Most Popular
1500 questions
16
votes
1 answer
Train yourself to need less water
I'm interested in doing multi-day hikes (i.e. backpacking) in the desert where water sources are not readily available, thus requiring one to carry in enough water for the duration of the trip.
On any given day I feel the need to drink a lot of…
Joe
- 361
- 2
- 5
16
votes
4 answers
How to stay hydrated with minimum water usage
A friend of mine asked a experienced long distance hiker, how to drink during such a hike. The answer was, drink 0.1l water per hour and then you are fine.
Is this correct and can anyone add some facts to this answer? Can I stay hydrated over…
ibex
- 2,662
- 1
- 16
- 30
16
votes
2 answers
How should you wash clothes after exposure to poison oak/ivy/sumac?
I have heard that the oils from poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac can remain on clothes even through a wash cycle. After hiking through an area with poison ivy (or poison oak/poison sumac), how should you wash the exposed clothes to completely…
jrdioko
- 3,745
- 6
- 30
- 43
16
votes
1 answer
Slings for anchoring and lanyard in rock climbing
Probably common question, but: What slings do you use to build anchors for belaying the 2nd in rock climbing? Dyneema or nylon?
I had discussed this problem with my friend and he said that Dyneema is better as it has greater strength ratio and other…
dhpasta
- 263
- 1
- 4
16
votes
4 answers
Tips and tricks for backpacking with a guitar
There are numerous compact and travel guitars that exist, some of which are designed specifically for outdoor pursuits like backpacking. This is one I've been considering.
Being a musician, music is one of the things I miss most while in the…
montane
- 5,625
- 7
- 44
- 68
16
votes
6 answers
How to effectively dry/clean the inside of water bladders?
After using water bladder, how to dry it thoroughly besides simply pouring out the water content so any remnant of water inside it is cleanly eliminated?
qazwsx
- 621
- 6
- 12
16
votes
3 answers
How do I read a topographic map?
When navigating in the backcountry, you'll usually bring a topographic map that shows the terrain so you can tell if there will be steep slopes or cliffs that might make the route difficult.
A sample topographic map is:
How do I read and…
Reverend Gonzo
- 8,258
- 11
- 52
- 79
16
votes
1 answer
What factors should I be aware of when storing a kayak?
I've seen various images / comments online of how people decide to store their kayaks.
Some people wall mount them, some have a rack, some stack them with padding, some hang them (horizontally / vertically) from walls, some hang them from ceilings…
Aravona
- 15,451
- 6
- 61
- 121
16
votes
1 answer
How well does solar recharging work when strapped to the backpack?
This answer recommends solar cells to recharge batteries. However, this likely works best during a layover day. I usually don't have those. For a nice-to-have situation, how well does it work to strap a solar cell/panel to the backpack to charge…
gerrit
- 27,640
- 13
- 95
- 207
16
votes
2 answers
Pack to carry two 30 L barrels
I have come into possession of two standard 30 litre food barrels, but no method of carrying them while portaging. I have heard of people carrying two of these at a time, possibly using an external backpack frame. However, I can't find any products…
mb7744
- 473
- 3
- 8
16
votes
1 answer
Does drinking tea cause problems at altitude?
I've heard from a tour leader that you shouldn't drink tea in high altitude because it makes you thirsty and cause problem in blood circulation. Is this true? Should'nt we drink tea in high altitude?
Alireza
- 867
- 1
- 6
- 14
16
votes
3 answers
Is saltwater antiseptic?
On some occasions you don´t have anything to desinfect wounds, for example during a (short) walk along the beach. If you cut yourself or have a an small wound that needs cleaning, would it be wise to clean it in the sea or better to leave it the way…
Paul Paulsen
- 4,329
- 4
- 29
- 63
16
votes
4 answers
Are there any specific guidelines for edible plants in North America?
I know there are dangerous plants and fruits to eat, but are there any basic rules one can use when in an emergency situation that apply to all safe foods? The 'rules' don't necessarily have to apply to every plant, but I'm looking for something…
Justin Self
- 3,265
- 1
- 28
- 28
16
votes
2 answers
Why did my new sleeping bag come with 2 bags - one large and one stuff sack?
I just bought a new sleeping bag online and it came in a large draw cord bag and there was also a small stuff sack in the package. What is the point of the large draw cord bag?
Andrew Welch
- 1,337
- 2
- 10
- 25
16
votes
2 answers
Reference request: books on self-rescue while climbing
Can people recommend books or online resources on self-rescue for roped climbing? As a beginning trad leader, I think I should have a basic understanding of topics like how to escape a belay and how to rappel with an injured person. I have the book…
user2169