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Activity for Blackbear‭

Type On... Excerpt Status Date
Edit Post #40154 Initial revision over 4 years ago
Question What happens to rappel anchors?
When setting up a rappel anchor, using things like webbing, rings, that kind of stuff, what happens to the anchor when you get to the bottom? Assuming you can't hike to the top and grab it, do you most people leave it behind? I've seen some instances where people don't use artificial anchors, but jus...
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over 9 years ago
Question Storing food in the desert
I'll be doing some backpacking in sections of desert in Eastern Washington, U.S. and I was wondering if anybody has tips on food storage while hiking? There will be no trees to hang the food in. I'm not worried about bears because they don't live in the desert, but I am worried that rodents or coyot...
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almost 10 years ago
Question Installing a hand line for scrambling?
I've been reading this book about mountain scrambling in Washington State, U.S., and at some points it mentions the idea of using a hand line on some more exposed routes to give something to hold on to, as well as mental reassurance to less experienced climbers. This whole book is supposed to be abou...
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almost 10 years ago
Answer A: Stability and ergonomics of Garmin Etrex 20
I have the Garmin Etrex 20 and I use it for everything from geocaching, to wilderness and kayaking navigation. Obviously this answer is just based on my personal experience with the device, I can't speak for anybody else. Loading, displaying, and entering in new caches or locations doesn't take very...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: What is the difference in terms of application of a rucksack with greater than 50L capacity?
From my experience, I would recommend getting a larger pack, especially if you're planning to do longer trips. Also, if you ever go on a trip in the winter, it will usually require more clothing and possibly larger sleeping bags/mats. For reference, I have a 48L pack and that is enough room (for me...
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over 10 years ago
Question Climbing with a much lighter partner?
Both my fiancee and myself bought some climbing gear recently and we're planning our first trip to an indoor rock gym this weekend. We decided to practice our knots and belay technique before we went so we rigged some rope to a chin-up bar to practice letting one person hang while the other person he...
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over 10 years ago
Question Roping together on an icy path?
I'm planning a mountain hiking trip and one of the issues is that the trails that we're following will almost certainly be covered in ice. There are two of us and we'll both be wearing shoe traction equipment like this: YaxTrax Extreme Outdoor Traction. The trails follow ridge lines and moderate slop...
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over 10 years ago
Answer A: What type of oil to use for axe heads
I've always either used 3-in-1 oil or the gun oil, the kind used for cleaning and caring for firearms. These both have always worked fine for me for years and years of use. Usually I just wipe a small coating of the oil on with a shop rag before leaving it for a while. Make sure it's clean and dry b...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Safe looking for caches in hollows
Obviously safety is usually a relative concept, what seems safe for you might not be for others, so answers here may vary. I don't have experience with geocaching, but I do have a lot of experience with reptiles. I'm a hobbyist wildlife photographer specializing in reptiles, amphibians and insects. ...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Strengthening exercises for a backpacking trip?
I just finished a 22.4 mile hiking trip, which was spread of two days and it's the furthest I've ever hiked. When I finished my body was killing me, apparently taking long day hikes is not a replacement for actual trekking. My question is, is there any specific workouts that you've found benefit you...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: How to dry paddling gloves
1.) I would be hesitant to advise you to put them in the dryer. I've never tried or experienced it myself, and my evidence is completely anecdotal, but I've heard that the neoprene has the potential to turn brittle if exposed to forced heating. 2.) The two main things to consider when drying out gl...
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almost 11 years ago
Question Is it realistic to teach yourself rock climbing?
I've been wanting to get into rock climbing for a while but I live in a very flat area with no climbing gyms around. I'm planning on moving to the Pacific Northwest soon and I wanted to know what the general consensus was about teaching yourself to climb. Obviously it would be easier to have a guide,...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Factors to be considered and prepared in case of unavoidable bivouac
In terms of the average hike that you talk about, with not reaching your intended campsite, there's really no difference in bivouacking and just camping without a tent. So you'd basically look for similar conditions that you'd normally camp in. Find a place out of the wind, preferably with a cover...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: How can I stay warm in subzero (0°F, -18°C ) weather?
Also, I'd like to add stay out of the wind. The wind will suck away any heat you build up, and unless you have a strong tent, cold air will pour in through the seams. One time we were dumb enough to camp on a mountain bald with no trees to protect us in a steady 40 mph wind and a member of our group ...
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almost 11 years ago
Question How to store a backpack while sleeping?
During a recent backpacking trip, we hung the bear bag and got ready to set in for the night and I realized I wasn't sure what I should do with my backpack. Technically the backpack was carrying the food bag all day, so should it be hung? I should clarify that I am not using a bear canister, so altho...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Flashlight or headlamp for night hiking?
In my personal experience, a headlamp is much better. It doesn't have the directional capabilities of a traditional flashlight, but it leaves your hands free for other tools. During an emergency hike/climb down a mountain in sub-zero temperatures I needed to use my hands to hold on to trekking polls ...
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almost 11 years ago
Answer A: Should I expect reptiles in Southwest USA deserts in winter?
To add to what others have mentioned, reptiles do indeed go into hibernation, but not in the thought of "traditional" hibernation, such as that of a bear or other mammals. Reptiles usually do burrow down, but they can certainly be awoken. Here in the southeast, if the temperatures rise just a bit, we...
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almost 11 years ago