Activity for Jay Bazuzi‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Edit	Post #39978	Initial revision	—	over 4 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to get started skiing? Every ski resort gives lessons, and that's how you should begin. You can rent skis, and they will help you get them on, etc. Dress in clothes you would wear to go sledding. Remember that you work hard, get wet, then sit still. Layers, of wool and acrylic will keep you warm when wet and let you adj... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the vitamin considerations for extended backpacking From your question, it sounds like you already have a plan to supply your body with calories. I'll further assume you will have protein and fat, not just carbohydrates. With those covered, you then need vitamins and minerals. Fiber is a good idea, too. It is possible to be healthy eating only wild... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: First time camping, need advice You always learn how to do things better by doing them. But take baby steps: Start by spending a night in your back yard. See if you can do dinner, sleep, breakfast without going back in the house. Take note of what things you use and what things you don't. There are campgrounds you can drive to. S... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I make/improvise a rope on a trip? If you didn't bring rope with you on purpose, you may still have shoelaces. You could use them in a bowdrill to make a fire in an emergency (but you better know how to make and use a bowdrill well beforehand). Two plants that make good cordage here in the Pacific Northwest are Stinging Nettle and Fi... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some toilet paper alternatives you could use in the woods? Species in the forest will vary by locale. Here in the Pacific Northwest, Thimbleberry aka Salmonberry leaves are thick and soft, so they make a good wiping implement. The subtly-named How to Shit in the Woods is a good primer on this topic. One option described there is to use urine. Basically, you... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do I need to be aware of if I'm considering purchasing a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)? The Wikipedia article has a lot of detail: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Distressradiobeacon. There's no fee. In the USA, the response comes from government agencies such as the Coast Guard. It does need to be registered, but registration is free and easy online. If you use it when there's not an e... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How could I treat scrapes outdoors without a first aid kit? There are many folk and wild remedies you could learn, depending on what you're carrying & where you're hiking. Some examples: Honey will protect from infection. Spider webs will stop bleeding (for small cuts). Common plantain soothes burns, scrapes, etc. Chew it up to make a salve. (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any specific guidelines for edible plants in North America? Learning specific plants is helpful, but each person can have different food reactions, and they can change over time. So learning to taste well is a valuable skill: Start with a clean mouth Take a small bite Chew it in the very front of your mouth Spit it out Notice how it tastes, and how you feel... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I tie a bowline knot with one hand? My favorite way to tie a bowline is a little unorthodox, but it's easier, especially 1-handed. Make a slipknot in the standing part. Grab the standing part. Twist to make a loop. Reach through the loop and grab the standing part. Pull the standing part through the loop. Pass the working end thro... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: When sailing, how do I rescue a man overboard? In addition to xpda's answer: Any time you're out sailing and hat or something falls in the water, it's time to practice a MOB drill. Run the full protocol, including yelling out "MAN OVERBOARD" (even it's it's a female hat). Set up deliberate drills by throwing a fender overboard. Practice in a ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How to safely carry a fixed-blade knife? I worry about carrying a fixed-blade knife on my hip, because if I fall or wrestle my kids or whatever, I worry I could get stabbed. I've had pointy blades push through a cheap sheath before. I stick to folding knives for this reason, but I like the idea of a knife I can quickly get out with just on... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some alternative ways of fishing - i.e. catching fish? You can actually reach in to the water and grab the fish. No running or chasing. You just quietly get in position, and then when it's time, you quickly grab the fish. Thomas Elpel describes the process in his wonderful book, Participating in Nature: Wilderness Survival and Primitive Living Skills. ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I signal for help in the wilderness? In general, anything out of the ordinary can get the attention of a search party or whomever. During the day, a smoky fire is more visible than a bright one. Build the fire, then add wet material to make smoke. Be sure to read the Wikipedia article on distress signals. Before going in to the wild... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I start a fire by rubbing two sticks together? There are many, many ways to make a fire. Some require more skill, while others depend on carefully prepared equipment. The closest thing to "rubbing two sticks together" is the hand-drill. You will need a fireboard (a small cedar board is good) and a thin, straight stick. A knife is good, too. Thi... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I be absolutely sure my fire is safely extinguished? Like many questions, this will depend somewhat on your location. For example, some soils will keep coals dry while allowing them enough oxygen to smolder. Some woods produce longer-lasting coals or more insulating ash. Get to know your location. Discuss the question with other fire-makers in your are... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How can I acclimatize to cold? People used to tolerate a much wider range of temperatures. What techniques can I apply to widen my body's range of comfort? A few examples that may or may not help: Spend a lot of time slightly chilled. Spend a short amount of time as cold as I can stand. When I'm home, keep the heat down low. Do... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago