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5 answers
Keeping warm in an emergency
When roaming the outdoors, it might happen that one finds oneself in a situation that is much, much colder than one planned for.
What can one do in such an emergency, especially when it's so cold that there's real danger to health or even life?
I…
Pekka
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At what angle should an ice screw be screwed into the ice?
Recently we were climbing up a glacier with the ice at an angle of around 80°. We were placing the ice screws angling slightly upwards with respect to the slope of the ice wall.
However, one from our team, who stays in Norway said that the screws…
Ricketyship
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5 answers
What to do if you are above timberline and your descent is cut off by a large forest fire?
The situation: you are backpacking and are above timberline. Streams are ubiquitous, you are well equipped so exposure is not a problem, the entire party is uninjured and healthy. But a large, rapidly expanding forest fire sprang up well after…
ab2
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6 answers
How do you aim a signal mirror?
Say you are in the middle of a desert where there is lots of sunshine, and you are trying to signal for help with a signal mirror.
Either in the distance there is a person, or there is an airplane overhead that you are trying to reach.
How should…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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3 answers
What should one do when climbing if someone above you yells ROCK?
Hearing someone above you yell ROCK when climbing is a scary experience because that means that an object (usually a rock) is plummeting down to the route towards you.
Hopefully you are wearing your helmet, are there any actions/steps one should…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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30
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2 answers
Why are these turkeys circling a dead cat?
I recently came across a gif file showing a gang of turkeys circling what appears to be a dead cat. It appears to be a structured formation as the turkeys are trotting at the same pace and spacing between each bird.
Is this behavior common in…
Skooba - Stands Against AI
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9 answers
Techniques for handling pumped arms?
I love rock climbing and I try to go to my local gym and boulder as often as possible (usually 2-3 times a week). But it's really hard for me to climb for any extended period of time because my arms get pumped very quickly. Sometimes my arms will…
DJMcMayhem
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1 answer
Are corpses on Mount Everest used as way-points?
A friend of mine loves to brag about his Mount Everest experiences. He's a great climber and adventurer but sometimes I think he might exaggerate his stories a little ;). However, lately he came up with the fact that there are a bunch of corpses up…
OddDeer
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3 answers
What can I do to prevent altitude sickness?
I will be going above 15000 feet (4500 meters) on a trip next month, and I've heard people will often get altitude sickness. Is there anything I can do beforehand to prevent sickness or take while I'm there that will help me.
Reverend Gonzo
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9 answers
What is the best way to cross streams while backpacking?
I'm curious of a good technique to cross a stream while backpacking that's above the boot's waterproof line but no higher than the knees. I typically face upstream and use my hiking poles for stability. However, I'm not a fan of soggy boots, so I…
BMitch
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2 answers
Is it possible to differentiate between a dog print and wolf print?
This question got my thinking:
Did I see a wolf's paw print?.
I did a bit of Googling and it appeared that wolf paw prints and dog paw prints are very very similar. Is there any good way (given that the size of a dog and wolf can be very similar)…
user2766
30
votes
8 answers
What should I do about large trash left by others on USFS land?
When you find large trash items left by others in less accessible places, what should be done?
The exact scenario:
We were hiking a ten mile trail on US Forestry Service land with river crossings and came upon an abandoned tent. It was one of those…
Russell Steen
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6 answers
What sleep quality do you get in the outdoors?
I should say I haven't ever done anything very outdoorsy, but I would like to make sleeping outdoors a part of the bicycle touring which I hope to do. But a worry for me is that I have always had problems getting proper sleep even indoors, and I…
lazyrabbit
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6 answers
Any reason to carry a mug outside of the backpack?
We all know this typical Hollywood hiking backpack with an attached sleeping bag and a dangling camping mug.
As I currently build a custom backpack, I wondered if there is any good reason to leave the mug outside of your backpack?
OddDeer
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10 answers
How can you navigate / determine your location in thick fog?
Are there any good hints, tips and ways you can use to navigate around and find your location in thick fog (apart from a GPS)?
berry120
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