The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

Most Popular

more tags
1500 questions
52
votes
6 answers

I never adjust for true north. Is this bad practice?

This question (Calculate true north with a compass and map) got me thinking. I rarely bother adjusting compass bearings for magnetic north. Is this bad? I understand the theory but I just rarely bother. It's never seemed to have caused me any…
user2766
51
votes
7 answers

How to safely rescue someone drowning as an untrained bystander?

Motivated by a comment thread in this question here. As far as I know the consensus basically boils down to: It is very hard rescuing someone who is drowning. It can be very dangerous rescuing a drowning person, as they can drown their attempted…
fgysin
  • 12,957
  • 1
  • 41
  • 69
50
votes
11 answers

What are the downsides to sleeping in a hammock on a multi-day hike?

I've read that hammocks are a very light way to travel through the wilderness. You just need the hammock, a cover, and a light sleeping bag, but there must be disadvantages compared to taking a tent or a bivy sack. What are they?
Ross
  • 1,827
  • 2
  • 15
  • 20
50
votes
3 answers

Is it possible to rappel with only a rope? (No harness, Prusik cord, or other gear)

There may be an emergency situation where I find myself needing to lower myself but with no or damaged equipment. Assuming I only have a rope, can I lower myself to safe ground?
Reverend Gonzo
  • 8,218
  • 11
  • 49
  • 77
50
votes
12 answers

Is there an organization for adults to learn outdoor skills with their kids?

I had to tie down a tree last night since recent storms broke the guy lines I had placed when I planted it, and I used a tautline knot how-to I found online to tie it, since I was never a Scout. After reading a comment by @KRyan on a recent…
Jonathan E. Landrum
  • 1,875
  • 2
  • 18
  • 33
49
votes
10 answers

How can you navigate without a compass or GPS

What are the ways you can navigate when you don't have a compass or a GPS? For example how can you tell which way is north.
Gabriel Solomon
  • 591
  • 4
  • 6
49
votes
9 answers

Why is it bad to use your whole foot in rock climbing

I was reading: “The larger the foot-holds, the more beginners tend to put as much of their shoes onto them. Instead, also when the foot-hold offers more space, we must still use only the forefoot and avoid using the foot arch and heel.” Source I…
Sidharth Ghoshal
  • 683
  • 1
  • 5
  • 9
49
votes
8 answers

When should I avoid geotagging?

I did not use to think of geotagging photos as a leave-no-trace issue. In fact, one slogan says leave only footprints, take only photos. Yet the Leave No Trace Social Media Guidance states: Tag thoughtfully – avoid tagging (or geotagging)…
gerrit
  • 27,162
  • 12
  • 91
  • 203
49
votes
7 answers

Is it better to wear one pair or two pairs of socks while hiking?

From personal experience I tend to wear two pairs of socks, normally some running socks and then my hiking socks on top of that. It helps me avoid blisters. Quite a few of my friends thinks this is nonsense. But with well worn-in boots I always tend…
Aim Kai
  • 2,897
  • 1
  • 20
  • 28
48
votes
11 answers

How to clean rock-climbing shoes?

I have never found a good answer to this one: How do you clean rock-climbing shoes, without ruining them? Let me be more specific. I have a pair of modern leather-and-fancy-rubber climbing shoes made by a major brand. They fit exactly the way I…
john_science
  • 5,756
  • 5
  • 31
  • 70
48
votes
12 answers

How do I make people not be afraid of me and my dogs?

I like to hike, and I have two large dogs (German Shepherd, Presa Canario). After a long hike I look reasonably homeless (long hair, unshaven, muddy). Combined with two large, potentially dangerous dogs, it might scare off some people. How can I…
Censored to protect the guilty
  • 1,622
  • 2
  • 13
  • 17
48
votes
5 answers

Can I use a bicycle helmet as a climbing helmet?

I have a bicycle helmet that fits well. Can it be used effectively as a rock climbing helmet? Most climbing helmets have a hard shell that the bicycle helmet does not. However, one of the more expensive climbing helmets, the Petzl Meteor III,…
Mr.Wizard
  • 9,506
  • 1
  • 38
  • 76
47
votes
15 answers

How to harden feet to avoid blisters on long hikes

I've enjoyed hiking my entire life but I have one huge problem. The skin on my feet is extremely soft and sensitive. I wear good wool socks with properly fitting boots and change socks during long hikes. Still, if I am going to be on the trail for a…
Justin C
  • 3,515
  • 1
  • 24
  • 33
47
votes
16 answers

How can I tell if I am dehydrated or have low electrolytes (need salt, etc.)?

How can detect, in the outdoors with minimal equipment, if I am dehydrated or need electrolytes? Update Some background: I get overheated very easily, possibly because I don't sweat as much as most people around me (in the same conditions). When I…
Clay Nichols
  • 1,434
  • 1
  • 11
  • 20
47
votes
2 answers

Can I eat rotten meat and carcass given enough cooking?

I've met often with the concept that rotten meat and carcass is inedible because of bacteria and toxins. The most harmful is the botulinum toxin. However, in the question Can any waterborne pathogens survive boiling?, a link pointed to an article…
Danubian Sailor
  • 9,507
  • 7
  • 40
  • 77
1 2 3
…
99 100