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1500 questions
15
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2 answers

Should one run (or walk) back to civilization if bitten by a rattlesnake?

From what I understand the most important thing to do when bitten by a rattlesnake is to get to a hospital. I often go on hikes where I am a few hours walk from civilization at the midpoint of my hike. If I am bitten, should I attempt to run back…
brh
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15
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5 answers

Logic behind hikers yielding to horses?

Here in California, a lot of trails have signs with a triangular diagram, showing that cyclists should yield to hikers, and both cyclists and hikers should yield to people on horses. I don't have a problem with yielding to horses, but what is the…
user2169
15
votes
5 answers

Which mid-line knot is best suited for a trucker's hitch?

I've been using a trucker's hitch knot for a very long time (camping, strapping stuff down, line length adjustment, pulley system) I've always switched my mid-line loop when I've come to not trust them for numerous reasons (not secure, impossible to…
g19fanatic
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15
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2 answers

Why did my new sleeping bag come with 2 bags - one large and one stuff sack?

I just bought a new sleeping bag online and it came in a large draw cord bag and there was also a small stuff sack in the package. What is the point of the large draw cord bag?
Andrew Welch
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15
votes
5 answers

Do mountains really make their own weather, and if so why?

Forecasts for the mountains generally seem to be somewhere between useless and unreliable. Afternoon thunderstorms, clouds that come out of nowhere, unexpected rain showers, etc... Anyone who has spent some time in the hills has a story or three of…
Felix
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15
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4 answers

What are good designs for volunteer-buildable trail bridges?

We have several places on local trails maintained by volunteers where the trail crosses a small stream or ditch. In these places the stream is a bit too wide and deep to expect people to jump accross. We want to install small bridges accross the…
Olin Lathrop
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15
votes
3 answers

What are the benefits of Vibram FiveFingers?

Looking at the Vibram FiveFingers shoes, I find myself wondering why? What possible benefits do they bring as opposed to a traditional sole? Their web site seems to suggest that they are a more natural way to use your feet and then suggests a series…
user2766
15
votes
2 answers

Planning a Trip with strangers

For those of us out there that do not have friends/family members as adventurous as us or are few in numbers for our geographic region; we are forced to head online to find partners. For example, a great place to start is SummitPost. When trying to…
AM_Hawk
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15
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7 answers

Practical uses for urine

When on extended outdoor excursions are there any scenarios where you can leverage urine as an efficient tool? An example would be: You're in your sleeping bag in a tent and it's -30*C outside, you opt to urinate in a nalgene inside your sleeping…
AM_Hawk
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15
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3 answers

Does low blood pressure have an effect on Acute Mountain Sickness?

This question in some ways is related to this question asked by JollySin. When I did my first Himalayan trek, my guide there had told me that those with a low blood pressure (BP) are more susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The logic…
Ricketyship
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15
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5 answers

How do you dry wet socks when camping/backpacking if it's raining and the socks cannot be hung to dry outside

How do you dry wet socks when camping/backpacking if it's raining and the socks cannot be hung to dry outside? I've been compiling a list of recommendations on this subject for a little while. Please add to the list if you can. I hope you find…
Dowwie
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15
votes
10 answers

Non-gun hunting tools for small game

I'm looking for alternative ways of hunting small game (rabbits, pigeons, etc.) besides a rifle/pistol, and the requirements I have found to be the most important are: Effective - Gaining more calories than spending. Lightweight - Has to be as…
Mwigs
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15
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4 answers

Is cold shock response a real danger, if someone is used to cold water?

Various sources (mostly TV stations, at least in my region) are constantly warning about the danger of cold shock response, if someone goes to water too quickly. But on the other hand, Bear Grylls is famous for not passing any occasion of jumping…
Danubian Sailor
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15
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4 answers

How can I prevent batteries from losing charge in cold weather?

Since batteries (for cameras, cell phones, etc) will lose charge in cold weather, what can I do to prevent loss of charge, or at least extend the battery life as long as possible?
Reverend Gonzo
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15
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2 answers

Is it better to camp in a disturbed area, or pick a new spot and let the first rest?

When practicing Leave No Trace camping (which I am sure we all do), which camp spot should I choose, assuming there is not an obvious well-impacted "sacrifice site" nearby to concentrate my impact in: A slightly worn site, showing the beginning…
Lost
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