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Posts by topshot‭

28 posts
66%
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Q&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 t...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

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Q&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 ...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 C...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 curre...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭  ·  last activity 5y ago by System‭

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Q&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 h...

posted 6y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 7y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 ...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 a...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

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Q&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 dev...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭  ·  last activity 8y ago by System‭

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Q&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 (???)...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 us...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 yo...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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" ...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 wit...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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.

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 intimat...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 electr...

posted 5y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 ev...

posted 6y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 insignifica...

posted 7y ago by topshot‭

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Q&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 anecdota...

posted 8y ago by topshot‭

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