Most Popular
1500 questions
14
votes
3 answers
Solo-backpacking in mountain lion country
I've read that to take precautions in mountain lion country, people should hike and camp in groups.
Does that mean solo-backpacking is not advisable in mountain lion country (Rocky Mountains in my case)?
Kyle Cureau
- 243
- 2
- 6
14
votes
4 answers
Is it safe to wear a down jacket while building a fire?
The outside of a down jacket is usually made of nylon or polyester, which is inflammable.
While trying to build a fire, is it safe to wear this jacket? Or will the flying embers be enough to set the person ablaze?
If not, what should the person…
Kaushik
- 1,157
- 1
- 9
- 16
14
votes
5 answers
Do leeches fall onto prey from trees?
Do leeches fall from trees onto unsuspecting hikers?
Or do they only dwell on the ground and attach to passing feet/boots?
WW.
- 1,253
- 2
- 13
- 23
14
votes
4 answers
Carrying hardboiled eggs when hiking
I am planning to hardboil some eggs and immediately, while hot, wrap them in cling-film before stowing in my pack. How long will they last before going off? (I am in NZ so eggs are not washed like in the Us. Not sure if that makes a difference once…
quetzalito
- 371
- 1
- 3
- 6
14
votes
2 answers
How can I make/improvise a rope on a trip?
If I'm out in the wilderness and find myself in need of a rope I don't have with me (forgotten, not enough, another snapped), how can I make one? Are there any natural ropes I could use with minimal extra preparation?
Rope for use in hanging a bear…
Kevin
- 5,338
- 4
- 33
- 50
14
votes
5 answers
What's a realistic distance to expect boys aged 11-17 to sea kayak in a single day?
I'm thinking about taking my Scout troop (boys aged 11-17) on a sea kayaking trip. What expectations should I have for the distance that we can travel in one day? Assume good weather (clear skies, very light winds, and calm seas).
Mark
- 657
- 1
- 6
- 10
14
votes
6 answers
Most efficient training before alpine hiking/climbing?
I am planning a trip to the Alps, where I'll do some mountaineering, mostly on rocks (little or no ice) at altitudes around 4000 m. I expect to do mostly scrambling, with only a few places per day where we'll need to climb with protection.
In the…
anatolyg
- 4,518
- 3
- 22
- 54
14
votes
2 answers
How would I find a hot spring?
I've been looking at a map of the hot springs in my state, and near my area there are 4 in a 60 mile range. These hot springs all are lined up in a straight line, and so my incredibly wishful thinking is that there is another undiscovered (or at…
Austin Gayler
- 243
- 2
- 5
14
votes
2 answers
What is the most effective way to flee from an alligator?
I've heard that running in a zig-zag pattern makes it more difficult for the alligator to keep up with you. Is that true?
Magneto
- 151
- 3
14
votes
2 answers
What is the purpose of the shoulder strap upper adjustment?
On both of my backpacks (40L and 100L) the construction is as in the picture. The shoulder straps are connected to the backpack body at some point A on the back of the backpack. Separately, there are adjustment straps, that connect some upper part…
Vorac
- 6,871
- 3
- 36
- 73
14
votes
6 answers
What are safe/effective leaves from around the world for use in tidying up your backside after answering the call of nature?
This partially answered in this question about toilet paper alternatives but it only says be careful what plants you use.
I'd like to know specifically what plants are the best in your part of the world and why? Also, where is that part of the…
That Idiot
- 2,924
- 2
- 14
- 24
14
votes
5 answers
How can I tell if Chinese rock climbing gear is reliable?
Most (if not all) the big rock climbing brands do manufacture their gear in China - carabiners, cams, slings, whatever.
Now, I stumbled on this:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/Climbings/1453743_258307418.html
It looks like well made gear and…
Dakatine
- 4,585
- 3
- 23
- 53
14
votes
1 answer
Which is better, a single fisherman's knot or a double?
I ask this question based on the fact that tensile strength tests show that putting a double fisherman's knot in kernmantle rope makes it more likely for the rope to snap than a rope tied with a single fisherman's.
Knots weaken kernmantle rope, a…
ShemSeger
- 53,549
- 10
- 123
- 296
14
votes
4 answers
Measuring a dangerous snow slope
I'm reading up on winter technique. The book im reading states:
Most (slab) avalanches happen on slopes between 30 and 45 degrees
I think I've seen this before but ; how do I recognise (easily) a slope in this range?
user2766
14
votes
4 answers
What are the options for kayak self-rescue without a paddle float?
In a standard kayaking class, you're taught solo self-rescues using a paddle float and assisted rescues using another kayak. Then there are eskimo rolls. But I've also heard about other self-rescue techniques after a wet exit without a paddle float…
jrdioko
- 3,725
- 6
- 29
- 42