Activity for ppl‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Hanging food on the appalachian trail When at a shelter, there're usually short strings with a tuna-type can to prevent the rodent from accessing your food bag. One can use those instead of hanging the food. See picture from 'Marks AT walk' journal: When tenting, rodents are less of an issue and the PCT hang with enough distance betwe... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does firewood have to be stored inside or is storing it in a lean-to sufficient? Yes, many (most?) people keep their firewood outside. You may want to bring it inside a day prior to burning to maximize the amount of BTU so that it burns hotter and also create less residue (creosote). I would say that you actually do not want to bring the firewood inside because It brings humid... (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the nighttime temperatures in Baxter State Park in June? Katahdin is the highest summit in the area and camping is not permitted. Surrounding mountains are not very high and you should be able to camp at the bottom of them with some minimal planning if you're concerned about the temperature. A 30F bag is most likely what you will end up using and I would ... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Question	—	Where can I find an online elevation profile of the Cohos trail? Where can I find an elevation profile of the Cohos trail? (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the laws for backcountry ("dispersed") camping in the US? As to answer what areas may be more likely to allow backcountry camping, I usually look at the two following things. If you are unsure where to start, I would consider any long trails in the vicinity of where you want to backpack. Popular long trails, such as the AT, PCT & etc. allow you to camp... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do you call the bags which help organize items inside a backpack? These bags are called stuff sacks, dry sack or compression sack. Often a smaller stuff stack containing the odds and ends is called a ditty bag. You can buy them at any backpacking outfitter. Some backpacking gear such as a tent or sleeping bags will often come with an included stuff sack. Compressi... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: knives, how long a blade should I carry? For backpacking I use a small razor blade to open packages. Trail Design Ultralight Knife works just fine although it sometimes poke my fingers when reaching for it in my pocket. Sometimes I carry a slightly bigger folding knife. What I usually miss the most is a good spreading knife for cheese / Nu... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much should your backpack weigh? The ideal weight is zero. The less weight you carry the more you will enjoy your outing. That being said, one should try to minimize their weight within reason. There exist different schools (Ultralight, super-ultralight, etc.) on what one should carry and how much it should weight. REI suggest th... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: When are the peak seasons for Appalachian Trail though hikers in western Maine? Early October should not be overly busy. South bounders (SOBO) starts around July and will be out of Main by that time. North bounders (NOBO) must finish before October 15 and many of them will already have completed the trail. For SOBOs, June-July is the peak season for Maine. There are less than 5... (more)	—	about 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a hammock ridgeline and how do I use it? The ridge line goes from one tie-out point to the other directly above where the user lies down. Some hammocks may not have any ridge line or may have a non-structural ridge line as explained on this site. In my experience, a tent setup (e.g. cuben fiber tent) will usually be lighter than a hammock ... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to look for in hiking shoes? I lean towards light and fast dry running shoes such as the Lone Peak from Altra. This shoe goes under $100 on sale. It also comes with a gator-ready velcro at the back. There is no ankle support which I don't personally consider a problem. I've seen this shoe recommended at trail shops. They seem t... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do I do if a black bear is right outside my tent? I would make noise to confirm the bear is aware of my presence. I would try to gently get out of the tent and take some distance (10 feet / 3 meters) from the bear and tent acting normally. And I would wait it out. I ran into this situation once and this worked out just fine for me. Personally I wo... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it feasible to hike Zion and Bryce in Utah in mid-May? Yes you can definitely hike Zion/Bryce in May. In fact it is a good time of the year for hiking in that area. A sedan will do just fine for most trailheads. (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Storing food in the desert If you want to keep the food in the tent you could use an odor resistant bag such as OPSak or NiloBarrier. NyloBarrier is very light and convenient. You could combine this with a Ursack as mentioned by @nhinkle. If you don't want to odor proof the food but would like rodent protection a cuben fiber ... (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where in the US can I find green mountains to hike like in Scotland, such as Dalveen Pass? You're looking for balds. They are quite common in the southern Appalachians. The Roan Highlands along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina are particularly beautiful. (more)	—	almost 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How durable is cuben fiber in real, practical use? Cuben fiber is not as durable as some other materials used in the construction of backpacking gear. In backpacking lighter often means less durable which is generally true for cuben fiber as well. A cuben fiber backpack will probably hold for 2000 miles (e.g, a thru-hike) but not much more. For this ... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Bare Essentials for 2-3 day Hike For a bare essential setup, you'll do just fine. You might want to consider: Better food selection Duct tape Emergency kit Light source Change the water containers Mini-carabiner Prefer non-canned goods because they are lighter, take less space and the resulting trash compacts better. You can fin... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Comparing 2-person, three-season backpacking tents These three tents are very similar; freestanding, double-wall dome construction. The limelight is a bit heavier with more floor space. The trail light does not have a transversal pole. Any of them should do just fine. I used a similar tent, the MSR Hubba Hubba, for a while and was quite satisfied wi... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I take duct tape with me backpacking? It is fairly common to store duct tape just below the handle of your trekking poles. This is my preferred way as it is always accessible. Some people prefer to wrap it around Nalgene bottles. An alternative you could also buy it in small square pieces instead of the typical roll. I usually place ab... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do flies try to get in my eyes all the time? Eye flies feed on lachrymal secretion which your eyes produce. they feed on lachrymal secretions and other body fluids of various animals, including humans and are of medical significance. The lacrimal glands are paired almond-shaped glands, one for each eye, that secrete the aqueous lay... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Water filters - why sand and rocks? According to wildwoodsurvival, the sand helps remove suspended particles. Charcoal helps to remove chemical impurities. The charcoal plays the role of active carbon. The water filtration process use multiple materials, from coarse to fine, to prevent clogging. As a last stage, the charcoal can also... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's the best lightweight pole for a tarp? Many ultra light tents which use trekking poles as part of the framing offer the alternative of using carbon fiber poles (1-2oz), carbon fiber and fiberglass (1.8oz), or aluminium (4oz). I used one carbon fiber pole over a long period of time for the awning of my LightHeart Solo tent (they only sell... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Reacting to tornado warnings while camping with no buildings nearby The general guideline for tornado safety is to get as low to the ground as possible and assume the tornado safety crouch: Wind speeds will be slower close to the ground, you are less likely to be hit by a flying object, and are less of a target for lightning strikes. In the same vein, it is best ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can groundwater still be consumed if after boiling the water turns brown with an oily substance floating on top? It is likely caused by iron in the pump or pipes. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health: Iron is mainly present in water in two forms: either the soluble ferrous iron or the insoluble ferric iron. Water containing ferrous iron is clear and colorless because the iron is completely... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Chacos: Toe strap or no toe strap? I have a pair without the toe strap. I wear them daily and hike in them regularly. They did take quite a while to break in and initially gave me blisters (mostly the side strap). My girlfriend has owned three different pairs of Chacos and here is what she has to say: The toe loops are worth it b... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why does sunscreen not work all day? All sunscreens are physical barriers, designed to absorb or reflect UV radiation. They rub off over time, and they will rub off faster when exposed to water/moisture, most commonly from sweating or swimming. Friction (e.g. from towel-drying) also removes sunscreen. Some chemical sunscreens do break ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How are backcountry campground reservations enforced? This is in fact an annoying feature of Provincial and Federal parks in Canada. I do not know of any which do not have those rules. In fact, even if you are hiking the IAT, a 3000km hike, you must reserve in advance for the Gaspesie National Park in Quebec. I believe it is fair to assume that the New... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: License for international hunters in Canada In Canada, you will need a hunting license depending on the province (or territory) and type of game you wish to hunt. Typically, a safety course is also required. For example, moose requires applying for a draw which is valid for a certain zone as determined by the department of natural resources. ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to dry wet shoes quickly? Here are some ideas: Bring spare river crossing footwear Use hiking sandals (e.g. chacos) as your main footwear Use quick drying shoes instead of big boots Use a small towel to remove excess water by pressing on it against the sole of your shoe (repeat until no water can be drawn) Bring a spare pai... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Could burning Jagera (Foambark) create an allergic reaction? Foambark can cause contact dermatitis and is listed by aboutthegarden as one of many low-allergen to avoid in an allergen free garden. (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Question	—	How precise is a pedometer for estimating on a backpacking trip? In practice, how precise is a pedometer for estimating your progress on a trail? For example, if I'm to hike 10 miles, how far should I expect to be from the 10 miles marker? Is there data comparing pedometers accuracy with GPS? (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's a good back-up wood and alcohol stove? One expensive component is the cooking pot; depending on if you already have one, you might want to find a stove that is compatible with your existing pot. Trail Designs have several models that can burn both alcohol and wood. You can order their stoves for specific pot sizes. I have experience with... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do "R" values add proportionally? According to wikipedia2 In calculating the R-value of a multi-layered installation, the R-values of the individual layers are added. I would imagine a slight diminishing return as the r-value is a laboratory measurement in ideal condition which is not quite the same as on the field (variable te... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can I camp in the backcountry outside backcountry campsites in Jasper National Park? The answer is no, you may only camp in designated areas. Camping is only allowed in designated areas at Jasper park. If you contact the park directly by e-mail the answer is the following: In Jasper National Park, when hikers are hiking on trails they must camp in the designated backcountry camps... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What free/open source maps can I put on my Garmin etrex vista HCX for walking in southern spain? I would consider using OSM as they are available for garmin devices. (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Trekking poles: Collapsed or fixed? Fixed length non-adjustable trekking poles have the advantages of being lighter, comprise of less failure points and sturdier (especially for cheap poles). On the other side of the medal, transporting them by airplane is more costly and they can be inconvenient when hitch hiking to/from a trailhead. ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Making my own Vapor Barrier Liner for a mummy sleeping bag I would consider a polyester or wool liner before one made of cotton. Cotton is quite comfortable dry but not so much wet. Andrew Skurka has a lot of experience with vapor barrier and wrote a good article about it. How damp will it be is dependant on how well your thermoregulation is. I would defini... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I do with possible frostbite: Swollen feet after putting them in warm water Yes, you should seek medical expertise. From healthcentral.com: When the skin has thawed and rewarming is complete, cover the damaged skin with bandages and warm clothing. Contact your doctor or go to an emergency room. (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it really necessary to gut a fish? Some small fish species such as the Smelt are eaten whole. In some fish the appeal is in the flesh of the fish and are therefore gutted and deboned. Gutting can prevent some tainting of the flesh. Like deer, the guts can deteriorate the flesh faster. One factor can be how fast you will refrigerate/... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Old Down Sleeping Bag performance Down is actually a pretty durable insulation, and if it is properly cared for will last much longer than any synthetic insulation. Some people use the same down sleeping bag for decades, but there are a lot of variables at play, and maintaining a down sleeping bag is a bit of an art form. When you b... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Body weight compressing Down insulation in Sleeping Bag I don't think it is a huge problem for most people. In a certain sense it is flawed by design; at least if you are concerned by weight saving. You could use a top quilt. If you want extra insulation, you could also get a down-filled sleeping pad such as the DownMat UL. Some bags will have variable ... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Will any filter/pump purifier last through longer hikes? I would say that most filters will do just fine with 20 liters of water without the recommended maintenance. If there was one I would consider it would be Sawyer Squeeze. The Squeeze is a hollow fiber filter which can be forced (squeezed). It is affordable, reliable and simple to use. The water is a... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does packing boots with newspaper make them dry faster? Yes it does dry shoes much faster. When long distance hiking it is definitely a nice thing to be able to stop in town and dry your shoes overnight using newspapers. It will draw a lot of the dampness right out of your footwear. This is a known trick and many people will attest to its magic. Firs... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof? From my experience, water resistant means that the item will survive a splash of water but not any form of prolonged exposure. Water proof suggest that it is Impervious to or unaffected by water. For waterproof items, there is often an IP number provided which helps you understand the level of... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Question	—	Where can you find an online elevation profile of Tahoe Rim Trail? Where can I find a good elevation profile of Tahoe Rim Trail? This website has an elevation profile based on GPS data points. However, it is not laid out in a very useful format. I'm looking for something similar to the Appalachian Trail AWOL handbook or pocket profile. (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do we need to pee more than usual out in cold weather? The phenomenon name is cold diuresis. From thefreedictionary.com: [cold diuresis] occurs in hypothermia as a result of peripheral vasoconstriction, hyperglycemia and decreased renal tubular absorption. You can easily find articles and papers on the subject on the Internet. (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What parks are still open during the 2013 US government shutdown? Essentially, any places which has Federal staff will be shutdown and unaccessible including those which has a booth or paid access. Non-regulated public lands are not affected by the government shutdown. National parks are closed, including Yosemite. National Forests are still 'open' and so are stat... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Which one is scientifically better for carrying water during an expedition: A hard fiber bottle or an Aluminium Bottle? Aluminium will crack in sub-zero temperatures. Many of them are built with a coating that may contain BPA. Often the composition of the coating is not disclosed. Plastic bottles can leach chemicals when containing hot or boiling liquids. Personally I would consider a collapsable water pouch such as... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to grade a trek? Well established treks like the Annapurna circuit are rated by multiple trekking agencies. I would use those agencies rating as a reference point to differentiate between multiple well-established treks. For example you can compare the difficulty of different treks in Nepal according to Himalayan Gl... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How dangerous is a band of coyotes to a lone, unarmed human? In general they are not considered dangerous because they rarely attack humans. You should not run away from coyotes as they will consider you a prey if you do. Under extreme circumstances they may circle an individual or a group. Making noise generally keeps them at bay or at a distance. In 2009, t... (more)	—	about 11 years ago

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