Activity for Tom Collins‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: What signs can I use to navigate a cave if lost? Caves breathe. As the outside pressure increases or decreases the air inside a cave has to equalize. The most common cause is a pressure change is when the the outside temp changes due to the sun rising or setting. A front will also affect this. The larger the cave, the more air will go in & out... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hiking and camping with medium size dog and keeping safe from mountain lions Sorry, don't have any references handy. But from what I've read (including ranger stories), cougar attacks on humans are very rare. And from what was described as stalking, is just plain watching. Either from curiosity, or making sure you aren't a threat. If they were planning an attack, they would b... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to deal with condensation in a tent? This is an answer I read somewhere else, but haven't tried it myself yet. Take this answer for what it's worth. It was stated that cat litter crystals‎ do a good job of absorbing moisture. They are also available unscented. Obviously too heavy for backpacking, but should work fine for car ... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: UTM Rulers for Odd Scales? You can make your own easy enough. Just print onto a clear transparency (used primarily in overhead projectors). Tape that onto some clear plastic (can purchase at Home Depot and maybe art store). (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hiking: How to start? You asked about equipment & training. What you didn't ask, but may be useful is where to hike and who to hike with. There are hiking & outdoor clubs all over the place. Most of them will accept beginners. Start on easier hikes and work your way up. You'll also get a chance to ask others on th... (more)	—	over 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best mountaineering quote that you have ever read? I use this for my outdoor activities in general, and not just mountaineering. Not sure who said it first, the quote is attributed to many. "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty >> and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly ... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What clothing or gear should I wear to prevent ticks? As @wedapashi already stated, permethrin is a very good choice. And even though it's an insecticide, I find it works well as a repellent also. I treat all my clothing (even socks and underwear) and gear. I can't even remember the last time I found a tick on me. Even keeps the mosquitoes away. Once... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I prevent animals from marking my camp as their territory? As for different animals, or yourself, marking their territory, I think the only time that makes a difference is when the two animals are in competition with each other. A bear or mountain lion will have a large territory marked that they hunt within. However, a raccoon may occupy a smaller territory... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Gear for Car-camping with 2 small children You don't mention budget, but a couple things I really like when car camping are: Beautyrest air mattress (about $100). Can be very firm if you like that, and the edges don't collapse like most air mattresses do. It's like a real bed. Does require A/C close by. A tent tall enough to stand in. I'... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Dealing with Sap on a Tent If it's honeydew, then soap & water should do the trick. Do not use harsh soap. An alternative method is to use a gritty, oily mixture to rub it out. I'm thinking maybe baking soda & vegetable oil. The grit helps break up the sticky substance, and the oil keeps it from re-sticking. Similar... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What information to leave with your emergency contact? These two you mentioned are very important. Expected departure and return Date & time to consider overdue Just saying what time you're expected back isn't enough. If I'm going in an area that has any level of danger, I tell people when I expect to make contact, and when to call 911. (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Group camping - cooking equipment and eating utensils packing list Here's what I've done for group camping (both car & canoe camping). Communal food & cooking. It's just easier. Cooking equipment. You bring what you need depending on what food you buy, or buy food that can be cooked with the equipment you have. Some details. Pot/pans. Think about what ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Affordable Festival Tent Most small tents these days are pretty easy to set up, but you will have to do a little more than just "throw it at the ground". :-) In the US, we have a retail chain called Walmart that sells pretty cheap stuff. This is where I would go. I don't think they're in the UK. Maybe you have something s... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Wasp repellent for an object/area? Forget the DEET. That's for mosquitoes, and it's not a repellent, but rather it interferes with their sense of smell so since they can't smell you (food) they don't bother you. It's also toxic. Citronella is not a repellent of any kind. Smoke from Citronella candles is a repellent (downwind from the... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Looking for secluded camping land in California, near the bay area There are many, many state, national, & BLM parks, reserves, forests, wilderness areas, recreation areas, refuges, & conservation areas with a 3 hour drive. I don't know which ones allow wild camping, but seeing how many of them allow backpacking, I would guess quite a few. You may need a per... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What to look for in a snorkel? I like a few features on my snorkels. A purge valve on the bottom near the mouthpiece. This allows for much easier purging since you don't have to push the water all the up the snorkel. A splash guard of some kind at the top. This greatly reduces the amount of water that can get in the tube. The ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Travelling and taking climbing chalk through customs Customs may complain, but not likely. I'd make sure to pack it with your climbing gear, along with the chalk packaging. If customs suspect drugs, a simple test will confirm it for them. However, there's always the chance you'll get someone trying to make a name for himself, and give you a hard ti... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Wood versus plastic trail signs? The answer has already been picked, but I want to throw in my 2 cents as well. While I'm not against plastic, the sample you show turns me off. Looks too urban. If they make one that looks more natural, then I'm all for it. Also, I think signage should be minimal. Trailheads and big intersections. ... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Activities at the campsite More suggestions. Btw @Kate, I loved your list. During the day. Day hikes River / lake swimming Just exploring Practice survival skills At night. Word games book reading Theological / political discussions Solve all worldly problems Get drunk and then tell your best friend to "check this out... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I contact emergency services in the US via the internet? All 4 major carriers have either implemented or are implementing text-to-911 service. U.S. mobile providers commit to emergency texting service In the event that this doesn't work, you can always text a friend or family member. They can then call 911 for you. If they are in a different area, then th... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should you pop a blister? I haven't tried @Vorac answer, but it sounds interesting. I'm not going to say if popping a blister is correct or not. But, if you do, this is how I was taught to pop a blister: Get a needle (sterile of course) About 1/3 of an inch from the blister, insert the needle under the skin towards the blis... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where is a good place in California to go gold panning for a beginner? If you want to do this as a hobby, there's lots of places you can go. The American, Yuba, & Klammath rivers have the most gold. A lot of the parks have something in place to allow to do a little panning. You should be able to find a few flakes to show your friends, but you won't make any substant... (more)	—	over 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What precautions are needed for caving? As an experienced caver, I can say @studiohack & @manoftheson both good advice. Here's some additional pointers, in no particular order. Some of this is copied from my comments, but new info as well. One thing I want to emphasize is using a head mounted light. This leaves both hands free for cl... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Trekking poles: Collapsed or fixed? My personal experience is that I do not hike/backpack with out trekking poles. I find them very useful on inclines, declines, and even flat terrain. I long ago lost count in the number of times they have save me from a fall, especially while backpacking. I use the collapsible poles. The ease of stor... (more)	—	almost 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What exercises can you do before Scuba Diving to improve your air consumption? As an assistant instructor, I suspect it's your relaxation rate. New divers, and those who haven't been diving for a while, tend to get more excited when diving, and may also try to see the whole ocean. Try slowing down and taking a closer look at what's around you. Ironically, you'll usually see mo... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What type of mosquito repellent is most effective? I wanted to add some points to the discussion, as well as list another product. First, as noted, 100% DEET is overkill. Once you go over 35%, it doesn't get better. Second, DEET is not good for you. Not saying don't use it, but try to use the minimum needed. What I like to use is permethrin. This ... (more)	—	about 11 years ago