Activity for Paul Lydon‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What’s the main appeal for climbing outdoors? To me it's not a question of climbing outdoors is "cooler". There is a reason that there is such a rich collection of books, magazines and other literature on the subject of mountaineering and rock climbing outdoors. I can look back on many experiences I have of climbing on local crags and in the A... (more)	—	almost 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: SOTO Triple Mix Expiration The gas is compressed in the cylinder so will largely be a liquid. This is normal and expected. (more)	—	almost 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: What signs can I use to navigate a cave if lost? When you say "trapped" I presume you mean he cannot find his way out, as opposed to being trapped by rock fall or something blocking his exit such as flooding? The only weather-related clues could be when reaching to very near an entrance where the temperature can change. Caves tend to be at a fairl... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Synthetic insulated belay jacket vs thicker mid layers or down In winter I will often wear a Paramo waterproof jacket (I live in the UK). If it is near to freezing or colder, then I also wear a light fleece top or jacket underneath. When stopped for any reason, I put on a Paramo Torres jacket over the top of the waterproof jacket. The Torres is a warm jacket mar... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Could I have problems / obstacles with obtaining petrol / gasoline for a stove It is also worth knowing the pros and cons of using automotive Gasoline / Petrol in stoves: From MSR's website MSR's website "Liquid Fuel Stoves 101 Choosing the right fuel for your stove White Gas (Naphtha) White gas (aka “naphtha,” “100% light hydro treated distillate... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to escape a cave in an emergency situation? Assuming you have no way of safely and reliably leaving the cave to get help, your first priority is not to become a casualty yourself as well. Even if the Guide needs urgent medical attention, it would take an appreciable amount of time for the first members of the cave rescue team to arrive on sit... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Inner tent - Vango F10 Xenon UL 2 This tent is a tunnel tent with the poles inserted into sleeves in the exterior flysheet and the inner tent suspended from inside the flysheet. This means that there is no practical way of pitching the inner tent alone without the flysheet. You could use the flysheet alone without the inner tent to ... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there statistics on how often CPR on someone who has been struck by lighting works? From https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/403803 Access to the full article requires subscription, but an extract is quoted below: In their article entitled "Prehospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Is It Effective?" Cummins and Eisenberg state: "Clinical evidence provides str... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you wave off a search and rescue helicopter? Charles Brumbaugh's answer is correct if a helicopter rescue is underway and you need to warn an approaching helicopter that it should abort the approach due to some problem you have spotted. (From Charles's second linked document: "Should the helicopter move in close before you are ready, or you see... (more)	—	almost 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I dress for sweat inducing activities in cold weather? It's worth reading Andy Kirkpatick's article on the 'Softshell' principle (The Best Softshell in the World: From the article: The heart of this clothing is its polyester micro pile interior which is, considering its weight, high volume but low density and hydrophobic, meaning it’s warm fo... (more)	—	almost 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Buying Campingaz in Eastern Europe Try this Camping Gaz store locator for Poland: http://www.campingaz.com/PL/t-retailerlocator.aspx. It might help (and you can use Google Translate if needed. (more)	—	about 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: When did indoor climbing gyms start to become popular? According to this article on Wikipedia The earliest artificial climbing walls were typically small concrete faces with protrusions made of medium-sized rocks for hand holds. Schurman Rock in Seattle, WA is believed to be the first artificial climbing structure in the United States, constructed in... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: How late/early should you pitch up/leave when wild camping in the UK/Europe? With regards to the UK: "wild camping" is simply camping somewhere which is not an "organised" camp site. It is a right in Scotland, where the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which was introduced in 2005, sets out the rights of access and the right to camp throughout Scotland. The Act established a ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why can I hear such long distances in the mountains? Sound reflected by concave surfaces will concentrate in a narrow area rather like light passing through a convex lens. You were probably at one of the focal points for the sound being reflected in the cwm behind the person you could hear. (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is this bar-headed goose's behavior an indication of a problem? I have seen gulls do exactly that. It is known as: Worm charming, worm grunting, and worm fiddling are methods of attracting earthworms from the ground. The activity is usually performed to collect bait for fishing but can also take the form of a competitive sport in areas such as east Texas. As ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Has Joe Simpson ever explained why he did not cut the rope himself? At a slide show I saw years ago, Joe Simpson said that the knife Simon Yates used was his own (i.e. Joe's). (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any situations while backpacking that would require a watch? An important part of navigation while walking is how much distance to the next attack point or objective, especially in poor visibility or at night. If the distance isn't very great, say 100 to 200m (or yards) then counting paces will be the method to use. For distances greater than that, timing is i... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is clipping directly onto a dyneema sling safe? It certainly isn't safe to use a sling or anything else which will not absorb shock in the event of a fall. Although you are probably not likely to have this sort of thing while scrambling, if you know are going to need to clip in to something for some reason, you could always take a tip from caving... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Cleaning the plastic residue of the inside of my old backpack It looks like the waterproof coating is flaking off. Try washing with a cloth and warm soap and water. I've had reasonable success with this method in the past. (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Which glue to use to repair a tent outer? SilNet Seam Sealer is designed to seal the seams on nylon flysheets and can also be used glue to repair the same. See http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/tents-and-spares/all-tent-accessories/seam-sealer-glue/ for more information. Alternatively, you could get Vango to repair the flysheet for you: http://ww... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Dangers of excavating caves? In the UK and at least some other European countries, it is very common to dig in caves to get through blocked passages. Normally this is done through either sections of cave blocked by boulders from ancient roof collapses or through sediments left from post-Ice Age flooding. For example, this photo... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What sort of rock climbing grade can a goat do? Apparently Galen Rowell took a picture of a goat in the Cirque of the Unclimbables mantling past Galen's rappel anchors with a grade (US) of 5.9+. (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should I spray a 'good' raincoat with 'water proof' spray? From a website giving information on jackets, specifically for "Venturi" fabric, the material appears to be similar to GoreTex, etc. and recommended washing is given as: The durability of Venturi is dependent on proper care. Regular and correct care has a positive effect on the durability of the ... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should you avoid handling lambs? Yes, you should if pregnant for your own health rather than causing an issue with the lambs or ewes. According to UK NHS advice: What are the risks for pregnant women? Infections that can affect female sheep (ewes) and which could be passed to pregnant women include: chlamydiosis toxopl... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Down feather species, which is best? From The Feather Company, London Duck down is the most common type of filling. Down from geese is usually larger than down from ducks. Muscovy down has features very similar to eider down i.e. they are more crooked and intertwined. Eider down is the world's lightest and best insulating m... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Abseiling on one rope: should I attach the prusik to the other one? Pulling down ropes after abseiling in caving is common here in the UK, where a cave has an upper and a lower entrance with one or more pitches in between. We use Static rope and caving descenders are usually designed to only use a single strand of rope. We double the rope and tie a knot with a small... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Minimum safe rappel rope diameters? It isn't that unusual to use 8mm rope in caving on vertical (at least in Europe) especially in deeper caves with more rope to carry down and of course, back out again. In the US cavers tend to rig pitches from a single anchor and take care that there are no sharp bits of rock the rope could come in ... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I survive multiple days in cold environment? If the cold conditions are relative temporary, say being caught in a blizzard or being benighted, as well as having extra clothing, food, bivouac sack, etc. there is also the question of whether it is better to conserve energy and find somewhere sheltered to wait until it is safer to continue or try ... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Good places to go potholing in the UK The main areas for caving in the UK are: The Yorkshire Dales The Peak District South Wales The Mendip Hills (near Bristol) The North Pennines There are other, smaller areas as well, such as: Forest of Dean, Devon, Barrow in Furness, Assynt (in Scotland). The UK Caving WIKI has some more infor... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Belay with a broken arm He was demonstrating how to tie a Clove Hitch one-handed for setting up a belay when one arm is broken. The karabiner in the knot is to help release and untie it afterwards. (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Rock Climbing falling.Turning upside down When climbing wearing a heavy rucksack (such as Alpine climbing), it is quite possible to end upside-down after a fall. This is why many European alpinists favour a full body harness or a separate chest harness worn in addition to a typical sit harness. This raises the tie-in point on the harness ... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: When hiking should I always wear a shirt and sunscreen, or is just sunscreen okay? According to this health-related website, you should still wear a shirt: You should not think of sunscreen as an alternative to avoiding the sun or covering up. It is used in addition. Sunscreens should not be used to allow you to remain in the sun for longer - use them only to give yourself gre... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to make a fully-enclosed tarp setup with a 1.4 x 2.4 meter tarp, for one person? You could also have a look at the "Reflect Wedge" setup for the ALPKIT.COM Rig 3.5 Tarp in this PDF document on ALPKIT.COM. Although they show a bike and its wheel being used to support the tarp, you could of course so the same thing with trekking poles or similar. bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co.... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Technical clothing brands for extra long arms? The UK company Rab have a reputation for selling jackets and tops with longish sleeves. I'm 6'3" (I don't know about 'wingspan') and find quite a lot of their jackets/tops have sleeves more than long enough for me, perhaps a bit too long in some cases! Also, here is a link to Rab's sizing guide, whi... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Climbing all the Munros as a continous round It would be worth getting a copy of "Hamish's Mountain Walk: The First Traverse of All the Scottish Munros in One Journey" by Hamish Brown. Hamish Brown was the first to do the Munros on a continuous round. If a winter attempt interests you (obviously a more serious undertaking), then Martin Moran'... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best mountaineering quote that you have ever read? Speaking about reaching the summit of Nanda Devi after the first ascent in 1936: "I believe we so far forgot ourselves as to shake hands on it". Bill Tilman (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to detect a crevasse on a glacier Sometimes shadows or shapes in the snow give away the location of covered crevasses. Sometimes you can detect a crevasse with a shallow covering of snow by poking with an ice axe or a probe of some sort. The only sure way to detect if there is a crevasse is when you can see it, or when you fall into... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to fix a leak in Hydration pack? You could try something like Shoe Goo or similar. Just dab on a small amount to seal the hole and ensure it doesn't stick to the opposite side of the hydration pack internally be keeping the sides separated until the Shoe Goo has dried. I repaired a small hole in a waterproof Ortlieb bag quite a fe... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Leader injured during multipitch trad climb, what to do? Although there is information on various websites and forums on self-rescue techniques, you really cannot learn enough to cope with a situation just by reading about it without a LOT of hands-on practice. To start with try and get help as much as you can - for instance shouting for help if there are... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Using a rope "Alpine Style"/Moving together Firstly, the technique you describe is actually called "Moving together" at least by British climbers. The technique is used to move rapidly on relatively easy ground while also providing a degree of protection from falls. It is also used to rope up while crossing glaciers. This website has a good s... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Measuring actual distance walked on a map (Allowing for changes in height) You can get a good estimate of the distance walked by timing or pacing. Naismith's Rule (a way of estimating the time to walk a distance when ascents are involved) can help with the timing aspect but is only an estimation of the time taken to walk a certain distance taking ups and down into account. ... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Dealing with Sap on a Tent It is most likely not sap but the excretion from Aphids (Greenfly). They suck the sap from the tree and then excrete this sticky substance, often called Honeydew. It may be worth contacting the tent manufacturers for advice, but I would suggest careful washing first with just water and if that isn't... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Climbing Webbing with Taped Ends (where & why) This is the first time I heard of this. But look at this PDF document: http://www.rockymountainrescue.org/outdoorsafety/AnalysisHappyHour1.pdf Apparently it is common practice to wind lengths of webbing onto spools and join lengths together (or "splice") with tape of some sort! From the above docum... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Semi-static rope 24 hour rule Yes, it is accepted practice to wash new Semi-Static rope (or Single Rope Technique/SRT Rope as it is known by cavers). Dave Elliot is a highly respected SRT expert, and he wrote the CNCC Rope Care page, which says: There are two reasons why new ropes are best washed before use. Washing remove... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it normal that a down sleeping bag loses its loft after ~5 years ~150 nights? I would say no, it is not normal. I have several sleeping bags, some with as much annual use as your example, which are at least 25 years old and are still good at lofting. Some bags allow the down to move around, which can be handy to cope with warmer conditions. Have you tried fluffing up the bag... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I tell if I am dehydrated or have low electrolytes (need salt, etc.)? Colour if urine is a good indicator. The lighter the colour, the better your hydration is. Once you start to feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Technique for lead solo climbing with rope In addition to the other answers, a blog post by Andy Kirkpatrick (a leading proponent of the art of solo roped climbing) on his description of what he does, can be seen at http://www.andy-kirkpatrick.com/articles/view/ropesoloing101part1 (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I test out my equipment before a backpacking trip? I would imagine the "testing" others referred to is suitability for purpose rather than will the gear end up damaged or broken. For example, if using a new tent, have you practiced pitching it at home first rather than waiting until you have to use it while in the middle of nowhere? Or is the stove a... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: In an abandoned quarry, is it possible to pry loose rocks from walls until stable? I live in an area (in the UK) with a lot of limestone (and gritstone) quarries, some still working and many abandoned. Some of the abandoned quarries have been equipped with bolts for sport climbing (NOT the gritstone though!) and are regularly used. However, the rock itself is a compact limestone ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should a rescue team be equipped with? To be honest, the most important thing a Rescue Team needs to have is plenty of manpower (and womanpower!) with training and experience (speaking as a member of a UK Cave Rescue Team). (more)	—	over 10 years ago

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