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1500 questions
29
votes
1 answer
Is digging a "cold hole" really effective when sheltering in a snowed area?
One recommendation I got in case of emergency or intentional sheltering in a snowy location is to dig a lower hole, so that the cold air can move there, while one can sleep higher up where the heat stays. I understand the physics involved, but I am…
Stefano Borini
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29
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7 answers
How to cheaply introduce someone to backpacking
I meet a fair number people who would like to try backpacking. Unfortunately the initial cost seems to be pretty high. Even an overnight requires a lot of big ticket gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc). Generally I don't just happen to have a bag,…
Russell Steen
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29
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9 answers
What are some toilet paper alternatives you could use in the woods?
When in the great outdoors, nature is bound to come calling, so what are some good natural toilet paper substitutes when the real thing isn't available?
wyocalboy
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29
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5 answers
What are some effective ways to deal with sand when camping on or near the beach?
I've done plenty of camping in my life, especially since it's part of my job, but one area where I've been particularly challenged is camping where sand is involved. It just gets everywhere and into everything and can become quite miserable quickly…
montane
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29
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5 answers
Camping with a dog for the first time
In a few months my fiance and I will be joining two friends camping. My friends chocolate labrador will be joining us for the weekend. My fiance and I, whilst both dog lovers, have no experience camping with a dog.
We have a decent four man tent…
Aravona
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29
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10 answers
Activities at the campsite
Inspired by a comment by Kate Gregory I just have to ask this question:
What to do on your spare time while being at the campsite?
Being outdoors several days while having good friends around and the weather is gracious with you might be easy. But…
Wills
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29
votes
5 answers
Is there a definitive list of the tallest mountains in the world that require little or no mountaineering experience?
I was wondering if there is a list of the tallest mountains in the world where you can walk or scramble up to the summit? As opposed to using even basic rope skills?
Aim Kai
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29
votes
6 answers
Are trekking poles proven to be helpful?
I covered quite a lot of ground, but approaching 36 my knees are starting to give me troubles. Should I expect trekking poles to restore my previous stamina and walking durability? Or are they just fancy status symbols? :)
ihadanny
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29
votes
4 answers
Which side of an emergency blanket should I use?
A common emergency blanket has two sides, one is orange and the other silver. Which one should I keep on the inside?
Stefano Borini
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29
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7 answers
What's the best way to carry a dslr camera when rock-climbing?
I am interested in hearing how people take their dslrs (digital single lens reflex camera) onto multi-pitch-rock-climbs. I have carried mine up in a small pack, but I end up taking hardly any pictures, since it is so cumbersome to get to it. What do…
DudeOnRock
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29
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6 answers
Do bear-safe rules still apply in the winter?
I understand, and practice, bear-safe rules like hanging (or canister-ing) during summer months, but what about in the winter when bears are (theoretically) hibernating, and the shorter / colder days make every extra task 10 times more difficult?…
Lost
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29
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4 answers
How can I start a fire by rubbing two sticks together?
When trying to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together, what does one need to consider? I am assuming I can't just grab any two sticks and start rubbing...
Should they be dead or green?
Hard wood or soft wood?
Is spinning or scraping more…
Lost
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29
votes
4 answers
Bowline knot, end at the inside or outside?
Why is it advised (here at Outdoors) to tie a bowline knot with its ending on the inside ("Standard Bowline") and not at the outside ("Cowboy Bowline")? See pictures below.
If you're unlucky the end can get stuck, and you can't untie it.
Scenario:…
user741
29
votes
1 answer
What is this animal with orange webbed feet, a white head with black stripes, and really likes breadcrumbs?
Quite simply: What is this animal?
I have searched through various wildlife identification guides (particularly ducks and geese) and have so far not found anything close.
ThunderGuppy
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2 answers
"Due to the sheep in the settlement the surrounding area has no mosquitoes"
I was surprised by this Visit Greenland statement on Qassiarsuk:
Due to the sheep in the settlement the surrounding area has no mosquitoes.
Does that make sense? Is there any reason why the presence of sheep would mean less mosquitoes?
gerrit
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