Activity for Systemâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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A: Why should I carry a snow anchor? In additions to other answers, I build my own stakes for about $10 each and happily leave them behind when rappelling off routes if no other options exist. Leaving your ice Axe, pack, hammer etc behind is not only iffy in terms of survival, its expensive. (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Reliability of snow bollards I have used them heaps for Rappelling, and am more comfortable using a Snow bollard than any other single anchor. I have seen snow stakes bend under the load of one person, ice screws pull the ice off the rock. I have seen deadmen fail when the knots came undone (might have been incorrectly clipped ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Uses for different size locking carabiners Typically a small biner is fine. The larger ones are useful in a number of scenarios though, for example rigging a belay where you have multiple anchors each tied into your carabiner, the bigger biner gives you more space to add clove hitches, etc. This is only really applicable to trad climbing wher... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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What are the advantages of a vapour barrier? I was recently reading an article on UKClimbing by Andy Kirkpatrick about clothing in winter. It talks about vapour barriers: I’ve played around with vapour barrier socks over many years, and think just having a cheap thin shopping bag next to your skin, then a good sock over the ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What are the rules to grade sport climbing single pitch routes? This is basicaly a cut and paste of my answer here: Rating climbs isn't really a tick box exercise, for a start their are multiple different grading systems all of which are slightly different. You cannot say: well it's at x angle and the hand holds are y size therefore it's w There are a n... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Using anti-perspirant in extreme cold climate Could the use of anti-perspirant give benefit in extreme cold climate where sweating can be a significant problem. TL;DR answer: Unlikely. The issue is the sheer amount of water your body will secrete during physical exercise. It would be impossible for anti persperant to prevent this amount o... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Numbers on down jackets I'm looking for a down jacket. They all seem to come with numbers but I'm not sure what they mean. For example : 90/10 Down Fill Power 700 What do they mean? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: If the Dawn Wall had been climbed before, why was the 2015 attempt so difficult? The Dawn wall is one of the largest and most difficult climbs in the world, it's nearly 1000m of blankness, there isn't a lot to hold onto all the way up. But you're right, it has been "climbed" before. The Dawn wall was first climbed in 1970 by Warren Harding and Dean Caldwell. These climbers use... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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If the Dawn Wall had been climbed before, why was the 2015 attempt so difficult? There's a lot of talk in the media about Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell's free ascent of the dawn wall of El Capitan. This wall has been climbed before, but this is the first time it's been free climbed. What are Kevin Jorgeson and Tommy Caldwell doing differently now that hasn't been done befor... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: How to camp in wolf country? Wolf attacks are incredibly rare whereas bear attacks are more common. Typically wolves are afraid of humans and will actively avoid contact. Humans are the predator typically in wolf encounters so they are much more afraid of us than we of them. That said wolves have been known to attack humans, no... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What is the first thing to do, when buried in an avalanche? Ignoring having an airbag or airlung (which aren't common in the UK at least) Here is a list of things to do if your are caught in an avalanche. They should increase your chance of survival, obviously the best way to increase your chance of survival is to not get caught in an avalanche at all. Get ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: From an outdoor recreation point of view, does it matter who manages a national monument? From an outdoor recreation point of view, is it relevant who manages a national monument? Yes! There are several resons why it's important who manages the land. For a start they control how the land is managed. Should it be farmed, should it be left to nature, should x area be allowed to fl... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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1000 names for snow The old saying goes that Innuit have a 1000 names for snow (as @venture2099 says this isn't actually true but you get my point). This kind of makes sense to describe the various states and types of snow you get. I can name a few: Neve Grappel Wind slab Rime Hoar What other names for snow exist? ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: If you are buried in an avalanche will you survive? There have been quite a few studies on this. There are various factors that will affect this, these include: Position in the snow: people upside-down sometimes live longer because the brain has more blood flow Equipment you may be carrying (aqualung, etc.) Injuries or bleeding: if you bang your hea... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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If you are buried in an avalanche will you survive? Obviously, my best chance of survival is in not being buried, but if I am unfortunate enough to become buried in an avalanche what are my chances of surviving it? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Why don't people in the UK use snowshoes? I was recently in the mountains of Snowdonia in thick snow. It was about 2 foot (about 0.6m) in places. It was a lovely day just after Christmas so it was quite busy too (even a few snow boarders on the Carneddau). Everyone was postholing up the slope (me included). It was hard work! It occurred t... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Hills closest to East Anglia What about the Chilterns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChilternHills) Relatively near, though not very high (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What is the purpose of the shoulder strap upper adjustment? This is the response I gave to a similar question ....This is designed to slightly pull your shoulders back and evenly distribute the weight across your back (i.e. so that the weight doesn't simply sit on your lower back). Pull these tight so that you feel the weight move up slightly (to th... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Where in the US can I find green mountains to hike like in Scotland, such as Dalveen Pass? I think your going to struggle. Let me explain why: Scotland has a very different climate to the US. Scotland is a northern region warmed by the Gulf Stream. At the same latitude in the Americas the temperature is much much colder, think polar bears and ice flows. Those green hills are the product... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Which month would be, on probability, the best month to trek on the Isle of Skye, Scotland? You're going to have to take a chance. The west coast of Scotland (where Skye is) is the wettest part of the UK. If you're up there for 5 days, it might rain everyday regardless of time of year. That said, statistically, the driest time of the year is between March and May. This also has the advanta... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Benefits of tree tents over typical shelters? Benefits are probably quite limited. It allows you to camp where ground conditions do not suit - e.g. very wet, rough or not level ground, in dense or fragile (that you care about) undergrowth. Leaves a smaller trace of an overnight stop - lower impact of camp - good for military use or those who car... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Benefits of tree tents over typical shelters? Look fun, but seems entirely a gimmick if you ask me. If you wanted to save weight you'd bivvy, if you wanted to be comfortable a tent is much more flexible. With my fully practical head on, I can't see any useful benefits. They look comfortable though I'd imagine you and everything in the tent would... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Installing a hand line for scrambling? How would you do this safely (is this even possible to do safely)? This technique is based on one member of the party being more competent than the others and the grades being very low (probably nothing more than a Grade III scramble) For example I lead a group of friends up Tryfan. This is a g... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: River crossing in winter? If the rivers fast moving, rope up. You prob want to use a figure of eight lasso: tie a single figure of eight in the rope, towards the end you want to build a lasso in tie a re-threaded figure of eight in the end and rethread so that the rope passes though the bight, ensure the first single figure... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What is an effective way to join a map that is printed on several sheets? Why are you printing A4? Join the sheets electronically on the computer then print A3 or even A2. If you do not have an A3 capable printer, its a few cents a page to print them at a commercial outlet or local library. Alternately print a large scale map onto A4 - often you do not need the full det... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Belay with a broken arm I follow Andy Kirkpatrick(Hull's second best climber) on instagram. He rencently posted this photo: with the comment: Teaching self rescue...(how to belay with a broken arm) It looks like a munter hitch with a crab in it for some reason. What is this technique and how does it help with a br... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Pack for carrying a puppy I did this with my dog the other day. He seemed to quite enjoy the experience...It was much warmer in the bag than out. (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What are safe/effective leaves from around the world for use in tidying up your backside after answering the call of nature? Dock leaves are good: They're big, durable, plentiful, and (most importantly) non-stinging. A little rough, maybe, but what do you expect from a leaf... ? Remember, try to leave no trace. (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Is there a recommended safety standard for crampons? I follow an outdoor group on facebook and one of the guys on it asked about these crampons on ebay They look very suspicious, they're a little too cheap and don't seem to fit very well, etc. They seem to be some kind of Grivel copies to me. Made me think though, what kind of saftety standards/acr... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Is Tyvek 44grs/m2 (Tyvek® Soft Structure Style 1443R) waterproof enough to be used as a groundsheet/footprint or tent bottom, any experience? Has anyone practical experience with the light, soft version of Tyvek used as footprint / groundsheet or tent bottom? I like the material, used it once so far as a ground sheet (footpint) on grass and had no troubles with moisture migrating through it. Is this material waterproof? And if so, how w... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Where in Europe is wild camping permitted? Switzerland again: all farmland and forest area is owned by someone who has to give you permission. However, I never bother, but I apply strictly no/low impact techniques: Cooking only in designated recreational areas, and not where I will camp and sleep; camp and sleep in a "stealth camp", sneakin... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Are trekking poles proven to be helpful? I had similar problems and I used hiking poles for some time. I however discontinued the use of hiking poles as I like to have my hands free and I do not like the additional weight. What really matters for me is the stride, especially downhill. Imagine yourself to "sneak" through the country as oppos... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: How to freeze a water container without deforming it? I would take one of the flexible bottles like the platypus brand and make sure to fill it only about 70%. You can not beat the physics: Water expands if you freeze it. If you have a flexible bottle and make sure it is not full, the water will be allowed to take its form without damaging the bottle. T... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Online website to track A.T. section hikes and overall progress? There are different web services which combine maps (usually downloadable) with GPS and the possibility either to permanently communicate and save your progress (update-rates usually can be chosen manually) or to let someone know your position at your discretion. The permanent update requires connect... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Finding a suitable slope to practice self arrest? I want to practice my self arrest technique. So I need to find a snowy slope to slide down and practice digging my ice axe in, turning, etc. What kind of slope should I be looking for? What kind of angle, etc. I obviously want somewhere safe but steep enough that I will actually slide down it. Als... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: How can I tell if I am dehydrated or have low electrolytes (need salt, etc.)? What works well for me (just personal experience from years of trips in the alps): I force myself to drink about half a liter more than on normal "office days" in the morning before I start a tour. If I do not have to pee every three or for hours, I have to drink more. If the pee has a discernible ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What's a good back-up wood and alcohol stove? Combining alcohol and wood burning in one stove is not easy, as both media ask for completely different designs to burn efficiently. Consider to carry one cookset for alcohol (burner, pot stand and windshield). Made from pop/beer can, wire and aluminum foil, such a set need not weigh more than 100gr... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What's the best lightweight pole for a tarp? There are some really light weight Easton poles, check http://www.trekking-lite-store.com/Zelte/Zelt-Zubehoer/Easton-Front-Pole::133.html around 50grs (this is really light!). There is also a sturdyer version available at 120grs. I have successfully used my old leki hiking poles which weigh in at 2... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Measuring a dangerous snow slope I'm reading up on winter technique. The book im reading states: Most (slab) avalanches happen on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees I think I've seen this before but ; how do I recognise (easily) a slope in this range? (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Should I be using Dyneema slings for lead climbing anchors? I've seen a few of these comparisons around but I've always struggled to make sense of them. At the moment I do quite a lot of Alpine style routes (lowish grade (HS), long multi pitch routes, typically up arete's etc) in Snowdonia. These routes typically have lot's and lot's of spikes. So I tend to... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Best technique to sharpen a knife using a whetstone? I have a knife and a whetstone. One side of the whetstone is rough and the other is finely grained. I occasionally sharpen my knife but I'm not 100% clear if I'm using it correctly. I normally move the knife in a circular motion trying to hold it at an angle.. oO I usually use the rough side first ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Is it ok to bleed a fish in muddy water I would follow the same rules as drinking water. The water was not standing, i.e. it comes from a stream that is rather fast and the stream is big enough that it is not just a connection of puddles or ponds where the water rinses from one to the other. There are no sources of c... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Preventing "heat rash" around ankles and shins? This sounds to me what we would call in the UK prickly heat. What causes prickly heat? Prickly heat usually develops when a person sweats more than usual, such as during hot or humid weather. However, it is also possible to get prickly heat in the winter. The condition is caused when the... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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When hiking should I always wear a shirt and sunscreen, or is just sunscreen okay? Is it a viable practice to not wear a shirt, as long as you smear your body with sunscreen, if you plan to go hiking for hours (assuming reapplication)? Or is it advised to wear a shirt at all times and apply sunscreen anyway? I'll be doing some hard grade mountain walking up to see the steamers her... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Divers deliberately breathing fast before diving into water Divers do this in an attempt to saturate their blood with Oxygen before diving. Voluntary hyperventilation before beginning voluntary apnea is commonly believed to allow the person involved to safely hold their breath for a longer period. In reality, it will give the impression that one doe... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Climbing all the Munros as a continous round There are 282 Munros scattered all over the 30,414 sq mi of Scotland. The average time taken to bag all the Munros is eight years.... The fastest munro bagging is 48 days 12 hours now 39 days, 9 hours. I'd imagine you could probably double this unless your a world renowned fell runner. There's no s... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What are the real dangers of climbing at high altitude? I had always assumed that after you adapted to the thin air, the risk to your body was how thick your blood got with the production of extra red blood cells to compensate for the lack of oxygen. an increase of red blood cells will only happen after a long period of time. This is why athletes... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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How to clean bones found outside? On a recent walk my girlfriend and I discovered a decomposed horse carcass, nothing but bones left. We took some photos and moved on. She's now decided that the bones would make great ornaments and we should go back and pick some up...?! How is the best way to obtain and clean bones found in the wil... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What is the most effective means of paddling a canoe, against the current, under a bridge? In my experience, and from what I've heard from my whitewater canoeing friends, the best thing to do when handling a canoe in rough conditions is to kneel in the middle. This will bring the bow down bring your paddling position closer to the front, giving you more torque and precision in the direc... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What is the best mountaineering quote that you have ever read? Not really mountaineering but certainly outdoorsmanship: About (not by him) the famous Arctic explorer Ernest Shackleton For scientific discovery give me Scott; for speed and efficiency of travel give me Amundsen; but when disaster strikes and all hope is gone, get down on your knees and p... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |