The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
23
votes
2 answers

Are there beaches on the East Coast (US) where one can camp without a permit?

Every summer I have a strong desire to go camping on a beach. However, I've discovered that the places near me (Long Island, New York, northern New Jersey) often either: Have a limited number of permits/reservations that sell out quickly or…
Laura
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Chalk: pure, plus drying agent, liquid?

Having only used pure chalk without added substances so far, I wondered how the other types perform. Most of the information I could find online is either somebody ranting against a certain type, or uncritical explanations of what the different ones…
David
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Are carabiners useful tools to have in the wilderness? If so, what would they be used for?

Carabiners are obviously essential in certain circumstances, such as with any type of climbing / rappelling. But are they a good tool to have generally as well, and if so what might be some example uses other than the obvious? They're generally…
berry120
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1 answer

Why tunnel tents for the poles, Geodesic for the mountains?

I've noticed that polar expeditions seem to favour tunnel tents, and mountaineering expeditions prefer geodesic designs. Is there a reason why one design fares better than the other in its preferred environment?
Simon Hodgson
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23
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2 answers

How can I recognize a game trail?

I've been out hiking in wilderness areas when I came across an unmarked trail. It wasn't on a map but it appeared to lead in the direction I wanted to go. I decided not to take it in case it was a game trail leading in the wrong direction. In the…
Chris Mendez
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2 answers

Which careers allow working in the wild on a daily basis?

If I want my job to take place mostly in the wild, what kind of career should I look into?
Shawn
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22
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15 answers

What's the best way to avoid slipping on ice?

Where I live, winter is still a good bit away, but last year I slipped on ice and ended up with a black eye and a broken wrist. This year I sincerely want to reduce the chances of that recurring. I am wondering what common materials you can use to…
CountTo10
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22
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4 answers

Why do robins tilt their head to the side before pulling a worm out of the ground?

I've seen this happen several times. The robin hops along, stops, tilts it's head slightly and then grabs the worm/grub, etc. What's the purpose of this gesture? I'm thinking it maybe helps them focus on the target?
user2766
22
votes
8 answers

How to cook meat with no equipment?

Our ancestors have cooked and eaten meat for thousands of years with only primitive equipment (no pots, pans, etc). In a survival situation or when traveling with minimum equipment it may be useful to use similar methods. However, I have little…
nivag
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8 answers

Is wild garlic edible? How do you prepare it?

Driving into work this am, the woods were full of wild garlic, you could actually smell it in the car. I've always presumed that it is edible but I'm not 100% sure. Can you eat wild garlic? Which parts are edible? Does it have bulbs like the…
user2766
22
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5 answers

Is there a protective substance, like an epoxy, I can use on my feet so I can backpack barefoot?

Is there something that works like epoxy or natural tar that I can apply to the most delicate impact points of my feet (balls and heel) that will form a very durable bond, and let me backpack (i.e. hike with 30lbs on my back) "barefoot" (without…
themirror
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9 answers

How to attach signs to trees considering tree growth?

I am trying to determine the best way to attach trail signs to trees in the woods. The problem with trees is that they grow. If you firmly embed a nail in the wood, the tree will eventually grow around the nail head. When we put up small plastic…
Olin Lathrop
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22
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3 answers

When is it OK to hike off trail?

I visited my local forest preserve recently (in a suburb of Chicago, IL) and found new signs every mile or so that read something to the effect of Please stay on the trail so as to preserve the natural environment beyond the trail. Part of the…
drapkin11
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22
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9 answers

When should you carry a firearm when hiking/trekking?

When my friend planned to hike the Appalachian trail, his mother insisted he take her small handgun. I didn't think it would be a great idea in that case, but I'm sure there must be times when such gear would be advisable. Is it ever necessary if…
That Idiot
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4 answers

Can I shoot a bear in self-defense?

Can I shoot a bear in self-defense? Will I face fines and jail time if I do?
wyocalboy
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