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Activity for WedaPashi‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Question How to take care of an acrophobic person while hiking?
There is some trouble. One of my close friends has acrophobia (fear of heights). But he wants to go for a trek for what it offers than just the mesmerizing view from the top. How can I take care of one such person? Obvious assumptions: Hike doesn't include any climbing activity, not even scrambling....
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over 7 years ago
Question Headlamp and flies
Post-monsoon we have lots of flies and insects in the forests. I was hiking up an easy trail last weekend. It got dark and I still had a couple of hours of walking distance to cover. With no light around, flies tend to hover over my head and in front of my face all the time as I was a bit sweaty and...
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over 7 years ago
Question Why are climbing shoes usually a slightly tighter than the usual mountaineering shoes?
Why are climbing shoes a slightly tighter than the regular mountaineering shoes?
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over 7 years ago
Answer A: Why are tourniquets not recommended as a first aid for a snakebite?
I keep on telling people that they should never try to restrict the blood flow by using a tourniquet or a tight restricting bandage. It has been a stupid myth among people, visualizing that the snake bites a person and the venom gets mixed in blood like you dip a color paint brush into the water bowl...
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over 7 years ago
Question Why are tourniquets not recommended as a first aid for a snakebite?
Why are tying the tourniquets or restricting bandages not recommended or in fact to be avoided to treat a snakebite before getting the proper medical attention? Closely related questions: Am I able to &quot;open up&quot; a snake bite and suck the venom out of it? What are the first aid precaution...
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over 7 years ago
Answer A: Am I able to "open up" a snake bite and suck the venom out of it?
Already a couple of nice answers by imsodin and Liam. I'll add 2 cents to it. Might appear a bit lengthy, but for me its essential. I keep on telling people that they should never try to suck the venom out of a snake bite or why are venom extractors useless, it is not just for the safety of the one...
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over 7 years ago
Question How to deal with change in diet and schedule after returning from a long expedition?
Before going to the expedition lately, I did have a very odd schedule with eating and sleeping habits. I would have dinner at about 11 pm and sleep at about 1 am, which is very bad for a mountaineer. Through the expedition I struggled immensely due to these habits. But, we did have a strict eating an...
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almost 8 years ago
Question Is there a breathing technique to conserve bottled oxygen?
We all know when people run out of O2 up there, trouble follows. Is there a breathing technique to get more mileage out of bottled oxygen? Let's stick to the basic scenario of the need of bottled oxygen: high altitude.
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almost 8 years ago
Question Safety precautions for a spotter for his/her own safety
What are the measures to take to ensure the safety of the person who is spotting a climber?
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almost 8 years ago
Answer A: A snake glides over a very rough, hard surface with no signs of discomfort...how?
There is a good answer already. But I have some deeper thoughts: Snakes are possibilities. They are diversified, and classified over a huge range. Just as per their physical parameters, there are other aspects to differentiate.. like habits, habitat, and another aspect that catches lesser thoughts i...
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almost 8 years ago
Question When to sharpen crampons?
When do I know that I need to sharpen my crampons? In documentaries, I have seen people filing their crampons.
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almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What's the purpose of the sling on the heel of boots?
Already some great answers here: Along with the purpose of tieing them to a sling, and mainly for pulling the shoes while putting on or taking them off, I use them as an additional loop to pass the excess shoelace. This only makes sense with a shoe with high anklets. A shoe like the one shown abo...
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about 8 years ago
Answer A: What sort of crane, and what sort of snake?
To answer the snake part of it, looking at some information on different websites and your vague description about color (dark brown to all shade till black), I can take a few guesses. It can be either of the list below: Northern or Southern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae or Charina umbratica) Western ...
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about 8 years ago
Answer A: What should I do about large trash left by others on USFS land?
This is what I do: I always have extra carry-bags to keep the trash in. Depending upon what my plan is, if I am coming around the same way back home, I usually pickup everything which shouldn't be out there and place the bag at location where it will not be easily found by people or by animals. ...
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about 8 years ago
Question Precautions when walking through area of crocodiles
Unlike other places, in India, the region where I stay and trek, we don't have warning boards stating the crocodile threats/warnings. I have been wandering in the region for almost a decade now and after such a long I have just come across there once, very recently. What precautions I should take i...
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about 8 years ago
Question How to get rid of illegal artificial paints on historical monuments?
India is known for its historical monuments and Caves are essential part of them. While among them, almost all major tourist attractions are very well conserved and looked after, unfortunately some of them are yet to be admired at that level. I don't want to get into why the Archaeological Survey o...
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about 8 years ago
Answer A: In a survival situation, should I drink unpurified water?
Dehydration will kill you before Giardia or cholera does. So, I'd first take a measure of where I am, do I absolutely need to drink the water is question, or is there any other better (safer, need not be testier) alternative to eat/drink. If I am in a desert-like situation, and I've found this water...
