Posts by Mr.Wizard
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.
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...
Avoid the problem with a better solution Avoiding the twisting in the first place surely is best, and there is a simple way to do that: This is the Super Munter, Monster Munter, or Double Mun...
I was spurred to post this after reading Which fingers to use in a 2 finger pocket when rock climbing? Last year I injured myself training on a shallow three finger pocket with an open hand grip...
According to: Competition Shooting 101: CMP/NRA High Power By Nick Leghorn on April 21, 2011 Shooting Jacket – This is another tool for keeping you steady. While standing or sitting, having an...
The manufacturer of your rope says: Time in use : The potential lifetime of BEAL PPE in use is up to a maximum of 10 years. The lifetime of the rope in use must never exceed 10 years. ...
With dedication you could learn to climb at a top-rope or bouldering climbing gym without professional instruction. The key skill there is belaying, and you could learn that from videos. However ...
As far as I know there are no general authorities for the placement of fixed gear and bolts may have been placed well or poorly. There are however organizations that provide safety guidelines for ...
In the Top Gear Winter Olympics special Richard Hammond (and the car he is inside) are subjected to extreme winter conditions (-40°) at the MIRA test labs. Hilarity ensues. Top Gear segment: http...
It doesn't take -20°C to form ice near waterfalls or freeze curtains of water, though perhaps it takes that to freeze fast-flowing falls entirely. See this Blog entry from which these pictures wer...
Beal Ropes has a guide that covers this. Read the page but here are two images for quick reference: A robust half rope such as the Mammut Genesis is probably a very good choice; such a rope is...
Disclaimer: I have never rappelled in the rain. Basic requirement As with any rappel problem a basic requirement is to have enough friction in the system, and preferably a way to go hands-free. ...
You are apparently confusing static and dynamic elongation. You must use rope that is UIAA-101 / EN-892 certified for the task at hand. You will be buying a Single type rope unless you specifical...
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 e...
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 wra...
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 ...
Google says: http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/reel_selection.html http://setthehook.com/reels/reeldifferences.htm (link now dead: archive) http://www.fishingtalks.com/when-would-one-use-a-ba...
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 ...
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 Co...
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 doi...
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 functio...
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...
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. Neverthele...
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 mar...
My only experience with this is as a hiker, and I can only give my own opinion. But first: Examples In the Columbia River Gorge there are a few different types of signage used. Major road-side...
