Activity for roryalsop‭

Type	On...	Excerpt	Status	Date
Answer	—	A: A removeable solution for slipping insoles? By far the simplest and most hygienic solution is to buy two sets. That way when you change shoes the other pair can breathe and dry out. This should be the preferred option. It also means you don't need to worry about what kind of tape to use. (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I look for in hiking binoculars Optically, even cheap binoculars are very good these days so unless you need something special I wouldn't use this as a differentiator when looking. Instead the three I see as most important are size, weight and robustness. If they are going with you everywhere you need to make sure they will fit... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to maintain climbing strength while training for a marathon Just keep climbing-is sort of the right answer, but you need to fit it in to your training and recovery schedule. I kept climbing all the way through training for various marathons. My solution was to do a climb a week in place of one of my small to medium sized runs. If this happened to be right... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you get the right shape on trim-to-fit insoles? The only technique I use is to take out the old ones, draw round them with a sharpie and then cut out to the inside of that line. This works very well, and trimming to make sure the line is just removed gives an accurate measure. (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: When do small waterfalls get significant freezing The closest I have seen to that was after 9 days of -20C (-4F) temperatures, which also froze the surface of some large rivers here in Scotland. Warmer than that and the ice doesn't seem to grow - if the flow rate is too great I guess there isn't the time for crystals to form before they are washed... (more)	—	about 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What’s the difference between a B and a T ice axe? These letters stand for Basic and Technical The real differences are: B's are lighter, relatively cheap and not recommended for technical climbing. They are considered general mountaineering axes. T axes are heavier and much stronger. They will cope with technical climbs and be much more durable. ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: End-of-season maintenance / storage tips for ski boots? If they are in two pieces (hard shell and soft liner) then treat them separately, washing and drying the liner before putting it away in an airing cupboard or similar warm dry place. You want to clean the shell with clean water and a little soap, to get rid of grit, salt and other deposits, taking e... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is a national forest always a forest? While the majority of national forests in the US and the UK are forested, there are also wide areas included within the boundaries that may be mountains, plains, lakes etc. Often the boundaries are a legacy of when the area was originally defined - sometimes forest has retreated, sometimes the bound... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Should I register caches when I know in longer perspective I will move? I would suggest that if you can service them for a couple of years then you should definitely register them. At the end of that period, you can always deregister/delete and create community caches. As long as you handle the changes in a sensible way - ie not abandoning a cache - then I can't see th... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to avoid pendulum descent when belaying? On your descent, assuming you don't have an overhang, you simply place your heels against the wall, feet about shoulder width apart and lean back until your legs are horizontal, holding the rope above the knot and walk or bounce gently as your belaying partner lowers you. The only things that will ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the criteria that should be taken in consideration when buying a PLB? I think your criteria are all good, in that you should choose one that is suitable for the environments you will be adventuring in, but price is almost irrelevant, and unless you are hiking really long distances weight wouldn't worry me. For me, critical features would include: battery life signa... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Would it be acceptable to plant OC's mobile cache into GC's caches? I don't think OpenCaching is unpopular in Germany, just that GeoCaching.com seems to be the de facto portal in most regions. If you mean a tag or chip that you pop in an existing cache with the intent that it be moved by the next visitor to the cache, I can't see a problem with that - it's pretty c... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to minimize sea sickness? My mother suffers from every form of travel sickness, and the only solutions she has found that help to ameliorate the symptoms (if not actually remove them entirely) are: Drugs: specifically Stugeron Bracelets: I am a bit skeptical of these, as is Skeptics.SE, but they seem to work for her. Exampl... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Water-resistant shoes for Trekking in New Zealand I am a big fan of the low ankle water resistant Salomon fell-running shoes. The Gore-Tex allows moisture and sweat to escape rapidly, and when worn with wicking socks they actually work well to keep your feet dry and sweat-free. I do most of my hiking in Scotland, which is on a par with New Zealand... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What's special about a winter gas mixture? Why does it work better? While there seem to be a few different mixtures, key to them all is a lower vapourisation temperature requirement and lower viscosity so they are easier to ignite. In cold weather, normal fuel may not flow well or may not be able to light as it won't vapourise. (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Where can I get Tyvek maps? Palomar has a line of waterproof, soft, pliable maps called "Crumpled City". They have cities all over the world. Some in the United States include New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco, California; Boston, Massachusetts; Miami, Florida, and others. (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is the benefit to telemark skiing? Telemark skiis are much more suitable for cross-country skiing than Alpine skis. Having the connection only at the front of the boot allows you to walk and cover long distances very efficiently across flat snow. But even in cross country-skiing, you will sometimes need to ski downhill, so the style ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Are there any sailboating rules in additional to COLREGS? While there are country specific regulations which may apply close to shore or on inland waterways, the international community agrees that the COLREGs form the basis for rules, so as long as you know them you will be at least on the right side of the law. The standard for lights is the same the wo... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Things to consider when choosing a sailing club In addition to David's answer, I'd also include training courses membership in points racing league RYA accreditation, at least in the UK adult and child friendly/capable (is it targeted at children or adults or both) facilities, e.g. anti fouling, over winter storage, maintenance etc location - i... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What should I look for in a rope for climbing? As @whatsisname commented, the first thing to do is get your gear. Read this question for some useful tips. Then you need to decide on what type of rope you need based on what you want to do. Read this question on mountaineering vs rock climbing as an example. Read this question on fall ratings on ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What exercises should you do before a ski trip to build leg stamina? Stair running and squats are the key exercises I do before a skiing holiday By stair running I just mean multiple reps up and down stairs. This is easy to do at the office - if you are on the 10th floor, try running up and down 10 or 15 times during your lunch break. Deep squats, with or without a ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How efficient is the Altai skis "the Hok"? Depends on what you mean by climbing. If it is still walking up a steep slope then these should give you added grip on snow. If you are actually climbing then they will be of no use at all, as in this situation you need to be able to use your toes and sides of your feet as well as the soles. Pers... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Outdoor activities in San Francisco when it's misty and raining? The only one on your list that is no fun when wet is the Golden Gate visit. The following are all do-able on foot - I used the trolley cars as part of my exploration when I went to see the following: The trolley car to fisherman's wharf is a good idea. The Coit Tower is good for a walk around Hai... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to prevent skin cracks? Ideally get a moisturiser that is cream or oil based. For lips and between the fingers, vaseline is excellent at moisturising, then keeping the moisture in. (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do people safely trek in polar bear country? I think this question is sufficiently similar to the other one that the answer will be identical. It isn't safe. Of course this company is taking risks, as all exploration companies do. There are many risks with camping or trekking in polar bear country. What you do is minimise the risks where poss... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What is a self erecting tent and why should I want one? A self erecting tent does exactly what it says. Typically it will be made in a way that the poles will naturally erect the tent so all you need to do is take it out of its bag and then peg it to the ground. The major downside is that taking it down requires some effort and technique to twist and fol... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I recognise quicksand and how do I get out if stuck? Hartley's answer on the 'starts sinking' question linked to by @berry120 has the usual guidance for quicksand as well as general boggy/marshy ground. If you are on your own, though, the key thing is to get your rucksack off and get yourself horizontal quickly. If you are vertical, and sinking, gravi... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the advantages of learning to ski on a trip? (as opposed to beforehand) From the perspective of getting the most out of the trip, you should get some learning in beforehand: Your first lessons are likely to be the least exciting - how to snowplow, basic turns, stops etc on the beginner slopes. So you won't get to appreciate the ski trip as much as if you already have th... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I tie a slackline with only carabiners and webbing? You have probably already seen the excellent resource at www.slackline.com but they have an excellent page on how to tie your slackline to a tree using ordinary webbing and carabiners. Key image from their sequence: Then just add a carabiner (with webbing wrapped round it to protect) to the metal... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How can you make snares safe? This is not exactly a direct answer but may be more appropriate: I feel that signposting a snare is a good way of getting your game stolen so in general I would advise not signposting but instead making the snare where animals will go but not where humans will walk. This is a lot easier than it so... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do you best treat a turned ankle in the back country? There are relatively well known steps to dealing with this out in the wilds. One online resource with pictures is at Backpacker Magazine. The basic steps (that are detailed there) are: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (which you should do with any sprain, wherever you are) Bandage reasonably t... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: When buying a wooden boat, fixer-upper or scrapyard? From the link @Amine posted, the following areas are key: For the keel area check the joints between planks and frames visually, looking for gaps or any sign that the plank is not tight against the frame. Then use a screw driver to test the wood for softness on both plank and frame near the mating ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: What are the options for stopping wetsuit booties becoming water logged? Tape is a useful way to do it, but you'll find it starts to tear up the neoprene fairly quickly. My preferred solution when it is cold enough to require boots is to get the high ankle ones and tuck them into the wetsuit legs.this then means the water doesn't go into the boots. In warmer weather su... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I reduce bow string travel on a bow drill? The answer is in your bowing action - the travel comes from your arm movement not being in a straight line each direction: there is a bias one way or the other. Usually the bias is in the direction that relieves the string overlap, in your case this is up the way, so you need to actively bias the oth... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Is my tent pole a lightning rod? Any pole will have a fractionally greater chance of attracting lightning than a piece of flat ground or a dome tent - but this doesn't mean the increased chance is that high. If you are in the middle of an entirely flat field and your tent pole is the highest object for miles, then it will be a sligh... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Question	—	How should I correctly use poles and other equipment to avoid back pain on long hikes? 3 of my lower vertebra have irreparable damage, so I have various workarounds to minimise pain and swelling at home and in the office, and even on short term hikes (ibuprofen FTW) but on a longer hike (eg 5 days or more) I don't want to consume that many painkillers, so am trying to learn techniques ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Can I heat a shelter with fire? If you are in extremely cold climes, setting a fire inside your shelter may be essential. Key issues are around getting enough oxygen in to it, and getting the smoke out. Taking these in reverse order: You can keep smoke levels low by using dry wood or smokeless fuels, but if using a survival shel... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to set up a tent in deep snow A snow shovel will make your life a lot easier, yes - it gives you the option to dig out snow to use as a windbreak, and to lower the tent a little into the snow, reducing the wind. Digging down a little also lets you reach more packed snow, which makes it easier to provide a flat surface. You shou... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Do I need to worry about snow covering up my tent? If you get that sort of snowfall, the correct safety procedures include clearing snow every couple of hours. Set your alarm and get out to clear snow - especially from the entrance, but all round if it looks like the tent will get covered. The tents used in the Antarctic are shaped like steep pyrami... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to estimate current speed and direction while swimming at sea? Typically, if you are out in the open ocean and do not have a GPS device you don't have any useful way to measure velocity This may not be a problem though, as what you are wanting is not your velocity, but an indication that you are heading in a straight line to the destination (if we assume a cons... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Ideal and Minimal Rope Diameter for Lead Climbing The abc of rock climbing website has a useful article when choosing ropes. Diameter Rope diameters range from 7.5mm to 11mm. In general, a thicker diameter means a stronger and more durable rope, but it is also heavier. Generally speaking, you will be on the safe side with a rope ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: How to estimate distance in sea You have two questions there. I will try to answer both: 1) Triangulation - if you can reasonably accurately pace out a 100 metre baseline and can estimate angles to within a few degrees then a rough estimate of distance is possible. An example from eso.org - in reality it is much easier than this... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Bowline knot, end at the inside or outside? A bowline is not recommended for tying a boat to a pole because it can work itself loose over time, or when bounced. Instead, the recommendations are an anchor bend or a double bowline - and as an anchor bend can become impossibly tight over time, a double bowline might suit you best: from Wikipe... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Features to look for when buying a stove (for car camping) As a keen car camping family with 3 kids, I can definitely recommend your second option - it has sufficient power and capacity to make meals for 5 without taking up too much space. It is light, easy to clean, and the small gas canisters for it are available in a huge number of places. It is also lig... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Changing the shrouds, how would I know how far if I need to? So, there are a number of challenges you face. Firstly, what is the reason for wanting a mizzen? It will change the sailing characteristics significantly, as well as require a lot of work. tl;dr - this is a fair old undertaking to do for no obvious reason. If you do decide to add one, you have 2 re... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Does anyone have an account of someone using a survival tin in a survival situation I have heard of a wide range of stories where people were saved using some string, a piece of flint etc. (A related example from earlier this month is reported in the Hamilton Advertiser where a boy used the laces from his trousers to save a dog.) and if they had had a survival kit they would have ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Question	—	Is there simple guidance on sunburn risk associated with altitude? When skiing, if the weather is good, I often come back with a better tan than if I have been at the beach. Obviously with altitude, there is less blocking of UV rays by the atmosphere. But how much is blocked? Is there any guidance that says, "For every x thousand metres your exposure is doubled" ... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Why go without socks with climbing shoes? I am not sure about the being able to feel more, but the most important reason I don't use socks is to avoid the rock boot sliding on my foot. If you are on a marginal grip using just the edge of your sole, you don't want the boot to move at all. This is also one of the reasons that rock boots fo... (more)	—	over 11 years ago
Answer	—	A: Tent floor waterproof rating Hydrostatic rating on a tent is the highest column of water a material can withstand for up to one minute before the water starts to penetrate (assuming good seams, no damage etc) The ratings translate as follows (have seen these quoted in a couple of places, this is from campingcrazy.com) 1000mm ... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago
Answer	—	A: How do I use these "guy line runners" to adjust the tension on my tent's lines? The simplest ones are like this, and even the more complex ones are typically broadly similar. Usage is to have set your peg at a useful distance (ie not too close to the tent, as it won't hold the pole/skin out, and not too far away as you might trip over it) and pop the loop round the peg. Then j... (more)	—	almost 12 years ago

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