Activity for Russell Steen‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: How do you safely ascend and descend the Half Dome cable route? How do you do it safely? It is safe. Just do it. Those six deaths were over 100 years. Recently there are as many as 50,000 people doing that route per year. Even if those six deaths were all in the last year, that's only a 0.012% death rate. But those weren't all in one year. The real risk is... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can you tell if roadkill is safe to eat? There are three simple rules to roadkill. If all three aren't answered yes, it is not what I would consider "safe". Did you witness or cause the incident? This is the best was to guarantee it's fresh. Is it a legal harvest? (check your states Department of Natural Resources web site) Do you kno... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How would you help a snapping turtle cross the road? I've actually driven up to a very large (more than 1 foot across) snapping turtle. While it may not be the answer you want, you simply don't. Things I've tried: This is based on actual experience. Lift them from behind: While easy to run around behind them, it doesn't work. Little known fact,... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you keep rodents out of your vehicle when it's parked at the trailhead? Stop coating your wires with peanut butter! In all seriousness though, squirrels can and will eat wires. However this is a very unlikely occurrence, as noted by ShemSeger in comments. I have known exactly ONE person it ever happened to and the car was at their house, not a trail head. You coul... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do fishing regulations mean by "no bait?" Alaska Department of fish and Game: Statewide Definitions Bait means any substance applied to fishing gear for the purpose of attracting fish by scent, including fish eggs in any form, natural or preserved animal, fish, fish oil, shellfish, or insect parts, natural or processed vegetable ma... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Dishwasher Discolored Mess Kit It just oxidized the aluminum. A hard scrubbing will remove the oxidation. Just use a green scrubby. If you need extra abrasive that is safe, tooth paste will usually work. (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Is it possible to use a flint and steel with wet tinder? We carry a flint and steel instead of lighters to light our camp stoves when backpacking because the flint and steel always works and weighs very little. One of our routine camp activities is to try and start a real fire with one. Whenever I can find dry tinder, things go very well. However withou... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum What are the advantages and disadvantages of carbon fiber vs. aluminium when buying trekking poles? Are carbon fiber really lighter, do they break easier if jammed wrong, etc.? (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	What are the advantages of different locks for collapsible trekking poles? I've generally seen two kinds of locks for adjustable trekking poles. Twist lock and clamp lock (Clamp lock is also called "lever lock" and "quick lock"). What are the comparative advantages and disadvantages of clamp vs. twist? Clamp lock: Twist lock: (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where can I buy bear banger launcher and ammunition and have them shipped to US? Previous FFL note was wrong. According to Sutton, a special license is required to possess these. They require a Explosive Pest Control Device (EPCD) License which must be obtained from the Federal ATF. Once you have a license Sutton will sell to US customers. Read carefully when looking online. ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to keep small rocks and stones out of hiking boots? Lightweight gaiters are your best option. They do a very good job of keeping things out of your shoes. If those are also too hot for you then you will have to reconsider the effort it takes to change your stride/walk so that you're not kicking up as much detritus. It will come down to which is les... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to safely store a propane/butane/isobutane canister in a vehicle? I kept a spare in my trunk for two years in the southeastern US and I never had a problem (YMMV). This, like most things in life, is not perfectly safe. So you should decide if you really need to store this in your car. If you do, things you should consider: Keep it somewhere that minimizes the ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Alternatives for sealing Mylar food packs? We are making our own dehydrated meals with mylar bags and oxygen absorbers. This is very cost effective, but less so if you need to spend lots of money for one of the specialty tools for sealing these bags. What cost effective alternatives are there to buying a sealer just for this purpose? (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Identification of bugs on porch From your pictures, those look like discarded cicada husks. They're not "alive". You can just knock them off with whatever tool you prefer for such things (broom, paint scraper, etc.) There is no real need to prevent them. The cicadas molt and move on, leaving the husks. (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	How do I test my water filter? How can you verify that a water filter still works? I've had one for several years and I suspect it may not be working. Is there a way to test and make sure that it still filters to the factory specified microns? My particular filter is a First Need (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I keep outdoor critters outdoors? Rodents are tenacious beasts. We've seen river rats in our area dig through concrete footings to get into storage areas. As long as it's just mice they can't usually get through concrete or stone. However rebuilding your dwelling with new materials may not be an option. Failing that, doing everyt... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to determine the length of poles for a tent Okay, it is a bit hard to tell the model, so here is the process you'll need. Stake the tent out. Any old stakes will do. With a semi-rigid pole (see below) push this pole through the loops/guides until it is taut. Mark and measure. Once you measure you can order poles from any of a number of site... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Games for kids in the great outdoors Things we have enjoyed in the past as a family. These are not all "games", but I think they will help address the larger part of boredom. Teach the kiddos all the things are you doing and let them do them to the extent possible. You can seriously eat the whole day this way. Examples: Teach them... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I protect my dog from mosquitos? Many of the medicines which work for ticks also work well against mosquitoes. Since you are taking your dog outdoors and will thus need flea and tick protection anyways, consider that as an option Example: https://www.amazon.com/Advantix-Large-Dogs-55-Pound-6-Month There are many brands, no prefe... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is 8 miles of unpaved gravel road a lot for a old-ish consumer road car to take in normal weather? Just about any car can handle a good gravel road, with the notable exception being low slung performance cars (cars with very little ground clearance). That being said, "gravel roads" vary a LOT. I have seen roads that were the next thing to pavement and gravel roads that had rock gullies which cou... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What built these mud structures (Ohio, USA)? Possibly crayfish burrows or "chimneys". Identifying by burrow holes can be tricky though. Are they near any water? That would increase the likelyhood that they are crayfish burrows. Similar examples: http://www.pbase.com/redsloughwma/image/142389118 Crawfish chimneys are smokestack-looking... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Stove/fuel setup for harsh conditions For cold and high altitude, you will want to use white gas. White gas is superior to other liquid fuel options (kerosene, etc) and will be easier to get started in the cold. Your lightest option for this is probably going to be the MSR Whisperlite. There are plenty of options though so just go wit... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Tiny crab/bug in Pacific NW; makes shell out of rocks/sticks. What is it? Most likely a Caddisfly. They make homes of twigs and stones. CADDISFLY: The caddisfly lives only a short time as an adult but may spend several years as a larva. Many larvae can do something few aquatic insects can – they build their own shelter. Different kinds of caddisflies bu... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where can I recycle or refill small 16 oz propane cannisters? You recycle them the same way you'd recycle an isobutane canister. You puncture the sidewall (once empty) and then recycle anyplace that recycles the metal. See What's the best way to use up (and dispose of) almost-empty butane canisters? (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Am I packing too much for a 2-3 day hike in the forests? The answer to "is it too much" is extremely subjective. Is this strictly too much? No. Are there some things you can trim back if you want? Yes. I like to hike light, but not ultralight and this would be far too much weight for me to consider now but is almost exactly where I started out. Over ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the laws for backcountry ("dispersed") camping in the US? Throughout the entire US the law boils down to this: Whether government or citizen owned, you cannot travel on land without the landowners permission. Doing can result in charges from criminal trespass to much, much worse (in the case of some private government lands). So you'll need permission. ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Any luck mixing gear sheds/porches/garages with different brands of tents? In the situation you describe, mismatched gear is not going to provide what you want. If the rain is blowing sideways and/or hard enough to get past your tarp then it will most likely also blow in the gaps inevitably left by the mismatched gear. Unfortunately the answer is the news most people leas... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it too soon to go family hiking with an infant? Packing tips? It's not strictly too soon. I have known plenty of people who camped with a nine month old in rougher conditions than you describe. It's too early if you are not in condition to carry a baby in addition to all of your gear. They make packs specifically for carrying wee ones. That's really the bes... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to clean a potentially clogged coleman multifuel stove? Alcohol can (and does) eat certain types of seals. Do not use alcohol to clean the stove unless you are certain it is safe for alcohol fuel. Similarly, carb cleaner is extremely corrosive and will eat many different types of seals/gaskets. First thing to try is to disassemble and scrub with baki... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Carrying soda instead of water due to nutritional energy? Would it make sense to carry soda instead of water in respect to save weight (you can carry less food because you have energy in your "water")? No, for a variety of reasons (leaving out, as you say "other health related topics"): Sugar, powdered Gatorade, and many other water additives all weigh ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Question	—	What's the best way to store/carry olive oil for hiking? Bottles of olive oil often have special caps that help prevent drips/etc. when pouring the oil, but an entire bottle of olive oil is far to heavy to carry for a hike. What's the best method for carrying olive oil to avoid getting oil all over the container and everything else after a few uses? To e... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does a pound on your foot equal 5 pounds on your back? Regarding energy expense, there is already a good answer. However, I want to add that when considering "Does a pound on your foot equal 5 pounds on your back?" there are more factors at play than just energy expense. You should also consider the effect on knees and joints. As an example - If I put... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a paracord knife handle? Upsides It "looks cool" (to some) Cordage (but arguably useless as you have noted) Downsides Poor grip (compared to leather and manufactured alternatives) More likely to cause blisters Less durable, requires more maintenance PITA to clean if it gets messy/dirty/sweaty Once you unwrap the cord ... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to keep your beer cold up to 12 hours? (Caveat: I don't drink while hiking) A group I hiked with once locally used a cooler tube. It appeared to keep everything chilled on a warm-ish day in the Southeastern U.S. There are quite a view vendors of similar products and it appeared to work well with a hiking setup for carrying. (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why not use a cotton base layer? There is a difference between just soaking up water and "wicking". Cotton is hydrophilic, which means it likes to attract and hang on to water molecules. Unlike a good wicking fabric (which relies on capillary action), cotton will not transfer that water up through your layers to the air as quickly... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	How to treat a severe allergic reaction while hiking? Suppose you are out hiking, many hours from the trail head and someone has a severe allergic reaction (ie, anaphylactic shock or Anaphylaxis). In this case, what is the best course of treatment to maximize their chance of survival until they can reach a hospital? (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can a 'Flameless ration heater' be used to safely start a fire? The simple answer is - no. Safely igniting a fire relies on controlled combustion. Improvising ignition out of a device like this is not going to create the sort of controlled combustion I associate with safety. If you can ignite the hydrogen byproduct you are more likely to get an explosive reac... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	What do life jacket ratings mean (Type I, Type II, etc)? Looking at flotation devices (life jackets) they are rated Type I, Type II, etc. What do these rankings mean and what type should I by? (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	How do you avoid Norovirus on the AT? Every year on the AT (Appalachian trail) Norovirus sweeps through like wildfire and the problem only increases as trail density increases. What are the best methods for minimizing risk of contracting Norovirus on the AT? (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What foods should I avoid when backpacking? Avoid foods that Are sticky or that leave a residue on fingers. It's hard enough to keep hygiene when backpacking. Require refrigeration. Maybe if you know it will be cold enough the whole time... but why Require being cooked through prior to eating (raw meats, etc). Cooking on long hikes is tr... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What sleeping gear should I use in a lean-to? For a lean-to: Sleeping bag - And other sleeping items for warmth. Ground pad - The floor of the lean-to will chill you almost as quickly as the ground. Also it protects your sleeping bag from dirt, etc. A tarp - This is for hanging across the door if needed to block wind and/or precipitation. (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Feeling sick after doing the crawl This is most likely either a breathing problem, or a fatigue problem. If your muscles aren't tired at all then it's probably breathing. Given your description it sounds like you are hyperventilating. If your muscles feel like jelly then it means that you're pushing too hard. I've seen plenty of p... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is this sand dollar with barnacles attached to it at all rare? 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 of small specialized communities of biologists. For a heuristic, I have used a combination of google im... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are cushioned socks necessary for hiking boots? "Cushioning" can be better achieved with an insole designed for that specific purpose. Since almost all hiking boots allow you to swap insoles, there is no reason to get socks for "cushion". Cushioning also doesn't really help with blisters (though this is hotly debated as you can see here). T... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	What should I do about large trash left by others on USFS land? 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 and came upon an abandoned tent. It was one of those larger four man, twenty pound tents and damaged be... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I prevent my binoculars from steaming up? You can buy any of a number of anti fog gels and materials that are made for scuba gear, but also work great for binoculars. That said, we always just solved this problem by spitting on the lenses and wiping. It's gross, but it worked. (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Tips for first-time hikers If this is really your first time hiking, ever... then don't start out in the back country. That's like doing your first climb ever on a Grade V, or your first trip skiing on a black diamond. I would advise the following for "first hikes": Hike no more than five miles Test a mile walk with your p... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Question	—	How to retrieve a bear bag when hung with Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) method This site has a good explanation for how to hang a bag PCT style. This may seem obvious but, once the bag is suspended with this method, how do you get it down? Short description of the PCT method Throw rope over limb. Using a carabiner, clip one end to the bag. Pull the bag up. Tie a stick in th... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How late in the season can you hunt coyote? As you have observed, you can legally hunt them year round; You just will not be as successful. Some times of the year are better than others. The best season for coyotes is late fall / early winter. During the warmer months when prey is plentiful they are going to be harder to call. It all com... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Precautions when walking through area of crocodiles Crocodiles like water so if you stay away from water you will avoid them entirely. However that also rules out many wonderful destinations to hike. If you are around waters with crocs Avoid backwaters and inlets as they like to hang out in those. Don't go swimming in waters unless you know they... (more)	—	about 8 years ago

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