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Activity for AM_Hawk‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Edit Post #40633 Initial revision over 4 years ago
Edit Post #40606 Initial revision over 4 years ago
Answer A: How do I get my fingers and toes warm before rock climbing at cold temperatures?
Put Heat Warmers in your climbing shoes and in your gloves, put a big puffy on. Jumping jacks, lots of jumping jacks, get your heart rate up and get your blood flowing and warmed up. Climb, the first climb is always the worst! Keep a heat pack in your chalk bag. You'll freeze on the wall but when ...
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almost 9 years ago
Answer A: Is it possible to "pad" the shoulder straps of backpack?
This is an out there solution but may very well work. Automotive stores sell seat belt pads, they velcro together. From what I remember they aren't too pricey and I know for a fact you can get a pair in Brazil. This is what I'm referring to. http://www.drivingcomfort.com/travel-with-kids/microfiber-...
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over 9 years ago
Question Do Half/Twin/Double Ropes get Middle Marked?
I marked my single rope so I can find the middle when rappelling and also to give my belayer a warning when I'm on a route of unknown length. I am going to purchase a set of half ropes soon for some Mixed/Ice Alpine Routes in the Rockies and am wondering if it is a good idea to mark the middle. I'm...
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over 10 years ago
Question Most Eco-Friendly way to Identify a Climbing Route
In Ontario where I live and do most of my climbing the routes are not clearly marked. Guide books also lack clear approaches and thus it just turns into a big guessing game of what route you're on and what grade it is. With a new guidebook for Ontario in the works I was thinking I may approach the ...
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over 10 years ago
Question Tent Fly Coloured Reflective Tape
I have an MSR Elixir 2 tent with footprint that is great for my spring/summer/fall rock trips and is made of quite durable fabric. It has worked quite well at very cold temps and has very effectively kept rain out. I am hoping to use this tent for weekend ice climbing trips during the winter months...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Altitude sickness when going from sea level to 14,000 ft (4,200m) in a single day
This is really funny because I am from Toronto (Sea Level) and flew to Denver a couple months ago and climbed Bierstadt the morning after arriving followed by Quandary Peak the next day. Upon arriving in Denver I drove to sleep at 10,000ft then woke up early and climbed Bierstadt. Will the effec...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Sleeping bag too hot
Buy an Overbag. Use the Overbag when it's too warm for your down bag Use the down bag at and around -15C Use the Overbag and Down Bag together when it's colder than -15C AND if you want to get real fancy get a Vapour Barrier Liner and use all three together for expeditions and temps below -30C....
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Resoling climbing shoes yourself
Where I am from it costs $60CAN to get your climbing shoes Resoled by a professional. Alternatively, you can try yourself with a KIT that costs $35CAN. However this $35 does not include a knife, sandpaper or acetone to clean the shoe/rubber and does not account for labour, in other words your time ...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: How to repair rubber welly boots?
My personal recommendation would be to use Super/Krazy Glue for any small "cracks" in the rubber. I have successfully used it on rubber and it is quite effective! for the slightly larger holes than cannot be filled using a liquid glue, I would recommend the following: Apply a Gore-Tex or similar pa...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Warmest and lightest solution for torso
Down is the lightest and most compressible delivering the best warmth. Down is the undercoating of water fowl. It provides the greatest amount of dead air space of any insulation material for its weight. A down pod consists of light, fluffy filaments that grow from one quill or point. These filament...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Learning to fall when leading: what is good fall technique?
You will learn to fall through practice however there are some important points to consider: While climbing DO NOT let the rope wrap/run around/behind your leg(s), when you fall you will flip upside down! Therefore always know where the rope is! DO NOT Kick/Push off the wall, you will only pendul...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: How to dry Gore-Tex boots in the field
I too recommend newspaper however you can also give the following a try: Buy a pack of disposable diapers and empty the sodium polyacrylate into a sock or any fine mesh cloth/bag. Carry it in your pack for any absorption emergency. You should make sure to pack it in a sealed waterproof bag until...
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over 10 years ago
Question Do "R" values add proportionally?
For winter camping it is recommended to use a sleeping pad with an R value greater than 5. Can you alternatively use two closed cell 2.5R pads one on top of each other? If using an inflatable pad with an R value of 5 and a closed cell with an R value of 2.5 will you effectively have a 7.5R value...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Improving sport climbing skills
Rest! I know you're going to want to climb every second of every day but you must give your ligaments time to heal! Muscle takes two days to repair however ligaments can take 1 -2 weeks. Gradually increase your time climbing, this will greatly reduce the chance of injury. Familiarize yourself with...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Why is the category called "Open" in climbing competitions?
Disclaimer: My Answer is based off Canada's Tour de Bloc structure. My understanding for the use of the term Open is that it is "Open" to anyone who wants to give it a go. If you are not vying for a spot on the Canadian team you would go Recreational or Experienced. The Open category is for the to...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: Why did my new sleeping bag come with 2 bags - one large and one stuff sack?
It is used to store the sleeping bag, in order to retain the loft. It is not a good idea to store your sleeping bag compressed as small as possible as this will damage the fill. This is very important with down, a little less with synthetic but overall it is crucial to the life of the sleeping bag....
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: What is a "stitch-and-glue" kayak?
A stitch and glue boat hull is made of plywood panels assembled with fiberglass tape. Contrary to traditional boat building in which molds define the hull shape, in stitch and glue, the hull panels define the shape. Another major difference with wooden boat building is that the framing of a stitch a...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Sizing up high altitude boots
I currently use La Sportiva WildCat Trail Running Shoes size 43 for trail running/light hiking and Nepal EVO's size 44 for Ice Climbing and Alpine adventures. The Nepal EVO's fit me perfectly with a good midweight sock and using their additional tongue for the left foot which is slightly smaller tha...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Super/Krazy Glue on Outdoor Gear
I currently use All Purpose Krazy Glue to repair pinch flats on my road bike inner tubes. All it takes is one drop over the bite and it seals it perfectly, works every time and holds 95 PSI for weeks with no leaks! Recently I lost a pull tab on the back of my LaSportiva trailrunners. I figured I w...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: What are the pros and cons of using the Spyridon model of Vibram FiveFingers for climbing?
Heel hooks and toe hooks will probably hurt... My biggest concern is due to the individual toes this might make small foot holds uncomfortable. With a traditional climbing shoe the pressure is divided across the sole and all your toes are level inside the shoe. With a FiveFingers if the toe hold is...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Hot or cold shower better after exertion?
The answer depends on your sccenario, if you have access to an ice bath/cold shower within minutes of your activity that is your best bet as Liam has stated above. However, if you are unable to have an ice bath/cold shower directly following your activity there is an alternative. Some of us may h...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Surfacing rapidly after a Scuba Dive
An embolism in a medical context refers to any large moving mass or defect in the blood stream. An air embolism is an air bubble trapped in a blood vessel. When an air bubble travels along an artery, it moves through a system of blood vessels that gradually become narrower. At some point, the embolus...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Planning a Trip with strangers
For those of us out there that do not have friends/family members as adventurous as us or are few in numbers for our geographic region; we are forced to head online to find partners. For example, a great place to start is SummitPost. When trying to find a trip partner for a hiking, mountaineering, ...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Does sandpapering finger tips improve rock climbing?
In my opinion there are a couple of valid reasons to use sandpaper. File down current calluses, therefore avoiding large calluses from getting snagged/pinching itself resulting in a flapper (ripped piece of skin only attached at a small point). Toughen up the skin, resulting in less sensitive and m...
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almost 11 years ago
Question How to dry paddling gloves
I currently use MEC Humboldt paddling gloves for cycling in warm/cool - windy/wet weather as they offer better protection than my thin runnning gloves and are not as hot as my winter gloves. My issue is when I wear them the second or third day in a row they are still wet on the inside with my perspi...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Small fitting outerwear
You could try any of the following that come in XS: Outdoor Research "Neoplume Jacket" North Face "Super Zephyrus" Patagonia "Nano Puff" Outdoor research has a good return policy I have dealt with them before. North Face has lifetime warranties and accepts returns, conveniently at retail locatio...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Shall I buy a Large size shell if I am wearing Medium size Down Jacket?
I think the answer is as simple as: If you own a mid-layer wear it to the store when you purchase the shell. If you own a shell wear it to the store when you purchase your mid-layer. If you don't own either purchase them together to ensure best fit. There are several different layering systems ...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: What's the minimum diameter cord to use when climbing a rope using a prusik
EDIT: When the question was posed I misinterpreted it to be asking the diameter of the "Climbing Rope" not "Cord" However my answer for Cord diameter is also listed as "2mm less than cord diameter and not less than 5mm" I would not go any lower than 7.5mm, it is a common diameter used by rescue tech...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: What EXACTLY is the chemical coating on the outside of GoreTex?
The chemical coating on the outside when new is what is commonly known as DWR and chemically known as a Fluoropolymer. Fluoropolymer is a fluorocarbon based polymer with multiple strong carbon&#x2013;fluorine bonds. It is characterized by a high resistance to solvents, acids, and bases. This is the...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Do you need to purify all mountain water sources
The bottom line is there is always SOME risk. Whether to take that risk or not is your choice. Fast running + isolated + high elevation = prettttty low risk. With that said the biggest concern is, unless you are drinking right from the source, you have no idea what has happened upstream from you....
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almost 11 years ago
Question Practical uses for urine
When on extended outdoor excursions are there any scenarios where you can leverage urine as an efficient tool? An example would be: You're in your sleeping bag in a tent and it's -30C outside, you opt to urinate in a nalgene inside your sleeping bag and place the sealed nalgene at your feet to keep ...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Is there a standard set of light signals for mountaineers?
I cannot say if there are standard signals between mountaineers, however from hiking I know the following three light signals are used: Warning: Wave the flashlight back and forth to signal a warning to those around you. Use this signal when you spot a potential danger such as a wild animal, steep...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: When describing my PADI qualifications with a CMAS diver, is there a well know equivalence table?
Here is a quick reference : CMAS PADI Equivalent CMAS 1 Star Diver Open Water Diver CMAS 2 Star Diver Rescue Diver (with verification of Night and Navigation dive) CMAS 3 Star Diver Divemaster or IDC Candidate CMAS 1 Star Instructor ...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: What mountain is this white pointed one in my gmail background image?
This is the Himalayan peak, Ama Dablam All the theme images are provided by iStockPhoto, this one appears to be cropped from this image
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Are headaches a bad sign at altitude?
As your body gets used to the altitude, the symptoms go away. Therefore, if symptoms persist, Yes you should be worried. Altitude sickness can affect your lungs and brain. When this happens, symptoms include being confused, not being able to walk straight (ataxia), feeling faint, and having blue or...
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about 11 years ago
Answer A: Where should a band be tied to stop bleeding from wound?
"tight bandage/band" = Tourniquet. An emergency tourniquet is generally used as a last resort, especially in civilian applications, for all blood flow below the application of an emergency tourniquet is stopped, and can subsequently kill the tissue, leading to eventual loss of the limb below applica...
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about 11 years ago
Question Can Primaloft One be Layered?
I currently wear a Polartec Power Dry base layer and a 60g Primaloft One insulated jacket. This keeps me warm all the way down to about -10C when active(walking/hiking/Cycling). At temperatures below that would layering another primaloft one insulated jacket be recommended or would it be best t...
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about 11 years ago
Answer A: Lowe Alpine - TFX Cerro Torre: pack is moving to sides
My guess based off the photo you have linked is that the top tensioners(top stabilizers) are not adjusted properly, this or perhaps the hipbelt needs some adjustment. Try the following: Put the pack on, place the hipbelt directly over your hip bones, fasten the buckle, and tighten the hipbelt. The ...
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about 11 years ago
Question "Must Have" in a starter Trad Rack
After learning to climb indoors on top rope and learning to lead sport climbs outdoors I will be progressing into Trad climbing by taking an instruction course as well as climbing with other experienced trad climbers. The areas being climbed are listed below in order of frequency: Rattlesnake Poin...
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about 11 years ago
Question What Rope to purchase?
I climb comfortably at 5.11c at my gym (Top Rope Only), but I have never climbed outdoors so a group of experienced climbers have offered to teach my friend and I how to lead sport routes. I have chosen all my gear except for the rope. I am currently looking at the following: Option 1, Option 2, Opt...
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about 11 years ago
Question Tie in to harness, top to bottom or bottom to top
When tying into a harness with a figure eight follow through knot, does it matter if the running end comes up through the tie in points or goes down through them? From the figure it is hard to see which way the running end passes through the harness. I have often heard "it doesn't really matter" o...
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over 11 years ago