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1500 questions
19
votes
3 answers
Dropping gear: Where did the hairline/micro fracture urban legend come from?
In an answer given to this question: Micro-Fractures in Climbing Equipments, it's stated that dropping gear causing micro fractures is a persistent myth, quoting Black Diamond's statement:
Q. Is it okay to use carabiners that have been dropped? A.
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ShemSeger
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19
votes
4 answers
Best technique to sharpen a knife using a whetstone?
I have a knife and a whetstone. One side of the whetstone is rough and the other is finely grained.
I occasionally sharpen my knife but I'm not 100% clear if I'm using it correctly. I normally move the knife in a circular motion trying to hold it at…
user2766
19
votes
4 answers
How to detect a crevasse on a glacier
When you're walking in a roped party over a glacier, how can the leader detect crevasses?
Sometimes it's possible to walk existing tracks, but even then it's possible to have a crevasse fall.
What are good ways to find a save path on a…
ibex
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19
votes
1 answer
What is the loop on the finger of my winter gloves for?
I have a pair of winter /climbing gloves. Each glove has a small loop on the ring finger, top of the glove. Why? What's it for?
user2766
19
votes
2 answers
How do you make a snow shelter?
Sometimes when mountaineering, there may be an emergency situation which leaves you in bad weather with no or damaged shelter (such as returning from a summit attempt or after a wild and crazy storm).
Snow shelters can keep you insulated as well as…
Reverend Gonzo
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19
votes
9 answers
How do you prevent mold in CamelBak hydration bladders?
When using a CamelBak (or other hydration bladder system), it is easy for mold to grow if the bladder is left sitting with water in it. What is the best way to avoid mold (or other nasties) growing inside in between trips?
jrdioko
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19
votes
11 answers
What are some effective ways of reducing itching from a mosquito bite?
There are a lot of options for trying to prevent mosquito bites (DEET on skin, permethrin on clothing, mosquito nets while sleeping, etc.), but what about after you get bitten? What is the most effective way to stop or reduce the itching from…
jrdioko
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19
votes
4 answers
Altitude sickness when going from sea level to 14,000 ft (4,200m) in a single day
My sister lives at sea level -- Baltimore and Chicago. She is coming to visit me in Denver (5280 ft or 1600m). She wishes to climb Mt Bierstadt (14,065 ft or 4200m) the same day she arrives.
I have read over the answers to "What are some proven…
Roddy of the Frozen Peas
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19
votes
12 answers
Survival type activies for Scout camp
I taking a bunch of scouts camping next week. While we are staying at a Scout campsite with facilities and some organised activities. We have decided we want to have a bit more of back to basics/survival focus. Do people have suggestions of any…
nivag
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19
votes
3 answers
Backup prusik for Abseiling: Where does it go?
When abseiling from an anchor during rock climbing, I like to use a backup prusik as a potential lifesaver in case I screw up.
However, I have heard different advice on where to put it, both for where to attach it to myself and where to attach it to…
Lagerbaer
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19
votes
4 answers
What to look for in a quality tarp?
I'd like to purchase a tarp as some point, both to put up over a small camp at some point, and to use over a hammock.
When I've camped with my uncle he's used a folded over builders tarp, which has worked so far but I have seen other that have…
AncientSwordRage
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19
votes
2 answers
How long is too long to suffer from constipation in the back country?
Quite commonly, due to the barrage of newness the body experiences on an outdoor outing (new sensations, new exercise habits, new diet, etc) the body can stop the system up while it tries to figure out what is going on. We regularly warn…
Lost
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19
votes
3 answers
Is it practical to get a satellite phone for communication from remote areas?
When going into remote areas, it would be great to be able to communicate with the outside world, for emergency purposes or just to be able to call home on long trips. Is it practical for an average person to obtain and use a satellite phone? In…
jrdioko
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19
votes
1 answer
Can you use a rope that has been in storage for a few years?
A guy I'm talking to about buying some rock climbing gear is getting rid of his stuff cause he hasn't used it in five to eight years. He said it wasn't used a lot, maybe 5 to 6 times, and he said no major falls have happened on it. Does it matter…
user2916
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19
votes
4 answers
What are the consequences of — illegally — using a 446 MHz PMR in the North American wilderness?
I've recently bought a pair of PMR446 walkie-talkies with some 5–10 km range, operating at 446 MHz. We've happily used them in Sareks Nationalpark in Sweden. Now I'm moving to Canada, where this frequency requires a license.
My options are…
gerrit
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