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1500 questions
14
votes
3 answers
How much less efficient is a solar charger when on a car's dashboard instead of in direct sunlight?
When car camping, I use a solar charger to charge my electronics. Sometimes I can place it outside, and other times I will stick it on the dash to charge things.
I can tell that putting it on the dash is less efficient, but I wonder by how much?
Charlie Brumbaugh
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6 day trek in Nepal Himalaya
What are some easy/moderate hikes in the Nepal Himalayas that do not span more than 6 days of walking? I looked at Jomsom trek but it is 8 days. I am looking for a trek that offers nice scenic beauty and good views of some 8000+ peaks. I also looked…
Kaushik
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Finding water in the dry wilderness
If I'm in the wilderness in a dry, hot climate without much vegetation and I'm running low on water, what land features and other potential signs can I look for to guide me to a drinkable water source?
berry120
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4 answers
How can I desalinate ocean water enough for cleaning or showering?
I'm planning for a long cruise in my small yacht. The water tank in the yacht has enough clean water to drink, but not quite enough for showers, cleaning the dishes etc..
Desalinating ocean water during the cruise sounds like a great idea. And I…
user13107
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4 answers
What type of jacket can I wear to prevent my back from getting sweaty while also wearing a backpack?
I use a backpack to commute on foot. It has one vent channel on the back to cool the back, but the problem I think is my shell. Heat builds up on my back and I get sweaty.
As a cyclist, I have a number of cycling shells that have a wind-proof, rain…
THEMike
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3 answers
Is it ok for my climbing shoes/chalk bag to get wet?
I recently picked up bouldering and bought my first pair of shoes as well as chalk and a bag.
I've only been climbing in the gym for now and handled the equipment like any other gym-sports-equipment: I put it in my bag where it is safe from rain…
Marv
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14
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3 answers
If I have extra space in a backpack, am I better packing it short and fat or tall and thin?
Basically, I have one large backpack and if I end up going for a much shorter trip, say for 3 days instead of 2+ weeks, I am going to end up with empty space in the backpack.
From a stability and comfort point of view, am I better off leaving the…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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1 answer
Why do some knives have one-sided sharpening?
Although most knives I have seen have their edge symmetrical, others (often serrated ones) have the edge ground out only from one side (the side of the serrations). There are also some straight edge examples, like the PECK. Why is this necessary,…
Vorac
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14
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1 answer
What is the sport of Horse Boarding?
Recently a user mentioned something called Horse Boarding. At first I thought she was talking about boarding horses, like in a stable, but she was actually referring to an activity that's popular, especially in the UK.
What exactly is the sport of…
Sue Saddest Farewell TGO GL
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14
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3 answers
Why doesn't it snow much at -30 °C?
I live in Canada, and we get a decent amount of snow in the year. However, it is very well known that you never get a lot of snow when the temperature is really cold. For instance, you never get a foot of snow (30 cm) when the temperature is at or…
anonymous2
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5 answers
Eating Matches to repel insects?
I have heard that eating the tips off a few match heads can help keep the bugs off of you. Supposedly you sweat out the sulfur and it repels the bugs. Has anyone else heard this or is there any truth to it? Is it harmful? Would garlic work better?…
MaskedPlant
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14
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9 answers
What are the benefits of a baitcaster over a spinning reel for bass fishing?
I have been looking at new rods and several people have suggested a baitcaster. I currently have a spinning reel that I am comfortable with but I would like to try a new rod/reel type.
What am I going to gain and lose from switching to a baitcaster?
J Lundberg
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6 answers
What are the pros and cons of air pads vs foam pads for backpacking?
Backpacking sleeping pads come in two basic types, foam and air, with some of the air pads being self-inflating.
What are the pros and cons of each and how would one decide which type to get?
Charlie Brumbaugh
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14
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1 answer
Under which conditions are weather forecasts reliable?
All outdoors activities precautions include taking note of the weather forecasts for the day.
However, I have seen those forecasts be terribly wrong in many places, even for a two-hours ahead prediction.
So, what are the conditions that make weather…
MattiSG
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4 answers
Are Trangia and MSR fuel bottles inter changeable?
In other words, could I purchase a 1 litre Trangia fuel bottle and the MSR Dragonfly liquid-fuel camp stove and use them together? Or would the smaller, slightly more expensive MSR fuel bottle be the only option with the stove?
ajmccall
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