Communities

Writing
Writing
Codidact Meta
Codidact Meta
The Great Outdoors
The Great Outdoors
Photography & Video
Photography & Video
Scientific Speculation
Scientific Speculation
Cooking
Cooking
Electrical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Judaism
Judaism
Languages & Linguistics
Languages & Linguistics
Software Development
Software Development
Mathematics
Mathematics
Christianity
Christianity
Code Golf
Code Golf
Music
Music
Physics
Physics
Linux Systems
Linux Systems
Power Users
Power Users
Tabletop RPGs
Tabletop RPGs
Community Proposals
Community Proposals
tag:snake search within a tag
answers:0 unanswered questions
user:xxxx search by author id
score:0.5 posts with 0.5+ score
"snake oil" exact phrase
votes:4 posts with 4+ votes
created:<1w created < 1 week ago
post_type:xxxx type of post
Search help
Notifications
Mark all as read See all your notifications »

Activity for Wills‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Edit Post #41910 Initial revision over 4 years ago
Edit Post #40159 Initial revision over 4 years ago
Answer A: Should overweight people ever climb?
You could ask the similar question "Most runners I see aren't fat, so is it wrong to start running as a massive guy?" Of course the good and really good climbers are most likely on the thinner side because of obvious and already denoted reasons. Besides that, as for runners, do the sport but don't s...
(more)
about 7 years ago
Answer A: Can overexertion cause AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?
By 'faint' you mean the person lost consciousness or was it just weakness? I was in a similar position but not that severe. I was in the wrong assumption that I was acclimatizing fine because I was the strongest in the group during that time. I felt great, no headache or nausea or anything at all on ...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Should one remove their boots in an emergency bivvy situation?
I only see an advantage if your boots are wet: Then I would advise to remove the wet shoes and socks. Maybe you are in the lucky position to have some dry spare socks in your backpack. If not you may have a bivi sack to heat up your extremities. Otherwise you can at least put your feet in your backp...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Interested in trekking to Annapurna Base Camp
With that given information we can't tell if you can do it. I, for example had an knee surgery too while playing soccer some years ago. Still I am driving to work by bike regularly and I am doing other sports. And I am hiking and climbing. So yes, for myself I can decide and I would be pretty sure I ...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: Is it ok for my climbing shoes/chalk bag to get wet?
Of course your outdoor equipment has no problems with getting wet. It's not getting any damage if used in rain. While wet the function of your gear may be influenced, e.g. in the case of rubber soles and chalk this will be inevitable the case. Your gear is designed and exists to be used outside wher...
(more)
over 7 years ago
Answer A: What exactly is a rocker?
Rocker is a term common for freeride ski and snowboards. Because of the deep snow (powder) you need ski which are floating by design. That means it is easier to ride in powder with a higher rocker. Rocker technically means the negative preload the ski/snowboard are having. So if you lay them on the ...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Without rain/snow/wind would it be significantly warmer to sleep under a tarp?
Neglecting the wind (advection) the tarp shouldn't make any noticeable difference. I doubt you could measure even one Kelvin difference. Even a tent isn't providing a lot of warmth during night but as long as you stay active in the tent (by moving and/or cooking) you will notice an increase in the t...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: How do I choose the right tent?
Things to consider when purchasing a tent: Where exactly do you want to use the tent? On which altitudes? On which terrain? Sometimes you need special tent pegs like on snow or it's even not possible to use them, e.g. on sand What are the conditions you expect, e.g. is it possible to get into stor...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What kind of creme could Ueli Steck be possibly using and why?
I asked Ueli Steck as @fgysin suggested and got the following answer: It is "Sportusal Spray". This is a spray stimulating the blood flow. For more information have a look at the medication here: http://www.medicatione.com/?c=drug&amp;s=sportusal%20spray%20sine%20heparino
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: What are these loops on my backpack for?
They are designed to fix your ice axes to the backpack so that they won't move very much. This task should be realized in a lightweight manner and it should be easy and quick to release/adjust. One very common approach is the one from your picture, e.g. explained in this video. Of course you can adj...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Is it dangerous to rope together on an ascent of hard packed ice?
The most common options coming to my mind are: Securing from anchors and building e.g. one rope-party with 2 and one with 3 members This is slow but very safe. You do it in steep and/or difficult terrain. Moving continuously being roped together while the first uses gear Using e.g. a tibloc or...
(more)
almost 8 years ago
Answer A: Do I need a hard shell to ski in sunny weather conditions?
If I go skiing during sunny weather conditions, is it still recommended to use hard shells or could I get away with an insulated/soft shell jacket and pants? Yes you get away without hardshells in those conditions. Your main enemy will be relative wind speed (also because of your speed while...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Mountaineering with a 6-year-old kid in winter
You know that there is a lot of snow already in those heights in Austria? Even in 1500m people not used to it will get problems. Please have a look at webcams and detailed descriptions of the route you are trying to hike. And check out the conditions! I was never on that mountain but it seems there ...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Answer A: Acclimatization Question
A reason could be, that your digestion works worse in altitude. Because your stomach is getting work to do when you drink (or even worse, when you eat), you could feel sick so generally your condition feels worse. Nonetheless your body needs the water, it is imperative to be properly hydrated. So if...
(more)
about 8 years ago
Question Is this a cockroach? If so, which one?
What species is the following? I assume it is a cockroach, but I am not sure. What is it exactly? I live in South Germany.
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question What kind of cockroach is this?
What species is the following cockroach? Is it dangerous, that means is it likely to transport diseases? I live in South Germany.
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: How does a carabiner handle make sense?
For me it seems to be more a fashion thing than extremely useful. Of course you can clip the mug to the outside of your backpack or anywhere on the campside but I doubt you really need this. Nevertheless, you can upgrade nearly anything in outdoor business with a biner - it's just cool and you look ...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: What is a so called "Weiderost" (cattle guards)?
There are different kind of obstacles so that farm animals like cows on alpine pastures stay in the related territory. If you hike, you often pass little doors or Z-shaped wooden obstacles or have to lift gates. For dirt roads this is similar, the cattle needs to be restricted so e.g. with a "Weider...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question What kind of creme could Ueli Steck be possibly using and why?
Watching this youtube-video I asked myself if Ueli Steck is using some kind of regeneration creme. Most likely nobody will know for sure from the footage but I would be really interested what tricks the experts like Steck have for enhancing the regeneration. Related: How can I recuperate between tw...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Mountain guide leading towards a thunderstorm - does his explanation make sense?
In general the idea (#1) of the guide is not a bad one but it is way simplifying weather forecast. It is not as easy to predict even short-time. Of course it could be a local guide with lots of experience (we don't know that by your question and maybe you also didn't know while on tour) and he will b...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Any tips to prevent theft while tent camping alone in a caravan park?
I just was told this last weekend: Lock your tent! Of course thiefes can cut the tent and still steal your stuff but at least your insurance is going to pay if the tent was locked (check the conditions of your insurance and in doubt ask your insurer). Besides that you should not leave your valuable...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question V-chamber vs trapezoid construction
I am searching for a down sleeping bag and found two alternatives. They are from one manufacturer so data should be comparable. bag ("A"): Tlimit = -13&#xB0;C weight = 1000g filled with 600g of 850cuin goose down bag ("B"): Tlimit = -17&#xB0;C weight = 1170g filled with 700g of 850cuin goose...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question Quality of duck vs goose down
While searching for a sleeping bag I was told that goose down is clearly superior to duck down in terms of quality. I guess that means e.g. the fill power (measured in cuin). What exactly are the differences, is goose down always preferable? What I was also told is that duck down is more prone to sm...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: When to sharpen crampons?
I usually sharp my crampons when I am expecting icy conditions, that means glare ice. Especially when you go steep and need front point technique, you need to rely on those points - all your bodys weight. If your front spikes are too coarse, you need much more energy to bring them secure and stable i...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: Maximum slope angle for boots?
What's the limitation here? Back in the old days there were no climbing boots available so rock climbers used boots (maybe enhanced with metal plates). Also in icy terrain this was the case. Even when Eiger Northface was climbed first not all party members had crampons. (people also climbed barefoot ...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Answer A: What equipment is needed for glacier hiking?
about excess rope, rope length and how to split rope please see: https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/7025/2653 As you see on the picture, the two ends of the rope is devided evenly between the first and the last rope team member. If you don't know this, I guess you don't know how to rescue some...
(more)
over 8 years ago
Question When do you need compensation training for bouldering?
Not only, but mainly while bouldering you are likely to push hard moves and strain your body onesided. As a consequence you can pain your muscles, ribbons or tendons. But... How do I know if the ache in muscles is stiffness and therefore nothing to worry about? How do I notice that I train very one...
(more)
almost 9 years ago
Answer A: Why is it prohibited to sleep in a tent?
It's not really about the tent, it is about planned "bivouacs" (that means you plan to sleep outdoors) and emergency bivouacs where the latter of course aren't forbidden. That means if you carry a tent and sleep in it, it was obviously planned to sleep outdoors where people possibly do harm to the n...
(more)
almost 9 years ago
Answer A: Which country has the most snow days in Europe?
Scandinavia is a good option, the more north you go the better. For me the nature there is more remote, more 'raw' compared to the Alps. So I would think it's comparable with Canada (although I've never been to those regions). If you can choose when to go, why not go during winter time. You can add ...
(more)
almost 9 years ago
Answer A: Suggestions for a winter lifestyle
Related (4) there you see that (3) is working. There are definitively ways to get used to a colder environment. Of course it's also a matter of faculty/predisposition but still you can train it e.g. with increasing your willpower. Check out Wim Hof who is an expert in surviving cold situations. He ca...
(more)
almost 9 years ago
Answer A: Descending a dry grass slope with serious inclination and exposure
In southern Germany there are a lot of steep hills which don't have too much rock but mainly grass. Therefore people are "grass climbing" mountains, there is even a grass climbing grade for it. You use an ice axe and crampons just as you do on ice. The colder it gets, the more rigid the solid is. ...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Question Which ski binding for alpine touring?
Being a ski-novice I want to start doing alpine ski tours, that means mountaineering with ski. I don't want the ski to be mainly used in 'downhill powdering'. Because of long uphill sections, weight matters. But comfort/safety is important too because I don't wanna crush my knees on the way down hill...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Answer A: What are other alternatives to Sleeping pads?
Depends on the situation and therefore the gear you have along and the environment you are in. For example if you are on an alpine tour, you can do similar as we did this year in a bivouac: try to get in wind protected area (not so important in your case but even with a tent it changes your comfor...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Answer A: Is it ok to wear hiking shoes on street conditions?
Benedikt already gave a good answer and he is right that a hiking boot would be a massive overflow. It just looks ridiculous because it is simply not designed to be used on flat terrain. What you need is a comfy and weather resistant shoe. Therefore you could go for a light hiking shoe. I am wearing...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Question Case example on Altitude Mountain Sickness: How to detect and react properly?
I know the theory behind effects of high altitudes on the human body is not entirely understood and because of cross-influence it is a difficult topic. It's not an exact science. Having said that I will give an example case which happened to myself this year. I try to give all relevant information. ...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Answer A: What is "Isolation" and "Prominence" in mountain terms?
Isolation and prominence are the two key criteria to classify a peak as an independent mountain. To understand the meaning I like the visualization from the German Wiki where "Dominanz" means isolation and "Schartenh&#xF6;he" means prominence: Isolation is the distance to the next point with...
(more)
about 9 years ago
Answer A: Inexpensive ways to learn cross-country skiing
It is possible to get the gear relatively cheap. Search on ebay or the kind. Search on internet forums where outdoor enthusiasts hang around and offer their used gear on a market place. I know such forums for Germany and Austria but I am sure you will find the kind in Canada too. I have to say I trus...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: Should I wear a fleece while cross country skiing?
Yes and don't even think about leaving your fleece at home... Even if you are moving fast and therefore producing a lot of warmth by the exercise there is always the possibility to get into bad weather. And if not, what are you doing when you stop for a break? You are wearing wet clothing and it is c...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: How do I reliably diagnose my own dehydration?
I often heard this method is reliable and I am also using it. From experience I can say it works. Also if you search the web you will find articles like for example this and this. Also available are color charts to get an visual impression, see e.g.: Besides that personally I know that I am not p...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: How do I help people enjoy camping/hiking (like I do!)?
You can't really force anybody to like anything. When you try so you will most likely discourage them even more. What you can try to do is convice them to give it a shot (what you did) and prepare the trip so you have a nice time. Would be a big put off if it starts raining and you aren't well equipp...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: Good 2-day Alpine hike near Liezen, Austria?
The linked topic of @Eyal is a good starting point to get an idea what to expect on those kind of hut treks. I would recommend to get information from online trip reports like on the site you linked to. They already marked the different sections of the Via Alpina where you could pick out 5 sections/d...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: Why might one need a 2000 lumen headlamp?
First of all I doubt that you get a quality product for under 20 bucks which says it is going to be 2000 Lm. There are concerns that it won't be so bright as it states (read the advertising: "Output bright can come to max 1800-2000 lumens."), battery life will be very poor, the item isn't very robust...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Question Continue a hike when legs start cramping
Yesterday I was hiking in partly deep snow where postholing was inevitable. I had no problems until one moment when I was getting cramps in the femoral. Luckily it was close to the end of my tour and walking got easier because the snow height decreased. But if this wasn't the case and I had to hold o...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: What are the pros and cons of custom-made hiking boots?
What nuances are you referring to? If you have an atypical foot shape you of course will be able to get a good fit in a custom-made boot. If it's made by a shoemaker who knows what he is doing it should be a lot more durable too. In contrast the high price. What nuances besides quality (fit, durabil...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Answer A: Are there standardized signals to communicate with aircraft?
International standard and very easy to remember is the Y or N signal. If you want to communicate more than that, your signals should be easy and self-explaining. If you are e.g. climbing and it's not that obvious who needs help you could also inform the rescue team in the helicopter by pointing t...
(more)
over 9 years ago
Question Does sleeping with liner shoes make you feel colder?
While reading this article about mountaineering boots I found following quote by Ian Nicholson quite interesting: "When climbing in a double boot, bring the liner in your sleeping bag at night to warm them and slightly dry them, but don't leave them on your feet. It doesn't seem to make that much...
(more)
almost 10 years ago
Question First ascents by Edward Whymper
Edward Whymper is most known for his sweeping ascent of the Matterhorn 150 years ago. You can read about the competition with J.A. Carrel and the struggle to find a path to the top in the famous book Scrambles Amongst the Alps. By the way indeed a nice book because Whymper made wood engravings for a ...
(more)
almost 10 years ago
Question Delayed muscle ache after boulder session
The last weeks I observed couple times that I am getting stiffness/muscle ache in the upper arms after a boulder session. What's special about this is that it is very delayed. For example I went to the gym yesterday in the evening. Today I had no problems at all while working on the bureau. Arriving ...
(more)
almost 10 years ago