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about 8 years ago
Question Where does the name Deadman come from in mountaineering gear?
Why is a Deadman called so? Where does the name come from?
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about 8 years ago
Question How do you get rid of Itching sole?
For some reason or the other, when I wear one of my shoes, my sole itches a lot. I know I can always get rid of the insole of the shoe, but I am yet to find a way to stop the itching in my sole. Then I sometimes have to get my shoes off, find dry leaves and rub them against my sole and that feels b...
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about 8 years ago
Answer A: How well do timber rattlers swim?
For what I have known, Crotalus horridus, The Timber Rattlesnake does not swim well. Its not a water snake, though its appearance may resemble other water snakes found in its habitat. An inexperienced person may easily confuse between them. The only reason I think the authorities have preferred that ...
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about 8 years ago
Question What are the easiest methods to carry a backpack when cycling?
This question might be flanked by The Great Outdoors and Bicycles, yet I'll ask. When I am off for a mountain-biking thing, I usually have a backpack with me which contains clothing, medical kit, basic toolkit for repair, tarp, sleeping bag, food and water, etc. What would be the ideal method to c...
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over 8 years ago
Question Does it feel colder than before if you warm yourselves up and go out in the cold again?
I was riding late in the night and weather was colder than what we normally have. (May not be cold for others, but it was cold for us, people used to with typical subcontinental weather. Temperature had dropped to 5 oC, which is wayyy cold for us) While riding my way back home which takes hours, I ke...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How can I prevent calf muscle pain while descending?
Ah, the Biomechanics of Locomotion! This is how I think of it. Muscles play an important role. They contract, expand when you need them too. Have you ever worked out? In early days of work-outs when you worked heavily on biceps, you may have felt pain in the triceps. Why? Thats because of muscle ...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How tight should I tie hiking boot laces?
Again, how tight is too tight? Probably something that doesn't come off while walking in tall grass, but does come off quick when you want it to, also fast to tie up again is the knot you are looking for. I usually prefer Ian's Secure knot. Such a brilliant link! There is a pair of shoes wh...
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over 8 years ago
Question Will drinking lots of water in the day(s) prior to a long trek mean I will need less water on the trek?
I am not sure if 'pre-hydrating' is a valid term to use for this, please correct me if you know the term. While walking down a tiring route, I was so tired and low on water. All I could think of was, "ahh, I wish I had more water with me". I was carrying enough (for me), but a girl whom I met on the...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How do you treat frozen lungs?
Typically runners exert their lungs the most if compared to Mountaineers. I am strictly not comparing with Swimmers of course. First, why would it happen, how do you know whats happening: Do we normally catch cold, runny nose when its cold outside? Normally we do. "How much cold" can vary from pers...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: What are the different stages of frostbite?
Basically people look at the frostbites in 4 principle stages. First Degree Frostbite - Frostnip: Fingers/toes/nose feel very cold, prolonged exposure would numb them. This isn't deep in your body, it's just the skin. Medically, its just the Stratum Corneum and Stratum Lucidum being affected and no...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: Blisters on small of back
Ah, that sounds really painful and disturbing. Your description is more like its a Boil than a Blister. Medically, A boil is a localized infection in the skin that begins as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm, hard, and increasingly tender. Eventually, the center of the...
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over 8 years ago
Question Monkeys and Rock Climbing
Monkeys are funny, as well as dangerous. I have already asked a question about how one should go about camping where there are monkeys around: Camping and Monkeys. The best advice would be to avoid them if you are unsure about your own safety. A number of Rock Climbing places in India are habitats...
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over 8 years ago
Question Camping and Monkeys
Monkeys are funny, as well as dangerous sometimes. What precautions do I need to take when I am camping (under unavoidable circumstances) in a region where there are monkeys? EDIT: Referring to Monkeys in India. Rhesus Macaques, Bonnet Macaques, Gray Langur.
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over 8 years ago
Question As Mountaineers what can we give back to Mountains?
Might not be a real question for The Great Outdoors.SE, but definitely a real question in our lives, at least mine. I understand, agree and believe in Leave No Trace philosophy. But, when we take countless memories and pride in climbing mountains, what can we give back? Example, Tree plantation. ...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: What is the most efficient DIY alcohol stove for narrow pots?
If you are not specifically looking for a liquid fuel thing: I always fantasized about making one such thing. But I have never tried. Get a tin Make something that looks like below. Advantages: Tins are easy to find and so are those solid fuel tablets If you break it, worst case you will be ...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: What should I do if I disturb a bird of prey with a kill?
The best thing to do would have been not disturb them in the first place, but I do understand the need of this question. So I wouldn't add any advice like "Do not disturb them in the first place". From what I have seen, Buzzards and other raptors (not specifically the ones you mentioned) would retur...
