Posts 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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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,...
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. ...
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...
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...
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'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...
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. ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 g...
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, i...
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 trai...
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. ...
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 leng...
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...
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...
