Posts by Jani Hyytiäinen
I found a paper from Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Providing Water for Birds While it does mention the usage of a pump or circulating water, it doesn't suggest it to attract birds. However, it says...
Yes there is. First, without going into specific products I can say that I've ditched the idea of shell jackets. And by shell-jackets I'm talking about jackets made out of materials like Gore-Tex. ...
I would say from late August to mid-September. However, the exact timing, the color intensity and duration varies greatly from year to year and is impossible to predict. If you want to maximize you...
There is really no magic in starting a fire. Even moist wood will ignite if you do it right. First you want to forget about paper or any fluids as they won't do you any good, then you need some pat...
I tend to attach the sleeping mattress to the bottom of my backpack so that my backpack can stand upright without extra support. Highly convenient.
Crossing a stream in a group Each participant will bring their own rope to the trip if such a crossing is anticipated. First picture: #1 will tie the rope around him. Strongest will cross first. ...
Lapland in the spring We are going on a 2-week trek in Finnish Lapland 27th may. As it turns out, there's more snow this year than on average. If the snow won't melt before our trip, we're plannin...
I don't see air temperature as playing any part in the equation. I just wrote some instructions for starting a camp fire and they should apply to pretty much every situation.
Condensation is about Relative Humidity of a given system. Relative humidity (RH) is the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor to the equilibrium vapor pressure of water at a given temperat...
What I use for dish washing is Ecover ZERO Dish Soap. It's made with plant-based and mineral ingredients which makes it biodegradable. Comes in a 25oz bottle so it should be enough for you for refi...
One of the problems with gluten free diet is bread. Fortunately the solution has already been invented in the stone age and due to its energy content, it's perfect for backpacking. Instead of just ...
Suggestion Keep hiking with the friend of yours. It may be that you were not chosen as the host due to him. Reasoning There are active and passive host finding strategies when it comes to ticks....
For smaller trips I always take my 85L backpack, for longer trips I always take my 110L backpack. If there's extra room, I use the compression straps to make the backpack slimmer. But here's what ...
Painted wood with 2 galvanized nails like this: They do that all the time in Finnish natural parks and such signs can take all the 4 seasons with minimal maintenance. The tree will push the sig...
Plantago major (broadleaf plantain, white man's foot, or greater plantain). Image source Plantain is found all over the world, and is one of the most abundant and accessible medicinal herbs. It...
Tall and thin. There are 2 rules in weight distribution with a backpack. As close to your back as possible As high as possible (if not traveling in steep terrain, such as mountains where it is s...
Do NOT try this at home. But if your life depends on it and you can't find anything you know is edible, you can follow these instructions. Again, you may die by doing this but if the odds are you'l...
For the night, open your boots completely (remove soles), have them upright and throw in iron oxide -based hand warmers. They'll heat up to some 70°C/160°F and your boots will be dry by the morning...
Merino wool is self-cleaning. Carry as many pairs you need to keep your feet always dry as fungi thrives in moist and dark places. Dry your socks in direct sunlight. Do not wash them too often as w...
Neoprene socks. Your feet will stay warm You retain the feel for the surface you're walking on Weights practically nothing Protects your feet from sharp rocks You can find them in stores sellin...
Geological map can help you to estimate in beforehand the ease of travel, potential of springs and type of vegetation. Highly useful in my book.
Sauna. And not that joke-of-a-sauna but a real Scandinavian sauna with 80°C / 176°F. One thing with ticks is that they can take an enormous amount of beating and other forms of killing attempts but...
There's one piece of equipment I've carried with me on every trip, even on day trips and that's a lightweight and durable rescue blanket. Not only can it help you to stay warm (shiny side in) but i...
I'm not sure about grape sap but I can tell you that birch sap is great and has no ill effects. You can collect it quickly and easily in the break of winter/early spring and it contains heterosides...
