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Activity for WedaPashi‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Answer 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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 &amp; the two idiots with me were...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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 ...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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.
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Question 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...
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over 9 years ago
Answer 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...
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almost 10 years ago
Question 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...
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almost 10 years ago
Question 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...
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almost 10 years ago
Answer 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...
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almost 10 years ago
Question What should one do when get a cramp while swimming?
I'm not a really good swimmer. While swimming casually, when I get a cramp in my thighs or toes, it definitely makes me panic a bit and hampers my swimming in a bad way. What should I be doing if I get a cramp when I am swimming?
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: Best technique to sharpen a knife using a whetstone?
You are right about using the rough side first and then some polishing with the finer side. Holding an angle is a real tricky part and needs some stability and skill. To prevent the blade from getting damaged, you can run an ink marker over the cutting bevel. This way you'll have a reference to mana...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How to check if a fence or cable has electricity without having special tools?
I have never heard of someone legally setting up a fence with a strong potential good enough to be fatal. That said, it is very much a possibility that the fence might severely injure (or worst case kill) a dog or some small animal (Pets when hiking?). In such a case, one indeed needs to be worried a...
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about 10 years ago
Question Tips for camping in the territory of elephants
I have recently planned to go for a long trail that passes through a territory that is known for elephants. While speaking of camping overall, I know what basics should I be following, but are there any special precautions that I should be taking specifically considering the elephants? (Like the spe...
(more)
about 10 years ago
Answer A: Preventing "heat rash" around ankles and shins?
Heat rashes are caused by excessive heat trapped under the skin. As you specifically referred to ankles and shins, I'd suggest you considering using shorts instead of full pants, only if those tiny red rash-bums have not burst. If those are already burst then you should be going to a doctor in or...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: Snake on chest while sleeping?
I am not entirely sure if this answers the question at all and if it does then is it in best possible ways. There is no solution to this unfortunate and freaking situation. Whatever you do, it is gonna bite you the moment you move. Although, one should consider covering own face (and, NOT the snak...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: What is the easiest way to prepare a rabbit snare with minimal tools?
Though I have never been hunting, neither have got into a situation where I had to bank on wildlife for survival, I had once imagined and practiced a very basic snaring technique, without involving an animal in real. But, this technique that I am going to explain is NOT necessarily the best one to im...
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about 10 years ago
Question Divers deliberately breathing fast before diving into water
I have seen a few divers who practiced breathing fast before a dive. What good does it do? Does deliberate/forced hyperventilation help to hold breathe over long time? Is there a connection in the same technique and Some breathing practices in yoga?
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: What are the real dangers of climbing at high altitude?
I'll try and be brief but specific towards answering your question: What exactly happens to your body at high altitude? Disclaimer: A lot of data is from Wiki Pages and definitions from Human Anatomy and Physiology Books. Breathlessness and Hyperventilation: Does it start with one panting for breat...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How can I avoid an encounter with a tiger?
The part of the answer may sound very specific to India, and at some part indeed I would try and be more generic. (Specific to India) When you say feline, and specifically in India, you are more likely to encounter a Leopard than a Tiger, even if its a Tiger reserve. If I can relate some data and my...
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about 10 years ago
Question What this instrument is used for?
Just like everyday, I was at the climbing wall this morning, when I reached, there was a group (I have not seen anyone of them there, ever, it being a local place, I know almost everyone who comes there in my time slot) who had finished their practice and were winding up their stuff. I saw an instrum...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: Tips and tricks for backpacking with a guitar
While the answers above mainly focus on getting a Easy-To-Carry (new) instrument, I'll stick to an attempt of answering how can one carry a standard guitar like the one I have (a Pluto, acoustic). EDIT: As the question was having an edit about travelling guitars, I am afraid I have no experience wit...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: Arm compression sleeves for climbing
I do use those compression sleeves when I am going for cycling. I have observed that with the sleeves that I have, there is a gradual difference in the elasticity of the material towards the middle of the arm sleeve, such that the compression is tighter at the lower endpoints, like wrists in case of ...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: What is the best mountaineering quote that you have ever read?
"Great things are done when Men &amp; Mountains meet. This is not Done by Jostling in the Street." - William Blake, "Great Things Are Done" (c. 1807-1809), line 1. "A few hours' mountain climbing make of a rogue and a saint two fairly equal creatures. Tiredness is the shortest path to equal...
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about 10 years ago
Question What is the best mountaineering quote that you have ever read?
Being a techie, I once came across this hilarious post on StackOVerflow: What is the best comment in the source code you have ever encountered? In the similar bar of questions, which one or many a people may find off-topic (or not a real question) thing, I'd like to ask: What is the best mountaineer...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: Why would I want a pressurized hydration pack?
There are obvious pros and cons. When hiking, I've never come across a situation where I want to have water as quick as possible in a quantity. For me using a hydration pack, on a never-ending ascend, is to make sure that I don't have to stop for long. I can take an optional pause every 200 steps, t...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How to detect a crevasse on a glacier
Its more important to know where to expect them. Under tension, Ice is brittle, and strong and in compression. Can we relate the tension and compression under the circumstances like gradient and slope? At least I don't have a strong geology, so there no exact bullet-proof way of detecting a crevasse...
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about 10 years ago
Question How to wash a foam helmet?
I have a Foam Helmet, made for climbing. Its kinda old and looks like it needs a wash. The Helmet is old, and so is the foam. Roughly a bit more than 3 years now. With other foam-made things that are a bit old, I have a personal experience that when I washed them, the foam got screwed, like lost its...
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about 10 years ago
Question How to fix a leak in Hydration pack?
Its somewhat wrong to say a leak, I should rather say a small hole. But how would you go about sealing/fixing it? I know many of us would say, "Why so much trouble? trash it, and get a new one", but still I'd like to receive any ideas if you can think of.
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: What's the difference between white gas, propane, kerosene, and gasoline?
I'd try and be more specific towards the kind of the fuel we are talking about: White Gas / Naphtha Burns clean without any smell and/or effect on food taste. Accidental Spilling of the fuel is not much to be worried about. Evaporates very quickly, without leaving an odor. That said, make a note ...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: How to make DIY ice axe protectors?
I can think of the following two ways to cover the blade: You can use something like a Bike Handle cover, the one that has a cap on the other end. You can get it of the size that your axe-blade fits in. I assume that the main blade will be a bit hard to fit in, but then you can always give a try to...
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about 10 years ago
Answer A: What are the advantages of being short when climbing?
I am not a very good climber as such, and I am 5'7" only. I think I am dwarf enough to put in my experiences here: As you rightly said, being short can be very frustrating when you don't get to access a specific hold. There are a few techniques that might help a short climber do amazingly well. Rea...
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about 10 years ago
Question Do climbers shave limbs?
I just bumped into this page at the Bicycles at StackExchange, which talks about how shaving limbs can help a cyclist. Does the same apply to climbers?
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about 10 years ago