Activity for Mr.Wizard‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What can I do to keep my hands warm while using touchscreens in the winter? You need a capacitive stylus. See this Wikipedia article for a description of the technology. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	Where can I get Tyvek maps? I'd like to get some Tyvek maps, both topographical maps and regular street maps of a few U.S. cities. Where can I get these? (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why don't we apply the principles of layering when it comes to pants? I'm not sure why pants don't receive the same attention but the layers are available. You can easily find base, insulating, and shell layers. Olin's answer gives some good reasons layering pants may not seem as common. In reply: (2) There are full-side-zip pants for mountaineers (crampons) and ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	Performance of fur garments? How does the performance of genuine fur garments, as might have been used traditionally, compare to that of down and modern synthetics? (Insulating power (wet and dry), water repellency, and any other quantifiable comparisons.) What types of furs were used historically, by whom, and for what applic... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing? I am not (yet) a slackliner, but I have been impressed with the methodology of testing and development of Adam Burtle of NWslackline.org. His site has a number of videos that demonstrate different anchoring and tensioning systems. He also does line tension measurements and break testing on differen... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Rain pants for tall people There are several size small 32-inch inseam rain pants listed on REI.com so that should at least get you close. If you prefer a 34-inch inseam the closest I have yet found is this REI pant in medium. You found the expensive Arc'Teryx Beta AR in the right size at Mountain Gear. (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Ideal and Minimal Rope Diameter for Lead Climbing Failure by cutting is a primary concern In terms of safety (rather than e.g. rope life) laboratory (UIAA) fall testing may not be the most important concern. Even a new, thick rope can be cut in a single fall across a sharp edge. This also applies to so-called "edge resistant" (defunct UIAA 108 st... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there an accepted way to self-belay on top rope? You should not use a toothed ascender as a fall can sever the rope. Additionally these devices are typically not usable for decent therefore additional equipment is required anyway. Section 6 of this report has testing of fall-arrest devices: Lyon Equipment Limited - Industrial rope access (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much vertical distance is it possible to make in a day? Figure how much this guy covers in a day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vx7GKAUDC0 :-) Here's one I didn't know about until today: Alex Honnold solos Mt. Watkins, El Capitan, and Half Dome in 18 hours, 50 minutes. Speechless. OO (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a consensus or ethic for rappelling off a tree? I think if you're seeing damage your concern is valid. I do recall reading that soil compaction is the bigger problem and different rigging won't help that. You could use a "friction saver" as shown in the following video, saving both the tree and your rope from wear. http://www.youtube.com/watch?... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Using a Girth Hitch in Alpine Draws The knot reduced the runner rating in half, but since there are two strands , its back to the UIAA standard of 22KN ... The 22kN rating is for the loop strength of the sling, not the single-strand strength. Therefore any reduction in strength caused by a knot puts the strength below the 22kN ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Question	—	What is Geocaching? There are questions on this site tagged geocaching. This appears to be some kind of GPS game. How is it played? (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to minimise erosion damage to footpaths when walking? I have no direct evidence to support this, but I believe that wearing minimalistic shoes like moccasins or Vibram toe shoes reduces trail damage, as does learning to walk and run barefoot. Soft-soled shoes conform to the terrain rather than gouging in. You also learn to walk with less impact when w... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can rope/cordage be packed to minimize tangles? In my experience nothing beats a "card winder" for ease of use and avoiding tangles in thin cord (such as kite lines). The card must be sized to the volume of cord stored on it. The cord it wrapped over the horns in a figure-8 pattern that avoids twists. (High resolution image) The cord is fed o... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why do some knives have one-sided sharpening? Serrations are formed on one side due to the method of manufacture (a formed grinding wheel). I suppose it would be possible to grind serrations from both sides with very careful alignment but I cannot recall seeing this on any production knives. Single-side or "chisel grind" blades are not restric... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Question	—	Can I use a bicycle helmet as a climbing helmet? I have a bicycle helmet that fits well. Can it be used effectively as a rock climbing helmet? Most climbing helmets have a hard shell that the bicycle helmet does not. However, one of the more expensive climbing helmets, the Petzl Meteor III, appears to have the same construction of a thin plastic... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Cam Sling Modification From Simple Mechanics: Why Tricams Still Rule (PDF): Stiffen the Sling One way to help make Tricams easier to place and remove is to stiffen the upper part the slings. Over the course of the Tricam’s history, we have seen many solutions for this, but one remains superior. It is ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to toughen up hands? I don't think anything works the hands in exactly the same way as climbing. I think that a training board or minimally Metolius Rock Rings are the best bet for keeping hands in shape. If there is no place to hang them up invert the system and use them as handles for a Farmer's Walk, a great exerc... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I replace guylines with? I propose using whatever cord is strong enough, inexpensive, and compact, then marking it with fluorescent surveyor's tape. Another option is adding your own glow paint as needed. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Question	—	How do I correctly clean (remove) Tri-Cams? Tri-Cams have a reputation for fitting where other protection will not, and they are light weight and inexpensive compared to SLCDs. Unfortunately they also have a reputation for being hard to clean (remove from the rock) after being set. Therefore: What is the correct technique to remove Tri-Cam... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the benefits of a baitcaster over a spinning reel for bass fishing? Google says: http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/reelselection.html http://setthehook.com/reels/reeldifferences.htm (link now dead: archive) http://www.fishingtalks.com/when-would-one-use-a-baitcast-over-a-spinning-reel-278353.html#10 Hopefully someone with some knowledge of the subject will dis... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I wash Ventile clothing? From ventile.co.uk: Ventile can be either dry-cleaned as detailed below or hand washed using Grangers 30 Degree Cleaner Professional dry-cleaning in: perchloroethylene, hydrocarbons. Mild cleaning process with stringent limitation of added humidity and/or mechanical action and/or temp... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to select paracord Since 550 "paracord" is not a life line (unless actually used as shroud lines or similar), I think price takes precedence, assuming the cord is up to a basic standard of size and construction. If you are willing to buy in bulk you can get it for about 5¢ per foot. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I check paracord to determine if it's genuine? You cannot tell by simple observation if a cord is as strong as it should be. Even if the cord was originally manufactured to the correct specification it may become invisibly damaged by chemical exposure. See this report for an analysis of such a case that fortunately did not result in serious inj... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Surviving a forest fire by starting another fire This does have a basis in a known technique, back burning, but by your description the application wasn't orthodox. From Wikipedia: Back burning is a way of reducing the amount of flammable material during a bushfire by starting small fires along a man made or natural firebreak in front of a... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Turkey Broadheads OutdoorLife.com says: You wouldn’t think by looking at a turkey that they would present much of a challenge. After all, they’re just a pile of feathers and a few pounds of meat, right? Wrong! Turkeys are one of the toughest animals on two legs and you can’t assume you ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where and how is it allowed to hunt cougars in the US? The Arizona Game and Fish Department shows a mountain lion hunting season from August through May. The International Union for Conservation of Nature gives the puma conservation status as Least Concern. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Recommended windproof matches? Doug Ritter has what appears to be a pretty good summary of matches on his site: Equipped.org Also, here is a video review of a "stormproof" match kit from REI from someone who knows what he's doing (not me): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I34E2KNvnm0 (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a kayak / paddleboard for large people? I think a sit-on-top tandem kayak might work; something like this: The open design means there is no cramped compartment to fit into. This particular tandem claims a capacity of 500 pounds. I assume some modification would be required to make it a centered single seat. Actually, as it is appa... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to look for when purchasing a fixed blade knife You state that you wish to avoid bringing a hatchet. This implies a use on wood. If you want a small knife to use in this manner, look at these designs. If you want a big knife that is a functional compromise between a knife and a hatchet look at a kukri. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What can an injured person in the outdoors do to prevent infection by flesh-eating bacteria? The National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation says: Preventive Measures First, let it be said that there is no sure prevention. Necrotizing fasciitis has been known to be spontaneous. A bruise or abrasion are all the "opening" in the skin necessary for bacteria to enter. However, ther... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Preventing cross-loading on belay carabiners You can largely mitigate the problem by braking to the front and keeping tension on the carabiner throughout by pressing the system away from your body, rather than braking to the side. Nevertheless (as mentioned) these specialized carabiners may add some comfort: Black Diamond Gridlock and Magnet... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Question	—	How to choose a fire steel and use it most effectively? Fire steels, ferrocerium rods -- oversized versions of the "flint" in a lighter or torch starter, are an apparently popular survival/backwoods fire starting method. Why would one want one of these rather than a Storm Lighter? Is one type or brand more effective than another? Sizes are all over the ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can oiling keep tools from rusting? The type of oil surely matters. Within petroleum products, thick, waxy Cosmoline has proven to be effective, but it's not nice to remove. (I've never personally used it for this reason.) I have recently learned of and started using Fluid Film. It has an unusual (to me) wool-lanolin base. I have l... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What does it mean to cross load a carabiner? A carabiner is designed to be loaded only along the long axis, near the spine (leftmost figure below). It will be weaker in any other direction of stress. Primary long-axis strength should be marked on the carabiner spine with an up-down arrow symbol, and is typically given in kilo-Newtons (one kN ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a good knife for survival in a forested environment? Time-tested bushcraft designs look like this: Fallkniven F1 Woodlore Bushcraft Northwest Spyderco Bushcraft EnZo Trapper Classic but less bombproof (because of the lack of a full shank): Puukko Mora (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to safely carry a fixed-blade knife? If your primary concern is "a knife I can quickly get out with just one hand" then you may want to look at better folding knives instead. A modern folding knife should not be difficult to open with one hand. If you need a fixed blade knife for other reasons I suggest you seek out (have made) a shea... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you safely cut wood with a knife? You really want a saw or camp axe for this purpose, but if using a knife you want one without serrations. Serrations are not a replacement for a saw. A saw cuts a kerf wider than the blade itself so it (with skill) doesn't jam. Serrations are usually placed near the handle which is exactly where y... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Answer	—	A: What type of knife should I carry while rock climbing? The Camillus Rescue Heat is nice, if you can find one. The link above is to a video review on YouTube. It covers things pretty well, but my own summary: Non-stabbing thick blunt tip is useful for prying and more safe The fully serrated blade works much better than the serrated part of a combo edg... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago

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