Activity for WedaPashiâ€
| Type | On... | Excerpt | Status | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Question | — |
Is this anchor set up right? I was just looking at an article about an expedition on Eiger. I came across this picture. Is this setup right? For more info on the expedition: http://www.markseaton.com/stories/eiger.htm Kudos to the team :) (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Selection of toilet area, its distance from the trail, its size with respect to number of people in group, placement of holes The two thoughts are correct. The other considerations should be: The layout should ought to be like Trail - Campsite and Kitchen area - Thickets (if there are any) - Toilet area. Preferably it can be a triangle. So that one doesn't have to pass through kitchen area to go to toilet area. "It shoul... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Where in the world are train-track right of ways, also public right of ways? I'll answer about India, and Indian Railways. While in India, you can't call it legally approved to be okay to walk on railway tracks. I'd say the way things are taken is depending upon where you are. Officially, trespassing any of the Railway property without being a passenger on a train or an auth... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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What are other possible make-shift alternatives for chalk powder? Climber's life rely heavily on equipment. Having all the necessary equipment for simplest of climbs is a must. But, if at all I forget to bring the chalk powder along, what other alternatives I have for that? I have used dry leaves by crushing them and rubbing them on fingers, that worked good enou... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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How to "spot" someone who is bouldering? We have discussed a lot and at length about how to climb and other climbing techniques. I haven't come across a single post that talks about Spotting techniques. What are the duties of a Spotter? What is the best a spotter can do to ensure that the fall of a climber results in minimum or no injury?... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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Walking through an active railway tunnel during a long distance walk There is a long trail in the mountains near where I live. It requires one to walk through a Railway tunnel which is roughly 1.2 miles long and is not straight. Usually, there is a margin between the train and the walls of the tunnel. The worst margin I have seen is of 4 ft., but that was with two li... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Acclimatizing to Hot weather I'd typically go about it in two scenarios, not just the heat alone. Hot + Humid, Typical Example: Coastal regions of India, Sri Lanka, Caribbean Islands. Hot + Dry, Examples, Deserts. In both the cases, the thing to keep an eye on is Sweating. If weather is dry, hot and low humidity, you will... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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What is "Isolation" and "Prominence" in mountain terms? When I was browsing through the wikipedia page of the Denali mountain, I came across some piece of information. Refer the screenshot below. What does the term Prominence and Isolation mean? (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Trekking Har ki doon (India): Permits and Guides Yes, for Har-ki-doon trek you need a local forest permit. Hiring a guide is not a mandatory thing, but recommended. The guide will take care of campsites and arranging food at a fair bargain. First things first. You can book a cab from Dehradun to Sankri villege. On the way you would pass through... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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Acclimatizing to Hot weather When people discuss Acclimatization, it is generally observed that they refer to higher altitudes, or colder weather. While, acclimatization is not only applicable to higher altitudes and/or cold weather. I live in India, I am used to at living at atmospheric temperature of close to 40 oC. So, assu... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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Similar knots to be avoided There are knots that have similar sort of a structure or a look-alike looping which can easily confuse someone who is not seasoned in knots and safety associated with them. As a thumb rule, beginners are always advised to get their knots inspected by a veteran before they bank their safety upon it. ... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: How do you keep the inside of your backpack organized? 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... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: What should I feed ravens/crows? I'd rather not prefer inviting them for food at all. Usually for what I have seen around, crows scare the hell out of small birds like Bulbul, Robin and Sunbirds. They feast on roadside kills, trashed food, whatever that feels eatable to them in a garbage dump, in short, whatever that appears pretty... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: What easy 6,500m peaks would serve as easy qualifiers for Everest? Well, I'll share a list of peaks that are open and people do in India. Uttarakhand state: Panvali Dwaar (6663 m) - Song(RH) - Khati - Dwalio - Phukia - Base Camp - C - I,C - II and summit (Long: 79o57', Lat: 30o17') Nanda Khat (6545m) - Bharari(RH) - Loharkhet - Khati - Dwali(Vill) - Base Camp,C... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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How to help birds with water? In India, the monsoon lasts for 4 months between June and September. Since last week or so the rain is gone, and this monsoon hasn't been decent, the rainfall had been it's lowest since the 1970's and we are already facing a water-scarcity. The temperature has already reached 38 oC. I have seen b... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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Does a bird really abandon the nest? Will similar birds re-use it? This may appear a bit opinion-based. Birds take a while and a lot of effort to build a nest. Is it okay to take that pretty nest as a sample or a show-piece to put in a personal balcony or a garden? I don't know if they or the same kind of bird re-use it. Basically, I have seen birds abandoning the... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Rock climbing over edge - What can I put under the rope to protect it? Apart from what ShemSeger suggested if you are looking for a make-shift option for now, you can get an inner rubber tube that people use for Cycles. Cut it and run the rope through it at the edge where you see the friction. I have been doing this and seen people in India doing this ever since I have... