Pulsehead‭

Back when I smoked, I preferred a zippo lighter to a disposable. Advantages: effectively windproof. You can't light up in a hurricane, but then again, you can't use a disposable in more than a ...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

I have no science to back me up, but the SAFEST way would be boiling. Since water all boils at the same point; you know as soon as it starts rolling that the nasties are all being killed. Hold at...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

I've used both kinds of packs. External frame packs are generally cheaper, can carry more gear, and allow much better ventilation to your back. In addition to the main compartment and side pocket...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

Personally you don't need to go for any of the name-brands, unless that is important to you. Some things to look for: Comfort. Wear them for several minutes. Yes, the salesman is trying to w...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

I've not done much climbing, but back when I was studying a hard martial art that included joint-locks, throws, and tumbling (and no shortage of bending joints in directions nature never intended);...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

Best way would be to lay it horizontally so the filling won't shift and create spots that are more/less insulated. Second best would be to store hanging up in a closet. It does not compress the b...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

Like others have said, the best training to hike is hiking. If you are concerned about being able to climb large vertical distances (mountains?), try climbing stairs. I don't mean the stair-climb...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

As with all fires, you need more tinder and kindling than you think. In dry conditions I once heard the advice of "get as much as you think you need, then double it". In wet conditions, I'd sugge...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

If you want an exact answer, there is not and will not be one until about 15 seconds after you finish walking the walk. For a decent ballpark, I was taught in scouts: day hiking: 3 miles per hour,...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

I am only familiar with US topos, but a point the other answers miss is that the US Geological Survey have mapping standards, and most non-USGS maps (at least in America) match the USGS standards. ...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭  ·  last activity 10y ago by System‭

If you put down a ground tarp that is significantly larger than the tent (and by significant I mean more than an inch or so), tuck any extra under the tent, otherwise rain will hit the tarp and the...

posted 13y ago by Pulsehead‭

A few times I've been out walking or backpacking and have no moleskin with me. Sure enough, my boots start giving me blisters. How can I prevent or treat hotspots and blisters without using moles...

4 answers  ·  posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

The VERY FIRST thing you need to do is to not panic. Sit down for a minute or two and let your mind catch up to the fact you are lost. Now, take out your map, compass, gps, or whatever and try to...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭  ·  last activity 14y ago by System‭

Take a regular rectangular tarp, lay it out such that it is as close to the tent's size as possible. Then take any amount of extra that is on the UPHILL SIDE, and fold UNDER THE TARP any excess. ...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭

Although the quantity consumed and the altitude where consumption occurs may change this answer, as long as it is in moderation; I'm not aware of any specific problems. I have known people who bri...

posted 14y ago by Pulsehead‭