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Activity for ShemSeger‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Answer A: Difference when using twin or half ropes
Twin ropes can be as small as 6.9mm (35g/m), and are only used in pairs; you tie into two ropes, and clip both as though they were a single rope. This provides you with the redundancy of having more than one rope, but without the weight of carrying two single ropes. Twin ropes also allow a full-rope...
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almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I transfer my weight to a toprope anchor at the bolts?
I wouldn't do this the way you propose. If I understand you correctly, you want to clip the top bolt, then have your belayer hold your weight while you set up a top anchor, and you want to know how to unclip your quickdraw after and load the top anchor. My first question would be, why aren't you us...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Bouldering, improving and getting up grades
Fall More. If you're not falling a lot, then you're not pushing yourself enough, ergo you won't see much improvement. Grasping a basic understanding of proper climbing technique is what enables most new climbers to quickly advance in their climbing abilities, but once you have that understanding o...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How quickly do Oxygen Absorbers "spoil"?
Depends somewhat on what type of absorber you're using, but they're most commonly made from iron powder, which are good for hours between first opening and sealing in your bags, but that time can be extended to days, weeks or longer if you keep the unused ones in an airtight container like a jar, or ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What's the best way to self-arrest on a sandy slope?
A walking stick might help, but I think your best bet is going to be to sprawl out flat and dig your hands as deep into the sand as possible. Sand is not like ice. You can self arrest on ice because it's a medium that you can create friction on (scratching your pick into the ice), but sand isn't so...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How do you lower a backpack over a cliff without damaging it?
Canyoneering is its own sport and comes with its own kit. The only way you're going to lower your backpacking bag without damaging it is to lower it off a hanging wall so that it doesn't rub on the rocks, or put it inside of an abrasion resistant bag. But if you're going to consider investing in to...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to prevent breath steam diminishing light power when using a headlamp?
Oh goodness, this is a terrible struggle in caves especially, because there is no air current and the breath just lingers forever in front of your face. It's especially bad when I'm trying to film the cave with my GoPro, and have a persistent cloud looming in front of my head cam. There are three th...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Question Can you get burned by boiling water on everest?
At sea level, pure water boils at 100&#xB0;C. In my hometown, water boils at 97&#xB0;C, and being at a higher elevation we always had to boil or cook our food longer than the recommended times given in recipes. I recently learned that it was impossible to cook a hardboiled egg on Everest, because w...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Tent inside of a tent - any improvement in warmth?
That's essentially how 4 season tents work, the tent is full nylon (no mesh) and the fly is full and basically acts as a second tent, creating that air gap. some 4 season tents even have little foamies on them that help keep the gap, preventing snow from squishing the fly against the tent and elimina...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Leave-no-trace-exception for tissues?
There are no exceptions to leave no trace. Either you leave a trace, or you do not, the whole point of leave no trace ethics is to make as small an impact on the environment as possible, this means visually as well as ecologically. Tissues break down, but the proper method of disposing them would b...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What's the problem with burying toilet paper?
The answer is the same for burying toilet paper as it is for burying poop: see: When is it not OK to leave feces behind? Burying toilet paper with your poop is acceptable in areas where it can break down and decompose. If you are in arid dirt that doesn't get much moisture, or in rocks or sand, th...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Is a single strand of webbing unacceptable for climbing anchors?
A single strand of 1" tube webbing has a breaking strength of almost 18kN. which is 50% more than the total amount of force any climber will ever be able to generate (12kN), but the safety standard is a breaking strength of at least 100% more than what a human body could generate (24kN). That means ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Is a barrel knot the same as a double/triple overhand knot?
The knot shown on Climbing.com is indeed a barrel knot, and yes the barrel knot they're showing you to tie is essentially a triple overhand, but the difference is a barrel knot isn't defined by the number of overhand loops you put in it. A barrel knot can have three, four, five, or more loops tied in...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Can Grizzlies climb trees?
A grizzly bear can climb a tree with relative ease if it has branches large enough for it to grab onto, but they can't climb trees like a black bear can, especially a larger grizzly, they're much more able in trees when they're younger and smaller. Climbing a tree is in fact an effective method of a...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What do I do if I lose my belay plate?
Carabiner Braking Device You can make a braking device using only carabiners, which is how things were done before tubular devices, or braking plates: Source: Freedom of the Hills
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: How to get kinks and twists out of a climbing rope?
The Halbmastwurfsicherung (half clove hitch) or "Munter Hitch" was one of those accidental discoveries. Someone back in the day tied a clove hitch wrong and discovered that the resulting knot had some potential application in belaying and descending. Munters are however, the WORST discovery ever mad...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What happens when someone dies on Mount Everest?
