The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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5 answers

How do I achieve/maintain optimal hydration?

I am curious about some techniques/guidelines for achieving and maintaining optimal hydration while performing moderate to high strain outdoor activities, such as long hikes etc. IOW, how do you hydrate yourself JUST ENOUGH, not too much, not too…
amphibient
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At what point is a rattlesnake mature enough to control its venom?

Young rattlesnakes are more deadly than large rattlesnakes, the reason being because when they are young they are more likely to strike, but more importantly because they can't yet control their venom. As a result, when they bite, they inject all…
ShemSeger
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Encountering a bear in water?

I found myself in a situation the other day that I've never been in before. I was paddling along in my canoe with my wife and kids, when suddenly a young black bear came scrambling down the slope, jumped in the water, and started swimming towards…
ShemSeger
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How do I get cam slings replaced?

I bought my first set of cams and I've been curious about what happens when the slings start to wear out. Are they user-replaceable? The ones I purchased seem to be very un-user-replaceable: How do I get cam slings replaced?
Chris Mendez
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Alternative pump for Nemo airbeam tent

I have a Nemo Morpho tent with inflatable airbeams and have somehow managed to lose the included foot pump. I've found a few US retailers with a replacement pump in stock (called 'Nemoid Foot Pump'), but living in Germany and needing the pump in a…
jarnbjo
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When is it unethical to dismantle a fire-ring?

I've dismantled several fire-rings in an area that has many fire-rings strung out between a major trail and a river. (Colorado, 8,500 feet). These are not official camp sites. Over the years, people decide to camp here rather than there even…
ab2
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3 answers

Fishing Rods: One Piece or Two Piece

A number of fishing rods you can buy have models that are 2 piece and models that are 1 piece. I have heard people say their rods snapped in half when they were 2 piece. However, it would be extremely beneficial as far as portability to have 2…
NULL
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Avoiding a "ding-dong" when lead belaying in the gym?

I sometimes climb in the gym with a partner who outweighs me by about 50%. When he's leading and falls from above his protection, I can get pulled up to the first clip. If he's not very far up, this could lead to the dreaded "ding-dong" effect,…
user2169
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5 answers

Why should I take a pocket knife for wild camping / hiking?

I've got the advice to take a pocket knife with me for 2 weeks of wild camping / hiking in Scotland (West Highland Way). However, I don't understand when I would need it. I will take the following with me: a knife, fork and spoon for…
Martin Thoma
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How can I know if a rope is certified? I found a hidden tag

We (a uni student club, mostly hiking) own a rope that is practically unknown. We know that it's a year since it was bought (presumably new) and that it has hardly ever been used (no dead hangs, etc). It contains no rating tags/tape outside. We…
user56833
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How to encourage birds into the garden of a rented house?

I live in a relatively rural area of North Wales in a new build house. I've been trying to encourage birds into our garden with limited success. There are plenty of birds in the area just not many in our garden! The problem is I can't make any…
user2766
13
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1 answer

How far away should I hang my food with dry bag?

I intend to use a dry bag as a bear-bag to store my food while camping and I was going to hang it. I had read in another post that a dry bag would not limit the bear's sense of smell as a bear bag would. So my question is, how far away from my…
Paradox
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Is a smartphone or dedicated gps receiver better for navigation in the desert?

For most backcountry navigation I use a topo map and compass when necessary. Generally I'm following known trails and combined with some basic awareness of cardinal direction and land features I don't really need electronics. This fall, I'm going to…
Eric
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Belaying two seconds?

I'm planning on doing some Grade III scrambling/low grade multi-pitch climbing this weekend. Normally just me and my girlfriend would do this kind of thing, I'll lead she'd second. But I'm thinking of taking another friend along this time. I'll…
user2766
13
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3 answers

Solar Power While Backpacking

I am planning a multi-week backpacking trip (the JMT in California), and want to bring a real camera. What are some good solar power options for charging my camera batteries on a long backpacking trip? (Just to be clear, my camera is a Sony a7 and…
john_science
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