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1500 questions
40
votes
4 answers
If I have to cross an icy, flowing river, what are some ways I can cross safely?
If I'm alone in a survival situation and I have to cross a very cold river that's still flowing, how should I accomplish this safely?
wyocalboy
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40
votes
9 answers
What hand and finger exercises help with climbing?
It's been a while since I went rock climbing but I'd like to get back into it. What are some hand exercises that will help with climbing?
Kevin
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40
votes
6 answers
If I'm caught in lightning above tree-line, what should I do?
We all know the general lightning guidelines, but what if I am above tree-line and caught in a freak lightning storm. Is it better to:
Run like mad to toward the trees
Lie flat, and find religion
Find any imperfection in my surroundings…
Lost
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40
votes
4 answers
Ways to desalinate water when "lost at sea"?
In recent news reports that all seem to be saying the same things:
Jakarta Post Indonesian teenager survives 49 days adrift in Guam waters
NPR: 19-Year-Old Survives 49 Days At Sea After Floating Hut Drifts To Guam
The Guardian Indonesian teenager…
uhoh
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40
votes
4 answers
Things to keep away from climbing ropes
There are some no brainers like don't throw your climbing rope next to car batteries in the back of your car. The effect of bug sprays containing Deet seem to be controversial. I have also heard a degreaser or citrus degreaser in particular can…
DJBunk
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40
votes
4 answers
Compass compatibility: Can I use my US compass in Australia?
Background
I bought my compass in the US last year. Next week I'm going to travel to Australia.
Question
Is my US-compass compatible with Australia? or do I need a special compass?
Do I need an adapter?
Christian Deckert
- 483
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40
votes
9 answers
The outdoors, solitude and dealing with loneliness
I have been out camping a few times, once with a group, the other times with my girlfriend. Although I enjoyed those times very much, I often wondered what would it feel like to enjoy the complete solitude of nature on my own. But every time i think…
Kaushik
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40
votes
1 answer
What's the UPF of a T-Shirt or jeans?
Many outdoor clothing items advertise themselves with a UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) of 30 or even 50. How does that compare with a normal cotton T-Shirt or a pair of jeans? Do I have to use sunscreen even when using these clothes? Or is it…
Peter Hahndorf
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39
votes
9 answers
How far would you need to fall for it to be fatal?
A little grim this but I was discussing free soloing with a non-climber in work and I said
"Well once you get over a certain height you're not going to survive a
fall anyway so anything over this doesn't really make much of a
difference."
...…
user2766
39
votes
12 answers
What is this knee pain when going downhill?
I can hike uphill practically all day. However as very soon after I start a descent, pain builds on the outside of my knee. What is causing this and can I do anything to prevent/mitigate it (other than Ibuprofen)?
Edit: I talked to my doc and the…
Russell Steen
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39
votes
9 answers
Sleeping in twos in one hammock
My girlfriend and I both like sleeping in hammocks in the outdoors. We now sleep in two separate hammocks. However, I've seen many hammocks that are designed, or at least make it possible to sleep with two people in it. Most notably these two:
ENO…
Ben
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39
votes
4 answers
What are the pros and cons of beards as they relate to the outdoors?
I have several friends with full beards. After talking at length with one, he started to convince me the protection it offers might be worth it.
So, I thought I would come and ask. What are the Pros and Cons of beards as they relate to the…
MaskedPlant
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38
votes
10 answers
How much should your backpack weigh?
For a multi-day backpacking trip, what is the ideal weight of a backpack?
And what is that max weight that no sane human should go over?
PBeezy
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38
votes
4 answers
How can I be absolutely sure my fire is safely extinguished?
One great problem with fire in the wild is that it may not be completely out. What is the recommended procedure to prevent accidental forest fire?
Stefano Borini
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38
votes
7 answers
How to overcome the fear of falling in lead climbing
I used to really enjoy climbing (almost all indoors). I was bouldering around V2-3 and leading at 5+. The mismatch was all down to fear of falling - I would repeatedly bail or fall from routes that I felt were well within my ability because of it.…
aucuparia
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