Russell Steen‭

DEET is an effective mosquito deterrent, but there are many reasons it cannot be used. Per the CDC, cuts, eczema, and being a kid are all problems if you want to use DEET. What proven alternative...

8 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

Using some sort of leather conditioner, work the boots with your hands. Flex the toe bend and ankle areas. Using your thumbs apply very firm pressure to the toebox in circles. Flex it back and f...

posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭

Assuming I am not allergic, or showing signs of allergic reaction, what's the best way to treat multiple yellow jacket (a type of wasp) stings in the outdoors while hiking/backpacking? My key conc...

2 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by System‭

When trimming weight there are a lot of options. Lighter gear, less gear, etc. One of those options is to take an existing pack and trim off "unnecessary" extras. For instance, I have (no kiddin...

1 answer  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

I've been reading a lot of product reviews, and filter/pump solutions seem to be very high maintenance, very heavy, or both. Are there any lightweight filters which can be relied on for many liter...

4 answers  ·  posted 11y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 9y ago by System‭

It's much easier to know what's not protected than to try to know what is protected. In most of the United States there are only a handful of birds you can legally hunt, and only during "season". ...

posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

I recommend highly reflective line. Many manufacturers make this. I have had excellent results with Kelty Triptease. One 50' line cuts down to easily make 4 guylines for a tent. It is highly re...

posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by System‭

In addition to "longest walk possible" are there any good guidelines for finding trails/areas in the southeast that are typically less crowded on holidays such as the 4th of July? State parks here...

2 answers  ·  posted 9y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 3y ago by System‭

When you find large trash items left by others in less accessible places, what should be done? The exact scenario: We were hiking a ten mile trail on US Forestry Service land with river crossings ...

8 answers  ·  posted 7y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 4y ago by System‭

For practical purposes, rarity is beyond difficult to answer. Sure there may be a biological survey buried somewhere in some journal, but specific topics like that don't get much traction outside ...

posted 7y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

In my ongoing effort to cut tent weight we have replaced stakes, changed ground pads, and we're looking at replacing the guylines (no really, it's amazing how much cordage weighs!). At what diamet...

5 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  edited 2y ago by Charlie Brumbaugh‭

Warmth -- This is after all why you are buying the bag. Not all bags rated for the same temperature will provide the same warmth. Fit -- A bag that fits you closely, but not tightly, will prov...

posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

I recently started indoor rock climbing at a local spot. I got to the top and (after appropriate communication) my partner started to belay me down. I instantly starting swinging and spinning pre...

5 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

We went out this weekend to try and catch a frozen waterfall such as the one. We had a great trip but it was clearly a misguided venture at our current tempuratures. At what temperature would we ...

4 answers  ·  posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

Actually they can probably be fixed. For the cap there are two options with JB Weld that I have used. The first is described here, but basically consists of coating the original cap with JB We...

posted 10y ago by Russell Steen‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