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: What do you call the bags which help organize items inside 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... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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Insoles rolling in when shoes are wet I have a pair of shoes that are really not water-proof. But they are good for not-so-serious treks and have a superb grip over all sorts of terrain in India. The only trouble I seem to have with them is that, after a certain use, the insole and the extra insole that I mostly need to have, they star... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: What do mountaineers eat and drink on the day of an Everest summit? It has to go down to all the High-Altitude diets, and not just specific to Mt. Everest. Anywhere above 23,000 feet / 7,000 meters most of the mountaineers lose their appetite to a considerable level. So, at that altitude losing weight is a common observation. Thats where the fats come in picture. Bod... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: At what point is a rattlesnake mature enough to control its venom? Ahh, I have been waiting for this. This answer would definitely be not much of a help if you hate complicated biology and physiology and related terms. But anyone who is equally interested in snakes is welcome to have a read through. While I am really sorry that I can't simply answer it as these man... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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One-sided overhand bend Why is the one-sided overhand bend also called the European death knot (EDK)? Is it safe for climbing and mountaineering purposes? (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Considerations for older campers? Basically, you have to be excited and welcoming. Encourage them, thats the most important part of it. For me Camping means getting back to the simpler life. Gear: I don't think that you need any sort of a special gear for older people when you are typically car camping. The normal car-camping check... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: When will a rattlesnake strike? Mate, I am so glad to know that you and your daughter are safe. First, Rattlers are often found under rocks and logs, particularly if the temperature doesn't suit them. So instruct your kids and other concerned people about it. Rattlesnakes are typically capable of striking up to a distance equal ... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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A: Does touching the tent outer wall from the inside make it leak? Yes, it is indeed due to Capillary action. As there are great answers already by Dynadin and Aravona and Snow Crash, I would strictly limit the scope of my answer to why it happens and how, just to clarify how the Capillary Action comes in place. The basic property of water molecules is staying toge... (more) |
— | over 8 years ago |
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What is a Burrito wrap? I was going through one of the most amazing posts on The Great Outdoors which talks about if sleeping naked in a sleeping bag keeps you warmer than with clothes The is something said about Burrito wrap, and yes, I could simply google and find out what it is, but then there a reason why a forum such ... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: De-stinking my water shoes Apart from what all options suggested by other users here, If you are up for investing a bit, You might want to look out for Neoprene shampoos that are used by Scuba Divers to clean their Scuba suits. The Bacteria and the stinking has a close relation. The other way to go is Vinegar with water. A b... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: Fitness for hiking to Everest base camp While Patrick's answer here clears many of the points, I would like to make up a few points about warm-up routines and acclimatization. A few points may sound very specific to you and not really generic at all. For us, Indians, that weather is not really what you can call normal and pleasant, with ... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: When I do and when I don't need shoes with ankle supports? Yes, you are seeing it right, I am answering the question right away, but I intentionally asked this question so that I can have more views and opinions about it, specially the ones that contradicts what I think. I would rather prefer to have it decided upon what I am planning to do on-field. If... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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When I do and when I don't need shoes with ankle supports? There has been a lot of lot of discussion about whether the shoes should have ankle support or not. I have seen the discussions (not just on The Great Outdoors, but elsewhere too) that ankle muscles do not work much and hence leads to weakening of the ankle muscles. The other perspective to this boi... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: Most common avoidable reasons for climbing accidents? A generic list: Not testing the holds, anchors and knots. Miscommunication, leading to improper positioning may be. While climbing stepping on the uphill side of the rope leading to upside down falls. Climbing without Helmets. More Confidence than Competence/Capability Not judging the slack rope an... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: How to deal with unethical campers? It boils down to the point what one could really do in such a situation. When I trek in India, I do come across such situations that beg some action from me and other sensitive people around. I define scope of 'what can I do' as following: Don't be outnumbered!: If we are outnumbered, I will rather... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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Is Kamikaze knot safe with ropes of different diameters? I know how the last man rappel. While practicing at a local place, I saw one of the groups using a kamikaze knot for rappel and rope retrieval after the last man rappelled. Kamikaze and Sheepshank are quite the same. And, How it is supposed to be used: Assume that one of the ropes will be a meter ... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: How did people make topographical maps in the pre-modern? While Rory Alsop's answer points exactly to the method followed by cartographers and geologists before the invention of GPS and other modern techniques, I'd like to make a point that it was done with an assumption that they knew what altitude they are at and when you stand at planar location located ... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: Why did I get goosebumps after drinking water while walking in Hot and Humid weather? Okay, I think I have figured it out a bit after discussing with a few fellow mountaineers. There are 3 major factors to consider: Heat and Humidity Hydration Perspiration As I had mentioned, it was pretty hot and humid out there. It was almost midday and I was alone and had climbed up close to 4... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: Exploring coastal caves safely? While this answer on a different question related to safety precautions for caving explains most of the what-to-have-along things, I'd like to put forth some points that can help you understand situation better. Get confirmed information about Tide times and tide chart. Avoid planning one such ... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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Why did I get goosebumps after drinking water while walking in Hot and Humid weather? I have observed a strange thing happening with me these days. In India, month of March to May are of Summer with extreme heat, May to be worst. Midday, the mercury rises up to 40oC. I was walking on a long plateau for close to an hour or so in the afternoon, with ambient temperature of about 40oC. I... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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A: Belaying two seconds? Its pretty easy for the 2 seconds being together or always nearby, and a bit stretchy for the one leading the climb (You). When I did one similar not-so-tough scramble, I used a trick that at least worked for me. I was climbing on a single rope, tied at the center & the two idiots with me were... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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Properly using a Gamow Bag I was just informed that our group is going to have a Gam-off, technically known as a Gamow Bag. While I have never seen one such thing and so I don't have any experience with them, I browsed the internet about it for a while. A few questions: Do they have a high-altitude operating ranges like sl... (more) |
— | almost 9 years ago |
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Why might one need a 2000 lumen headlamp? I was just looking at a product my friend was bragging about, a headlamp with 2000 lumen intensity. When and why would I be needing such a powerful headlamp? I usually trek in jungles and forests and so seldom like (from now on I plan to) once in an year in Himalayas. A flashlight with 2000 lm capa... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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Cleaning the inside of a backpack I have a normal waterproof backpack. Last weekend when I went camping, I lethargically packed it, and the whole bottle of edible oil got spilt inside. I have tried cleaning it with salt water, luke warm water, the smell just wouldn't go. How should I clean it? Edit: I am more concerned about getting... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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A: Continue a hike when legs start cramping Its well-known to relate Cramps and Dehydration. So its obvious that you talked about hydrating yourself. But, in most of the situations muscle cramps can be stopped if the involved muscle is stretched. Be a bit careful about stretching at the same time. The safe stretching exercises that I opt ... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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A: How do you survive getting towed under a log jam? While I was crossing a stream, I was caught in one such but not so serious kind of a strainer. We call that strainers. These are formed when some obstacles get piled up and let a very narrow window for a person to pass through, but the water pass through it. Most of the strainers that you will (unfor... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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A: Cleaning the sipper pipe of a hydration pack I also gave this option a thought. Cleaning it up with strong potable soda water. This has to be done when the precipitation is moist, and not dry. That would flush it off at least better then water. (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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Is climbing an ambidextrous sport? We know left-footed football players, we know right-handed and left-handed batmen and bowlers, we know left-handed or right-handed tennis players, and so on.. I know being a right handed guy I could hold a crack better with the right hand, and probably my first move upwards would prefer a right han... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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Cleaning the sipper pipe of a hydration pack I use a regular hydration pack. I had given to a friend of mine to use it as she had her pack leaking. I guess she filled it with some sort of refreshment/flavored sports drink, and that has caused some precipitation in the pipe of the hydration pack. I know I could clean it with a traditional met... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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A: Ice axe and crampon post winter cleaning/preparation I am not exactly the guy who have been doing that year by year, but I have some thoughts about cleaning and packing the gear after a high altitude expedition. I think some of it can be applied to your scenario. I would first soap-wash (if recommended) the gear so that there is no dirt. Dirt, deposi... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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Donating blood at higher altitudes and Acclimatization While I was re-reading this question where there is a lot discussed about impact of higher altitude on the physiology, acclimatization and things around it. Though, I have had put in an answer in the way I could study and think of. One question that alarmed my mind, what impact does the blood donati... (more) |
— | about 9 years ago |
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Pressing the knee while ascending Usually I have a walking stick with me. But this time around I didn't have one along. With the hot and humid weather adding to the woes, we were going up a seemingly unending ascent. The constant ascent was a worry for my knees, so being tired I started putting my hands on the knee while taking an u... (more) |
— | over 9 years ago |
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A: How can I vet a hiking partner without potential hard feelings? IMHO, up to a certain level in mountaineering, friends that you make in mountains or at a base camp are likely to be good/close friends for life. So, If I were the guy with the lesser experience in mountaineering and being set up in a meeting for an approval sort of a thing from a veteran, that might... (more) |
— | over 9 years ago |