Most Popular
1500 questions
15
votes
5 answers
Do mountains really make their own weather, and if so why?
Forecasts for the mountains generally seem to be somewhere between useless and unreliable. Afternoon thunderstorms, clouds that come out of nowhere, unexpected rain showers, etc... Anyone who has spent some time in the hills has a story or three of…
Felix
- 6,879
- 3
- 31
- 55
15
votes
4 answers
What are good designs for volunteer-buildable trail bridges?
We have several places on local trails maintained by volunteers where the trail crosses a small stream or ditch. In these places the stream is a bit too wide and deep to expect people to jump accross.
We want to install small bridges accross the…
Olin Lathrop
- 21,539
- 2
- 68
- 117
15
votes
3 answers
What are the benefits of Vibram FiveFingers?
Looking at the Vibram FiveFingers shoes, I find myself wondering why?
What possible benefits do they bring as opposed to a traditional sole?
Their web site seems to suggest that they are a more natural way to use your feet and then suggests a series…
user2766
15
votes
2 answers
Planning a Trip with strangers
For those of us out there that do not have friends/family members as adventurous as us or are few in numbers for our geographic region; we are forced to head online to find partners. For example, a great place to start is SummitPost.
When trying to…
AM_Hawk
- 4,503
- 1
- 18
- 45
15
votes
7 answers
Practical uses for urine
When on extended outdoor excursions are there any scenarios where you can leverage urine as an efficient tool?
An example would be: You're in your sleeping bag in a tent and it's -30*C outside, you opt to urinate in a nalgene inside your sleeping…
AM_Hawk
- 4,503
- 1
- 18
- 45
15
votes
3 answers
Does low blood pressure have an effect on Acute Mountain Sickness?
This question in some ways is related to this question asked by JollySin.
When I did my first Himalayan trek, my guide there had told me that those with a low blood pressure (BP) are more susceptible to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The logic…
Ricketyship
- 7,855
- 3
- 34
- 69
15
votes
5 answers
How do you dry wet socks when camping/backpacking if it's raining and the socks cannot be hung to dry outside
How do you dry wet socks when camping/backpacking if it's raining and the socks cannot be hung to dry outside?
I've been compiling a list of recommendations on this subject for a little while. Please add to the list if you can. I hope you find…
Dowwie
- 597
- 2
- 4
- 12
15
votes
10 answers
Non-gun hunting tools for small game
I'm looking for alternative ways of hunting small game (rabbits, pigeons, etc.) besides a rifle/pistol, and the requirements I have found to be the most important are:
Effective - Gaining more calories than spending.
Lightweight - Has to be as…
Mwigs
- 1,605
- 1
- 14
- 25
15
votes
4 answers
Is cold shock response a real danger, if someone is used to cold water?
Various sources (mostly TV stations, at least in my region) are constantly warning about the danger of cold shock response, if someone goes to water too quickly.
But on the other hand, Bear Grylls is famous for not passing any occasion of jumping…
Cjxcz Odjcayrwl
- 9,547
- 7
- 42
- 82
15
votes
4 answers
How can I prevent batteries from losing charge in cold weather?
Since batteries (for cameras, cell phones, etc) will lose charge in cold weather, what can I do to prevent loss of charge, or at least extend the battery life as long as possible?
Reverend Gonzo
- 8,258
- 11
- 52
- 79
15
votes
2 answers
Is it better to camp in a disturbed area, or pick a new spot and let the first rest?
When practicing Leave No Trace camping (which I am sure we all do), which camp spot should I choose, assuming there is not an obvious well-impacted "sacrifice site" nearby to concentrate my impact in:
A slightly worn site, showing the beginning…
Lost
- 19,111
- 11
- 68
- 126
15
votes
2 answers
Toproping with two ropes joined by a double fisherman's
The other day we were waiting in line for a popular 200 foot single pitch climb in the valley and the party in front of us was using two 70 meter ropes they had joined together with a double fisherman's as a top-rope. I had never seen or heard of…
DudeOnRock
- 7,501
- 5
- 39
- 75
15
votes
3 answers
What is the correct way to attach an autoblock to your harness for rappelling?
When rappelling and using an autoblock consisting of a french prusik knot it seems there may be some options on how and where to attach the autoblock to my harness.
Is there a correct placement on the leg loop to attach the autoblock?
Is there a…
STW
- 1,460
- 2
- 12
- 24
15
votes
3 answers
How to select a good GPS receiver?
What should one look for in the specifications to determine whether a handheld purpose-built GPS receiver provides good navigational consistency under reasonably normal, low-speed conditions? Highly preferably both in open areas as well as…
user
- 258
- 1
- 10
15
votes
3 answers
How to safely carry a fixed-blade knife?
I worry about carrying a fixed-blade knife on my hip, because if I fall or wrestle my kids or whatever, I worry I could get stabbed. I've had pointy blades push through a cheap sheath before.
I stick to folding knives for this reason, but I like the…
Jay Bazuzi
- 2,459
- 1
- 18
- 23