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over 8 years ago
Question Descending a dry grass slope with serious inclination and exposure
This post here mainly talks about Ice slopes I reckon. The region where I live, we don't have Ice slopes, but we have lots of grass slopes. Usual threat is a slope, probably a good 100 m, no bolt to an anchor on, no trees, no hurdles. 'A slip and you are rolling' sort of slopes with 60o incline. I ...
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over 8 years ago
Question Hydration for pets
We all know when we get dehydrated. And hence we make sure it doesn't get worst. I was on a trek this weekend. A strong stray dog from a village chose to accompany me and being alone, I was happy with it. I couldn't take a detour off the trail to find water for it, so I made him drink water when I t...
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over 8 years ago
Question How can a barbed wire fence be crossed safely?
How can one cross a barbed wire fence safely? Assumptions: Height of the person: 5.8 (172cm) Distance between barb wires is roughly 9 inches (20-22 cm), Fence is 4 to 4.5 (120-140cm) feet tall, not electrified. The guy is alone, hauling a backpack. Lets not start getting into should one cross a bar...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: Meeting an unknown snake on the trail; what is the best thing to do?
Already some great answers here. TBH, haven't been able to go through all of them, so adding in a short summary as what I do and ask people to follow. Answer to question 1: Rule of thumb: Never ever ever ever try to handle a snake. If you don't know what snake it is, whether venomous or not, or ...
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: How to measure the temperature without a thermometer?
Assuming that you are not going to use if for checking fever. There are other ways to check fever. There is no mechanism, or a piece of equipment (other than dedicated thermal transducers) I have heard of that can measure the temperature precisely. If you are just curious about how hot/cold the am...
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over 8 years ago
Question Keeping safe distance while scrambling
On an easy but long scramble, 30 to 45o incline, un-anchored, what should be the safe distance between two people? Should the better person be ahead, or be behind supporting the other just in case?
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over 8 years ago
Question Should I run if I come across Hyena?
Question prompted by: Should I run if I see wild dogs? Since Hyenas physically resemble Wild Dogs, more or less, is the advice in that discussion applicable for encounters with Hyenas too? Are there any additional points?
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over 8 years ago
Question Keeping the Batteries warm
I carry a camera that has detachable batteries. I also carry an extra spare battery for my cellphone and a power bank. Batteries discharge at colder temperatures. How do I keep batteries warm so that they do not discharge due to extreme weather?
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over 8 years ago
Question Best method of carrying fruits over a period of 3 days while on a trek
While trekking, I prefer having fruits in the real form, not dried ones and no pulp or juices. When carried without being squished fruits like apple, litchi and strawberries don't rot in a couple of days. But thats not the case for say citrus fruits like Orange, Sweet Lemon, Lemon or others like Gra...
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over 8 years ago
Question Breaking a fresh green coconut
Okay, continuing the coconut series, How can I break a fresh green coconut without wasting much of it, without using a knife?
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over 8 years ago
Question How can I get a coconut from a tree?
Inspired from this question In a survival situation, what can I use from a green coconut palm?, I wonder how can one possibly pluck a coconut from a coconut tree in safest possible ways. We can also consider safer options like not having needed to climb the tree.
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: In a survival situation, what can I use from a green coconut palm?
Ah, why wasn't this question already asked here! As Food and Hydration: If you are trapped on an Island (Refer: Castaway) probably Coconut Water can be only major source of potable water for you. As a bonus though, it contains a lot of nutrients, a great source of glucose and Potassium. Coconut mea...
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over 8 years ago
Question How to react to cattle charging towards you?
Cattle may get aggressive when threatened, or they might just imitate to be aggressive. I have seen cattle charging towards a person when irritated. How should one react if a cow or bull comes charging towards him/her? EDIT: I think the word 'cattle' can have lots of possibilities. So I think its ...
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over 8 years ago
Question Distel Hitch vs Prussik
The Distel Hitch and Prussik both appear to be slide and grip knots, used for ascending a climbing rope. I have heard of people using Prussik many times more often than Distel Hitch. Which is a better knot in terms of safety while ascending a rope, Which one to be used under what conditions?
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over 8 years ago
Question What is the best way to give an injured bird water?
There is this pigeon that I found the other day, it couldn't fly, had a chewing-gum attached to its wing, and probably a hurt neck, it would just sit and weep. I fed the bird with water using a cotton ball. I dipped the cotton ball in water and press it gently near its beak to feed water, and the bi...
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over 8 years ago
Question What are other alternatives to Sleeping pads?
What are alternate options that one can use as a sleeping pad if he/she doesn't have one along? P.S.: Lets assume that he/she has a tent. And we are not talking about any sorts of extreme weather and altitude.
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over 8 years ago
Answer A: What are some good tips and techniques for packing a backpack?
Assuming that you have the right kind of a backpack according to your requirements. First, you need to separate things that you need frequently and things you'll need less often. The way I camp/trek and plan things, I am okay to pack everything all over again in the morning. Generally, it is best s...
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over 8 years ago