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Posts by xpda‭

74 posts
66%
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Q&A Tent and sleeping bag: pack inside or strap outside a backpack?

If it fits, it's better to put it inside. That way it stays dry and is protected. If you put down your pack on rocks or small limbs, it can poke holes in the tent cover or sleeping bag cover if the...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 12y ago by System‭

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Q&A What is the difference between single and double wall tents?

Double wall tents keep most of the condensation from forming on the inside of a tent, and they're warmer. In general, they do a better job keeping the rain out. Double wall tents are preferable in ...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Why do shin splints happen?

Shin splints (tibial stress syndrome) can be cause by tendons, muscles, or stress fractures. It's an "overuse" injury, with multiple causes, so there's not a single treatment. Some things that migh...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 12y ago by System‭

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Q&A When sailing, how do I rescue a man overboard?

If there is another person person onboard, have them do nothing but watch the person in the water. They should point a finger at person in the water and never take their eyes off. Toss out life bu...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 12y ago by System‭

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Q&A What's the best way to self-arrest on a sandy slope?

If you have a hiking pole you can use it for self arrest. Keep the strap around your wrist. When you fall, hold that hand away from the ground. With your other hand, grab the pole a few inches from...

posted 8y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Alternatives to retreating quickly when caught in a lightning storm when rock climbing?

It's risk management. The best way to handle a storm is to get down before it starts. Check the weather and be down by noon or whenever the weather normally gets genned up. If you're in a thunders...

posted 10y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A What should you be aware of when planning late-season or summer skiing?

The snow melts some days (or most days) in the late season. If it refreezes at night, it will be icy in the morning, making icy or rough skiing. When the snow gets slushy in the afternoon, you wil...

posted 11y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

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Q&A What would be the coolest summertime baselayer?

A light, white running shirt made of synthetic fabric is the coolest I've found -- something similar to Nike dri-fit. A white or very light color is important if you're in the sun.

posted 11y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A How do I reduce bow string travel on a bow drill?

Wrap the string around the shaft in the opposite direction. Then it will tend to go down, but your uneven pushing and pulling will counteract it. If that doesn't work, try cutting a slot in the sha...

posted 11y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A How to estimate current speed and direction while swimming at sea?

You cannot estimate the current speed and direction on the open ocean without a fixed reference or navigation aid. But you can watch a star behind the rig to make sure your track is toward the oil ...

posted 11y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 11y ago by System‭

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Q&A What clothing would be appropriate for hiking in -18&#xB0;C with up to 30 km/hr wind?

You need to have clothes for the coldest part of the trip, at the mountaintop. For that temperature and wind, I would recommend more layers. I would carry or wear at least one more fleece top and...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A What kind of canteen material will have the least effect on the taste of water?

Run the canteen through a dishwasher a time or two and it will get rid of the odd taste.

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A How do I find known and documented trails for trail running in New England?

American Trail Running Association keeps a list for every state. It's not an exhaustive list, but it has some details for running. http://www.trailrunner.com/trails/main_state_page.htm

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Crew requirements for sailing a ketch

Every boat is different, and every crew is different. There is no set standard. Some people go single-handed on a ketch, some have fairly large crew. Bernard Moitessier used to sail a 39-foot ketch...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A What do I do to prevent and treat frostbite?

It is much better to avoid frostbite than to treat it. You can easily lose fingers and toes to frostbite. When you are camping in the winter, you cannot go into the lodge and warm up like you do sn...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A What are the different materials for ski climbing skins and advantages to each?

Mohair is lighter and glides better than nylon, but does not grip the snow as well going uphill as nylon does. I have used rubber skins before, which will really climb steep stuff, won't glide ver...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Will glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate prevent or repair damage to climbers’ fingers?

Glucosamine is for cartilage, and finger pain from climbing is probably tendon problems.

posted 12y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 12y ago by System‭

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Q&A How can one find the difficult to find geocaches?

First, pick the location you think it closest to the mark, based on the GPS. Then, walk in an outward spiral, looking at any place that someone would be likely to hide a geocache. Think like a pers...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A If I'm caught in lightning above tree-line, what should I do?

Cracks in rocks or lying on the ground won't improve things. Creek beds might make it worse if there's enough water to conduct electricity. The best policy is to get down before the lightning sta...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭  ·  last activity 12y ago by System‭

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Q&A What can I do to prevent getting poison ivy?

There are no creams that will prevent poison ivy. Avoidance and long clothes are best. One thing you can do is wash it off. Usually if you catch it within a couple of hours, you can scrub off the ...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A How should I check that the anchor is secure when I anchor a small yacht off unfamiliar land?

Set the anchor by reversing the engine until the anchor chain is tight, and then run the engine at medium speed to make sure the anchor has dug in. You can watch a GPS to make sure the speed is aro...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A What is the most efficient food to take a for a 12-15 day hiking trip?

I go with a couple of Mountain House dehydrated meals per day, and check the calories per ounce of snacks and other food that I buy. Everybody does this differently. I have carried a watermelon bef...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Do polarized sunglasses protect against snow blindness?

Any sunglasses or will help protect against snow blindness. UV protection is highly recommended.

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A Where in the Alps is it safe to drink the water without filtering?

At a water faucet? I would filter any untreated water in the Alps, and filter or boil melted snow.

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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Q&A How do I know what size ice axe I should get?

Some people prefer to have one long enough to use as a short walking stick. Others prefer to save weight and go as short as possible. In any case, it should be long enough so that you can use it pr...

posted 12y ago by xpda‭

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