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Activity for amphibient‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Edit Post #41862 Initial revision over 4 years ago
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Question Carrying a gun openly while hiking in western North Carolina
I know that NC permits open carry but I'm actually interested in cultural implications of running into people in the woods who may be weirded out by it. I've hiked a lot in places where it's legal but seen only a few guys do it. Basically, if I'm hiking around Ashville area and carrying openly, will...
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almost 5 years ago
Question How to tension rope between two trees?
I often need to tension a rope between two trees, usually 20-30 ft apart. I am not skilled with knots so it is often sloppy and the tension doesn't hold even very modest weight (such as clothes or something like a target hanging). What are some compromises between reliability and portability/simplic...
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about 5 years ago
Question Is leather superseded as footwear material?
I grew up in the 80s and most of what seemed top outdoor/adventure footwear was made of leather. Leather, at least in my surrounding was considered supreme for shoes. But a lot of enhancement in outdoor technology and materials has happened in the last 30-40 years. None of my shoes are made of leath...
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over 5 years ago
Question Knife as defense against stray dogs
Some places I travel to have stray dogs in the city. Can a knife be used effectively if attacked by one or more of them? I've had creepy close encounters.
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over 5 years ago
Question Trekking with a donkey
I've just seen a documentary in which a guy trekks through some rugged terrain while he has his cargo on a donkey. It's a pretty cool and versatile animal overall. What are some pros and cons of trekking with a donkey? The obvious disadvantage is having to keep a donkey (unless you can rent one some...
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almost 6 years ago
Question Drinking surface water heuristics
I'm curious about some general guidelines, that may represent a probability although not necessarily certainty, especially when combined with other factors, about choosing the best source of emergency drinking water from multiple available in the general area. For example, if I'm stranded or lost, w...
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almost 6 years ago
Question Wild animal in Virginia that sounds like monkey cackling/laughing?
I'm here hunting turkey in Virginia and I keep hearing unidentifiable sounds that I'm pretty sure are not turkey. One of the most common one is something like a monkey (chimp) cackling/laughing. It's usually 16 equally pitched notes in a 4/4 beat: ka-ka-ka-ka times 4. It's probably a bird. Do you k...
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over 6 years ago
Question Can removing dead wood harm the ecosystem?
My inlaws have about 40 wooded acres in the Mid Atlantic region. They are nice woods but the amount of dead wood on the ground is astounding. For the most part it makes walking through similar to a jungle. You're just trampling on dead branches and trunks EVERYWHERE. They bought it several years ago ...
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over 6 years ago
Question Escaping tree well
Last week, while exploring tree snowboarding at Big Sky, MT, I ended up in a tree well. I was up to my waist and was able to crawl out. But it felt awkward and I see how I could sink deeper. My question is, should this happen again and to a greater depth, what are some techniques to get out, especia...
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over 6 years ago
Question Hiding backpack waistband
I just got this backpack but noticed that the waistband can't be concealed when not being used. It is the one with a large buckle in the bottom of the picture below. Since I plan to use it snowboarding, dangling straps can be a hazard, particularly when getting off the lift etc. I'm looking for an...
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over 6 years ago
Answer A: Can I use one helmet for both kayaking and skiing?
A kayaker and snowboarder here. You don't want to use a ski helmet when you go whitewater kayaking -- they usually have padding that is somewhat water resistant but not designed to endure constantly wet conditions, which your kayaking helmet is exposed to even if you manage to remain right side up an...
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almost 7 years ago
Question Shooting into tree
A few weeks ago, I strapped a target onto a tree that was about 1.5-2' in diameter to sight my muzzleloader on private property. I fired about a dozen .50 cal bullets into the tree. In addition to liking firearms and hunting, I also happen to be a so called "treehugger". Shooting a tree ain't exact...
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almost 7 years ago
Question Which types of animals would peel bark off this tree?
I'm just curious which animals would peel bark off a tree like this: It's a riparian setting in the Mid Atlantic region. I was thinking maybe a beaver?
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almost 8 years ago
Question Carrying skis attached to backpack
I am getting back country skis and was thinking of doing some trips where the hike up is too steep to do on skis. I was wondering what are some good ways of attaching skis to a backpack. I came across this article but most of their suggested methods assume going through clear (unwooded) terrain, henc...
