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1500 questions
23
votes
5 answers
Ration or consume water?
In a situation where you don't know when you will find water again, is it better to ration the water you have over time (and ever increasing dehydration) or to drink it to quench thirst as soon as needed?
It seems like there would be a tradeoff…
That Idiot
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23
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4 answers
Climbing Kilimanjaro for a newbie
It looks like I'm going to be living in Nairobi for a few years. Along with all of the other amazing opportunities for adventure around here, there's this giant mountain just over the border. Since I'm so close, I've started thinking about whether I…
Gnagn
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23
votes
4 answers
What pattern for casual planes should a castaway create on a desert island?
This answer has inspired me to a question: say you are a castaway on a desert island. There might be a plane flying casualy but you can miss it. So you want to create some pattern (e.g. put some branches in the sand near the beach) which will…
Tomas
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23
votes
5 answers
How to preserve cheese while backpacking?
Are there specific techniques for carrying/storing cheese while backpacking for a longer time so it doesn´t spoil?
This question is related, but different: Cheese and eggs on backpacking trips
Paul Paulsen
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23
votes
6 answers
When should I use spray-on versus wash-in waterproofer for treating DWR garments?
There are both spray-on and wash-in products available for treating my DWR (Durable Water Repellent), gore-tex, eVent and other garments using products such as nikwax wash-in or nikwax tx-direct. What types of garments is it more appropriate to use…
Benzo
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23
votes
4 answers
How do I take care of Gore-Tex boots?
I have a pair of Gore-Tex walking boots that I have used a fair bit now and want to make sure I keep them serviceable for as long as possible. What is the best way to maintain Gore-Tex walking boots? Do they need reproofing occasionally or is just…
Phil
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23
votes
2 answers
When should I retire my rope
I know there is a degree of "gray" in this question but:
I have a Beal Top gun II 10.5mm, I've had this rope for around 4 years now and I'm starting to think about retiring it.
It's been used mainly for indoor lead climbing but also outdoor…
user2766
23
votes
5 answers
Walking up the slopes. To walk brisk or to walk slow?
This question has been eating my head for quite some time now.
I trek often and most of the treks involve climbing up to a peak or something similar. I usually carry heavy loads of around 13-15kgs on my back and I've always found that walking up the…
Ricketyship
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23
votes
4 answers
Are bears attracted by Lotions and Perfumes?
Bears are mostly attracted by smell of food. That is why we are supposed to keep the food items in airtight and sealed packs or preferably finish up all the food (cooking and consuming) far away from the campsite.
People usually tend to follow this…
WedaPashi
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23
votes
2 answers
How do climbers retrieve anchored rope?
The following is a scene I have always been perplexed about. I’ve seen it many times. A mountain climber has no one above him as he descends and is trailing rope behind him that he is using to stabilize and protect him from an unplanned plunge and…
Dick Platt
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23
votes
10 answers
How can I boost morale on long backpacking trips?
Not just children can be whiny on long backpacking trips. I am interested in learning how to boost morale with both, adult groups, or when hiking with children.
SierraCalifornicus
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23
votes
3 answers
Do I need any technical skills to climb Kilimanjaro?
Ive heard that climbing Kilimanjaro doesn't require any mountaineering skills and is really just a (very difficult) hike?
Is that true? Is there any gear I would need besides traditional hiking equipment?
Reverend Gonzo
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23
votes
2 answers
Why does my belay device have two holes?
I have a belay device that looks like:
which I used when I am belaying someone who is top roping or leading. However, my rope only goes through one of those slots. What is the purpose of the other one?
Reverend Gonzo
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23
votes
7 answers
Light-weight emergency overnight-gear
What is a good emergency-overnight-sleeping-setup when every ounce counts, like on long technical routes (grade V or VI) where the goal is to do it in one day (without hauling), but one wants to prepare for the unexpected? Building a fire is not an…
DudeOnRock
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23
votes
3 answers
Washing dishes with seawater or freshwater?
When backpacking in a coastal region, you sometimes have access to both fresh water (e.g. a stream) and salt water (sea, bay, etc.).
If you do not treat the water used for washing dishes, what are the pros and cons of using saltwater vs. freshwater?…
ppl
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