Activity for System
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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A: Do barrel style root cellars get colder the deeper you dig them? No, it is not true that necessarily the deeper you get the cooler it gets. For really deep holes it is actually the opposite, the deeper you get the warmer the temperature gets. This is called the Geothermal Gradient. This states that temperature goes up 25C per 1KM of depth. For the first couple ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Rating unorthodox climbs I would question that particular link. 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 number of diffe... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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What is a "shooting jacket"? I read this news report today about a Malaysian competitor in the commonwealth games. Commonwealth shooting champion Nur Ayuni Farhana Abdul Halim will be unable to compete in Glasgow after her competition jacket went missing.... "The rules clearly state that a rifle shooter must wear a jac... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: How do permits for US/Canada public land work? As I understand it the permits have a couple of goals: It's a revenue stream to pay for the maintenance of the areas It's a way of controlling numbers It's a way of enforcing that the person with the permit has an understanding of the activity they are undertaking and has agreed to some kind of ter... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Foam vs hardshell climbing helmets? What are the advantages/disadvantages of climbing helmet design (foam or hardshell)? Foam Hardshell PS: I do not intend to compare them by how much they cost. (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Are dark or bright clothings preferable in the desert? Black robes are worn predominantely by Bedouin tribesmen. A scientific paper has been written on this Why do Bedouins wear black robes in hot deserts? article in journal Nature. This is summarised quite neatly here. To cut a long story short: "It seems likely," the scientists wrote, "that the p... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Pitching a tent in the rain? If the poles of your tent attach to the outer you're in luck. Before you go remove the inner from the outer and pack these separately, potentially wrap them in plastic bags or something so they stay dry. Then when you turn up your first task is to get the waterproof outer up as fast as possible. If... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Knot to turn cord into loop (load bearing) What's the best knot for turning a piece of cord into a loop? The cord would then be used for a prusik so needs to be very secure and load bearing. (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Maintaining a Mountain Hut Depends on what you are going for. If you are heading this up, expect it to be a full-time endeavor for at least a year, and then part time for the lifetime of the hut. Like Nivag said, there are lots of different types of huts, so you have to decide on what you want before anything else. This will d... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What are creative uses for retired carabiners? Obsolete biners are very useful for retreating. If (as you state) you've retired them because: made obsolete by an upgrade. and they are generally solid. Then it's well worth dragging a few of these along on climbs you're worried you may not be able to complete. I've been welcome of some old s... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Maintaining a Mountain Hut I think nivag covers most of this topic. I just wanted to add some of my experiences. Mountain huts/bothies cover a very wide range of facilities. Here are two I've actually stayed in to demonstrate this, This one: in north wales consists of four walls, a roof and fire pit, that's it. It's big eno... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: How do you compare between different rock climbing grades? Rockfax have a handy conversion chart this is the generally accepted version though it is (like all climbing grades) subjective. Below are the conversion charts: "Bold" trad routes "Safe" Trad Routes Bouldering (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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How do you compare between different rock climbing grades? Different countries and rock climbing disiplines have different grading systems, for example the the British trad grade system (e.g. grade HVS 5(a)) and the US point grading system (e.g. 5.9) If I climb HVS 5(a) in the UK, how do I know what this grade equates to in other countries? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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How to use campus boards I'm looking at improving (actually starting) my training regime. My local climbing Gym has just installed various campus boards. How do you use these to train effectively? What's the technique process for using them, etc? What area's of your climbing are they aimed at improving? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Effective training for rock climbing I've felt of late that my rock climbing has somewhat plateaued. I seem to be stuck at around V4 bouldering and 6(b) rope climbing. I'm pushing my grade as best as I can but simply climbing doesn't seem to be generating the results I want any more. I've not pushed passt V4-5 for a number of years now.... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Why do flies try to get in my eyes all the time? Short answer moisture and salts. This is a particular problem if you're in a jungle area, they're isn't much salt in jungles and flies will obtain it form anywhere they can. Humans secrete salts (in sweat). (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Compare running fitness to hiking Is it possible to compare stats from this to what is required to be able to do this hike? VO2 max is the best indicator of fitness. Running will increase your VO2 max. VO2 max is the amount of Oxygen your blood can hold per Kg per minute. This is an important factor in all endurance exercise,... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: Chalk: pure, plus drying agent, liquid? They are all very similar. I've attempted to summarise below: Chalk Pure natural calcium carbonate, nothing else. Advantages: It's natural, it doesn't dry your hands out (as much), you're not going to leave chemicals on holds and it'll wash off without leaving a trace, cheap Disadvantage: It can ... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Travelling and taking climbing chalk through customs Anyone had any experience getting climbing chalk though customs? I'm off to Guernsey and I don't think I'll be able to buy chalk there so I'm putting it in my hold luggage. Are customs likely to open it up thinking its something illicit? (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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A: What is this black and white spider with a bowl/tube web in England? Could be two I'd guess: Labyrinth spider It's hard to completly identify but by the sound of the web shape and your description it is most likely a Labyrinth spider More info here At this time of the year, the funnel webs in our gardens are normally the work of Labyrinth spiders. Labyrint... (more) |