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almost 8 years ago
Question Picking length for all-terrain touring XC skis
I am preparing to make a purchase of all-terrain touring XC skis (sidecut 83-62-70 mm), with which I will use SNS XA boots and bindings. I know that the rule of thumb for regular XC skis is to go to about 110% of your height for the length of the skis. However, these are more similar to what downhil...
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about 8 years ago
Question Climbing wall on private home
I'm just curious how feasible it is to install a rock climbing wall on the side of a regular, balloon framed house (modern standard in the U.S. and Canada). Would something like that require constructing a special support structure? Assuming you tear down whatever siding you may have where you want t...
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over 8 years ago
Question Legal liabilities of non-profit guiding in adventure sports
I am a whitewater kayaker and I often show people down rivers I'm familiar with on their first time down. I take special joy in doing so and consider it community service. The only compensation is maybe a few cold ones at the end of the day, of course optional. However, is there any legal liability ...
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over 8 years ago
Question Adjustable cross-country-skiing poles vs trekking poles
Are there any features to regular trekking poles that adjustable cross-country ski poles do not have? I know that many people use trekking poles for snowshoeing but are there any reason adjustable cross-country ski poles won't suffice for either snowshoeing or trekking? RELATED: Should I get trekki...
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almost 9 years ago
Question How to fold rope for storage?
What is a good and easy way to fold a (50-100') rope for storage so that it resembles a caterpillar and has no loose ends getting undone? Close to the way it comes folded in a store like this at the Home Depot.
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about 9 years ago
Question How do I achieve/maintain optimal hydration?
I am curious about some techniques/guidelines for achieving and maintaining optimal hydration while performing moderate to high strain outdoor activities, such as long hikes etc. IOW, how do you hydrate yourself JUST ENOUGH, not too much, not too little. The reason that I am asking is that I notice...
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about 9 years ago
Question How to choose length for backcountry touring skis?
I am 6'2" (185 cm) tall, 200 lbs ( 90 kg). I am in the market for backcountry touring skis and have my mind set on Madshus Eon. I have demoed similar skis in the past and really liked the wider ski with an actual steel edge to facilitate downhill while not being too wide (like some XC skis) so they...
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about 9 years ago
Question Basic setup for trout fishing
I am a whitewater kayaker and my GF, who does not kayak, sometimes accompanies me on river trips. She loves the outdoors and is never bored when I am boating (besides driving my vehicle from the putin to the takeout, AKA "shuttle bunny") but she has mentioned that she wouldn't mind to do some trout f...
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over 9 years ago
Question When is it not OK to leave feces behind?
I saw this article recently. I also know that human solid (not sure about liquid) waste is collected in buckets on river trips down the Grand Canyon. What are some basic guidelines for determining when it is not okay to leave feces behind as they may pose a sanitary hazard and disturb the ecosystem...
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over 9 years ago
Question Stronger bond between GoPro mount and helmet?
I used a regular curved helmet mount for my GoPro on my recent snowboarding trip, which comes self-adhesive. At one point I fell on my back and hit the back of my helmet, the shock of which unglued the mount from the helmet. Luckily, I was able to find it as it wasn't too far. Is there a way to ma...
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over 9 years ago
Question How to overcome mental hurdles of adventure trauma?
Actively participating in a couple of adventure (AKA extreme) sports, I have had my share of accidents/carnage/trauma. Anyone who participates in such pastimes knows that we're all in between accidents and they are part of the game. We all know that severe bodily injuries can require assistance fro...
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over 9 years ago
Question NNN (front clip) vs. telemark style bindings for backcountry XC skis
I finally got to demo backcountry skis this past weekend and generally liked them better than regular skinny skate skis like they use for competitions because I like exploring off trail. However, I had regular (NNN, I think) bindings and I still felt like I could use more heel control upon turns as ...
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over 9 years ago
Question Is it safe to put snow in water filtration?
I was wondering if it is safe to put snow in water filtration and then just wait until it melts down if the temperature is right. Of course, carefully picked, clean looking snow.
