Activity for jrdioko‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Edit	Post #41067	Initial revision	—	over 4 years ago
Edit	Post #39865	Initial revision	—	over 4 years ago
Question	—	How bad do circumstances need to be before activating a PLB? Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) can be carried during outdoor activities to use in case of an emergency. But are there any guidelines on what exactly constitutes an "emergency"? For example, what about the following situations: You slip and fall on a trail several hours away from the trailhead, bre... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What are the options for kayak self-rescue without a paddle float? In a standard kayaking class, you're taught solo self-rescues using a paddle float and assisted rescues using another kayak. Then there are eskimo rolls. But I've also heard about other self-rescue techniques after a wet exit without a paddle float (ladder, cowboy, scramble). What options are there f... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How should you wash clothes after exposure to poison oak/ivy/sumac? I have heard that the oils from poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac can remain on clothes even through a wash cycle. After hiking through an area with poison ivy (or poison oak/poison sumac), how should you wash the exposed clothes to completely remove the oil and minimize the chance of later rea... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Is bear spray effective against other animals? Is bear spray (pepper spray specially formulated to be effective against bear attacks) effective against other animals, especially mountain lions or wolves? Or is there something in it specifically targeted towards bears that would make it less effective on other attacking animals? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How do you determine how long a hike will take? Is there a general rule of thumb for converting miles to hours when looking at a potential hike? For example, how long does it take an average person walking at an average speed to walk a mile on the following types of trails: a mostly flat, easy trail a moderate trail, with some elevation changes ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What should you look for when buying hiking socks? A quick search online shows there are dozens of different types of hiking socks, with different materials, thicknesses, and properties. In general, what should you look for when shopping for hiking socks? What are the main differences, and what would make you choose one type over another? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How do you prevent mold in CamelBak hydration bladders? When using a CamelBak (or other hydration bladder system), it is easy for mold to grow if the bladder is left sitting with water in it. What is the best way to avoid mold (or other nasties) growing inside in between trips? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What are some effective ways of reducing itching from a mosquito bite? There are a lot of options for trying to prevent mosquito bites (DEET on skin, permethrin on clothing, mosquito nets while sleeping, etc.), but what about after you get bitten? What is the most effective way to stop or reduce the itching from mosquito (or other insect) bites? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What precautions should I take when hiking among herds of elk? During certain times of the year, some of the hiking trails near where I live wind through herds of elk standing on or near the trails. What precautions should you take when hiking among elk? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	When should you repair rock gouges in skis? When downhill skiing (although I assume this would apply to cross-country skiing or snowboarding as well), when should a gouge caused by a rock or other obstacle be considered large or serious enough to take the skis in for base repair, and when can it be ignored? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How can you prevent trekking pole locking mechanisms from slipping? When using trekking poles with a twist-and-lock locking mechanism, I've experienced slipping (the poles will slightly collapse during use, making you frequently extend and re-lock it). Is there something maintenance-wise that helps avoid this, or is it simply a sign of poorly-made poles? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What essential items should go in a small first aid kit? Another question asked what survival equipment should be carried in an emergency kit. But very little was about medical or first aid supplies (band-aids, gauze, tylenol, moleskin, etc). What items would you consider essential to bring in a small first aid kit for injuries or health concerns that cou... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What kinds of knives are allowed while camping in California? I have read that California has some of the strictest weapons laws in the US. What types of knives are allowed when camping, hiking, or hunting? What should someone camping in California know before packing a knife? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What essentials should you bring with you on a day hike? Possible Duplicate: What are essential items in an emergency kit? Another question asked about emergency supplies you'd bring on a multi-day hiking trip. But many people prefer going on shorter day hikes (say, leaving in the morning and returning to the trailhead in the late afternoon) whe... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What mosquito nets can be used while camping? When camping in areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic, what options are there in terms of mosquito nets? The mosquito nets I've seen are meant to be hung above a bed and tucked under the mattress, but would any make sense to use in a tent? If not, what are some options for mosquito (or othe... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	Is it practical to get a satellite phone for communication from remote areas? When going into remote areas, it would be great to be able to communicate with the outside world, for emergency purposes or just to be able to call home on long trips. Is it practical for an average person to obtain and use a satellite phone? In other words, roughly what do they cost to buy or rent, ... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What type of mosquito repellent is most effective? There are many different kinds of insect repellents and bug sprays on the market: sprays and lotions, chemical and natural, huge percentages of DEET and lower percentages, etc. What type of bug repellent is most effective against mosquitoes? What types should be avoided or are just a marketing ploy?... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	What should you do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake? You should obviously avoid rattlesnakes if at all possible. But if you do get bitten by one, what should you do? What supplies can be brought ahead of time to allow for the best treatment, and what should you do if you have nothing other than standard gear for a day hike? How soon after a bite is med... (more)	—	almost 13 years ago
Question	—	How can I minimize the risk of tree wells when backcountry skiing? When skiing in the backcountry (or even in the trees at resorts), what can be done to minimize the risk of getting trapped in a tree well? (more)	—	almost 13 years ago