Activity for Jonathan Patt‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Definition of tributaries above/below a landmark Contact your state natural resources agency (California Fish & Wildlife) and ask them for the official explanation. Otherwise, the most likely interpretation is that any tributary which connects into the river downstream of the indicated point is open to fishing. (more)	—	almost 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to minimise erosion damage to footpaths when walking? When walking on sidehill tread cut into a slope, walk closer to the uphill side when possible rather than towards the downslope, which can cause the tread to creep downhill over time. Do not cut switchbacks, as this wears paths between the properly constructed tread that allows water to bypass water... (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Would it be warmer to sleep at the bottom or on the side of a valley? Cold air drains and settles in low areas at night. In canyons and valleys especially, cold air is going to be "running" off the tops of the higher elevation ridges and peaks above you and settling into the canyon bottoms. If you have an opportunity to do so, pick an area elevated somewhat off the low... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do I need to worry about inadvertently creating a distress signal while using a space tarp? This seems unlikely—simply facing something orange to the sky doesn't get automatically detected as a request for assistance. In general, if someone isn't searching for you, no one is going to be looking to see it in the first place. A space blanket might be useful in that sense if you've alre... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Legal deep-woods campsites or forests that allow off-trail hiking and ad hoc camping in Maryland? Unless otherwise indicated by specific restrictions that supercede the default, U.S. National Forests generally allow backcountry camping anywhere you choose. They also generally allow dispersed camping along roads anywhere you want unless otherwise noted. Contact the local U.S. Forest Service ranger... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I do about large trash left by others on USFS land? When it's unsuitable for removal by your group, contact the relevant authority for that land and let them know the type of litter and its location (pictures and GPS coordinates are helpful). For example, in cases of extreme littering, U.S. federal land management agencies will sometimes organize majo... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: When is it appropriate to make a cairn? On designated trails that are infrequently traveled and maintained, using them to mark a faint or overgrown section of trail, the point a trail passes under a large downed tree, a switchback, a trail junction, or a creek crossing, where the tread of the trail itself is not visually clear ahead, is ge... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are pets allowed to thru-hike US National Scenic Trails? No. They can be on the vast majority of each trail, but in most cases the land agencies along the way still have their own rules, and many National Parks (and some state parks) forbid pets on trails. You would have to either bypass those areas or arrange for your pet to be transported to the other en... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I achieve/maintain optimal hydration? Drink when you're thirsty, don't when you aren't. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: When will a rattlesnake strike? Stop and move away. Generally that's all you need to do. The rattle is a defensive warning. Develop the instinct (and teach your kids to do so as well) that you freeze, locate it, and move in the opposite direction the instant you hear a rattle, and you should be fine. (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What order of response time can I expect if I hit the "911" button on my SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker? My personal experience does not involve a satellite communication device, but may still shed some light on response time. I was day hiking with a small group in a remote canyon in a U.S. Wilderness Area, off-trail, several miles from any road and a number of miles further to any residences. One membe... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the Pros and Cons of No-Cook Backpacking? Pros You don't need to carry a stove or fuel. The space and weight that would be spent on these can be devoted to other things, or eliminated altogether. You don't need to take the time to cook things. If there's any meal preparation involving rehydration, it generally just involves putting water i... (more)	—	over 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the best methods for hanging food in a tree? In most places without extremely human habituated bears, a simple hang with the line tossed over a sturdy, isolated branch and tied off to an adjacent tree trunk is suitable. The bag should end up being roughly 12 feet above the ground, 5 feet away from the trunk and 5 feet below the branch. The PCT... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's a good, lightweight solution for portable cookware? I cook almost everything in a titanium pot, by boiling water and rehydrating dehydrated meals, whether they be prepackaged backpacking meals from a variety of sources (including Mountain House, Packit Gourmet, Packlite Foods, or the many other options out there), meals sold in dehydrated form at groc... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to efficiently fill a bladder with water? My standard daypack came with a Camelbak shutoff valve and quick disconnect for the bite valve. I upgraded all my other packs to have the same using Camelbak's HydroLink Filter Adapter kit, which also comes with an endpiece you can put onto a filter hose. This allows me to stop for water and, witho... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: How safe is it for women to hike alone? I think it depends very much on the area. In my area, it's very uncommon to encounter anyone once you get in more than a mile or two from the roads. Back there people are generally safer from other humans than they are in town. However, there is always the possibility and it is good to be prepared. ... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I fold in / tidy up the straps on my rucksack? Clip together any unclipped compression straps even if you aren't tightening them, just to reduce the length that flaps around. The adjustment straps on the top and bottom of the shoulder straps should generally be kept loose so you can adjust the load throughout a hike depending on terrain. Osprey h... (more)	—	about 10 years ago