The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
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2 answers

Is it really necessary to gut a fish?

I'm obviously not a fisherman... If I like the flavors, is there any problem with cooking and eating a fish that hasn't been gutted? Any particular species? In other words, what are all the reasons people gut a fish before cooking?
themirror
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How safe is drinking distilled water?

Are there any adverse effects of drinking distilled water (possibly obtained melting snow or using other survival techniques like a solar still)? Maybe dehydratation, diarrhea...? Some people even claim that it can induce embolism and red-cells…
jinawee
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How can I tell if a natural snow-bridge is safe to cross?

In early summer in the high mountains, snowfields may lie over rivers. These rivers may be otherwise tricky to ford, and it can be very tempting to use the snowfield to cross the river. However, this can, of course, be risky. What is a good way…
gerrit
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How to deal with little flies flying into the eyes?

There's one thing which can spoil my day outdoors. Those are the little flies which happen to fly directly into my eyes. I work on a computer and my eyes are dry and over-sensitive. If such an insect falls into my eye, it results in intensive…
Cjxcz Odjcayrwl
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Sailing with a child

Inspired by this question on taking an infant sailing, as it is quite different when they can move, I thought I'd ask the same question in respect of a toddler or child. What essential safety considerations should I meet?
Rory Alsop
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What is considered a water source, and why is it recommended to camp so far from them?

I've read one one of the US national forest or wilderness websites that when camping in the wild, one should camp at a certain distance from a water source. Should I understand a water source to mean a spring/well, or any place where hikers may…
gerrit
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Bear spray vs. rifles against polar bears?

In Svalbard, the arctic archipelago administrated by Norway, anyone leaving Longyearbyen is required to carry a rifle for their own safey. For grizzly bears, Wikivoyage recommends that Bear repellent spray (a very strong pepper spray/mace) is…
gerrit
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4 answers

Safe way to mark a carabiner gate?

At the crag this weekend I noticed that my climbing partner's carabiner had a great feature: a red line painted such that you know the carabiner isn't locked until the red is hidden. I love this feature. Unfortunately, I already own dozens of…
john_science
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Where in Europe is wilderness meeting the U.S. wilderness definition?

In this excellent answer, LBell quotes the U.S. definition of wilderness: (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities…
gerrit
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Methods for taping hands, wrists, and fingers for climbing?

I've been climbing off and on since I was a teenager, but one thing I've never done much of is taping my hands. As I gained more experience, it's value is now apparent. What are some good techniques for taping fingers, hands, and wrists for…
montane
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What can I do to keep my hands warm while using touchscreens in the winter?

Now that it is starting to get cold it is more difficult to use touchscreens while outdoors. I use both an iPhone and a Garmin GPS to geocache and both have touchscreens that require me to take my gloves off to use. I used to have and pair of…
Brad Patton
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How do you know if smaller brands of climbing equipment are safe?

There is a local shop that sells small brand name gear for pretty good prices. I am looking at their harnesses and quickdraws and would like to know: 1) Whether the equipment is safe - say compared to "big brands" like Petzl or Black Diamond? 2)…
mchangun
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5 answers

How to properly lace hiking boots?

When I go on hiking trips, I wear proper boots. However, when I lace them tight, my ankles swell terribly after a few hours and start feeling funny (bending the joint feels like touching a balloon). There is also light pain in the ankles while…
rumtscho
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How can I overcome irrational fears of being out in the dark?

I'm a little embarassed I have to ask this but figured I cannot possibly be the only one who's had this problem. I've gotten into (trail)running semi-seriously earlier this year. Considering how great it has been for my physical and especially…
jng224
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3 answers

What type of fires/stove can I use in Germany?

I am from Iran and in here, we are allowed to put up a tent and make fire almost everywhere, and it's up to us ourselves to take care of the jungle and leave nothing behind. I just recently moved to Germany with the hope of great camping experiences…
senaps
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