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1500 questions
16
votes
7 answers
How do you keep the inside of your backpack organized?
Here's my current setup.
First I put my earthpad in my pack, using it like a cylinder to
provide cushion and make my pack stay upright.
Then I place a plastic bag within the earthpad for waterproofing (I
hike in the tropics).
Inside the plastic…
outdoornix
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16
votes
2 answers
Cutting snow steps on slopes
In many of the mountaineering expedition books that I've read, there are references to cutting of snow steps on slopes.
What is the advantage of cutting snow steps? Why not use crampons and do a front pointing cramponing with additional support…
Ricketyship
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16
votes
6 answers
Tips for a novice backpacker
I would like to get into backpacking and make 2-3 day backpacking trips in moderate climatic conditions in mountainous terrains (mid-Atlantic U.S. or Central Europe, spring-fall). I am looking for suggestions as to what gear I should acquire, e.g.…
amphibient
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16
votes
2 answers
What's the minimum diameter cord to use when climbing a rope using a prusik
If I'm using two prusik's to climb a rope (one as a foot loop and one attached to harness directly) What's the minimum diameter of cord I should be looking for to remain safe?
user2766
16
votes
2 answers
Is there a standard set of light signals for mountaineers?
On a recent winter backpacking trip there was some confusion and danger of separation of the group.
The group had not walked together before. Some members were not very experienced, while others were quite fit.
The group separated several times,…
Vorac
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16
votes
4 answers
Warmth of two sleeping bags
If I use two identical 20-degree-rated bags, one inside the other, what would likely be the effective temperature rating? 10-degree? 0-degree? negative-10-degree?
themirror
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16
votes
5 answers
What exercises are recommended to build strength for hiking?
I've not had much opportunity to go hiking for any decent distance recently and I feel the next time I do my body will probably complain a lot. However, I've access to a gym with a lot of equipment so what exercises and equipment should I be using…
John Doyle
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16
votes
7 answers
Splitting up weight hiking as a couple/mixed gender group
Assuming equivalent fitness, what is a fair way to split up weight when hiking as a couple/in mixed gender groups? Should the weight be proportional to the individuals weight? Are there other considerations?
SierraCalifornicus
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16
votes
5 answers
How to make a fire without burning the ground
I was wondering if there was a way to make a fire pit and start a fire in it, and have a way to protect the ground beneith it as much as possible.
I don't really know how I could manage to do that, but whatever item you'd advice me to use, it has to…
Romain Braun
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16
votes
5 answers
Dog Breeds for Backpacking and Trail Running
Which dog breeds are best for backpacking? I know malamutes do well in the cold and on mountains, but what if I'm backpacking in the summer?
Which dog breeds are good for daily trail runs? I would love a dog that would wake up with me every day…
john_science
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16
votes
2 answers
How to prepare for and survive wildfire?
In some areas, such as the western US, wildfires are common during the summer dry season. "Fire safety" advice usually centers on not starting a wildfire, e.g. extinguishing or avoiding campfires. But what should one do if a fire breaks out near…
Nate Eldredge
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16
votes
5 answers
How to find new poles for old tent?
I have a nice and small tent I really like that is around 30 years old. It is from Sierra West, but I don't remember the model name. Here is a picture so that you can see the size and general construction:
This tent is held up with two bows of…
Olin Lathrop
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16
votes
2 answers
Sailing with an infant
My wife and I are thinking about sailing with our ~ 6 month old baby boy.
We understand this is not something to take lightly, and we're planning either a canal/river sail or a sail in a very calm sea (considering my seasickness question).
I wonder…
Didi Kohen
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16
votes
2 answers
Do kevlar sacks work against bears?
We ran into a hiker on the AT last year using a kevlar back to keep out bears and rodents. He said the product was an Ursack and seemed very happy with it. However he'd never had a bear try to get into it.
Will a kevlar sack actually prevent a…
Russell Steen
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16
votes
4 answers
What type of mosquito repellent is most effective?
There are many different kinds of insect repellents and bug sprays on the market: sprays and lotions, chemical and natural, huge percentages of DEET and lower percentages, etc.
What type of bug repellent is most effective against mosquitoes? What…
jrdioko
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