Activity for Lost‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: How to warm up your cold toes and fingers? Adding to Steeds self-answer. Other ways to warm up fingers and toes: Wiggle your fingers and toes vigorously (while walking, while sitting) - circulation is aided by muscle movement. Sprint (if you have the extra energy) When not using them, ball your hands up inside your gloves (remove your finge... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Covering up ears at higher altitudes Other tidbits I've heard from local guides: Wearing red increases your risk of being struck by lightning Burning egg shells will anger forest spirits and cause nightmares and illness The quickest way to heal a compound fracture is to wrap it with raw chicken Sticking tobacco in your socks will ward... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Trekking poles with many attachments? I would wager that such a thing does not exist. Of the attachments you mention, only one (sharp spear) seems practical. Issues with the others: Camera mount: as rory-alsop mentions, it would make sense for the handle to have a camera mount, so you can stick the point into the snow / ground. This bl... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Question	—	Should I re-wax downhill skis after using skins? I was skinning into a yurt last weekend with my regular downhill (telemark) skis. On the way back out, I noticed a lot more snow sticking to my skis... Granted, the weather was hot, and snow was sticky - but it made me wonder: Does the stickum on skins either remove the glide wax or leave a sticky ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Question	—	Does whiskey help keep you warm in winter? It is a rare day that I head out into the winter wilds without a flask of sumpt'n-sumpt'n in my pocket. A nip helps one to relax, can mildly embolden timid skiers in my group, and gives one that fiery radiating warmth upon imbibing. Its this latter I am curious about: Does whiskey (or other spirits)... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Question	—	How can I prevent snow-balls building up in my dog's paws? Our dog loves winter sports - but after a few miles on the trails in soft snow, he often develops snowballs between his paw pads - usually one big one right in the middle. Are there ways to minimize / prevent this from happening? I have heard really bad snow buildup can lead to raw / bleeding paw pa... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Winter Camping: How to warm up your boots in the morning? I have found sleeping with my boots inside the bag is the ONLY way to go when it is really cold out. Moderately cold, sure you can tough out the re-thaw in the morning - but real cold... forget it. It is tough to get over the psychological barrier of putting boots in your bag - but it will make a di... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Liners and Travel sheets I doubt there is an "industry standard" of what each of those mean, but in general I have noticed: Sleeping bag liners tend to be narrower, and come in mummy-bag and regular: mummy bag style tend to be tapered at the feet and often include a hood regular tend to be square-ish without a hood "Tra... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Minimizing ecological impact of winter-sports in the backcountry By engaging in winter sports (where there is significant snow on the ground) you are already greatly reducing your impact. The biggest impacts to back-country areas from non-motorized recreation come from vegetation disturbance: boots grinding up plants and breaking topsoil, tents compressing vegetat... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I 'inflate' or plump up my my sleeping bag? Original Poofiness (or OP as they call it in the 'wood) will always be illusive. No matter how you care for your bag, it is on a steady decline toward compression from the moment you buy it. To attempt to re-gain some loft, you need to separate the fill so the fibers or down (or whatever) that are ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What areas in the south-western US are the wildest? Any Wilderness Areas. Seriously. The legal mandates for designating "Wilderness" in the US (as defined by congress) have very rigorous criteria established by each of the major land agencies. Take a look a the Forest Service process for an example. Size, lack of roads, lack of altering (logging, in... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What good factual books have you read on an outdoors topic? Climbing: Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills Canoeing: Backpacking: Backcountry cooking: NOLS Cookery Bike touring: Telemark Skiing: Allen & Mike's Really Cool Telemark Book (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Art supplies on backpacking trips I've hiked with photographers, painters, sketchers, and writers... two things that will help: Make time for it. Sometimes you have to choose: draw, or hike up that ridge. Put the supplies in the top of your pack, easily accessible. As you found out, if it is buried, you won't use it. Other than t... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the fastest style of sled? If you want the fastest sled in just about all snow conditions, get yourself one of these: Not fast enough? Add more dogs. (Though I can't in good conscience recommend more than 18. And make sure your brakes work...) (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Minimizing impact of small groups on wilderness areas You have heard both answers because both are right depending on the area and ecosystem. Established trails: If there is an established trail going where you need to go, you should stay on it. Even to the point that in a mucky area stay in the tread, rather than create a new trail beside it which mig... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How long does it take to hear back about a Grand Canyon Backcountry permit application From the GRCA back-country permit site: Permit Responses Permit requests are responded to through U.S. Mail - never by fax or e-mail. Due to the volume of requests received, the park cannot confirm receipt of requests until they have been fully processed. Please allow at least three we... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can you keep your feet warm in ski boots on a very cold day? You have several options for keeping your toes warm, but ultimately, toes are going to get cold on really cold days... it is just part of the fun. Try the following: Unbuckle your boots while riding up a lift (or stoppping to rest in the back-country) -- this allows circulation to more freely acce... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some good gluten-free foods for backpacking? First, sorry to hear the diagnosis, but you are not alone. I've shopped out many a trip for gluten-free clients, and, fortunately, it is surprisingly easy to replace just about every back-country meal with a gluten free alternative. Quinoa. Corn. Rice. Potato. Soy... there are lots of substitutes. ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hiking popularity in North America vs. Europe I'm not sure you can generalize US Hiking trails, since there will be vast variability in popularity, usage, land area, population density etc. (Just as you mentioned is the case in popular vs. remote areas of Europe). Yes, there are some areas that require reservations, but most don't. In fact, I f... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it safe to use denatured alcohol as an antiseptic? No, it is not safe to use denatured alcohol for two good reasons: Denatured alcohol refers to a class of ethanol produced for industrial uses that has been "denatured," which essentially means "made undrinkable" by mixing other compounds that are toxic or unpleasant to humans. The thing is, you, as... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a web application that can notify you ahead of time if a certain weather forecast is predicted for a certain location? This isn't pretty, and seems to be somewhat limited in locations (I couldn't get it to work for my area) but this looks to have potential. Though there is no "subscribe" feature. National Weather Service Weather Activity Planner (Example) (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should I be more careful about postholing during winter hikes? Post-holing has very real risks due to the simple fact you have no idea what lies beneath the surface of the snow until you punch through and bang, scrape or wedge your leg under, against, between or in a hidden tree, log, rock, hole, creek, etc. Some of the risks: Barked Shins: Often you'll post-... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	How can you make a MSR WhisperLite stove simmer? MSR WhisperLite backpacking stoves are ubiquitous, but they lack a key function: the ability to simmer easily. How can you set a WhisperLite to simmer without having to constantly watch the stove and micro-adjust the fuel valve? (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Cheese and eggs on backpacking trips Cheese: Long time. Especially hard cheeses. You can just cut any mold off the edge that might creep up. Cheeses sealed in cheese wax (gouda) are a good bet. I've had extra-sharp cheddar un-refrigerated in the AZ desert for 8+ days, in the rocky mountains for 15+ days with no issues (aside from swea... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	How much heat can a candle lantern provide while winter camping? In answering this question I tossed out that a candle lantern can provide as much as 10 degrees (F) of temperature difference while winter camping. I've heard this tossed about before, but is it true? I assume there are differences between snow-caves (well insulated) and tents (less so)... Anyone hav... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I prevent my sun glasses from fogging up when skiing? Ventilation is your friend. I hate to say it - but the glasses I've found that have this dialed are usually a little more expensive. After suffering through fog, wind sheer, and poor optics, I found a high end pair of glasses in the back-country, and my eyes were opened. As a second option, removin... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the benefit to telemark skiing? Telemark -- where the toe is attached, and the heel is free to rise up and down -- allow skiers to skin up back-country slopes with a more natural and efficient stride. However, AT (or randonee) rigs allow skiers that ability while doing alpine turns on the way down. So, in this day and age, why do... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a good tool for minor trail maintenance while hiking? For general all-purpose cutting this saw has proven to be the most dependable, versatile, and reliable I have worked with. It cuts through dead and live wood, and I have chewed through a trees at 18" and beyond. It is light, and the JS blade (with hardened teeth) is the longest lasting. The blade is... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Storing Headlamps: With or without batteries? I would highly recommend storing all gear with batteries removed. Batteries over time can (and often do) leak battery acid and cause corrosion. I've seen this happen quite a bit in head-lamps -- possibly because they do get some moisture in them if worn during aerobic activity? -- but also in hand... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	What is the true risk of suffocation from different combustion sources in a tent? (CO2, CO) Aside from risk of fire (which for this question we will assume has been fully mitigated) what is the real risk of suffocation if one were to use a stove, lantern, or candle lantern in a tent? There have been some reports of death from this (whether it be from CO2 or CO), but others have used such p... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: When is it too cold for Tarping? I would say... never. What is a tarp but something that keeps precipitation off of you. In humid summer months, sure, condensation can cause precipitation under the tarp, but in winter, this is not so much a concern, and you can pitch it lower to the ground. You might get frost inside - but just sh... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Tool for draining/crushing isobutane fuel canister This (Jetboil Crunchit Recycling Tool) was found by googling "crush isobutane fuel can" and reading this second result (right below the outoors.SE question) for the link. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	Are 35mm film canisters safe for holding spices? Some of you may remember 35mm film and the black cases it came in. I have a few lying around, and have seen people use them as backpacking salt and pepper shakers. I have also heard that's a good way to poison yourself slowly with nasty chemicals... Good idea or bad? (Film cameras were a kind of "... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What exercises should you do before a ski trip to build leg stamina? Skiing is a full-body, high endurance, activity. Being in good cardio-vascular shape is important, and can be achieved through running, swimming, rowing, etc... This can not be over-emphasized. Get your heart in shape. Assuming you already are in decent shape, here are some exercises that will help ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Jerky or Freeze-dried food : Is the salt they contain a concern? Depending on your activity level, access to water, etc, the types of food you carry should change accordingly. Some points to consider: Dehydrated foods are great in that they are light-weight since they have no water in them. But they might not be a wise choice if you are dry camping with no water... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Question	—	Do bear-safe rules still apply in the winter? I understand, and practice, bear-safe rules like hanging (or canister-ing) during summer months, but what about in the winter when bears are (theoretically) hibernating, and the shorter / colder days make every extra task 10 times more difficult? Is there some room for leeway? (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the advantages of learning to ski on a trip? (as opposed to beforehand) Given that it will be your first time, no amount of preparing on a fake hill, will turn you into a snow-shredding powder dog. Your first days on a mountain WILL be difficult, painful, and short. But that doesn't mean it can't be fun. Also, consider there are so many different types of snow one encou... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Question	—	How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing? Commercial slackline solutions seem bulky, heavy, overpriced, and a little too industrial for my liking. I have 6 carabiners and 50m of tubular webbing. What knots do you recommend for building, anchoring and tightening a slackline? (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Bleaching Dyneema/Spectra To wash any pack, you are pretty safe using a large commercial front-loading washer (found at many laundr-o-mats in the US) and regular detergent, then letting it drip-dry. Remove any removable buckles/straps first to prevent loss/damage (to both the pack and machine). For your white pack, a few tho... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much waterproofing spray to apply to my softshell jacket From the Nikwax link you provide: For best results remove all non-washable parts and always clean item(s) first with Nikwax Tech Wash®. No need to dry item(s) before waterproofing. Protect working surface and lay clean wet fastened garment flat. Hold bottle 15 cm/6 inches away... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Question	—	Is my tent pole a lightning rod? I have used the Mega Mid tent almost exclusively for hundreds of nights out over the last many years. It's versatile, well ventilated, light... but has this pole sticking straight up the middle. Is this configuration more likely to attract lightning than, say, poles in a dome-type tent? How good are... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I correctly use poles and other equipment to avoid back pain on long hikes? I never understood the appeal of trekking poles until I started carrying 80+ lbs packs down into the bottom of the Grand Canyon for a living. Now, I wish I had started using them sooner. Perhaps my knees would be in better shape. Trekking poles, used properly, can take countless TONS of cumulative w... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can I replace Dish soap? Yes you can. And more to the point, you should (save weight, and leave no trace). I have not found a backpacking cooking mess that could not be cleaned with a combination of (in this order): Tongue Finger Water + Finger (drink it -- truly "Leave No Trace" (its not as bad as you think)) Snow (when ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: When do I need a permit to go into nature? Short Answer: In the US, laws regulating land use are detailed and varied, even on Public Lands. Check with the local land agency before "roaming." Long Answer: Loosely you can divide open space in the US into two main categories: Private and Public. Private Land: The laws governing private land v... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to clean a sleeping bag ? The procedure is roughly the same for both Down and Synthetic, however down requires special precautions: Never dryclean. Wash by hand in a bathtub, or use a front-loading washing machine on gentle cycle. Down bags have thin baffles inside that keep the feathers partitioned. Agitators will put enou... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are Trangia and MSR fuel bottles inter changeable? Although the threads may be similar (and even look the same) I've found that often the gaskets are not the same between bottles: flat gaskets, round, beveled and there is a corresponding difference in the rims of bottles: flat, round, beveled. Threads also tend to start in different places, and can h... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Practicality of Beards Having not seen my chin for 15 years, here are a few thoughts on the practical aspects (assuming one is personally equally comfortable with a beard as without): Pros: Sun protection - for a limited, but sensitive area of skin Bug protection - a long-sleeve shirt/fleece with a collar turned up and ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Material of shirt for desert hiking Despite the convention, "cotton kills," in the desert those same properties (slow drying, water retention) are useful for keeping you cool by slowing down the near instant evaporation experienced at such high heat and low humidity. Your goal is to make that moisture work as long for you as possible. ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Long or short sleeves on a hike in the Desert? There's a reason desert cultures almost all wear coverings from head to toe. Three main things to consider: Protection from the sun's harmful rays. Air flow for convection cooling Moisture retention (you heard that right) for evaporative cooling. Despite the convention, "cotton kills," in the de... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can rope/cordage be packed to minimize tangles? What I have found works best (especially with light rope/cord) is to spool the cord in "figure 8s" between two fingers, wrists or arms: Hold one end in your hand in front of you then sweep under the running end with the other hand and lift up so the running end drapes over the top of your hand and a... (more)	—	over 12 years ago

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