— | almost 10 years ago |
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Why is a "Czech bed roll" called this? History, uses? This was actually something new I came across recently. A Czech bed roll. I've never seen a set up like this before. I was also intrigued by the name. Has anyone used one of these? Advantages/disadvantages? Why are they called Czech bed rolls? Especially the Czech bit? Edit Yes, I know the examp... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Dangers of currents for windsurfers My surfing/windsurfing knowledge is limited. But yes they can be dangerous and yes you should seek knowledge on currents before surfing anywhere. There are currents that can force you against rocks, or into sea caves or under water of the dreaded rip tides. Rip tides are nasty and can suck you out... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Climbing guide for the Yorkshire Dales After a good trawl though my local outdoors shop I came across this book: Yorkshire gritstone. It covers an area called slipstones, which appears to be the nearest significant crag. (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: How to get started on canyoning? All the above are relevant and good answers. One thing I would add that is missing is the Environmental impact. Cannonying is (generally) very bad for river ecosystems and requires specialist knowledge on where and when to do certain activities. Some examples include: In the UK you should avoid pro... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Where is it possible to use a hammock in the UK? Your best bet is to study an Ordance Survey map of the area. Incidently you can get these off Bing which is cool. I'd look for a campsite symbol with some form of forest near by: Preferably deciduous forest, which will have well spaced out trees, forestry commision land tends to be densely packed... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What sort of white rock with lots of small holes is this? That looks like fossilised coral (possibly a sponge?), the outside is smooth because it's been worn down by the erosion of the sea. There is quite a lot of fossilised corral on the north Wales coast, it was once a shallow, tranquil, tropical Carboniferous sea The Carboniferous period from wiki: ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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What sort of white rock with lots of small holes is this? This interesting pebble caught my eye the other day when I was wandering around on an Anglesey beach in Wales, UK but I haven't a clue what sort of rock it is and what has caused the little holes in it. Parts of it are smooth while others are covered in holes (see below) Any suggestions would be gr... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Is it legal to light bonfires on UK beaches? Ok, first thing to note is who owns the coast. The land between the high water mark and the low water mark is owned by the crown (crown reserves) in UK law. (ref) The land above he high water mark is owned by land owners, this may also be the crown if it's common land etc. Any land owned by private... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What to do at the top of a sport climb What you're talking about is called Cleaning Cleaning This video covers the process in detail. But in short: Attach your self to the top anchor with a spare clip draw (or two), or better yet a sling attached to your harness using a larks foot and a locking biner. Inform your belayer that you're ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Why should the angle in a rope attached to two anchors be 60 degrees or less? This is due to the load that is passed to each anchor. You might think that (for example) two anchors will receive 50% load each during a fall or simply when the climber weights the rope. But actually the amount of load an anchor receives depends on the angle of the rope that this is attached to. Ty... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Why should the angle in a rope attached to two anchors be 60 degrees or less? This question asks how to set up a top rope anchor. It states that No angle of tension shall exceed 60 degrees. Why? (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: What do I do if I lose my belay plate? If you drop a belay plate you can use a Munter Hitch to descend down the rope. Here's an animated example of how to tie this knot (1 to 6 only) It works like a belay plate (but in reverse) so if you hold your hand close to your leg it will release. Moving it forward locks the slip knot. You can u... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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What do I do if I lose my belay plate? The scenario My climbing partner and I are at the top of a pitch and we drop a belay plate to the ground. There is no safe descent, we were planning on rappelling down off safe anchors. What do we do? Also covers: "How to abseil without a descender device?" (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Super/Krazy Glue on Outdoor Gear From the Krazy glue web site There are a few things Instant Krazy Glue® is not intended for use on such as paper, foam, rear view mirrors, polyethylene, Teflon® or other fluorocarbons. From that list I'd basically say any form of plastic isn't going to get along. Lots of outdoor g... