Activity for Dangeranger‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What hand and finger exercises help with climbing? Building Grip Strength Your best chances to improve your fingertip strength is performing excercises specific to those ligaments at or near body weight. Balls, rings, and grip springs are good for warming up, but not increasing strength. But you need to be careful if you are just starting out beca... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a large difference in WFA (Wilderness First Aid) programs? Yes there are significant differences in teaching style and content. Although the general concepts covered will be the same from curriculum to curriculum, the presentation style, and specific techniques will vary slightly within each program. Often instructors will use acronyms to provide a mental... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I improve my footwork while rock-climbing? The best ways I found to improve foot work are the following: Climb routes which are less than vertical (slabs are great) I know this sounds obvious, but seriously, just climb slabs and low angle for a few weeks (or months). Focus on your feet, don't use your hands if possible. Practice steppin... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I look for when buying a Lensatic Compass Lensatic Compasses are often used by the military, because the are: Reliable Durable Compact Stealthy (more on this) The things that I would look for in a lensatic compass are: Solid outer casing Sighting guide with thin slot or notch Compass latching cover. Electrically buffered needle Some l... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the options for kayak self-rescue without a paddle float? Being without a sold "roll", partner, or paddle float can make it quite challenging for a novice to re-enter their kayak after a capsize. However there are techniques which will make it easier to get back in your boat safely. Note: All of these should first be practiced in mildly shallow water, in f... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How long is too long to suffer from constipation in the back country? After leading a number of trips in the backcountry I've had some experience with greenhorns experiencing this unfortunate reality. Everyone's Body is different Some people will need pass a BM every morning, for others every other day is normal. As a trip leader with young kids I make sure to monito... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How does one dry clothes in humid weather? Humidity Keeping clothing dry in normal weather can be challenging, but high humidity or precipitation regions can make this even more difficult. That's because humidity is really a "relative" measure and means the amount of water vapor that the air can hold at a given temperature before condensat... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I get rid of mold on climbing skins for skis? Some things I have used to keep my skins in good shape Use mild detergent to wash the hairs with a sponge Don't get this on the sticky layer Spray with a 5% bleach solution and let dry, then rinse with water several hours later. If mildew grows, expose the hair sides to the sun for several hours... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Which will keep my food colder longer, draining the melted ice water, or leaving it in the cooler? The thermal conductivity of air is 0.000057 The thermal conductivity of water is 0.0014 Therefore water is 24.5 times more conductive than air, and has a temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The reason this is a problem is that bacteria can grow in that water quite quickly (within 6 hours) and ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I make a footprint for a tent? From my experience there are two good ways to do this depending on the weather conditions you expect to encounter. Place waterproof tarp outside tent Good for rain conditions or where rocks and debris can damage the tent floor. Purchase a good quality waterproof tarp slightly larger than tent foo... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Climbing rope is rated to X UIAA falls. What is a UIAA fall? Although I am not a lab technician it is important to understand the dynamics at play in these tests. Below is the best example I have read on the subject. For the full article please read below. Behaviour of Rope Under Stretching During Fall - Authors: Vittorio Bedogni (CAI), Andrea Manes UIAA Wi... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Kitesurfing optimal conditions What are the optimal wind speed, direction, and surf conditions for Kitesurfing? Please provide a description for various ability levels. (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Which will drain less body heat: lying on bare earth or bare rock? From experience I can tell you that lying on rock is the most effective way to become cold over night. Bare Earth Has at least some air gaps in the soil, which insulate (not too much). If there is any soil, the vegetation and roots provide some insulation. Does not reach as cold a temperature as ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Indicators of good Atlantic Ocean surf conditions When researching surf conditions, what weather cycles indicate good overall conditions for a North American Atlantic Ocean-based break? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Optimal conditions for windsurfing What are the optimal wind speed, direction, and surf conditions for windsurfing? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Crew requirements for sailing a ketch When sailing a traditional twin mast ketch, what are the recommended crew requirements? Let's assume the following for simplicity: Captain has 6-pack maritime license. Captain and passengers total 5 people. Crew has 1-2 years sailing experience. Sailing within 20 miles of shore, not in commercia... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How do I make a fin selection for various surfing conditions There are many surfing fin designs available for modern surf boards. What are the criteria for selecting: Tri-fin Bi-fin Mono-fin No fins And why would I want to have larger or smaller surfing fins in any of these categories? