Activity for Russell Steenâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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A: How do I remove mildew from a tent? I just couldn't bring myself to bleach my tent. I was too worried it would damage the material. In the end I used Mirazyme and a bathtub. The Mirazyme removed the mildew and airing it out removed the smell. We just mixed it in the ratios listed on the bottle. (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: technical clothing and fabric softener I give this with the heavy qualification that it depends on the exact brands of clothes and products involved. Your waterproof jacket is probably fine if it is water-proof and not water-resistant. The waterproof fabrics out there tend to not be as sensitive to detergents. However, if it is water-r... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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How to select paracord What important features should I pay attention to when buying paracord for hiking (such as different types, load limit, etc)? I just use it for bear bags, tarp lines, etc. (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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Is it possible to have wild meat inspected or graded? Is there any way to get wild meat inspected and graded in the same (or similar) way as domestic meats for parasites, contaminants, etc.? If so what are good starting resources or methods for finding a local source for grading? (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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What is the proper way to tarp tent to avoid condensation? I tried pitching a tarp instead of a tent this weekend. In worked well, kept off the rain etc, except for the condensation. It was far worse than any condensation I've ever had in a tent. We had other tents nearby and they didn't experience the same issue. There were rivulets of water running dow... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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How do I store my sleeping bag for long periods? Possible Duplicate: What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time? We're at the point where we have more than one set of gear. We use different gear for different hikes. One of my sleeping bags will only see use once or twice a year at most. What is the best way... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: Recommended windproof matches? I use these from REI. I can attest that they work in both wind and rain, though needless to say you do need dry fuel. Nothing will start sodden wood ;) (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: What's the best way to use up (and dispose of) almost-empty butane canisters? To Dispose: Vent all the fuel, then puncture the sidewall. Once you have done this, it can be dumped in the appropriate recycling bin. Jetboil makes a tool to help with this, for which they've made a nice instructional video. To Use: An option to wasting that last 20% is to have an inverted canist... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: Taking care of hiking backpack Slightly different take here: prevention You should regularly inspect the pack The joining of straps to seams. Can you see stitching? Can the strap move independently of the seam (even a little)? This is easy to reinforce. I turn it inside out, add a piece of fabric over the inside seam, and ... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: What practical issues do I need to be aware of when hiking or camping on my own? Have an emergency kit, and a first aid kit. Keep both of these on your person at all times, but at a minimum, keep the emergency kit on you. People have died less than a mile from camp because they left all their gear at the tent and went for a "short hike" Set up a some sort of check in system. ... (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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How do I remove mildew from a tent? Similar to this question, but mildew tends to be very resistant to removal. I sadly failed to keep my tent dry enough, and now it has a couple of mildew spots. They're not bad, but I would rather not replace my entire tent. What's the best way to remove mildew from a tent? (more) |
— | almost 12 years ago |
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A: How can I tell if a wild bird is legally protected? 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". This is a general guideline, that can help you narrow it down and not waste time, but this does not r... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Gas or Electric trolling motor? What are the important differences between a gas and electric trolling motor for fishing in a small jon boat? I'm primarily concerned on the impact the the actual fishing (as opposed to any discussion on the environmental impact of fuels). (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What is a good source of vitamin C in the wild? Pine needle tea is a good solution which is available year round in areas where pines grow. Do be careful to identify properly, and take care to not guzzle the stuff down... too much is bad for you. However this is the easiest to find and pine needle tea has a ton of vitamin C. Dandelion greens ar... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Does wash in waterproofing work on a non-waterproof shell? I'm considering an ultralight (non-waterproof) shell and Nikwax wash-in waterproofing as a rain layer. I'd like it to be waterproof through several wearings (a week or more). Does this result in a garment which will actually repel water in a heavy rain? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Does the solar powered fridge work as advertised whilst hiking? The one problem I see is that it actually doesn't keep things cold enough. The listed rate is 6°C (42°F). For refridgeration you want no more than 4.4°C (40°F) and ideally want closer to 1°C (34°F). At 6°C (42°F) it makes that a little more than a growth c... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Will gelled fuel work in a cat can stove? Recently a friend suggested using gelled fuel in a cat can stove instead of liquid alcohol. Since a cat can stove works by using pressurization to create the "jets" it seems flawed, but has anyone tried? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Is it safe to eat poison ivy berries since I don't react to the leaves? Your body just doesn't have a reaction on skin contact right now. However most people will develop a reaction after enough repeated exposure. While poison ivy doesn't bother me either, I do take basic precautions to not push my luck. With regular contact, you will develop an allergy, and though it... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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What are the key differences between Mountaineering and Rock Climbing? I think the title speaks for itself. I have done a basic google search and I do not find the references to be sufficient. I'm looking for a short synopsis that would educate a layman such as myself. (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Do CO2-based mosquito traps work? CO2 traps, according to the NIH, fare better than most other types of mosquito traps. For best results, you want to use a trap with counterflow technology (CFG). Note that you have to keep your "scent" down or it will overwhelm the CO2. Traps baited only with light or octenol caught few mosquit... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How can I tell when pemmican has spoiled? Following this video I have made pemmican. When making the pemmican I used a food processor instead of rocks (because I'm lazy). I handled it with care, and according to this handbook, this stuff will last years, but ... I'm not entirely confident that I can toss this in my pack for a week. How ca... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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What is the minimum gap needed for a windscreen on a cat can stove? I've constructed a cat can jet stove as described here. He has a windscreen design, but it seems to be overkill (and doesn't work for my pot). I've tried a couple of my own now, but they are all failing due to what appears to be not enough space between the wind shield and the pot. What is the m... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How does the Esbit stove perform in cold & wind? I was on a group trip this weekend where a fellow hiker brought an Esbit stove which uses hexamine fuel tabs. The temperature was not what I would consider extreme. Temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s Fahrenheit (3 to 7 Celcius) with high wind gusts. The Esbit tablets would not light with matc... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Will any filter/pump purifier last through longer hikes? 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 liters of water without requiring lengthy clean times, lots of extra cartridges, and/or spare parts? I'd pre... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Which brands make wider hiking boot sizes? Finally ran into another article on this New Balance, when you can find them, are definitely sized properly. My clouds are even still on amazon (I was told by the NB store near here that they are no longer made). Asolo should be sized correctly based on my reading, but sadly they have no distribut... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How are sleeping bag temperature ratings determined? One things that has always troubled me when buying a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. When looking at a bag that claims to be a +15°F bag (for example) how do I know that it is really good down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit (preferably without buying it)? Is the rating just determined by the... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What's the advantage to a bent-shaft paddle? The point of the bent shaft is to maximize the amount of stroke for which the paddle is vertical through the stroke. Take a look at this video. The logic is explain in this video. He does a good job of visually showing why you might choose a bent shaft paddle. He also explains that it is not good... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Does eating snow help dehydration? The calories to melt even frozen water are pretty small, and the water gained is certainly greater than that used to aid the use of those calories. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calorie So 1 calorie = 1 degree celcius (roughly with minor variation). Okay easy. Except it takes 80 times that to melt... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What is the best way to cross streams while backpacking? It depends on how many crossings. If very few, I do them barefoot and change. If there are a lot of crossings in a short distance I have shoes that I just wear for the entire hike. I'll cover both. General Rules Don't use rocks if you can avoid it. Stand on the bottom of the river. Just don... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: How long does mayonnaise last unrefrigerated in the back-country? Mayo will generally discourage the growth of bacteria while sealed. It is stored at room temperature in the store, but that's after being packed in a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of contamination. Once you open that container, you'll increase the contamination risk, which is why t... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Tent and sleeping bag: pack inside or strap outside a backpack? When I bought my pack, we were told to always pack the tent and sleeping bag in the pack. Since then I have seen a lot of articles and hikers doing the outside. What are the benefits on packing the tent and sleeping bag in vs. strapping the tent and sleeping bag to the outside of the pack? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How much gear will the AT eat? We're planning on hiking the AT, and this question prompted me to ask: What gear should we expect to replace, and how often, on the Appalachian Trail? Assume that we know basic gear maintenance and can patch a tent instead of replacing the whole thing. ;) Edit: It occurs to me that gear to replac... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Training to prepare for oxygen deficiency in the high mountains To deal with low oxygen environments you need more red blood cells. To get more red blood cells you have very few options. Blood doping Low pressure chamber treatments Actually going into higher altitudes on a regular basis (I recommend this one) Make sure your diet has enough iron to support th... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Where to find hiking shorts that last more than a few months? I've been using the same two pair of swimshorts for years now. They dry quick, they're lightweight, they're cheap. Mine are similar to these (with pockets, but not lots), but I got mine at Target. The only downside is that sometimes the cheap thin string tie bites into my waist on really long summ... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Which brands make wider hiking boot sizes? My old boots are dying. Sadly it took me quite some time to find them, and the particular brand is not made anymore. I have wide feet, like 4E wide, but some 2E boots will fit fine. Unfortunately most hiking footwear I find is way too narrow. For instance when trying to find good wet shoes for ri... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What are the advantages and disadvantages between gas, liquid and solid fuel? Note on boiling and stove weights, obviously there are dozens of stoves out there for every fuel. I'm just estimating based on commonly used stoves. Petroleum, Gas, White Gas, other liquid petrol products Stove weight: 12+ oz (340+ g) Water Boil per 100g fuel (rough): 5 to 6L Good: Works belo... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How can you prevent kids getting lost at night while camping? When camping in more remote areas with young kids, how can you make sure they don't take a stroll and get lost in the middle of the night? We won't be near lights, established "bathrooms", etc. The adults will be asleep as well, and I'm hoping for a solution that does not involve sleeping in shifts... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How do you determine worm color for Large Mouth Bass When I was growing up and fishing for Large Mouth Bass with my grandfather we primarily used plastic worms. Color and style matters a lot, and different worms had significantly different results. To compound that, the "magic combination" seemed to change over time. My grandfather always knew exact... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Where can I find help identifying an owl by its call? Cornell Labs has several good resources: Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Exploring and Conserving Nature. The Sibley app also has bird sounds you can compare to (as do several other mobile apps): Sibley Birds of North America There is supposed to be an app coming out which can identify automatically, b... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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What are the tradeoffs for a Tomahawk over an Axe I've watched a few videos on cutting tools and the use of axes. However I'm not clear on what the advantage (or disadvantage) is of a tomahawk style axe over a typical belt or hand axe, such as this estwing. (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What are the best ways to increase your draw weight? From my archery days, you're primarily looking at upper arm and shoulder. Push-ups can help with that, but are pretty hard on your joints. Shoulders: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/rehabilitation-exercises/free-weights-exercises/single-arm-row Triceps: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/rehabi... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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What is a good starter kit for beginning indoor climbing? If I want to get started on indoor climbing, what is the bare minimum I need to have, assuming I don't want to rent equipment? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How do you sharpen a hand chain saw? For group hikes where we plan on having a fire, I carry a hand chain saw for dead wood. We've used ours for a while now and it is definitely getting dull. How do you sharpen this? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How do you safely cut wood with a knife? Several people have talked about having single edge knife so that you can cut down small trees. What is the proper way to cut or carve wood with a knife? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Is it possible to improvise a knife sharpener in the wild? Assuming I am lost with minimal tools, but have my knife, is there any way to improvise a knife sharpener in the woods? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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Is it necessary to carry a knife sharpener? Under the assumption that an emergency kit like the ones listed here are for the emergency of getting lost and being stranded for days, how necessary is a knife sharpener? (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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How is "pack weight" measured In ultralight or lightweight hiking, "pack weight" is a very common number to discuss. What does pack weight exclude? Is it limited to just what's in your pack, or does it also include clothes, shoes, etc. (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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What can be safely trimmed on a backpack 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 kidding) 2ft. of extra strap on both of sides of my waist belt. When trimming a pack, what are the places, pa... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: Are carabiners useful tools to have in the wilderness? If so, what would they be used for? Hanging things on your pack Hanging things on that little loop at the top of your tent (like a nightlight) We use ours to lift and hang our packs As a simple pulley to change direction of a pull (less abrasive to your rope than a tree) (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |
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A: What makes a good head lamp? Beam spread -- Wide, narrow, adjustable? (depending on what you want) Angle (generally up/down) -= Can you direct it where you want? Ease of turning on/off and changing settings -- I personally hate lamps that make me cycle through strobe to get to another setting (yes a few do) Strap & Comfort ... (more) |
— | about 12 years ago |