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1500 questions
32
votes
6 answers
How do I tie a sleeping bag to my backpack?
I recently upgraded to a modern backpack and I'm stumped as to how to tie accessories down to it. My previous backpack had tie-down points on the bottom of the pack that I could attach long straps to, which allowed me to tie down my sleeping back,…
Edward Thomson
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32
votes
7 answers
Can I safely camp in deer tick country, and if so, how?
Most of my camping has been above timberline and ticks have never been a problem. However, a day in the garden at home in northern Virginia often results in a deer tick or two, despite long pants and long sleeves and DEET.
There's been a…
ab2
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32
votes
7 answers
How can I clear spiderwebs in my path while hiking?
I went hiking this weekend in a national forest on trails that see little use. In parts there were many spiderwebs crossing the trail - sometimes full webs (which I could usually, but not always, clear before passing) and sometimes just a few…
user812786
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32
votes
5 answers
Tent and sleeping bag: pack inside or strap outside a backpack?
When I bought my pack, we were told to always pack the tent and sleeping bag in the pack. Since then I have seen a lot of articles and hikers doing the outside. What are the benefits on packing the tent and sleeping bag in vs. strapping the tent…
Russell Steen
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32
votes
7 answers
Can/Should I cook in my tent?
When camping in bad weather I'm always asking myself if it is a good idea to cook in my tent with a gas cooker. Obviously there is the danger of fire. But how dangerous is this really? Can you easily burn down the tent? And are there any other…
RoflcoptrException
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32
votes
5 answers
Which fingers to use in a 2 finger pocket when rock climbing?
While rock climbing, when crimping a hold, I always use my index finger (and whatever other fingers fit) since I can stack my thumb on top. For two finger pockets is it better to use your index and middle finger or your middle and ring finger…
StrongBad
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31
votes
12 answers
Toothpaste in the back-country and the principle of leave no trace
I am a staunch proponent of leave no trace. I don't carry dish detergent (sand and small rocks work much better on stainless steel anyways,) and I don't use soap or shampoo, not even of the biodegradable kind (being smelly I have heard might even…
DudeOnRock
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31
votes
9 answers
Backpacking Through Rain
My friends and I are setting off on a hike this Friday through Michigan's UP. I've been watching the forecast which, to be fair, is never accurate in Michigan. Nonetheless, it shows a good amount of rain. We have been planning this for a little over…
Ryan Welsh
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31
votes
9 answers
What are the advantages of being short when climbing?
My girlfriend often complains that a route or boulder was created for tall climbers. In my experience that sometimes is true: I easily get a hold, she has to jump. However, Lynn Hill proved that a small climber can achieve wonderful, unthinkable…
Jon
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31
votes
2 answers
What makes certain mountains more dangerous than others?
Why do mountains like K2, Nanga Parbat and Annapurna (36 successful attempts, 47 failed) have higher fatality rates than, say, Everest or Cho Oyu (79 successful attempts, 28 failed)? (source)
Can I use these statistics to determine what aspect of…
soph-e
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31
votes
6 answers
Do you need to purify all mountain water sources
I was just reading this question What is the safest way to purify water?
Now I walk a lot in Snowdonia in North Wales and on occasion I drink from mountain streams. I've even camped next to mountain streams and used the water as my main water…
user2766
31
votes
2 answers
Climbing rope is rated to X UIAA falls. What is a UIAA fall?
When looking at buying climbing ropes, they are rated to a number of "UIAA falls".
What does that mean?
Reverend Gonzo
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31
votes
10 answers
How to warm up your cold toes and fingers?
In winter your hand and feet (especially toes and fingers) may get painfully cold or you may even stop feeling them. How can you warm them up?
This usually happens, when it's below 0°С or when it's slightly above 0°С and your hands/feet are…
Steed
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31
votes
14 answers
What exactly is so wrong with playing music on trails?
It seems, from browsing around on the internet, that playing music while hiking is heavily frowned upon. Just googling "playing music on trails" leads to a slew of articles deriding the practice, and there is plenty of vitriol directed at…
Aqualone
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31
votes
13 answers
Knife as defense against stray dogs
Some places I travel to have stray dogs in the city. Can a knife be used effectively if attacked by one or more of them? I've had creepy close encounters.
amphibient
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