Activity for Graham‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What is the loop on the finger of my winter gloves for? The loop allows the gloves to be hung, on a carabiner for example, such that the fingers point up preventing the gloves filling with rain or snow. For example, see the manufacturer's description of these gloves: Finger-mounted clip-in loop enables gloves to be attached to a carabiner with finger... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can the sheer existence of snow lead to dehydration? I am assuming that, as you moved out of the snow field you were also descending, therefore, I think it is more likely you were experiencing altitude sickness and your symptoms reversed as you descended. The presence/absence of snow was purely coincidental. Dehydration contributes to altitude sickne... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: For fording cold rivers, is there any special clothing (as opposed to makeshift bags or tightly connected raintrousers) to stay dry and warm? These products may be what you are looking for, they are hip-height waterproof waders: NEOS River Trekker Overshoe Wiggy's Light Weight Waders (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Sustainable systems for carrying out human waste Use a biodegradable (e.g. cornstarch-based) bag to pick up waste and then pack it in a airtight container. For obvious reasons the container should only be used for that purpose and disinfected when you return home ready to be reused next time. Also, look out for schemes such as Keep Cairngorm Snow ... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can any waterborne pathogens survive boiling? This article () gives a good summary of the efficiency of boiling as a method for making water safe for consumption. In particular, Table 2 provides a summary of the temperature and time required to kill various micro-organisms. Sterilisation of water (killing all living containments) is not ne... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How long does water need to be boiled for to kill all bacteria / viruses? This article () gives a good summary of the efficiency of boiling as a method for making water safe for consumption. In particular, Table 2 provides a summary of the temperature and time required to kill various micro-organisms. A distinction should be drawn between killing all pathogens and making ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What qualities to look for in a good emergency whistle? The obvious thing to consider would be how loud the whistle is. The loudest I've found is the Lifesystems survival whistle which, at 122dB, claims to be "the world's most powerful whistle." I'm not sure I agree with choosing metal whistles, as in freezing temperatures they would be quite uncomfortab... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I tell what time it is without a watch? Given that the basis for defining time is based on the Earth's rotation and where the Sun is relative to a point on the Earth, it's going to be difficult to estimate the time without knowing where the Sun is (I'll be interested to see the solutions other people have). Note: the following applies in ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What happens to cams after climbing? When using lead climbing techniques the lead climber is belayed by his partner and as he climbs he places protection (e.g. camming devices). Once at the top of the pitch, the lead climber then belays his partner on the pitch. The second climber retrieves the protection as he climbs. (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Prevent mosquito bites: insect repellent patch or just eat vitamin B1? I appreciate the preference to use natural protection, however, I think it is important to point out that using insect repellent should not be the only method of defence against malaria that you employ. Insect repellent is not 100% effective () and does not directly prevent malaria - the mosquito act... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why tunnel tents for the poles, Geodesic for the mountains? The key advantage of a geodesic design is the pole configuration can support a greater static load. This means they are favoured for mountaineering expeditions because they can withstand a heavy snow fall (compared with a tunnel design that would sag with the weight of the snow between each pole). T... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to tell if water is likely to have cryptosporidium? As Cryptosporidium is passed in the faeces of animals, the more heavily the land is used by animals, the greater the risk of Cryptosporidium contamination in water sourced from that land. This article suggests some ways (quoted below) to avoid Giardia (which has a similar lifecycle to Cryptosporidiu... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it legal to collect firewood (to take away) from woods and forests in the UK? All land in the UK is owned by somebody, therefore, all trees and their produce (including firewood) are owned by somebody. You could be charged with theft if you take logs, kindling etc. without permission. The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 on 6th January 2012 discussed this very topic following ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is the "Rule of 3" proven for food? The rule of three may be a useful mnemonic to help prioritise or plan in a survival situation, but it is not necessarily going to be accurate. Survival without food is going to depend on many factors, for example, the nutritional state of the person at the start of their starvation and the amount of ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to deal with condensation in a tent? If it's raining or very humid you are probably going to have to put up with some condensation, but to try and reduce it, look for ways to minimise water vapour and increase ventilation. The following may help, but obviously not all will be appropriate for the conditions you are camping in. Sources o... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I patch holes in a waterproof/breathable jacket? If it doesn't need to be pretty, a cost effective option is spinnaker repair tape (nylon cloth tape, for example, see products on this page). It is designed for repairs to yacht sails so it is durable, weatherproof and should survive a machine wash (but it wont be breathable). Stick a piece over the ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a functional safety difference in types of helmets Safety equipment for each sport is designed, tested and certified specifically for that sport. Different sports have different and often competing priorities for the type of protection and comfort required. An example of competing priorities might be that climbing helmets need to provide extra prote... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a buff? To be honest I was dubious about getting something that I thought was gimmicky, but my son’s Scout troop was selling custom Buffs to raise group funds so I ended up buying one. A Buff is just a tube of lightweight, stretchy material. I’ve found them useful in three particular situatio... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do reusable "hand coolers" exist? Instant ice packs, like this one, which are usually used for treating sprains and strains sound a bit like what you are looking for. They use a chemical reaction to cool, but, they are single use only. Such instant ice packs work by mixing ammonium nitrate with water. The hydration of ammonium nitra... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any reliable and/or easy to use "rule of thumb" guides for windchill calculations? Personally, I would use a wind chill chart, e.g this keyring compass includes a wind chill chart that would be easy to carry. It's still not going to be accurate, but it would provide a guide when you have nothing better. Take a look at the Wikipedia page on wind chill, the calculations look a bit "... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: First time camping, need advice Ask specific questions here, or browse the other questions and answers! For your first time, try and make sure you have fun. The following may help: Check the weather forecast, avoid cold, wet, windy or whatever weather will make you miserable. Practice pitching your tent before you go, perhaps in... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are Personal Flotation Devices a good idea when rafting? The instructions I've always heard are unequivocal - always wear a life vest. By all means make sure it fits well and lose straps are tucked away to minimise entanglement, but, when in a sport where there is real risk of falling in water and being knocked unconscious definitely wear a life vest. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to carry water in freezing temperatures? Another option is to keep your water bottle inside your jacket and use your body heat to prevent the water from freezing. Many mountaineering jackets have internal elasticated mesh pockets for this purpose. Alternatively, I find I can just put the water bottle inside my jacket and use the waist belt ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are areas of the body which lose heat more quickly, and how can I reduce that loss? Heat loss can occur from anywhere on the body through a number of processes: Conduction e.g. when sitting on the ground. Convection e.g. due to wind chill. Radiation i.e. heat loss direct to the environment from exposed skin. Evaporation i.e. heat loss through perspiration. Other factors: Metab... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you prevent mold in CamelBak hydration bladders? CamelBak have a great answer in the help section of their website. Summarising their recommendations: Keep it clean and dry when not in use. If mould develops: Use hot water and two tablespoons of baking soda or bleach Leave for about 30 minutes Wash with hot water and mild soap Air dry (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Backup prusik for Abseiling: Where does it go? One option is to attach a Prusik above the descender but below your guide hand then clipped to your harness. Your guide hand pushes the Prusik down as you descend.The disadvantages of this method are: it can be difficult to release after it was been weighted in the event of a slip the natural insti... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Pain in the heel after a hike What you describe sounds like the early symptoms of blisters, a few things you could try are: Are your shoes laced too tightly? If they are too tight over the instep, movement in your foot as you walk will increase friction at the heal. Are your shoes laced too loosely? They should be tight enough ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you properly dispose of human waste while snow camping? If the depth of snow and/or the ground being frozen prevents you from burying solid waste below ground level by at least six inches, then, in the spirit of leave no trace, you should carry it out. Use a biodegradable (e.g. cornstarch-based) bag to pick it up and then pack it in a sealed plastic conta... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can you navigate / determine your location in thick fog? Pacing and timing can be used to aid navigation in poor visibility. Both methods improve as you gain experience by practicing pacing and timing over different terrains. Pacing by counting steps (beads on your compass lanyard or a mechanical counter will help you avoid loosing count) to estimate dis... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does eating snow help dehydration? All the advice I've seen emphasises melting snow before consuming to avoid lowering your core body temperature (rather than, specifically, risking dehydration). If possible, melt the snow using a stove, or alternatively, pack the snow into a waterproof container and keep it in a pocket or your sleepi... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does drinking alcohol cause problems at altitude? Without knowing just how high you are going and how much alcohol you want to consume, it's difficult to say, however, to be safe I'd avoid any alcohol at altitude... Beyond alcohol's well know effect of causing mental and physical impairment (even with small quantities of alcohol), the vasodilative ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the fastest method to 'break in' full leather boots? The single best thing you can do to avoid blisters is making the right choice of boots in the first place. If they are good quality, fit really well and suitable for your chosen activity I wouldn't expect many problems. Go to a specialist outdoor shop and get advice from an expert. Most reputable ou... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I identify edible berries/fruit from poisonous? The best advice is not to unless you are very, very sure. Having said that, and just for fun, assuming you are in a chronic survival situation with no choice, this article describes how to test if a plant is edible. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is drinking urine safe? Assuming you don't have a genitourinary tract infection, fresh urine should be sterile, the problem is that it is a waste product which, apart from making it not taste very nice, means that consuming it will increase the concentration of waste in your body which will require an increased volume of wa... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can you navigate without a compass or GPS Basic celestial navigation: In the northern hemisphere, the star Polaris indicates north. In the southern hemisphere, you can use the Southern Cross, see Finding the south celestial pole. (more)	—	over 12 years ago