Activity for Systemâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question | — |
What's the minimum diameter cord to use when climbing a rope using a prusik If I'm using two prusik's to climb a rope (one as a foot loop and one attached to harness directly) What's the minimum diameter of cord I should be looking for to remain safe? (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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What EXACTLY is the chemical coating on the outside of GoreTex? I've got a pretty good understanding of how GoreTex works. I understand that the outside chemical coating effectivly holds water off the outer layer (using little chemical spikes). But I can't quite seem to find out what the coating on the outside (when new) is? What's it's name or chemical symbol... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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Do you need to purify all mountain water sources I was just reading this question What is the safest way to purify water? Now I walk a lot in Snowdonia in North Wales and on occasion I drink from mountain streams. I've even camped next to mountain streams and used the water as my main water source. I haven't used any purification tablets or boili... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Is there a standard set of light signals for mountaineers? Mountain distress signals vary slightly depending on what country you're in. In the UK, the general distress signal is to use a whistle (Alpine distress signal), not a torch. This is so it can be identified in poor visibility. Many backpacks come with a whistle integrated into the webbing, the bright... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Effective measures to minimize the damage due to Snow-blindness? If you'd lost, broken or simply didn't have any googles, I know in the days before effective UV protective eyewear, explorers would wear goggles with thin slits cut into them to reduce the amount of light entering the eye. In an emergency situation you could probably knock this up with a knife and so... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: What should I do with possible frostbite: Swollen feet after putting them in warm water Just to add to PPL's answer. The UK National Health Service has good practical advice on this also. It's available here. But to summarise some of the relevant points: Treatment for frostbite depends on how severe your symptoms are. You should always seek medical attention if you suspect you or ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Which side of an emergency blanket should I use? There are some potentially dangerous answers here. The two colour blankets are used as follows: Protection against cold - silver side to the body. Protection against heat - Gold side to the body. Seal end with tape. (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Question | — |
First crampon grade to buy I'm looking at getting my first set of crampons, for winter Wales/Scotland trekking, with a view of working my way up into the Alps (during summer) eventually. I've been reading that a 10 point C2/B2 configuration would be a good option for a first set. any opinions? The C/B terminology is explained... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Climbing volcanic mountains One threat I've heard of is "heavy gases" (Carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) collecting in valleys or craters. Normally gases on a volcano will simply blow away, but some gases, being heavier, will sink into low lying areas of the volcano. These gases can replace the oxygen in these areas and ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Are headaches a bad sign at altitude? Headaches are common symptoms of altitude sickness. It's a sign your brain is not getting enough oxygen. As with lots of mountain issues it's down to judgement. If the headache is impairing your ability to perform at altitude, then yes, it's dangerous. If you can't concentrate on what your doing th... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: Difference between Gore-Tex Pro Shell and Gore-Tex Active Shell Which one packs down smaller? Gore tex active shell, it consists of 2 layers instead of three and the outer is bonded ot the middle layer reducing it's bulk. Which one is more breathable? Again, active shell. The thinner fabrics will naturally allow more moisture out, there are less barrie... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: How do I wash Gore-Tex clothing? All Gore-Tex products come with care instruction, these should be followed, obviously. It's important to understand how these membranes work, I feel. Many Gore-tex and similar products consist of 3 layers, the first layer (inside the jacket) is designed to protect the Gore tex fabric. The second ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: How do I tie a figure of 8 knot First things first: Please be careful when rock climbing. Learning information on the internet is no substitute to proper training from an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Please don't use this information to put yourself in a situation where you may be in danger. That said You ... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
| Question | — |
How do I tie a figure of 8 knot How would I tie a double figure of eight knot for attaching to a rock climbing harness? (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: "Must Have" in a starter Trad Rack One thing I think that's missing from Ben's answer is a half rope. If your climbing on a trad route that moves about a lot you'll want to use two half ropes rather than a standard single rope. The idea behind a half/double rope is that it reduces drag, if you have two anchors that are far apart o... (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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What are the proper precautions/protocols for storing food while car camping in an area with bears? Anyone with experience in bear-populated areas, what's the best way to store food when your on the move with a car? Are some foods better than others? Wondering specifically about black bears in Northern California, but would things be different if you were in say Montana around the grizzlies? (more) |
— | over 10 years ago |
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A: How to clean rock-climbing shoes? Try dusting the inside of the shoes (or outsides of your feet) with chalk (or talcum powder) before using them to soak up some of the sweat, which can then we wiped out with a slightly damp cloth. There are various commercial products you can get to soak up shoe smell while shoes are being stored (n... (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
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A: Camping in (US) national forests Backcountry camping in US national forests is free. There is the option of using a fee based campground as well. If you end up going backcountry camping, set up a good distance from established hiking trails and water sources(for animals). Bury human waste 6 inches below and pack out all trash. (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Camping in (US) national forests For the US national forests you can find most of what you will need on the US Forest Service website. Specifically for Uintah-Wasatch-Cache you can use this link and it will have the information about the various camping possibilities. From Cabins, Group, RV as well as wilderness camping including ... (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Avalanche forecast in North America? There are regional Avalanche centers, which report to the National Weather Service so you can find information there. However, I would stick with the local information centers because most of the time they would get information first. For example there are centers in Colorado, Northwest US, Utah, a... (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
How can I physically prepare for high altitude hiking? I intend to go to Tibet in August. I play badminton,tabletennis or volleyball every week and my fitness is decent. But I have not been exposed to high altitudes like in Tibet (16000 ft; 4900 m). How can I keep myself ready for a trek in Tibet in the coming 4 months? (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
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A: What is scientific relation between body weight and backpack weight in mountain climbing? It is not your weight that is limiting your ability to carry heavy backpacks, it is your strength. You should determine your backpack weight based on strength and what you've previously carried, not your bodyweight. (more) |
— | about 11 years ago |
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A: SkyDive Equipment Your school should have the best knowledge of how you fly, but a good rule of thumb is absolutely no wing-loadings over 1-1 ( wing-loading is Exit weight/ canopy size). So if you weigh 170, a 190 should be your smallest parachute. Most beginners buy used - and the classifieds on dropzone.com h... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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What are the advantages of learning to ski on a trip? (as opposed to beforehand) I'm a non-skier right now but am thinking of going on a ski trip. As far as I can tell there are two options for learning. On a dry ski slope before I go Start my trip with learning What the the advantages of either option? (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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A: How to properly lace hiking boots? Barefoot hiking has started taking off in Europe, the idea is that the boots won't chew up soft ground. You could try doing that for the ground you really don't need the ankle support for, and put the boots on for the shorter distances where you really need them. I would also imagine that if you're t... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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A: What are different knots named in English? It is better not to link to outside sources as they can disappear. Linking within SE would be safe(r). Bowline Knot [Example for displaying translations] Deustch (German) - Palstek Double Overhand Knot Noose (or Hangman's Knot) Slip Knot Double Fisherman's Knot Fortified Square Knot ... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
What are different knots named in English? As English isn't my first language, I don't know the English words for different knots. Any translator fails on this part too. Can someone point me to a source? edit: Please also describe synonyms and who uses those. Backpackers or climbers may use different names than sailors. (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
Bowline knot, end at the inside or outside? Why is it advised (here at Outdoors) to tie a bowline knot with its ending on the inside ("Standard Bowline") and not at the outside ("Cowboy Bowline")? See pictures below. If you're unlucky the end can get stuck, and you can't untie it. Scenario: Tie a boat with a bowline knot around a pole. The e... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
| Answer | — |
A: Can I sail a raft on a European river with commercial traffic? There are rivers and channels which forbid sailing without an engine running! In Europe there are several countries which have by themselves more than one law system. But as every law, they are written in a book. Ask in a boating shop (or tourist information point) for more localized information and ... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
| Question | — |
When buying a wooden boat, fixer-upper or scrapyard? If one wants to buy a wooden sail boat, even a rotten one as a fixer-upper, what are the hotspots to check to determine if the boat is suited to repair or suited for the scrapyard? (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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A: Number of people in a boat? A good rule of thumb would be: Can you move around and have easy access to everything you/everyone need to manoeuvring the vessel. (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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Changing the shrouds, how would I know how far if I need to? I have a lelievlet and want to add a bowsprit/lignite and a mizzen mast. Therefore I need to know how much I need to change the shrouds, anyone can help me by explaining how? edit: What data do I need to have in order to calculate the new setting and how do I calculate them? And about the lignite, ... (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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Bending wood, how do I know it is far enough? Am building a Frisian schouw, I have oakwood and build a frame on which the wood can rest. How would I know the wood has bend enough and how serious would it be if it is bend to far? (more) |
— | over 11 years ago |
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A: Eating in a long sport activity (scuba diving) to keep your strength up When I climbed Mount Everest in 2010 I went from 9 pm, when we started for the summit, until 5 pm the next day, without eating. I had only 1 liter of gatorade to drink in that time too. Obviously I didn't die, and it required a lot of energy, let me assure you. So you can 'survive' your dive, and I g... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What does IBO on a bow mean and how is it calculated? A.M.O.(Archery Manufacturing Organization) and I.B.O. (International Bowhunters Association) both have a method for testing arrow speed from bows and although they are different both can be used to compare equipment for relative speed. Both of the speed testing standards use a constant drawlength, a... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: Should a hiker be concerned about wolves in the back-country? Wikipedia has very nice article about Wolf attacks on humans Wolves will avoid people like any other wild predator that is smaller than the average human. If you come between them and their young, you should just slowly back out of that situation and heed the wolf's warnings. Unless the wolves are ... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: Can you eat pine needles in an emergency? Pine needles have virtually no caloric value. I would not recommend pine needles as an energy source, although they have plenty of vitamin C and make delicious tea. This is good in winter to avoid getting scurvy in a long-term survival situation. As already mentioned, Yew needles are toxic to the h... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How to avoid exploding rocks Here is a good article on the types of rocks that explode: http://www.ehow.com/list7360348rocks-explode-around-fire-pits.html Generally if you rub two of the same rocks together and they crumble easily, then they are not safe to use. Hard rocks: The following rocks are not very likely to explode,... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How to harden feet to avoid blisters on long hikes I do a few things and they are helping very much: Walk around in Barefoot Running Shoes. You don't have to get the freaky ones with the separated toes. I have ones that look like normal sneakers. Learn the fox walk Wear double socks. One thin pair and one normal pair. The friction will get distrib... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: What are some natural glues found in North American nature? A fabulous source for detailed information on north american plants suitable for glue production can be obtained from Native American Ethnobotany by Daniel E. Moerman. Here are quite a few that come to mind: Chrysothamnus nauseosus ssp. hololeucus (Gray) Hall & Clements, Rubber Rabbitbrush: Bul... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: Where are good places to look for water sources when I have run out on a multi-day hike? You always look at places where water could accumulate (here are some not so obvious choices): Extra green vegetation like sycamore tree is good indicator of water source. You can utilize the plants transpiration via plastic bag or bottle. And just leave it out in the sun. With big enough plastic b... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How to make a signal fire that can be seen miles away I found this image. I think this is good method since you can prep several signal structures depending where in your camp you are, and where the help might be approaching from. The bigger it is the more smoke it will produce. This way you just have to keep small fire going and, when you need to, you ... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: Looking for a Topographical map resource? Check this link out: FREE topographic maps and research tools. It contains this and many more countries: UNITED STATES TOPOZONE.COM If all sites could be just like topozone. Topozone has a seamless map of the US at all published USGS scales; 1:24,000, 1:100,000, and 1:250,000, and 1:63,360 for Ala... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: Can I shoot a bear in self-defense? For hunting bears you have to check with your local rangers for hunting season, permits and so on. Self-defense is self-defense if your mental state does not allow you to think and you feel killing is the only way out than it the only way out. BUT Bear Defense Spray is more effective and easier t... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: If lost in the wilderness, what is the first thing I should do? Assuming you told people where you were going and you don't have PLB with you, you should start building camp. Construct distress signal discussed here: How can I signal for help in the wilderness? Don't panic Get busy making your camp Look for sources of water Construct distress signals Make trap... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: What are survival tools I should have when in the wilderness? Out of all the things that I listed bellow I think the most important is warm clothing and a water container. A knife you can make by splinting hard rock. Remember you need this (in order of importance): Air to breath, Shelter to keep warm, Water to function, Food to keep going. Items: Cl... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How do you make a snow shelter? Here are few shelters that I think have good design. Although some of them are missing hole for cold air to drop in, they are still good for shelter from a storm as quick solution. (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: What fps does a bow need to hunt moose? With the bow it is not the speed of the arrow but the power it is packing. I think the general speed is around 300 fps (90 m/s). There are some compound bows that can shoot faster with thin diameter arrows. Usually 55 lbs draw is enough to kill any large game. I shoot a 65 lb take down recurve when... (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How do I tie a bowline knot? Here is nice site with animation: http://www.apparent-wind.com/knots/bowline/ (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |
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A: How do I tie a double fisherman's knot? Double fisherman's knot Source (more) |
— | over 12 years ago |