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Plastic or fiberglass for a kayak? The differences between a "roto-molded" plastic and a hand made fiberglass boat are quite substantial. Plastic Kayaks Advantages Will be much less expensive than a comparable fiber boat. Will be more durable if put in contact with a hard surface such as a rocky beach or parking lot. Are easier t... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Synthetic vs Down sleeping bags? The answer is very dependent on the prevailing weather conditions where you are active, and what your budget is Synthetic Advantages: Lower overall price. Maintains thermal properties when wet. Does not reduce loft in high-humidity/ sweaty sleeping conditions. Easier to clean. Disadvantages: ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I tie a stopper knot? You need to use a figure-eight knot, because if it is weighted you can still untie it. There are lots of knots to use, but figure-eights are the most common for this reason. Figure-eight - animated example (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the preferred knot for cinching a hard item to your car rack? The knot(s) I would use are: Bowline knot to one side of the rack Throw line over object, under rack, then back over object. Use truckers hitch, backed up with 2-3 reversing half hitches. If there is a lot of slack, make a daisy chain and tie off with a fisherman's Make sure to perform this pro... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it better to camp in a disturbed area, or pick a new spot and let the first rest? This is a classic Leave-no-trace (LNT) case study. If the site you are considering is in a pristine wilderness area, and it is not a designated campsite, you should locate your campsite away from the impacted area to allow it to regrow. However if the site is in a popular area, and will be used o... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Will a tent provide some protection from bears? No, a tent will not give you any protection from bears that want what's inside. If you want to use one thats fine, but don't go getting a false sense of security. In some ways a tent could be an attractant if: You have eaten anything in it over the last 6 months. You keep good smelling clothes i... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to deal with wet feet? After dealing with a lot of wet feet issues I have learned some tricks. Keeping feet dry While hiking, use gaitors that come above your socks and divert water away from the wicking material. Keep your boots well oiled, using a product like Nikwax, or minkoil. This keeps the leather from absorbing ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What causes an avalanche and can I predict one? This is an extremely deep topic which has entire forum sites dedicated to it. However I will attempt to summarize the key points for the average enthusiast. First - Don't ever travel into uncontrolled avalanche terrain if you have not received proper training from an expert in avalanche conditions, ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What things should I look for when buying a compass? As far as compasses are concerned I look for several things: Sealed liquid needle enclosure Creates a much easier to read measurement. Latching lid, to cover the needle and housing. Rotating bezel with Declination adjustment. Allows for offset of True North from Magnetic North, very important... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: If I lose my compass, what is the easiest way to identify and follow a heading? You cannot effectively navigate a bearing without a compass. However if you loose your compass, break it, or otherwise forget it, all is not lost. You will need several items to fix this situation. Some conductive wire - at least 6 inches of it A harder metal object like a pin, needle, or small n... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Washing clothes on long hikes When washing in the backcountry there are some techniques and considerations that will benefit yourself and the pristine wilderness you are traveling within. Don't ever wash near a water source, you are contaminating it for yourself, everyone else, and the animals that drink from it. 1. Always car... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I rescue someone lost in an avalanche? First - Assess the situation and determine if an active rescue is possible and safe. Many would-be rescuers are caught or killed in follow up avalanches because they acted without assessing the surrounding conditions. Assuming you have equipment to assist in the rescue follow the guidelines below. ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What would be a safe ascent rate when mountaineering? According the the UIAA: International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation After 8850 feet a rate of 1250 feet per day above the previous days sleeping altitude is a generally appropriate rate of ascent. Usually after 2700m, not to climb more than 400m from the previous night’s sleep... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I set a top rope anchor? First - Please do not only rely on answers in this site for creating top rope anchors. This is something that your life depends on, or the life of someone you care about, take it seriously. Seek the advice of an expert in person: At the local climbing gym, or guiding service. Creating climbing anc... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the difference between camber and rocker shaped snowboards? Camber - Where the ski or snowboard creates a slightly concave shape in relation to the snow surface. Better hard snow and ice grip. Makes the board or ski "carve" the snow. Rocker - Where the ski or snowboard has a slight convex shape in relation to the snow surface. Better soft snow lift and... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does drinking alcohol cause problems at altitude? The effects of alcohol are exacerbated at altitude, each ounce of alcoholic beverage will have a greater perceived effect on the consumer. This is in part due to the lower oxygen level in the blood of anyone at altitude, usually this is most notable at or above 8,000ft. There are some ways to mitig... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago