Activity for QuentinUK‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Waterproofing a sleeping bag Water proof spray would only help with the outside of the bag. Waterproofing is available that the bag is washed in which coats all the down with hydrophobic water repellant. Or ready made ones are also available. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn4BiDsVqyk (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some good games to play with children on hikes? Naming of objects. One player says the first letter of the name eg "I spy something beginning with G." The other players have to guess what it is, eg "Grass". The one who gets it right then takes their turn. (more)	—	about 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hints for hiking the west highland way Wild camping is allowed most places but due to car drivers leaving rubbish it's not allowed near the road at Loch Lomond in summer. Wishingwell Farmhouse campsite, Gartness and Drymen Farm campsite are both closed.(according to Google Maps) Shops at Balmaha, Loch Lomond. There are a few campsites ... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the non-obvious pros and cons of an "Instant Tent" vs. a tent with shock cord poles One disadvantage of the instant pop up tent is that it does not pack very small. Approximately a 1m disk. When backpacking carrying one of these on the back it has to be on the outside of the rucksack. It can easily catch the wind and it is difficult to walk in a strong wind. They are single skin te... (more)	—	almost 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why is it prohibited to sleep in a tent? These laws are often to stop homeless people hanging around. In England the vagrancy act has not been repealed and the police still arbitrarily arrest people for being vagrant. So even sleeping rough without a tent is illegal. In other places they just want to extract as much money from tourists as p... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: A list of suitable foods for a long hike Porridge is good for breakfast. The small packets of "golden syrup flavour" are the best, but a bit more expensive than regular porridge. (N.B. The more powdery it is the faster it cooks.) Carbs: rice/pasta/ cous cous (I like "Moroccan medley", "tomato & chilli"). [aluminium bubble foil: DIY sh... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Stuff or roll a tent for storage? It is best to put everything away in the same order. the chance of the folds being along the same lines is very low. I find with modern tents the groundsheet wears out, (the very thin layer of waterproof that is on the woven nylon). I count the pegs and put them in the peg bag, the pole in the pole b... (more)	—	almost 9 years ago
Answer	—	A: Pros and cons of Tent vs bivvy bag Bivvy Pros: Very light. Minimum weight. Ease of finding a place to sleep. Stealth bivvying is easier. Very quick to setup or pack away, even in the dark. Helpful if you need to make a quick departure. You are at one with nature. Very little between you and the wild. You can fall to sleep looking... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Official Protocols to be followed in England for trekking/hiking It is very safe to walk alone in England. The standard walks will have lots of others walking along them. Wild camping is frowned upon in many places. Procedures: leaving gates as you find them. Carrying your rubbish to a dustbin. Look in the right direction when crossing a road. On roads, walk faci... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Trekking poles on planes At UK airports you are not allowed to take them into the cabin. They must be in the hold. You wont get them through security and they confiscate them, whatever airline you are on. (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you keep the inside of your backpack organized? Stuff is first put into plastic bags according to type. I use different coloured carrier bags so I can tell what is in each bag easily. There may be bags for small things within a larger bag. The pack is fully waterproof and only has an opening at the top. First goes in clothes. Underwear and sock... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Hemp socks and wicking properties One problem with hemp compared to wool is how it conducts heat when it is wet. Wet hemp conducts heat very well when wet which means your feet could get freezing cold. Wet wool is a poor heat conductor so even if wet they will not be as cold. (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Good quality walking maps for Spain If you want to go on walking routes then a good option is http://www.prames.com/ they will post walking guides internationally. Many of the guides include maps for the routes. The routes are also waymarked which is a large advantage as well. Even if you are not very good at Spanish it is worth gettin... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: Potability measure of water on Volcanic Mountains Volcanic water is not a problem. Volvic is a popular spring water in France it filters through an extinct volcano. Of course any water could have nasty chemicals in it. Filtering through a garment will not remove chemicals nor will boiling the water. You should ask locals about the water quality or l... (more)	—	about 10 years ago
Answer	—	A: What do unusual waymarks in France mean? There is a lot of crazy signage where you have to guess what it means. Some is old and messy, I've noticed that they have been cleaning it up and redoing lots of it. With small and neat signs. Sometimes you've got to guess and look for other signage. (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can I use a garbage bag to approximate pack size The garbage bags are soft and flexible, so they'll fit around stuff a lot easier than a rucksack. As well as being stiffer a rucksack will be divided into different compartments. The volume will include the side pockets and the lid space. Something like the sleeping bag will take up a large space and... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Facility to test cold weather gear in London UK Maybe you're thinking of the Vertical Chill, at Ellis Brigham in Covent Garden? This is like a giant refrigerator for ice climbing but not rain and wind. http://www.vertical-chill.com/vertical-chill-london.htm (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How far is a reasonable distance for someone to hike on their first trip? If you've greatly built up your muscles it does not necessarily mean you will be a better hiker. Many body builders have big upper muscles but do not work on their legs. Running can help here not just strength but stamina. Even if you are very strong, carrying a heavy rucksack is not advisable withou... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do I need to worry about snow covering up my tent? If the tent is not designed for snow then you'll need to make sure it doesn't get weighted down by the snow on top. The edges with a low gradient get covered in snow and this stretches the tent. You'll need to keep pushing it off the tent. If it has a flat top you'll have to push it off there as well... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do rescue services use avalanche transceivers in the UK? They do in the Cairngorms. I have met skiers in Corrour bothy using them. (more)	—	about 11 years ago