Activity for Thomas Rawyler‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Is it possible to improvise a knife sharpener in the wild? You can use a fine sandstone with a little water on it. Sandstone works the best because of its fine grain and good abrasive quality. Using water smooths the sandstone surface. Drag the stone slightly diagonal away from the edge on one side Change the side with each stroke Check the sharpness with ... (more)	—	about 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I avoid putting cinder burn holes in my clothing? If I make a wood fire I usually lay aside my water proof layer. Getting small holes in your insulation layers doesn't really affect the thermal efficiency of the fabric. If the hole is big enough that the filling falls out you can still patch it, which again does not affect the insulation. (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What type of pole can be used for trout while backpacking? I like to fish trout with sweet corn. They seem to like it and it comes in small cans. Bringing a roll of fishing line and some small hooks should be enough. You can roll up the fishing line on a stick and make your own swimmer out of some light wood. At least this worked for me. It doesn't give you ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What things should I look for when buying a compass? A high quality compass is shock resistant and sealed to a certain pressure level so that the needle always stays movable. Having a mirror which allows you to navigate while looking at your target or even moving can come in handy. The vertical intensity of the magnetic field is not the same on the so... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time? Some sleeping bags come with a larger sack which does not unnecessarily compress the sleeping bag. So you might get a linen bag of around 50l volume (depends on the size and type of the sleeping bag). Furthermore, it is best to store it in a dry place, especially if it's a sleeping bag with down stuf... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should you do if you see a rattle snake? It's always best to back off and walk around it. Rattlesnakes can strike very fast and far. I find that the bigger problem with snakes in common is that you step close to one unexpectedly. Most of the time they strike out of reflex when you almost stand on them, like for instance in bushes or below ... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I identify edible berries/fruit from poisonous? Eating berries and mushrooms is not recommended since there is no general pattern to identify poisonous ones (unless you're an expert on that topic). Even having a book with pictures of edible berries can be tricky as some poisonous ones are disguised as their edible counterparts. Plants, on the oth... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I do when I'm lost? I would not recommend staying and hoping that others find you. Except you have a cell phone or another communication device to report that you're lost. Or of course if you can't move because you're injured. If any of this is the case you should set up a signalling fire which should generate a huge am... (more)	—	over 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: If I'm caught in lightning above tree-line, what should I do? I would lay down your backpack and crouch on top of it. The backpack combined with your hiking boots should insulate enough. Of course, this should not be done on top of the peak. This technique is even improved when used in a cave but finding a cave up there is rather unlikely. I found this the most... (more)	—	over 12 years ago