Martin F‭

Let's address what you refer to as "Grid declination". Unfortunately, there are two competing definitions: First, the definition you are conforming to, is that it is the angle from grid north to m...

posted 5y ago by Martin F‭

As you can see from an answer to your other question, you cannot determine your global coordinates via a magnetic compass. Navigation, however, where you wish to use a compass to help you travel fr...

posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

Tandem kayaks are extremely common. That said, some degree of qualification is needed. Unlike "solo" and "tandem" canoeing, the terms "single" and "double" are used. (They can be abbreviated to S ...

posted 6y ago by Martin F‭

There are detailed instructions at gizmodo.com/how-to-make-your-own-tent-footprint. The example used is even a Big Agnes (but one with an isosceles trapezoid rather than your simple rectangle). Es...

posted 8y ago by Martin F‭

They constitute a sine table for (0 - 45) degrees. Trigonometry: rise = slope distance * sine (inclination angle) Example: You observe a slope length of 50m, and an elevation angle of 10°. The...

posted 8y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

What is a "top cap" on a climber's haul bag and how does it work? In Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (and also at neilhopkins.us/mountaineering-guide-2/aid-climbing-equipment) is A to...

1 answer  ·  posted 8y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

The problem you describe is known in surveying as three point resection – essentially you need to observe angles, from an unknown point, between three points whose coordinates are known. Ideally,...

posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

You did not say whether you were going downhill skiing or cross-country. The difference is significant: When downhill skiing you are being carried uphill each time between runs and so are not gene...

posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

It will depend on whereabouts along the Thames you live but there are many canoe and kayak clubs and water-based outdoor recreation centres around. It is possible to get into it without any trainin...

posted 7y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 7y ago by System‭

I reuse "single-use" plastic bottles many, many times. Generally, they do not break. The big advantage of many outdoor-use plastic bottles, however, is that the lid remains tethered to the bottle....

posted 6y ago by Martin F‭

What are the different names for camping stove alcohol and where can I get such a fuel? Note, this is not about white gas (aka "Coleman" fuel).

2 answers  ·  posted 6y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 6y ago by System‭

You mention hiking boots but you show what are more like mountaineering boots. The difference between the two types of boot have implications regarding their use for certain types of climbing: Hiki...

posted 6y ago by Martin F‭

Something not widely understood yet of critical importance is the cold water shock phenomenon. Cold-water shock is the first stage of the sudden and unexpected immersion in water which temperat...

posted 5y ago by Martin F‭

A strap running through a buckle is typically easy to loosen and tighten as desired. Usually, it stays in place. Sometimes, however, it slowly (or quickly) works its way loose, as though the thickn...

3 answers  ·  posted 5y ago by Martin F‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

The folks at Smartwool explain why you should not use fabric softener on Merino wool: Machine-wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water (avoid hot water as heat may shrink wool). Use mild soa...

posted 5y ago by Martin F‭