Activity for Pulsehead‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Edit	Post #39895	Initial revision	—	over 4 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do you footprint the inside of your tent, outside, or both? 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 then go straight to the tent-floor, opening the door for tent-floods. I have never put a tarp inside a ten... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Gas or liquid fuel lighter? 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 gentle breeze without trying to shield it from the wind. Coolness. that clink-snik sound is just plain ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Things to consider when buying sunglasses 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 wrap up this sale in under 2 minutes so he can get more commission. You will likely be wearing the shade... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any specific techniques that should be used when starting a fire in the rain? 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 suggest you triple/quadruple the amount of kindling and triple the tinder. Specifically, take the tinder and... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to stay clean on a multi-day hike? After a long day on the trail, I'll take my grooming bucket (reused plastic margarine or sherbet container with lid), and go down to the water hole. Collect some water and rinse out the bandana. Start at the head and work my way down/in. I'll pull off my shirt and then wash my torso. Pull off my ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Good resources for information about hiking trails near Boston I found this with a quick google, but since I think you want more: Find a local chapter of the Appalachian Trail Club. Here near DC, it's the PATC. They typically do walks on various nearby trails (in addition to maintennance). Second, go to your local outdoors store. Around here, there's a bo... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the vitamin considerations for extended backpacking First, Freeze-dried Vegetables. Unfortunately, the texture isn't quite right, but it works. Secondly, if you want actual FRESH veggies, then I'd recommend sprouts grown in your pack Thirdly, if you will be resupplied during the trip, arrange a few fruits/veggies from the local store. I know thr... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to cheaply introduce someone to backpacking Tent: A 2 person tent divides up really well between Tent/rainfly, and poles/groundcloth, a 4 person tent breaks down each component even more. Share with a bigger tent and you should be good to go Sleeping Bag: Go in the summer months, when the temperature will be warm. I live in the Mid-Atlantic... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How bad do circumstances need to be before activating a PLB? All of your situations look like emergencies, especially if you are alone. I read an article where the National Park Service was angry at use of PLBs because someone climbed a mountain and did not want to down-climb, or they were "tired" but seemed to not have nay other condition that would negative... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you determine how long a hike will take? 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, + 1 hour for every 1000 feet of elevation climb. backpacking: 2 miles per hour, +1 hour for every 1000... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I read a topographic map? 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. I'd suggest you start by learning the standard symbols in your area. Make up flash cards and you can e... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: If lost in the wilderness, what is the first thing I should do? 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 find your way back to where you DID know where you were. If you can't figure out where the trail shoul... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to deal with wet feet? know if you will be going through marshy areas. If you are hiking in the Everglades, pack more socks than if you will be hiking through the Sahara. If you have to cross a river, try to not cross in your boots. There is a favorite trail in my area, and it ends with crossing a waist-deep river. I'l... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I make a footprint for a tent? 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. Any water that comes downhill is then channeled underneath the groundcloth. (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What exercises are recommended to build strength for hiking? 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-climber at the gym (although it does help), but put on a pack with weight and find a tall building. Clear th... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time? 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 bag at all. If you don't have a closet tall enough to hold the bag, get a king-sized bed pillow case. p... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Will glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate prevent or repair damage to climbers’ fingers? 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); I found that glucosamine/condroitin supplements minimized the pain from those nagging day-after aches, ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does drinking alcohol cause problems at altitude? 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 bring along a hip flask full whiskey. I could not participate as I was underage at the time, but I was tol... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the difference between external and internal-frame packs? 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 pockets, most external frame packs also have an area above and below the main compartment where gear can be la... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the critical dimensions to a safe bear-bag? Bears tend to jump and swipe to get your bear bag. You want above the reach of the tallest bear in the area, I'd recommend 8-10 feet at a minimum. You also want the bag at least a bear leg's length from the trunk of a tree, probably 4-6 feet at a minimum (if possible). Some bears will also kamikaz... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the safest way to purify water? 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 a rolling boil for 2 minutes (as I was taught), and it is safe to drink. (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How do I treat hot spots and blisters when I have no moleskin? 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 moleskin? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago