Activity for topshot‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: Choosing a backpack size between small and medium, which is preferable? A too short pack is worse because you will end up carrying some weight on the shoulders instead of the hips. I would normally lean toward the larger size but that is because I only use "frameless" packs where the torso length will compress a little bit once loaded. Since the Exos has a somewhat rigid... (more)	—	about 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Backpacking with incontinence There probably isn't a big concern about bears being attracted to your stash since they would much rather have your food, but you could either: Hang it just like you would your food. Place it within an OPSAK if hanging isn't practical where you will be. You should place the OPSAK inside some kind o... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Boots or trail runners with reference to blisters? I'm likely out of the norm, but I believe properly fitting (and thickness) socks may be even more important than the shoes with regard to blisters. I personally use Darn Tough because they are knit so that there aren't any seams per se that could cause any issues. I size them so they are somewhat snu... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is this tiny round shiny black bug that bites? If not a tick (photo is way too fuzzy) then I would say bedbug nymphs since you indicate they are tiny. (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I look for in a spinning 22lr target? Aside from the durability issue @ivanivan mentioned, if you hit the "stem" that is common to nearly all spinners, you might take that as a hit when in fact it was a miss. You should also look at Champion Target's Duraseal series, which are a bit more environmentally friendly as there is no lead spla... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is it OK to throw pebbles and stones in streams, waterfalls, ponds, etc.? Technically, according to Leave No Trace principles you should leave everything as you find it. Two other related principles would be travel on durable surfaces and respect wildlife. As you intimated, fewer rocks on the trail could perhaps make it less durable and more susceptible to erosion. Obvious... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where to hike near Indianapolis? Looking for rocky terrain/elevation changes Most of the good stuff is in southern IN - look into McCormicks Creek SP near Spencer, Morgan Monroe State Forest N of Bloomington, the Deam Wilderness area on the SE side of Lake Monroe and Brown County SP east of there. To the west of Indy are Turkey Run and Shades State Parks. The Knobstone Trail... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: GSI and similar plastic camping cookware: safe to use over fires? In addition to Charlie's answer (damage to non-stick coating), I believe the more indirect and potentially hotter heat from a fire may damage the coating you can see on some of the handles. A stove of some kind would normally directly heat only to the bottom of a properly sized cookpiece so the handl... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can a gun spontaneously fire? About the only way I could imagine a firearm discharging on its own accord would be some kind of failure in the primer/powder that caused a spontaneous combustion. Perhaps some kind of large electric current perhaps or getting too hot. While Charlie has listed many negligent discharge (ND) causes, I... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to clean trail running shoes? I hose mine or throw them in the washer (front load). Remove inserts first. I don't see why they would take a couple days to dry. They should have a good bit of mesh and dry pretty quick. Even if they are damp they will dry fast once you put them on. I sometimes set mine outside in the sun or flip th... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: First timer-family going to Yosemite - do we need permits to camp and hike? @WeatherVane has already posted the permit link in a comment. Get your permits ASAP since you are at the 24 week window about now. They go fast - looks like Happy Isles TH is full through the current 24-week mark (9 Sep). You can get walk-up permits but lines are usually long and you won't have flexi... (more)	—	over 5 years ago
Answer	—	A: Philmont closed - any good places to go instead? Our crew deviated to Lost Creek Wilderness SW of Denver and Maroon Bells - Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen (bear canisters required, which they picked up at an REI on the way). The only issue they had was the Scouts had bags good enough for Philmont (40F) but not higher elevations, but the leader didn... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Would it make sense to backpack with an 8 lb tent at Philmont Scout Ranch? No, that is way too heavy (and large for 2 Scouts). You would be better off just using what Philmont offers, which are about 6 pounds the last I knew. Call and verify availability. You would be even better getting a lighter one if you can afford it, but they get more expensive the lighter you go. I ... (more)	—	over 6 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are square or rectangular tarp shapes more versatile? A rectangular would offer the most choices. I have used a 8x6 and 9x7 in a half-mid pitch above treeline in the Rockies. Whether it is rectangle or square, which is also a rectangle, is insignificant since you could do the same pitches with either one assuming the sides are long enough for the covera... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to minimize impact on terrain at camp? Kudos to you for at least trying to follow the LNT guidelines. You certainly see a LOT of well-used sites in designated Wilderness areas that do not meet the distance from trail/water criteria. Saw many of those sites last week in the Lost Creek Wilderness, including several that had significant tras... (more)	—	over 7 years ago
Answer	—	A: Headlamp and flies Fastening the lamp further down (eg, chest, waist) generally provides better perception of trail features and makes it easier to wear a headnet. If the light source is above your eyes, you won't be able to see the shadows cast by trail obstructions as well to judge their height/distance. If the light... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you remove a bullet from a cartridge? If you can't break it free with pliers where you've added some kind of protection against the teeth (rags, etc) gouging the bullet, you are left with either a collet puller (top) that goes in your press or hammer style puller (bottom). (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What does the three different volume specifications mean for the Gregory Whitney backpack? The increase in pack height to accommodate the S, M and L torso ranges changes the capacity. You'll note the weight is also different because of the extra fabric needed. The hipbelts usually change size quite a bit also since you apparently can't have a tall torso with a skinny waist. (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the pro and cons of two stage vs single stage triggers for hunting? What the 2-stage gains you is having a perceived lighter trigger weight even though it is the same overall. I forget the technical term for it, but the first stage takes up the "slack" or travel in the trigger up to where you reach the second stage. From there it acts just like a single stage. So the... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Will a lighter trigger pull help me be more accurate? My competition triggers were normally about 2 ounces. However, you can train yourself to use any weight within reason and 7-8 pounds is reasonable for a hunting rifle (people still manage to have accidental discharges). The key is a smooth squeeze directly to the rear, regardless of firearm type. Any... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I calculate how many watts of energy I need when camping? Power (watts) = Voltage (volts) Current (amps) or Current (amps) = Power (watts) / Voltage (volts) So in order to determine the watts from amps, you also need to know the voltage of the devices. Since you are camping, and specifically "car camping" rather than backpacking, I would expect most ... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are some alternatives to drilling holes in a toothbrush? I use a kids toothbrush (smaller size than adult) and cut down the handle a bit. Skip the toothpaste since your teeth are cleaned by the brushing action. If you really want it for your breath (???) some dry little dots of toothpaste to take with them. (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is ankle support a myth? This isn't an answer but it's too long for a comment. Since I was the author of that quote you snipped and info from BPL (where I'm a member) has already been presented, I'll just offer my anecdotal evidence that shoes are fine for your stated parameters if you have nothing wrong with your lower extr... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can one assess the fit of a shotgun? The general rule of thumb I've always read/heard is does the trigger hand placement naturally allow the finger to reach the trigger if you were to set the butt on the inside of the elbow - stick your arm out to your side, bend it so your forearm is pointing up, set shotgun/rifle on your arm out by yo... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can I get comfortable sleeping on my side (backpacking)? I toss and turn a lot and haven't had an issue with the 2.5 inch pads I've used (2 NeoAirs and a Pacific Outdoor Equipment knockoff). The key has been inflation level. There's definitely a sweet spot for me and it's pretty small where I'd guess my hip is 1 inch off the ground. Too little and obviousl... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Am I packing too much for a 2-3 day hike in the forests? Yes, you're taking too much weight at least for 3 days. I recently went on a 7-day trip in the Wind River Range in Wyoming (USA) where I camped at 11000+ feet or 3350+ m all but 1 night. There was one day/night of rain and one morning got down to 18 F (-7 C). My total packed weight with food and 1 L ... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is there a handgun or rifle target practice set-up for the home? My point of view will come from training for competition (eg, Olympics) since that is what I did. You won't find any non-cartridge BB/pellet gun that will simulate real recoil so I wouldn't bother. The closest would be the spring piston ones that were in use before CO2 and compressed air took over su... (more)	—	about 8 years ago
Answer	—	A: When making camp in the mountains, which direction should I face my tent? You pitch the door downwind to help prevent blowing rain/snow from entering when you go in and out. Orienting the shelter to prevailing/expected winds is even more important for those of us that use tarps rather than tents. We don't have a door per se, but have less coverage so need to make sure we t... (more)	—	about 8 years ago