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over 9 years ago
Question Can bears smell food inside dry sacks?
I like to do long hikes in black bear country. I don't really go on multiday trekking trips, just day trips but often need to bring food along. I know that backpackers often keep their food in bear vaults but since I don't spend the night, I am only really interested in not smelling to the bear, no...
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over 9 years ago
Question Should the cloth part of ski gloves be treated before use?
I know that the leather part (if any) of ski gloves should be treated with some grease such as Hestra Balm or Sno Seal. But should the cloth (non-leather) part of the glove (again, if any), like most modern gloves have, be treated with something to prevent moisture/cold penetration?
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almost 10 years ago
Question Tree skiing/riding in Colorado
I am getting ready for a Colorado snowboarding trip in a couple of weeks... YAAAY !! I have been all over the country and I generally like CO resorts best (Keystone and A-Basin being my favorite), however, one thing I liked better at Heavenly was tree riding, which was absolutely phenomenal. There...
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almost 10 years ago
Question What kind of underwear inside union suit in winter?
I have a Kokatat fleece union suit, which we kayakers also refer to as a "bunny suit", which I wear under my dry suit when kayaking in cold conditions. I also wear it when snowboarding or XC skiing because the beauty of it is that the top does not untuck from the bottom, leaving your skin exposed. I...
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almost 10 years ago
Question How do I know when my snowboard edges need to be serviced?
I haven't serviced my snowboard for a couple of years but then again I haven't used it much in that time unfortunately either. I went a couple of days ago and did fine, did double black diamonds with moguls and it went well. My ride notwithstanding, how do I know when my board needs to have the e...
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almost 10 years ago
Question Why don't cross-country skis have edges?
As I completed my fourth day of cross-country skiing last Saturday, with several bruises resulting from falls going downhill as I was barely able to control myself, I was curious: Why don't cross-country skis have edges? I can't think of any downside to them, as far as I am aware, they would only e...
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almost 10 years ago
Question How to freeze a water container without deforming it?
I like to take a frozen Nalgene bottle of water to my Bikram Yoga class. The problem is, every bottle I have used so far becomes deformed and, as can be seen in the picture below, the bottom bulges out making it difficult or impossible for it to stand upright until some of the ice melts and it pops b...
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almost 10 years ago
Question How to get a top-mount cooking burner for 20 lb propane tank?
Currently, I use this cooking setup and it is pretty convenient when the travel space is tight: However, its BTU potential is understandably modest and I would sometimes like to cook a soup or beans when on a multi day trip. So I was thinking of a regular sized propane tank (20 lb), that people u...
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over 10 years ago
Question Gloves for knuckle protection that can get wet but not necessarily waterproof
I am looking to replace my NRS creeking gloves that I use for kayaking "bony" rivers and creeks where rock contact is a real possibility. The problem that I have with them is that the seams are not done very well or neoprene is simply not conducive to hanging onto many seams so they tear easily. Un...
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over 10 years ago
Question Tips for a novice backpacker
I would like to get into backpacking and make 2-3 day backpacking trips in moderate climatic conditions in mountainous terrains (mid-Atlantic U.S. or Central Europe, spring-fall). I am looking for suggestions as to what gear I should acquire, e.g. backpack, tent, sleepware, cookware etc. I am an ex...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Thermal insulation of truck cap
I have a cap over the back of my truck and spend many nights a year camping and sleeping in the back rather than setting up a tent. I really like sleeping in it, saves the tent setup effort and gives my truck an aspect of multi-purposeness and self-sufficiency. The cap is fiberglass and the bed has...
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about 11 years ago
Question Can bears smell empty beer bottles?
Sometimes I camp with people who pass out drinking beer and don't bother to clean up their trash before they go to bed. Since we are in black bear country, I was wondering if empty beer bottles can attract black bears.
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about 11 years ago
Question Comfy inflatable pillows for car camping
I use a combination of an 18"x18" inflatable pillow and a Thermarest compressible one, the largest size (commonly seen at REI and similar stores). However, the inflatable often slips out and I just don't seem to get the two to work together to provide even a remote simulation of a quality anatomical ...
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over 11 years ago