The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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votes
3 answers

Using a thermometer for hypothermia diagnosis in backcountry?

Has anyone had good experience using an ordinary drugstore oral thermometer in the backcountry in winter weather, and getting trustworthy readings? I made the experiment (on a night that was around 30F/0C and windy and I felt subjectively chilly…
mmcc
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What should I do if caught in a sand storm?

If I find myself caught in a sand storm, what should I do? Should I sit it out, or try to keep moving somehow? Can this depend on the severity of the sand storm?
berry120
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Preferred way to wrap someone with Hypothermia?

So I know How to treat hypothermia. That question and answer, however, do not address the old recommendation I have heard a 100 times of strip them down and get in a sleeping bag with them. Is that preferable, or is it better to just wrap them up…
MaskedPlant
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Are used climbing shoes safe?

We have several used gear shops locally, which also sell climbing shoes. I'm looking to start climbing and I am considering buying used shoes to save cost. Is it ever safe to buy used shoes, and if so, what would indicate that a pair is no longer…
Russell Steen
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1 answer

How much weight can a bald eagle carry?

Just recently, a photographer was watching some foxes hunt rabbits. One of the foxes caught a rabbit when a bald eagle swooped down grabbed the rabbit and pulled both rabbit and fox into the air. The fox let go and the eagle took the rabbit.. That…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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5 answers

Can a person picky about water taste use a hydration bladder?

I feel like I would find a hydration bladder extremely useful. Especially so when going on via ferratas or multipitch climbs. But even when doing simple hikes it would allow me to have a sip of water more often. My problem is, however, that I am…
april rain
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Is it possible to differentiate between a dog howl and a wolf howl?

I was camping at around 1500m in the Italian Alps, and around midnight I heard howling that sounded very much like a wolf. I know there are wolves in the area (a friend of mine was lucky enough to see one), but they are rare. On the other hand, the…
Tullochgorum
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Which gym workouts are beneficial for improving rock climbing skills?

In addition to rock climbing, I also go to the gym for strength training with free weights and machines. I know some muscle groups are crucial to rock climbing, such as arms, back and core. I also know there exist some "antagonist workouts".…
ellamenopee
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Are rolling snow pieces a sign of increased avalanche danger?

In spring conditions it often happens that the upper layer of snow warms up and small pieces of it roll down leaving traces behind them. Like in this picture I have found in the Internet: Given that there is a solid base layer of snow below, is…
april rain
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Does anyone have an account of someone using a survival tin in a survival situation

I have read several books about survival and outdoor field craft skills. Many of these books suggest building a survival kit out of an Altoids tin or something similar. These kits include very basic materials to allow someone to survive until help…
Christopher Bright
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How did Viking era hikers carry their gear and provisions?

I'm interested in how Viking era1) hikers carried their gear and provisions while out and about on foot. My focus here would be longer walks in civilian life, e.g. to get from farm A to farm B. I.e. no raiding parties, travel on horse back, etc... I…
fgysin
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How do you safely and legally dispose of old, damaged/unsafe camp stove gas canisters that are still full?

I have a number of old gas canisters commonly used in camp stoves. They have been around for over 5 years and have rusted - that is to say their condition is questionable. They are all 80% butane, 20% propane (my single burner camp stove claims it…
dave37
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Are there boots made for a longer 2nd toe?

I have a longer 2nd toe than the big toe (Morton's toe or royal toe). The major problem is finding boots or sports shoes that fit properly. If I didn't have this longer toe I would wear a 9 or 9.5 (depending on the manufacturer) but with the toe I…
BillyNair
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6 answers

How to avoid the layer of ice inside a water bottle during winter activities?

Is there a special way to avoid the layer of ice that forms inside a water bottle during winter activities?
Amine
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What to look out for when buying used backpacks

I'm looking to buy a used backpack in the near future. What are the key things I should look out for/avoid when inspecting used paks?
Colin Akins
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