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1500 questions
42
votes
6 answers
What essential items should go in a small first aid kit?
Another question asked what survival equipment should be carried in an emergency kit. But very little was about medical or first aid supplies (band-aids, gauze, tylenol, moleskin, etc).
What items would you consider essential to bring in a small…
jrdioko
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42
votes
9 answers
How can I identify edible berries/fruit from poisonous?
How can I identify edible berries/fruit in the wide and avoid the poisonous varieties? Is there a general guideline that can be followed or is specific to each plant?
studiohack
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42
votes
2 answers
Impact of throwing away fruit waste on a peak > 3200 m above a glacier
Is it okay to throw away the non-edible part of the apple - the apple core / or in general fruit waste? Does it decompose on the rock (maybe with the help of animals) and temperature, or does it interfere negatively with the nature?
cerv21
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42
votes
12 answers
FiveFingers or hiking boots?
I have been wearing Vibram FiveFingers exclusively for three years now. I day hike in them, I exercise in them, I go to to work with them, I hit the beach and swim in them. I have tried wearing "regular" shoes now and again and they cause me pain.…
Varuuknahl
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42
votes
4 answers
How to treat a severe allergic reaction while hiking?
Suppose you are out hiking, many hours from the trail head and someone has a severe allergic reaction (ie, anaphylactic shock or Anaphylaxis). In this case, what is the best course of treatment to maximize their chance of survival until they can…
Russell Steen
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41
votes
1 answer
How much sea water can I safely drink?
Anyone who has played in the ocean knows getting a little sea water in your mouth and swallowing it will not kill you.
Seawater contains salt. When humans drink seawater, their cells are thus taking in water and salt. While humans can safely ingest…
James Jenkins
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41
votes
2 answers
How to walk silently in the woods?
Today I walked in the woods and it was quite late in the evening. While I was walking, a deer jumped and ran away. I guess I disturbed it while it was sleeping. And it came to my mind that I'm the only one who is making some noise at this hour.
So…
user5890
41
votes
5 answers
What is the best way to store my sleeping bag for long periods of time?
I've heard that storing a sleeping bag in its stuff sack for long periods of time will cause it to lose loft, and won't provide as much comfort or warmth when used again.
If so, how should I store my sleeping bag when I won't be using it for months…
Reverend Gonzo
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41
votes
9 answers
Can a kid ever dive too deep while snorkeling and breath-hold diving?
My son has recently discovered snorkeling and diving (by holding his breath, not scuba diving or anything). He can go at least 4m (13 feet) deep to pick up nice shells he sees on the sea floor.
My question is, is there any risk of him diving too…
Ivana
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41
votes
8 answers
Had to drink untreated water: Any immediate action to avoid getting sick?
In the wilderness yesterday I ran out of water and did not think I could hike out safely at my level of hydration. Lacking a treatment method, I drank 1.5 liters of water directly out of a small, swampy creek.
I understand that the risk of getting…
Peter Schilling
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41
votes
3 answers
"Official" providers of topographic maps per country
If I want to go to some contry, with no specific region in mind yet, I often have trouble to get good topographical information for hiking beforehand. I usually find it rather difficult to discover by quick Googling, especially if I don't speak the…
phipsgabler
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41
votes
12 answers
Is it poor etiquette to ask fellow backpackers where they have been/where they are going?
I got a comment here that said,
Please omit the "Where have you been?" part of your social interaction. That is going to set me more on edge, not put me at ease. It sounds "stalker-ish", which is especially bad in OP's case where you look…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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40
votes
6 answers
What is this tool on a Swiss Army knife for?
I have this tool on a few Swiss Army knives (though I think I've seen it on other multi-tools as well). What is it and what is it for?
On one edge, it has a sharp edge. It also only opens halfway (as seen in the photo).
Scribblemacher
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40
votes
6 answers
Backpacking or hiking in areas open to hunting
A lot of areas that are good for hiking or backpacking are also popular hunting grounds. I am an avid backpacker and hiker, but I do not know much about hunting. How do I find out what is the hunting season in a particular area, and when…
Jan Hlavacek
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40
votes
4 answers
If I have to cross an icy, flowing river, what are some ways I can cross safely?
If I'm alone in a survival situation and I have to cross a very cold river that's still flowing, how should I accomplish this safely?
wyocalboy
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