Activity for ShemSeger‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: How do you keep your dog cool while hiking on hot sunny days? What your doggie needs is a Swamp Cooler Vest. It's basically a wet vest that acts as a refrigerator and cools your dog by reflecting the suns rays off it's back while also stripping away the heat through a natural evaporative process. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	How do you keep your dog cool while hiking on hot sunny days? We have a black dog, and we can't really take him out hiking in the heat and sun because he can't cool down fast enough. How do you keep your dog cool when it's hot out and you're away from water? For example, we took our dog to Writing-on-stone Provincial Park, and he didn't last for more than a co... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Geocache inside of a pole I think what I would use would be a Rubber Washer: If you got a 45mm rubber washer, you could tie your string to the washer, then put it into the hole one of two ways: either shove the washer in as deep as you can just to hold the string in place, or you could put your cache in first, then "plug" ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: This isn't a double overhand loop -- what is it? My brother happened to be over tonight using my climbing wall, he does rescue work, and he says they use this knot to tie leg loops for rescue harnesses. First of all, the knot in your picture isn't properly dressed, the loop pulls through the knot and ends up looking like this: It's a variation ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much should your backpack weigh? The general rule of thumb is to carry no more than a third of your body weight. That should be your max, so the answer is to carry less than that. Make your bag as light as you can. Aside from that it largely depends on your level of strength and fitness, and what you feel comfortable carrying. I te... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do mountaineers eat and drink on the day of an Everest summit? Hot soup mostly, it does depend on the individual diets of the climbers, not everybody eats the same thing, but most carry hot soup with them. Despite the massive amounts of energy needed to summit Everest, the truth is most climbers don't eat much on summit day, and that's simply because they don'... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the pros and cons of a digital altimeter over an analog altimeter for backpacking? I think the biggest difference between the two is going to be batteries, but digital altimeters are going to come with a lot of fun features like tracking your elevation ascent and descent rates, and warning you when a potential storm is rolling in. What a lot of alpinists carry with them for calc... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Safe, effective method for splitting firewood using a hatchet? I have ruined more than one hatchet in my lifetime trying to split large logs in half. The trick is to not try to spit them down the middle as you would with an axe, but to chop around the edges of the logs and split off smaller pieces all the way around, making the log smaller and smaller as you go.... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to do when you run out of rope on a sports climb? I assume you're referring to a single pitch climb. In which case, the simplest thing to do–without leaving any gear behind–is to rappel as if you were descending a multi-pitch sport climb. Tether to the top anchor, feed your rope through the hangers/rap station at the top to the half w... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Snowboard Boots with the Throwback? I actually had a backyard board like that back in the early 90s, you can wear whatever boots you want with that board. Snowboard boots were developed for supportive snowboard bindings, those old boards didn't have supportive bindings, just toe straps like what you found on water skis and surf boards.... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	How do you tie your shoes one handed? My arm is currently in a sling with a separated shoulder from a mountain bike accident, so I'm trying to learn how to do everyday tasks one handed. Shoelaces are proving annoyingly difficult. What's a good one handed shoelace knot? Note: I'm not interested in recommendations for wearing different ty... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Outrigger and/or leeboard when sailing a canoe? I looked into this a while ago when I was planning on making my own sailing rig for my canoe. The answer largely depends on the size of your sail, and whether or not you have a prominent keel, but if you want to put your paddle away and actually sail your canoe, then you need both a outriggers and le... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to choose length for backcountry touring skis? The answer to this question depends a lot on your skill level. You say you want a ski that does a little bit of everything, so I'd recommend a ski with both camber and rocker, but you're going to have to balance length and width based on how you ski. The shorter ski you get, the more control you're ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	What's this knot called? I came up with this variation of the flat overhand knot (also known as the Euro Death Knot) for pulling ropes on a rappel. I've never been comfortable using the Euro Death Knot (EDK), but it's hard to deny the virtues of the EDK for retrieving ropes. I set out to try and come up with a knot that had ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	What is the difference between accessory cord and prusik cord? Aside from Prusik cord being a different weave, what's the big difference? When would I choose one type of cord over the other? Is there anything I shouldn't I use the different types of cord for? What's the significant difference? Yellow = Prusik cord | Orange = Accessory Cord (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	At what point is a rattlesnake mature enough to control its venom? Young rattlesnakes are more deadly than large rattlesnakes, the reason being because when they are young they are more likely to strike, but more importantly because they can't yet control their venom. As a result, when they bite, they inject all their venom instead of just a controlled amount. At ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Bolting Canyons, can your bolt be under water? So I've been thinking about developing some canyons around here for canyoneering, but while scrambling up Red Rocks Canyon in Waterton and looking at all the large logs jammed rather high up in the canyon, it occurred to me that depending on where you would want to place your bolt, it could end up un... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where can I find additional resources about Wildlands Provincial parks in Alberta? AlbertaParks.ca is the resource about all parks in Alberta. I find the maps perfectly easy to read myself. If you want to see where all the parks are, just use google maps, it highlights all provincial, National, and even some regional parks in green, and shows you all roads. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Surviving a forest fire while backpacking A friend of mine recently was forced to cancel a backpacking trip because Waterton Lakes National Park (Canada side of Glacier National Park in Montana) canceled his backcountry permit due to a forest fire flare up on the USA side of the border. I was in the park that day, the fire ignited and spread... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Considerations for older campers? The single most important consideration for your parents is going to be their comfort. For starters they must have something comfortable to sleep on or they're going to spend every day achy and tired, wishing they were sleeping in their own beds. The older you get, the more precious sleep is. If th... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	When will a rattlesnake strike? There are a few questions about how to avoid rattlers, and what to do if you're bit, but at what point does a rattler actually strike? I had my first rattler encounter ever yesterday, just out in the coulees down by the river, right on the walking path. I was pushing my little girl on her bike and ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Leaving a fire unattended for a few hours, then returning Fires must be attended at all times! There is no such thing as, "the best way to leave a fire unattended for a short time," your fire is either being attended, or your fire is thoroughly extinguished and your pit is left cold, no argument. There are no conditions where an open pit fire can be left a... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Any reasons not to use 30-year-old ice axe? From a safety perspective, there's no reason why you couldn't use that axe. But if it was mine, I'd probably have it hung up on the wall as an heirloom, or in a display case with photos of my Dad carrying it. Stuff like that carries huge sentimental value. The only other reason I can think of why you... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some alternatives to drilling holes in a toothbrush? I'd cut my brush shorter long before I'd take the time to try drilling it. But If I was serious about going ultra light, I wouldn't pack a normal/modified toothbrush at all, I'd take a finger brush, either a reusable one: Or some disposable ones: I used to keep a couple brush-ups in my bag, t... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Backpack is moving from side to side when I walk - is that the way it's supposed to be? No, your bag is not supposed to do that, your bag is supposed to be secure on your back, it's not supposed to move from side to side. There are a number of things which could be going wrong. First of all I'd check to make sure your bag is properly adjusted and your stabilized straps are snug. If yo... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Rappelling from tree Was it safe? Yes, you were not in any danger here (unless your tree was a Charlie Brown Christmas tree). Was it the best thing to do? No, for a couple of reasons, the most important being that it does not comply with leave not trace ethics, and can badly scar the tree. It's also no good for your rop... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can rock climbers easily transition to canyoning? The disciplines are very similar, and it is very easy for a climber to make the transition because they already have experience with ropes, but there are a lot of canyoneering specific skills and gadgets that are different from climbing. If I were to campare the two by their differences, I'd say that... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Encountering a bear in water? I'll share what thoughts I had in the moment, and after, while reflecting on the matter: My first thought I've already mentioned in the question, being that the bear was slow and we were fast in our 17.5ft Kevlar Clipper Tripper, so we could have speedily paddled away no problem. But what if we wer... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	Encountering a bear in water? I found myself in a situation the other day that I've never been in before. I was paddling along in my canoe with my wife and kids, when suddenly a young black bear came scrambling down the slope, jumped in the water, and started swimming towards the other side of the lake off our bow. We weren't ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's the easiest to release, though solid, knot "on a bight"? I would recommend using a double figure eight I always use this knot when tying off the end of the rope, it's stronger, safer, and it's easier to untie. If that doesn't work for you, then try a double-nine (double figure nine on a bight), it looks messy, but it comes loose real easy. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are offwidth cracks and what makes them so hard to climb? Off width cracks are cracks that are too big to finger jam or fist jam, but too small for you to fit inside and chimney climb, so you have to come up with really awkward and very physically excerting moves to get up them, like climbing upside down (literally). Basically they are cracks that are jus... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is this fish hook type called? Spade Hook That is very simply called an eyeless hook or a spade hook. Spade hooks are old school, but there are enough people that still say they're preferable to eyed hooks, in fly fishing at least, you tie both eyed and spade hooks basically the same. Some people pass the line almost arbitraril... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to look for in an Umbrella for Backpacking? So trekking umbrellas are apparently a thing. And no one can really argue the claim that they are the most "breathable" form of raingear. There are a couple varieties, some are designed ultra compact to be lightweight and packable, and others are designed to be rigged to your backpack for handsfree t... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I get cam slings replaced? They are user replaceable, in fact some manufacturers recommend replacing slings every 2-5 years if they're very frequently used, but they're only user replaceable if you know how to sew structural climbing gear and have the equipment to bartack a loop of SuperTape or 10mm Dynex. The simplest thin... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I keep my shoes from rolling around my feet while trail running? The solution is to invest in an actual pair of trail running shoes, they are stiffer, and snugger, and compensate for all of the issue that you're having with your road runners there. I have a pair of asics trail runners: asics gel fuji trabuco 3 They have a surprisingly stiff shank in the sole... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Genuine leather or synthetic leather boots Synthetic leather is literally "knock-off" leather, never is synthetic preferred to the real thing unless you are cost oriented, or vegan. Synthetic boots also tend to be made out of lots of pieces of synthetic leather, stitched together with other types of materials in the uppers in fancy patterns, ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hiking: How to start? Two ways to get started on a hike: with either your right foot, or your left foot :P First and foremost you need comfortable footwear. Doesn't matter what it is to get started, I've led people over mountain ranges and all they wore were cross trainers. When you get more serious into it, then you sho... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: US vs central European bear advice After taking a look into it, it appears that the grizzly bears in North America are actually a sub species (ssp.) of European brown bear. Brown Bear = Ursus arctos Grizzly Bear = Ursus arctos ssp. U. a. californicus (Recently extinct California Grizzly) U. a. gyas (Peninsular Grizzly) U. a. h... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is an equalette anchor? The equalette is the evolution and combination of the cordalette and sliding-x. It makes up for the short comings of each system, while incorporating their strengths to produce a more SRENE anchor. One of the criticisms of the cordalette is after you've tied the master knot, you have potentially poo... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are wildlife hazards/precautions near the treeline at 8200ft on Hearst Lake in Montana? Animals are the least of your concerns at that altitude. I spend a lot of time at that elevation just on the other side of the border from Montana in Canada. Your elevation is less of a factor for animal encounters than what the weather is. Go hiking in the heat of the day and you will not see anoth... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Backpacking Through Rain Don't get wet! No I'm not being facetious, I hike through the rain forests of BC all the time, I've spent days in a row in solid rain while backpacking and setting up camp. Getting wet up here can mean death overnight even in the middle of summer, doesn't matter how hot it gets during the day, tempe... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the difference between back-stepping versus a layback in rock climbing? The difference is in the footwork, you back-step (what I always refer to as dropping your knee) while face climbing, but you can do it while you are laying back. A classic layback is like when you're climbing a crack while smearing your feet against the wall: Back-stepping is when you turn your h... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Question	—	What do you hang on 1/4" bolts while rock climbing? So 1/4" bolts, although not suitable for free climbing protection, are apparently still used for aid climbing to hold body weight, and for alpine rappels. What I want to know is, what do you use for hangers on them? From what I can tell no one makes 1/4" hangers for aid bolts, do you just string th... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Protecting Food Supplies from wild animals While Backpacking There are animals out there capable of figuring out how to get into your cache, Wolverines (a cousin of the racoon) are notorious for cracking into even the most cleverly hung food caches, but you don't really have to worry about them if you're only hanging your food for one night. Animals are more a... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should you occasionally use locking biners on pieces of protection when using alpine draws? First of all, there's no such thing being too safe, do whatever you feel makes you more secure as long as you can do it safely. As long as you place all of your pro properly, then you're unlikely to need to use lockers as intermediate protection between belays, but, all single gate, non-locking cara... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do you call the criss-crossed elastic strap on this Northface backpack? That's simply elastic cord threaded through tie out loops on your bag. It's used to lash everything that can't fit inside your bag (extra layers/jacket), things that you don't want inside your bag (wet/muddy clothes or sharp pokey crampons), or things that you want quick access to onto the outside of... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: When can a glacier be crossed without special gear (axes, crampons, rope, etc.)? Although always recommended, crampons and axes are only necessary for hiking on steep or slippery ice where there is fall potential or danger of sliding to the bottom of a slope and seriously injuring or killing yourself. If you're traveling along an easy, flat, or concave slope of a glacier, and you... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is this small, bright yellow, mushroom found in the woods in Massachusetts? Bolbitius titubans Also known as Bolbitius vitellinus, that there looks to be a young Yellow Field Cap. They're quite small when they're yellow, but they quickly mature into taller, flatter, brownish mushroom. (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Rope between legs while leading on rock, ice I think that rope management at your harness (in both rock and ice climbing) is an extension of managing your rope while you're clipping into your pro. You carry different lengths of draws and slings so you can keep your rope as straight as possible to reduce drag and avoid popping out all your pro w... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the most efficient way to position a reflector? First of all, modern technology has eliminated the necessity of using campfires to stay warm at night with light weight tents and effective sleeping systems. There was a time when fires were almost a necessity in order to sleep comfortably in the cold, but nowadays they are only required in survival ... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago

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