The answer is yes. But not for everyone. The first two people on record to die on Everest were George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. There's speculation that they may have even summited the Mountain, making them the first team ever to conquer the tallest mountain in the world, and almost 30 years before...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What materials are suitable for constructing a sleeping mat?
It's traditional to construct a bed of evergreen tree boughs in survival situations (fir or cedar are the best kind), I've done it a number of times on private land, and deep in the wilderness on crown land, but it is far from the best solution and not very ethical if you're trying to leave no trace....
(more)
about 8 years ago
Question How effective is wasp spray on bears?
I've been hearing that a lot of people are recommending wasp spray as a bear repellant. Proponents argue it has a longer range, and is more accurate to aim. How effective is wasp spray as a bear repellant?
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Why does abseiling become easier gradually?
The simple answer is the weight of your rope. When you're at the top of a pitch, you will have the full weight of 60m of static line below you, braking on your device. As you move down the rope, there is less and less rope below you, ergo less weight and friction on the braking end of your device. ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Is it more likely for a viper to bite in a muddy weather?
It is unlikely that you will encounter a viper out in the mud, considering its habitat: It is found in a variety of habitats, including: chalky downs, rocky hillsides, moors, sandy heaths, meadows, rough commons, edges of woods, sunny glades and clearings, bushy slopes and hedgerows, dumps, ...
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about 8 years ago
Answer A: Where exactly would be the kill of this squirrel?
Having actually hunted and killed squirrels for food before, if you're planning on keeping the meat, then you don't want to shoot it in the body, shoot it in the head. A squirrels head is just as big as it's kill zone, if you shoot for the body you'll likely damage the precious meager morsels. One sq...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What are the easiest methods to carry a backpack when cycling?
The easiest way to carry a backpack is on your back. If you're looking for a bag for cycling, then you either need to invest in some pannier bags, or some bikepacks: I have a 20L Revelate seat bag on my bike and I love it, I still carry a small backpack, but I try to put all the bulky items in my ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Paracord rope strength
A single strand of 550 paracord will hold body weight, so when you say, "load bearing" are you implying more than body weight? If not, then I think it's a non-issue, especially if you're weaving or knitting verses knotting; knots significantly decrease the breaking strength of ropes and cord, bending...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Bouldering beside the freeway
It's not illegal in Montana, in fact the road side crags at Stonehill near Rexford Bench are some of the best, and most popular sport climbs in NW Montana (for Canadians at least): Roadside crags are what sport climbers live for, as long as there's enough room in the ditch to belay safely off of t...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: What respirator should I get for urbex?
I'd recommend a common particulate respirator, you can buy them in bulk from pretty much any hardware store or drug store. It'll protect you from dust and asbestos, but if you're venturing into any buildings that are fuming toxic or sour gases, then you need to exit and report that right away! No ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Which fingers to use in a 2 finger pocket when rock climbing?
For the sake of your tendons, it is better to use your ring and middle finger in two finger pockets, because of how your muscles in your forearm insert on your fingers, and how they're wired to your nervous system. You essentially only have one muscle which acts on all of your fingers, called flexo...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Question Is it ever necessary to double up locking carabiners?
I see people doing this a lot: My question is: Why? When is it necessary to double up locking carabiners? Ever? Doubling up non-locking carabiners with opposite and opposing gates was, and still is a safe practice, but locking carabiners were an innovation invented to provide the same security, ...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Can a human survive in Saltstraumen or other whirlpool?
Yes, you can survive it... if you've got the skills. Not many years ago I watched a film at a mountain film festival, and it was about the first guys to ever kayak the Congo River. They weren't only the first people to kayak the river, they were also the first people to navigate it-and survive. He...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Is there a device to hook anything on a branch?
I just buy these things in bulk at the dollar store: I call them my, "hang anything from anywhere" hooks. Not really though, they're just a double hook, and I find them really handy. Almost as handy as my "S" caribiners:
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I recognize a game trail?
The biggest giveaway is that you can't follow them for very long before you encounter an obstacle. Usually it's branches hanging over the trail that you have to duck very low to get under. The trails will also often mysteriously disappear, and then miraculously reappear later on. Animal droppings and...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How do I get my fingers and toes warm before rock climbing at cold temperatures?
Warm Your Core! One thing all climbers have in common, is a big poofy down jacket. Your fingers are only going to be as warm as your core is, so keep your core warm, and that nice warm blood will circulate to your fingers. Only take your jacket off when it's your turn to climb. For extra warmth, dr...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Backcountry Skiing Bindings compatible with soft boots
What you might want to look at getting are some randonee boots and some Dynafit bindings. They're designed more for racing up ski hills than they are coming down, but still do a good job on the quick descent. Randonee Boots: They aren't super soft, you're never going to get the control you want...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Adjustable cross-country-skiing poles vs trekking poles
First of all, trekking poles will change the way you hike forever. They are a luxury that saves your legs a lot of exertion, sparing you a lot of energy, allowing you to enjoy yourself that much more. Trekking Poles have a lot of features that XC pole lack. Many Trekking Poles have shock absorbe...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: What belay systems would work for beginning climbers who can only use one arm?