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Would gutters in an impermeable single-wall tent drain condensed water away, and keep the tent comfortable? If condensation formed on the inside of a tent it wouldn't simply flow down the sides of the tent into gutters. It'd drip, it'd drip all over you and everything in the tent making you wet. Every time you touched the sides or the wind blew, you'd get rained on. When you're wet your body loses a lot o... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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Climbing guide for the Yorkshire Dales Can anybody reccommend a climbing guide for the Yorkshire Dales area? I'm off for a weekend trip there in a couple of months but I'm having difficulty finding a guide for the area. Roughly the Askrigg region Preferably this will include somewhere I can easily set up some top ropes on easy routes as ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Who places the bolts on rock climbing routes, and how? What you're talking about is Sport climbing. Generally these bolts are placed by the person who is creating the climb. They will normally top rope or abseil the climb and work out where they want it to go, then spend a couple of days placing the bolts, while on a top rope. They are drilled and glue... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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A: Official Protocols to be followed in England for trekking/hiking Safety is fine, so long as you are prepared and can read a map adequately. The UK has something called the "Countryside code". This is not a legal requirement but a blueprint about how to behave in the wild in the UK. Full information is available from the ramblers association. Some of the more ... (more) |
— | about 10 years ago |
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What are the benefits of Vibram FiveFingers? Looking at the Vibram FiveFingers shoes, I find myself wondering why? What possible benefits do they bring as opposed to a traditional sole? Their web site seems to suggest that they are a more natural way to use your feet and then suggests a series of exercises to do to become used to the shoes. I... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Reference request: books on self-rescue while climbing Libby peters' book is good and covers self rescue in detail. It's also the offical book for the UK Mountain Leader and single Pitch award qualifications There is a series on self rescue which I saw recently on UKClimbing.com, could be worth a watch (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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When should I retire my rope I know there is a degree of "gray" in this question but: I have a Beal Top gun II 10.5mm, I've had this rope for around 4 years now and I'm starting to think about retiring it. It's been used mainly for indoor lead climbing but also outdoor trad and top roping. It had a year of, practically, zero... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Hot or cold shower better after exertion? I'm a fan of a cold bath (ice bath if you can stand it). My understanding is that the contraction of the muscles that happens as they get cold forces out things like lactic acid thus improving your recovery and preventing injury. It's not everyone's cup of tea I admit though. Done a quick google on... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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Good quality walking maps for Spain What re the best quality walking, trekking maps for Spain? In the UK were pretty lucky as we have the Ordance Survey (a government body that maintains all topo maps). Is there an equivalent in Spain? I've heard you can buy the old military maps, but: I've heard they are very out of date (date to t... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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What is a place in the U.S.A that is between 40°F - 60°F (5°C - 15°C) year round and doesn't get a ton of rain? I just wanted to know what place in america has forest, temperature ranges from 40°F - 60°F (5°C - 15°C) year round, does NOT rain for days on end, and rarely gets snow. I tried looking around on the internet for the answer to this question. The closest I got was Eureka, California. I don't care ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Belly flopping top outs There is a technique to topping out a flat featureless boulder gracefully. Climbing.com have a good article on it Briefly this is: Step one. When you reach the lip of a boulder, quickly evaluate which foot to swing up onto the lip (from now on this foot will be known as the pivot foot). Le... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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Taking and using bearings How would I go about taking a compass bearing of a distant peak and then relate this to the information on a standard map? (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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Belly flopping top outs I've always mocked friends who top-out using their belly (stomach) when bouldering. It's not very graceful but I was reading this article on UKClimbing and it shows someone topping out on a V6 using his stomach. I've always considered this bad form, but maybe I'm wrong. Is topping out on your belly ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Does sandpapering finger tips improve rock climbing? This is to prevent "flappers". A flapper (or avulsions) is when the skin has thickened in a particular area of the fingers, normally the tips, due to abrasion. The problem is the surrounding skin has not thickend. This means that when you apply pressure to the thickened section it can peel away, ri... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Is it realistic to teach yourself rock climbing? Being as your talking about climbing gyms I'm going to limit my answer to indoor climbing only. First things first: Is it a realistic goal to teach yourself how to climb I'd say no. is it really necessary (and safe) to be taught by a professional Necessary: Depends on who you know. If yo... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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Abandoning a multi pitch climb If you're on a multi pitch route and you decide to abandon the climb and retreat(say the weather has turned unexpectedly). What is the minimum amount of gear you should leave behind as a rope anchor to effect a successful and safe retreat (abseil)? Could cord be used as a sling over a sturdy flake o... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |