact with someone with norovirus – they may breathe out small particles containing the virus that you could inhale touching contaminated surfaces or objects – the ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Oversized Merino undershirt? A base layer is one part of a layering system. A base layers job (and merino does an excellent job of this FYI) is: Wick sweat away from your skin and transport it to the layer above. Add a layer of insulation So the questions you need to ask yourself are: Does this effectively move the sweat f... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are cushioned socks necessary for hiking boots? Advise such as this is aim at the less informed and suits the majority of people most of the time. You have a solution that works for you, don't feel compelled to change it because someone who you never met, who has never put your feet into your boots tells you its better. It sounds like you boot a... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	How can I prevent my binoculars from steaming up? I went for a walk last night in my local woods. I took a pair of binoculars with me. It was quite a cool evening (not that cold). Every time I put the binoculars to my face though to look at something they started to steam up! When I removed them they'd clear only to fog up again after a few seconds ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Preparing rice and mashed potatoes with warm instead of cooking water Your main problem I'd say is that keeping cooked rice unrefrigerated and then not heating rice adequately can potentially cause you to become very unwell! There is even specific guidance about the reheating of rice on the NHS web site: Can reheating rice cause food poisoning? Yes. You can ge... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's the best way to self-arrest on a sandy slope? You can use a snow self arrest technique (one that you use if you don't have an axe). Basically you want to dig your hands and feet into the "surface" as much as possible, thus concentrating your body weight into as small an area as possible: Image source (more)	—	over 8 years ago

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