I have a friend with cerebral palsy who likes to climb, and can only use one arm, he did fairly well belaying with a Petzl GRIGRI: It's a self locking belay device, and can be used easily and rather safely with only one hand. Though not as safe, you can belay one handed with and ATC easily enough...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Unfreezing cached water bottles
When I'm winter camping I always leave my water in my pot over night, so all I have to do in the morning is turn the stove on and let the ice melt. If I want water for later, I'll typically boil it, then leave it in a good thermos, which will keep it liquid at -15&#xB0;C for a good 24hrs. Though not...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I take duct tape with me backpacking?
There are such things as compact, or mini rolls of duct tape, I've got a couple that came with my small, one or two person survival first aid kits: You could make a small roll yourself, just fold the end of a regular roll of tape over itself by a couple inches, then start rolling it up as you take...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the different between climb-spec and military-spec webbing?
For the most part they are identical, the only identifiable difference is that military spec tube webbing has a ribbed weave, while climbing spec has a smooth weave. Having a smooth weave obviously makes tube webbing better for tying and most importantly, untying knots; it also makes it a lot easier ...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How do I disinfect my wool hiking socks?
Simply throwing them in the wash should suffice, but if you want to be extra sure the fungus dies, you could soak your socks in a 1 part bleach to 10 parts water mixture for ten minutes. Keep in mind that it's not your socks you need to worry about so much as your shoes, they're a little more difficu...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the most effective means of melting snow with body heat for drinking?
The best way to melt snow is to put it in a bottle inside your jacket under your mid layers while you're on the move and let your body heat melt it. Do not place it against the skin, leave a layer or two between you and the bottle. It's advisable to always leave your bottle in your jacket in subzero ...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question How do you treat frozen lungs?
You know that bleeding lung feeling you get after going out for a long run on a freezing cold night? The one where you can taste blood in the back of your jaw, and begin to wheeze and cough as fluids start forming in your lungs? Whatever the circumstances may be, if you end up "freezing" your lungs...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Winter backpacking pants
It does apply, but as others have pointed out, changing pants layers isn't as easy as changing out top layers unless you have full-zip, or at least 3/4 zip pants. There are also boot zip pants, which zip up to your calf, but I'm not a huge fan of pulling my dirty or wet boots though my nice warm flee...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question How much does body fat actually insulate you against the cold?
I'm not a big guy, but I can sit in a cold pool of still water for a long time if I stay still and control my breathing, my skin gets cold, but after you get past the cold shock I can sit there rather comfortably without any signs of my core temperature dropping (shivering, etc.). One of my favourite...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question What are the different stages of frostbite?
My brother and I were out backcountry sled-skiing yesterday, and my brother froze his feet in his new ski-boots. We were sitting at just above 2000m, my brother had his boots off and was trying to warm them up with hot packs, sticking them inside his mitts, and even resorting to putting his foot righ...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the proper etiquette for back country camps with assigned spaces when people take a different site?
What you did was probably the most peaceful course of action, but ultimately, the best people to direct this question to would be the people who issue the permits, the proper etiquette will likely differ from place to place. Unfortunately, there really isn't a pleasant global solution to this. By al...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: Where do you place ice screws?
Good Ice Sounds obvious, but that's the answer, you need to learn how to identify good solid ice for all your screw placements. The best ice is the thickest ice you can find, so you can place your longest screws; clear and blue will be the most solid, while the worst ice is cloudy or brown, full o...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Blisters on small of back
Prevention is easy, wear your pack on your hips where it's supposed to be, and never let anything rub. Friction is bad, all hot spots need to be taken care of long before they are allowed to develop into a blister. Treatment for such blisters may involve draining them so they don't cause pain from p...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How to walk on wet, slightly rotten wood?
Fishermen use felt soled wading boots for wading through creeks and rivers on the slippery rocks, they give you the friction you need without damaging the surface you're walking on. They would work just as well on a slippery dock. You can buy them at any fishing store.
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How effective are mosquito repellents for people who are mosquito magnets?
Depends on how much you put on. It may be helpful to first identify why you are a mosquito magnet. Mosquitos are attracted to primarily two things that you can control: odour and heat. Unfortunately, about 85% of what makes people mosquito magnets is suspected to be genetics, so there's not much you...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How to concentrate on a minimal point on a solid surface?
Use your imagination. If you can't see a small point, imagine one. When I'm sighting up a target, I don't aim for the bulls-eye, I aim for the centre of the bulls-eye. Here's your solid surface: When you put your sights on an animal at a significant distance, you want to aim just behind their le...
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over 8 years ago