Activity for Tullochgorum‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What is this tent piece called? That is what the leading pole manufacturer DAC would call a 4-way EyePole hub. Here's a three-way version. Unfortunately the plastic cap is missing so you can't see the branding. It's quite a specialised item and your only hope is to secure a spare from Eureka. Given the age I'd have thought your ... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is dead reckoning when navigating with a map and compass? What is dead reckoning? Dead reckoning is the skill of moving along a specific bearing for a specific distance - eg, to walk 350 meters on a 25 degree bearing - without reference to any major feature in the landscape. When is dead reckoning required? The foundation of land navigation is the attack... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How would navigation be different while hiking at night? I've done a lot of night-walking in a wide range of conditions. I don't think there's any inherent difference between daytime and nighttime navigation - if your daytime skills are solid you shouldn't have any major issues navigating at night. How good is the visibility? The real issue isn't daytime... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I backpack further without resupplying? You don't say anything about the climate and ascent/descent involved, but assuming an average mountain trail 160 miles (260 km) should be doable in a single push. I don't think there's any magic solution to this - it's simply applied common-sense. The main issue is the extra food you have to carry w... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Bird migration across Atlantic? There is a route known as the East Atlantic Flyway used for migration between Eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Siberia, Northern Europe, Western Europe, and on to Africa. There are 297 species using the flyway and tens of thousands of individuals per year. They are mainly waterfowl and waders, ... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: On average, how often do people thru hiking the Pacific Crest Trail resupply? According to the 2016 Halfway Anywhere Survey of PCT hikers: The average days on trail was 145 and the length is 2,650 miles (4265 km). The average number of resupply stops was 26 If you subtract the average of 17 zero days (days without mileage) and 13 near-zeros, we have 115 days of actual walkin... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Down sleeping bag stored in sack for years Given the cost of down bags, it should be worth the effort to revive it. Here are the key issues: HOW BADLY IS IT DAMAGED? How good is the down? I've been told by an industry insider that soft down clusters should revive pretty well after compression - it's the spines of any harder feather conten... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Legal situation for Parkour in the EU This will vary from country to country - I can only speak for the UK. In practice you are likely to be OK provided you are responsible and apply common sense. Obviously, if you are on private land without permission you are trespassing and breaking the law. So ask the owner or stick to public land.... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's a good time to see autumn colors in the Maritime and Cottian Alps? I walked through this area on the Grande Traversata delle Alpi a couple of years back and in some valleys the trees were just beginning to turn by the start of October. I would imagine that this would vary a lot by altitude, by the orientation of the valley, and from year to year. Note that if you'r... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any general rules of thumb for route finding up a mountain without any trails? Ask the locals! Something missing from the current answers and the first port of call in my opinion, unless you are somewhere very remote. For any mountain with significant difficulties or dangers I would always try to ask a local or two (especially in countries where the mapping is poor). Some su... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it bad to rely on trekking poles? If I'm understanding your question, you're asking if using trekking poles will result in poorer conditioning compared to walking without poles. There is good research evidence that using poles will in fact improve your general conditioning. When used vigorously, the poles provide a cross-training ef... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you dry wet socks when camping/backpacking if it's raining and the socks cannot be hung to dry outside A key part of the answer is to wear socks that dry more quickly. Most of my life I've never really questioned the superiority of Merino loop socks such as the SmartWool PHDs. But I've begun to realise that once they get wet they are slow to dry and unpleasant to put on when cold. So recently I've b... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is using ultralight gear possible without sacrificing safety, comfort, or skills? First, the answer depends on the purpose of your trip At one end of the spectrum trips involve a little walking and a lot of camping. At the other end you are walking from dawn to dusk and spend little time in your shelter other than to sleep. The best balance between weight on the trail and in-camp... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: When considering GPS battery life where are the best options? Stretch target: 10 days of GPS between charging points with minimal additional weight I'm planning some long on-trail thru-hikes where digital mapping would be much lighter and more practical. But I'll be up to 10 days between charging points in climates where I can't rely on sun. Can this be done?... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is ankle support a myth? Are the studies relevant? I don't think you're going to get a meaningful answer to your question from a survey of studies - there are simply too many confounders that they don't control for. Here are some of the most important: Proprioception Not all shoes are equal. At one end you have true "bare... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Drinking water in Dartmoor I live by Dartmoor and walk there regularly (in fact I was up there earlier today). The moor carries a significant stock of sheep, cattle and ponies. I've heard of tests that found much of the water is quite heavily contaminated with faeces. In fact the army have used Dartmoor water for testing the ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should you do if your sleeping bag gets soaking wet at night? First - do everything to prevent getting a wet bag! A wet sleeping bag must be a nightmare - the best solution is to make sure this never happens to you again! Before I use a new shelter somewhere remote I would wait for bad weather and test it out in an exposed location where I can retreat easily ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber vs. Aluminum CHOOSING BETWEEN CARBON AND ALUMINIUM WALKING POLES As with most decisions about lightweight equipment there are tradeoffs, and your best choice will depend on your budget, your height and weight, and the way you use your poles. Characteristics of carbon poles As you probably know, carbon poles ar... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are good ways of predicting incoming weather from the downwind side of a mountain? I don't think there is any pat answer to this - weather patterns can vary widely by region and by season. All I can suggest is some commonsense approaches: Check the weather forecast before your climb, and on your phone or pocket radio during the climb if you have reception. In the US, you could al... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some proven methods of training for week long backpacking trips at high altitude? [Edited after comments and additional research.] Aerobic training will not prepare you for altitude Some of the answers here are misleading. According to the Altitude Research Centre: Being physically fit does not prevent you from experiencing AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) symptoms. There do... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I boost morale on long backpacking trips? A bit late to the party, but there are some basics that need emphasising. This is all common-sense, but it's surprising how often these points are neglected. CHOOSE A SUITABLE ROUTE Most importantly, ensure that your route is within your experience, technical ability and fitness-level. Being scared... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Homemade top quilt with variable stuffing Before I answer your question about variable stuffing, I think you could do better for your basic sources on MYOG quilt design and construction. Some good info on quilt design The benefits of Karo Step baffles, plus design tips Calculating down fill requirements Some innovative ideas from Colin I... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best way to manage Scottish midges? I've been battling the little buggers for half a century. Here's what I've learned. Take them seriously! Most of the time they're only a minor irritant, but at their worst they're very nasty. I've twice had to help people in toxic shock from midge attack. Make sure you're prepared. Know your enemy... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What proven alternatives are there to DEET? The importance of good insect protection This is an important subject. The dangers of mosquitoes in many parts of the world are well known, and recent research suggests that Lyme disease from ticks is greatly under-reported and is many times more prevalent than previously thought. There are three i... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Looking for trails that are open in Iceland in mid-March for a multi-day hike? In March Iceland would still be covered in snow and ice with daily highs of 3c on the south coast and an average temperature of around 0c. Most days it snows. Daily High and Low Temperature in March for Reykjavík, Iceland You might be able to ski tour if you have the skills to survive in arc... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Question	—	What to do when a snake blocks a narrow trail? Some time back I was on a very narrow mountain trail with a cliff rising to my right and a steep gorge dropping to my left. The trail was blocked by by the viper below (with the gorge just out of shot). The weather was chilly and the viper was sluggish, but quite aggressive and hissy. I stamped my ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Quality of duck vs goose down Down is a natural product, so fill quality, odour and durability can vary quite markedly within a species depending on the breed, age and condition of the bird. Practical performance is also strongly dependent on the skill of the processor and the quality of any proofing applied. These sources of ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is Fast Packing? Fastpacking is lightweight or ultralight mountain travel with the aim of covering big distances over extended trips. Base weights would typically range between 8lbs-15lbs (3.5-7kg) or even less, so packs should be light enough to enable at least some of the trail to be covered with a running gait. Th... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Stove/fuel setup for harsh conditions For cooking at cold and altitude, the pressurised liquid fuel stove is your friend. They're expensive and need some skill and care in use (practise before you take them into challenging situations), but they will perform much better than alcohol or canister stoves when the going gets tough. Here's ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Relative popularity and merits of A-frame tents Why the A-Frame fell out of fashion Until around 25 years ago, A-Frames dominated the 1-2 person market, both for car camping and in the mountains. Then we saw the emergence of lightweight flexible fibreglass and aluminium poles, which opened up all kinds of possibilities for tunnel, geo and semi-g... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can a compass needle become de-magnetized over time? According to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, reversed polarity in compass needles is becoming a significant source of navigation error. The reason is the increasing range of magnetic fields in our transport, clothing and equipment. Polarity Issues: the Symptoms With partial polarity reversa... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does any tent manufacturer promise to have replacement parts? The problem you've got is that most of the larger brands are batch manufacturing in China or Vietnam. They bring the product over complete and don't hold spares of items such as flys and inners. If you're looking for something lightweight, I think your best bet would be to use one of the established... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it too soon to go family hiking with an infant? Packing tips? As others suggest, it's almost certainly best to go with a backpack style kid-carrier. One option you might not know about is the Aarn Universal Balance Bag which attaches to your pack. http://www.aarnpacks.com/#!balance-bags/c1paj The balance bag counterbalances the awkward weight of a kid on yo... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Did I see an Osprey? The osprey does seem the most likely option. There are only a handful of breeding pairs in North Wales, but they are in your area so it's credible. The wingspan of a small common buzzard starts at around 110cm and a large osprey can reach 170cm, so although they are normally of similar size the wing... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Which size back pack if between sizes The only answer is to go to a store and try on the sack for real. Take your actual gear to try with it, and use your normal packing technique. Try to choose a store with a trained fitter. Then take it home on appro and try it around the house for a few hours so you can return it if it doesn't carry ... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do people who backpack sleep in tents instead of tarps? Is there really such a clear dichotomy between open tarps and enclosed tents? The OP implies that open tarps offer a qualitatively different and superior experience to enclosed tents. My response would be: not for everyone, and not in all conditions. In reality there's a continuum from cowboy-campi... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why is silnylon/silpoly slippery, but silicone sealant is not? I'm not a materials scientist, so can't give you a definitive answer. But I do know that if you make your own silnylon or silpoly by soaking the base fabric in a solution of silicone and mineral spirit and air-drying, the final material is far less slippery than commercial silnylon/silpoly. So it s... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it offensive to "just hike" on a pilgrim's path? No, it would not be offensive. A survey of 200 pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago found that motivations were as follows, in order of importance: Exercise Adventure Peace, solitude, relaxation Spiritual (but not explicitly religious) A lifetime experience A religious pilgrimage (9.6%) To meet peop... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's the best way to store/carry olive oil for hiking? I go to my local pharmacy and ask for medicine-grade screw-top bottles. These have good seals and only cost pennies. To be doubly sure I place the bottle in a plastic bag and carry it in an outside pocket of my pack. All this may seem a bit paranoid, but I once had a nasty experience with butter o... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where can I find information on letterboxing in my area? I live on the edge of Dartmoor and have some hands-on experience of letterboxing. What is letterboxing? It was reportedly started by James Perrott, a Dartmoor guide who placed a bottle for visitors' cards on a cairn at Cranmere Pool in 1854. Before the modern military tracks this was the most remot... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: On a coast to coast walk across Scotland, which areas would require the most self-sufficiency? If you want to cross from west to east you could research the venerable TGO Challenge walk, where hundreds each May walk their own coast-to-coast route. If you Google "TGO Challenge" you'll find a large number of blogs discussing routes in detail. As others have said, for maximum Munro bagging, you'... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: FiveFingers or hiking boots? I've done a lot of UK upland walking in minimal shoes, plus long Alpine treks with packs up to 30 lbs or so. A lot depends on the ground you are going to cover. If it's stony, I find that your soles can get a bit tender after a few days of bashing. You might prefer something with a minimalist rock-p... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What negative consequences can result from having too much toe room in a shoe I've had this issue too - my feet are small but wide and I often have too much length in order to get the width. The main downside I've found is that I initially tend to trip or stub my toes on difficult ground, because I'm used to something shorter I guess. After an hour or two the mind seems to ad... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do so many people hike with such light footwear? Hmm - more of a tirade than a question, but let's assume you sincerely want to learn. There's a good deal of ground to cover, so please bear with me here... First, technical trail shoes are not "city shoes" If we're going to have an intelligent conversation we need to clear this up from the outset.... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I connect to an Autobelay with a Whillan's harness? That brings back memories - the Troll Whillans was the first modern harness on the UK market and I bought one when they came out around 1970. I think I still have it in the shed. Before that, we improvised a harness by wrapping tape around our waist and thighs. As befits the hippy '60s, this was ca... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How dependable is a cheap compass? There's cheap and there's too cheap! Remember - this is a tool you may be trusting with your life... For any kind of serious navigation you need a baseplate compass rather than the button type in your image. This is so you can take reliable bearings from your map to the land and back-bearings from t... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Synthetic breathable fabrics vs natural fabrics for 'live-in' hiking clothing? A lot depends on the climate, on your budget, and on how much you sweat on the move. Pros and cons of merino Merino is the king if you want to prevent odour and most people find that it's the most pleasant against the skin. It wicks quite well but holds around 25% more water than synthetics and tak... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I determine if a tent can handle strong wind? Lightweight shelter selection is all about tradeoffs In general terms, for wind-worthiness you're looking for strong poles, small panels, a low profile, plentiful peg-out points and flies that pitch close to the ground. But this is only a starting point. Choosing lightweight shelters is tough, even... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to stop rain from entering at the cuffs of my rain jacket? As a Scot I did a lot of wet climbing, so am pretty familiar with the issue you've asked about! I was careful to buy jackets with a good cuff, and I'd use absorbent sweat-bands on my wrists just inside the cuff to mop up any leakage. I'd also roll or ruck up the arms of my inner layers so they were... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Tent floor length relative to height There's really no simple answer to this. Here are some variables that people sometimes overlook... Are the walls sloping or vertical? The first factor to consider is the slope of the inner at your head and feet. In some designs the walls are vertical. But in others the the space can narrow quite sh... (more)	—	about 8 years ago

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