Activity for Roddy‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Will drinking lots of water in the day(s) prior to a long trek mean I will need less water on the trek? Liam's right that you can't/shouldn't overhydrate, but based on my experience it's easily possible to start the day under-hydrated. Maybe you're office-bound and don't drink enough water, or you've had a spot more alcohol the evening before than you should, or too much coffee... Either way, you star... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How fast do you lose heat in cold water immersion? Here's one study: http://www.eisberg.narod.ru/Ch17-ColdWaterImmersion.pdf And a couple of snippets, the first showing how water cools faster than air. In this test with 10degC water, subject's core temperature was still over 36degC after approx 40 minutes. ...and the second showing effect of dif... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Suggestions for a winter lifestyle I can't answer the rest, but for here's my 2c worth for gloves. Layering : As with other clothes, layering gloves is worth doing. I'd try fairly thin liner gloves inside either mitts or a larger glove than you'd normally wear. This gives an extra layer of insulation, but also means you can just ta... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hypothermia Prevention - Post Ice Water Fall Hypothermia is likely the least of your problems after an involuntary dip into icy water. Drowning and cardiac arrest are the killers here. Read these, and maybe watch the videos. It's all good stuff, and difficult to summarise. http://beyondcoldwaterbootcamp.com/4-phases-of-cold-water-immersion h... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How does one rewaterproof a rain jacket? When jackets get dirty and tired, they no longer 'bead' rainwater and will 'wet out' easier - This is when the outer layer becomes saturated with water. They should still be waterproof, because the inner membrane isn't affected by this. It's 100% waterproof, regardless. However, they won't feel wat... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the pros and cons of a digital altimeter over an analog altimeter for backpacking? One 'pro' of certain digital altimeters: Even without GPS they can do a surprisingly good job of distinguishing between changes of elevation and changes of 'atmospheric pressure'. This means that you don't need to reset the altimeter to known elevations so frequently. The Suunto Core has this featur... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: As Mountaineers what can we give back to Mountains? Unless you're Yvon Chouinard, you're unlikely to achieve very much on your own. So the best thing is to support those organizations whose primary aim is to protect the mountain environment. In the UK, that could be the John Muir Trust, Fix the Fells, Snowdonia Society, for example. In the US, The S... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Get the bad smell out of sheep wool When you think of the amount of wool we normally wear and use - and how it behaves - the only reason a wool garment would stink is that the wool hasn't been properly processed. This document is bit of an eye-opener. https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/what-does-organic-wool-mean/ On av... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there anything specific required for a dog first aid kit? I just looked at a typical UK "Pet First Aid Kit" here. http://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/dog/dog-healthcare/dog-first-aid/first-aid-box-for-pets Contents are... Each pack contains 24 pieces all designed with the care of your pet in mind, including: 2 x 20ml Pods of Saline - to w... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much distance is there between True North and Magnetic North Poles? They're absolutely NOT the same thing. The distance varies. But it's about 500 miles. (The North Pole: Location, Weather, Exploration … and Santa). Since its discovery in 1831, the magnetic North Pole has been around Canada’s Ellesmere Island, about 500 miles (800 kilometers) fro... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice? This map (and the Wikipedia article) will explain why you don't have a problem (in the UK, I'm guessing), but others do, elsewhere. In the UK, you can ignore it at the moment, but you need to understand WHY you're ignoring it :) As an aside, compare this with the declination in 1872... Then, the... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does wearing too many layers have any negative impacts other than sweating? Too many layers => Sweating Sweating => Wet clothing (and plenty of it, here) Wet Clothing + Wind => Evaporative Cooling Evaporative Cooling => Cold Body Cold Body (and no dry layers left) => Hypothermia Hypothermia => Death I know that's all bit of a leap, but if you had a problem our running in ... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Semi-static rope 24 hour rule They shrink, apparently. For example, Beal's Precautions says: Before first use, soak the rope and leave to dry slowly. It will shrink by about 5%. Take this into account when calculating required lengths. And first use means just that: The very first time the rope is used. (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: First crampon grade to buy Whoever told you C1 are aimed at 'more advanced users' than C2 is plain wrong. Crampon grades are really about where and how you plan to use them, rather than how good you are. Here's a typically thorough and useful article by Andy Kirkpatrick. Also, the BMC have some good articles, for instance t... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it normal for a double skin popup tent to leak in slight rain? Popup tents are also known as 'festival' tents, and are frequently regarded as single-use disposable items! Shroptshire Star: Volunteers clear up V Festival debris - in pictures Most Vango tents are at the cheaper end of the price scale - They aren't all bad (my first proper camping experiences... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How much vertical distance is it possible to make in a day? It Depends. Actually, it depends on pretty much everything: Weather, terrain, fitness, group size, and of course, how long a day is. It's better to think of 'How much can I do in an hour, and how many hours do I want to walk/climb for?'. I'd start using Naismith's Rule. But, as you get experience ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Group protocol should the group become separated Each scenario is probably different, so you'd likely make a plan on the hoof: How far are you from your previous 'checkpoint', and how far is it to the next? What time of day is it, etc... If the 'lost' couple were at the rear of the group (a likely scenario) and you're following a rerasonably well ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is a compass generally accurate in only one hemisphere, or both? A compass is "accurate" in both hemispheres in that it should still point to magnetic north. But the problem is that when you're in the southern hemisphere, the magnetic north pole is sort of 'under your feet' so the compass needs to be one that's specially 'balanced' for the Southern hemisphere to... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it illegal to remove rocks from a riverbed in the UK IANAL, but... The riverbed is owned by the landowner (although the water isn't), so removing rocks (or any other item) from the riverbed is the same as removing them from anywhere else on the land. In other words, it's probably theft, so NOT legal. If you're concerned about it, ask the landowner's ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What gear for sleeping in wild camping in western Scotland in May? Based on last Wednesday (May 16th) in the Carneddau (Snowdonia, N Wales), I'd be well prepared for temperatures below freezing at night in Scotland, even in May. I camped at Ffynnon Llyffant (at about 820m) and the temperature inside the tent was no more than 4 degrees C (measured by suunto core, su... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Books to inspire you to get out in nature "list" questions can cause problems on stackexchange sites, but, anyhow... From a UK perspective, Robert Macfarlane's "The Wild Places" is excellent. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Question	—	What's the best way to use up (and dispose of) almost-empty butane canisters? I take a Primus EtaExpress stove with me when camping, and am slowing accumulating a collection of canisters with only around 20% gas in them. With this little gas, they don't have enough pressure to be useful in anything except ideal conditions (hot, windless, and you have all the time in the world... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I locate lanes where I can legally drive a 4x4 in the UK? They are marked on OS 1:25K Explorer maps as "Byways open to all traffic". But it's a good idea to research your route beforehand as some (like the Monk's Trod) are now closed by traffic regulation orders - primarily because of the damage caused by off-roaders. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Navigational gear worldwide For compasses, it will depend on the model. You can get globally balanced compasses like the Suunto M3 Global, but Silva compasses (probably the most common in Europe) tend to be balanced for the Northern Hemisphere. As LBell says, they'll point the right way, but just won't work smoothly so you ru... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I stay warm in subzero (0°F, -18°C ) weather? If you're staying out overnight, consider digging a snowhole instead of using a tent. A snowhole can be much warmer than a tent and give significantly better protection. And, as Andy Kirkpatrick writes, they can't blow away. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Best way to illuminate a tent? Some of the Mammut headlamps can be fitted with an optional diffuser for ambient lighting. Haven't tried it, but it looks like it could be a neat solution. Mammut TR1 Headlamp (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can you navigate / determine your location in thick fog? There's a whole bunch of standard map and compass techniques you can use without a GPS. If you know your location before the fog came down, then you're not lost - you just can't see so far. Change your navigation strategy to have shorter legs, and pick tick points that will be within your vision. Pa... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How should I remove a tick? It's vital to get them off ASAP as the risk of infection from Lyme Disease increases after the first 24 hours, but the list of ways NOT to do this is probably more important ;-) Don't burn it, squeeze it or cover it in alcohol/wax/marmalade/whatever. And -contrary to the accepted answer- if at all... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Taking care of hiking backpack I've never had a pack failure 'in the wild' but I think my usual repair kit of duct tape, tie wraps and a bit of paracord should be able to handle most things. Minor strap and buckle failures aren't likely to cause you major problem - but if a shoulder strap fails, that's quite a challenge: Just rem... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I improve on the straps on my travel pack? On a backpack, you'd have the quick-release buckle, but no clasp. The clasp is really doing two things - stopping the buckle loosening, and making it look tidy. If the buckle is decent quality and condition it's unlikely to loosen much by itself in normal use. I'd just remove the clasp, and shorten ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I know what size ice axe I should get? To add a data point to the curve, I'm 6'3", and after much deliberation bought a 65cm DMM Cirque as a general winter hillwalking axe. While I'm generally very happy with it, I'd definitely switch to a 60cm one next time. The only place where I find the extra length useful is cutting steps in descen... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do reusable "hand coolers" exist? When water evaporates, it cools the surrounding surface. This is primarily why we sweat - our body is using this process to cool itself down. So, a buff (or mitts) dipped in water can act as pretty effective coolers as they dry out. To 'recharge' simply dunk them in water again... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I keep my iPhone going on a multiday hike? Take an external rechargeable powerpack like one of these:- http://www.amazon.com/PowerGen-External-Blackberry-Sensation-Thunderbolt/dp/B005VBNYDS/ref=dpcpobhpctitle1 Choose the size of powerpack according to your trip length and needs, as these things are not lightweight. Obviously, these tend to ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What essential items should go in a small first aid kit? My kit is predominantly based on this article by Kath Wills of Llanberis MRT. HOW TO: Make A Mountain First Aid Kit The Israeli trauma compression bandage is a great bit of kit, but not recommended to be carried in certain territories.... Libya detainee Gareth Montgomery-Johnson 'almost unrecognis... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What style crampon should I use for my hiking boots and how do I adjust them? Boots and Crampons have ratings that give you an idea of compatibility. Boots are rated B0 (three season boots, or basically, bedroom slippers!) to B3 (rigid shell mountaineering boots), and crampons are rated C0 (flexible, strap-on) to C2 (rigid, typically step-in). In theory, you shouldn't use a ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it legal to light bonfires on UK beaches? The Scottish 'code' mentions specific rights on the 'foreshore' What about public rights on the foreshore? 2.18 Public rights on the foreshore and in tidal waters will continue to exist. These have not been fully defined but include shooting wildfowl, fishing for sea fish, gathering some u... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best way to cross streams while backpacking? Never tried them but I've heard Crocs often mentioned as a good and reasonably lightweight solution. (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do I do to prevent and treat frostbite? As said, prevention is better than cure. But, most importantly, don't attempt to thaw frostbitten areas if there's any chance of them re-freezing. This typically means don't try to treat it yourself in a back-country setting. ...And once you're in civilization, get a medical professional to handle ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the key features to look for in mobile device apps for hiking/camping? As Rory says, low power consumption is vital, but that's likely not determined by the software, but rather by the hardware and - more importantly - how you use it. The three key things for me in Smartphone GPS map systems are these. Can download maps to the device, rather than stream. (And I would... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago