Most Popular
1500 questions
31
votes
12 answers
What gear should I carry along for winter emergencies?
This question is prompted by a real accident, in which a young, healthy and experienced hiker I knew was found dead from hypothermia ridiculously close to civilization.
The assumptions behind it: a hike in winter conditions in a temperate climate…
rumtscho
- 1,562
- 1
- 12
- 20
31
votes
2 answers
What's the difference between a 2, 3, 4, and 5 season tent?
I'm looking to buy a new trekking tent, a good quality one, e.g. Hilleberg, Fjällräven, Vaude, etc. At Vaude they categorise tents in 2, 3, 4, or 5-season. What's the difference between a 4- and a 5-season tent? I know 4 seasons (although the Sami…
gerrit
- 27,640
- 13
- 95
- 207
31
votes
6 answers
Wax paper as a fire starter
One thought led to another and I started wondering how effective wax paper would be to bring along as tinder to start a fire. I've seen suggestions of using paraffin in conjunction with other materials as a firestarter, so it seems like…
Doug Kavendek
- 743
- 7
- 11
31
votes
4 answers
Should one attempt to rescue a stranger from a crevasse or wait for mountain rescue?
Imagine the situation. You are somewhere in the montblanc massif crossing a glacier and you come across a pair of climbers. You/ I are well trained in crevasse rescue, but are not a certified guide.
One of the pair has fallen into a crevasse but is…
llama
- 1,972
- 12
- 28
31
votes
3 answers
Surviving a forest fire by starting another fire
Awhile back I heard on CBC radio about a man who got trapped in a forest fire (surrounded on all sides) and survived. The way he survived was so ridiculous that he was brought to court and almost fined/put in jail: He fought the fire with another…
dudeofea
- 413
- 5
- 8
31
votes
7 answers
How would you help a snapping turtle cross the road?
Regardless of why they would want to cross the road, doing so is dangerous for turtles, especially since a certain percentage of the population will try to run them over.
However, snapping turtles are dangerous enough that I am certainly not going…
Charlie Brumbaugh
- 69,580
- 38
- 232
- 441
31
votes
6 answers
"Don’t step on anything you can step over." - What does this mean?
Fred Bear’s 10 Commandments of hunting state as the first principle:
Don't step on anything you can step over
What does he mean with this statement? I don't really get what's the problem with "stepping on something".
OddDeer
- 23,537
- 17
- 105
- 206
31
votes
2 answers
Will a compass work underground or underwater?
Because they rely on radio signals, GPS units generally do not work underground or underwater, but what about a plain ol' magnetic compass? Are the magnetic fields of earth present at all depths? Does water do anything to attenuate them?
Can I go…
JPhi
- 712
- 2
- 6
- 12
31
votes
4 answers
How do I treat hot spots and blisters when I have no moleskin?
A few times I've been out walking or backpacking and have no moleskin with me. Sure enough, my boots start giving me blisters. How can I prevent or treat hotspots and blisters without using moleskin?
Pulsehead
- 2,385
- 17
- 17
30
votes
4 answers
First time camping, need advice
Me and my wife have never done camping before and always wanted to do it. This time we are planning to go for a small camping trip but have no idea how to prepare for it. We like to hike and are beginners in that too!
Is there a guide for starters…
SeattleOrBayArea
- 473
- 4
- 8
30
votes
4 answers
Do iodine water treatment tablets have negative effects?
I've heard that iodine water treatment tablets can have negative side effects.
Is this true?
If so, what are some healthier alternatives?
studiohack
- 7,271
- 6
- 44
- 67
30
votes
15 answers
How can I take duct tape with me backpacking?
I'm going on a backpacking trip later this summer and on the list of things to bring is 3 yards of duct tape. I don't want to bring an entire roll of duct tape because it would be heavy and cumbersome, as well as far too much tape. How can I bring…
User1996
- 467
- 1
- 5
- 11
30
votes
6 answers
Are dark or bright clothings preferable in the desert?
Natives from regions which are really hot and have a high sun intensity are wearing sometimes white/bright and sometimes black/dark colors.
I mean there has to be a better strategy in terms of heat budget and radiation protection (which seem to be…
Wills
- 12,229
- 5
- 54
- 115
30
votes
4 answers
Sleeping in unheated outbuilding for a prolonged period
Rather odd question but after reading the help centre I think it still fits here.
I need to sleep some nights of the week in my garage, but over a period of months; potentially over multiple different seasons. Garage is not connected to the house…
myol
- 403
- 4
- 5
30
votes
2 answers
Are wheelchairs allowed in US Wilderness Areas?
From the text of the Wilderness Act:
there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such…
Mark
- 3,047
- 22
- 32