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1500 questions
14
votes
3 answers
If I have extra space in a backpack, am I better packing it short and fat or tall and thin?
Basically, I have one large backpack and if I end up going for a much shorter trip, say for 3 days instead of 2+ weeks, I am going to end up with empty space in the backpack.
From a stability and comfort point of view, am I better off leaving the…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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14
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1 answer
Why do some knives have one-sided sharpening?
Although most knives I have seen have their edge symmetrical, others (often serrated ones) have the edge ground out only from one side (the side of the serrations). There are also some straight edge examples, like the PECK. Why is this necessary,…
Vorac
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14
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3 answers
Why doesn't it snow much at -30 °C?
I live in Canada, and we get a decent amount of snow in the year. However, it is very well known that you never get a lot of snow when the temperature is really cold. For instance, you never get a foot of snow (30 cm) when the temperature is at or…
anonymous2
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14
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5 answers
Eating Matches to repel insects?
I have heard that eating the tips off a few match heads can help keep the bugs off of you. Supposedly you sweat out the sulfur and it repels the bugs. Has anyone else heard this or is there any truth to it? Is it harmful? Would garlic work better?…
MaskedPlant
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14
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9 answers
What are the benefits of a baitcaster over a spinning reel for bass fishing?
I have been looking at new rods and several people have suggested a baitcaster. I currently have a spinning reel that I am comfortable with but I would like to try a new rod/reel type.
What am I going to gain and lose from switching to a baitcaster?
J Lundberg
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14
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6 answers
What are the pros and cons of air pads vs foam pads for backpacking?
Backpacking sleeping pads come in two basic types, foam and air, with some of the air pads being self-inflating.
What are the pros and cons of each and how would one decide which type to get?
Charlie Brumbaugh
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14
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1 answer
Under which conditions are weather forecasts reliable?
All outdoors activities precautions include taking note of the weather forecasts for the day.
However, I have seen those forecasts be terribly wrong in many places, even for a two-hours ahead prediction.
So, what are the conditions that make weather…
MattiSG
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14
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1 answer
Identification of a tropical fish with saw-like dorsal fin?
Today, I went fishing in a local water reservoir with my younger siblings. We wanted to see if this man-made fresh water lake would have any fish. We live on a tropical island in the Southwestern Pacific. Do you have any idea what type of fish this…
Johnny Zimmer
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14
votes
4 answers
Are Trangia and MSR fuel bottles inter changeable?
In other words, could I purchase a 1 litre Trangia fuel bottle and the MSR Dragonfly liquid-fuel camp stove and use them together? Or would the smaller, slightly more expensive MSR fuel bottle be the only option with the stove?
ajmccall
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14
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2 answers
What factors should I consider to prepare high protein meals using a single camping stove and pan?
I understand the basics of trek / hiking meals which are primarily freeze-dried, lightweight and carbohydrate rich.
For those of us with access to a base camp who wish to consume mainly protein supplemented with fats what are you recommendations…
Venture2099
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14
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2 answers
How much stronger is a vertical v-thread than a horizontal one?
I was out ice climbing with a group today and they were using three-point anchors using two vertical v-threads (abalakovs) with one backup ice-bolt. They said the vertical v-threads (one hole over top of the other) were superior and stronger than…
ShemSeger
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14
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7 answers
How do you deal with a picky eater on a backpacking trip?
Obviously, the solution to this problem is to pack food that everyone enjoys eating. However, according to Murphy, this doesn't always happen. Also, sometimes the best tasting food is ruled out by weight/price/space constraints.
So if you are on a…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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14
votes
4 answers
How to assess the likelihood of a tree falling in a forest?
Sometimes while camping in forests, there will be dead trees around, or in forests where there was a fire, a high percentage of the trees will be dead. While it is not extremely likely that a tree will fall on you while sleeping, it has happened,…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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14
votes
4 answers
Is using ultralight gear possible without sacrificing safety, comfort, or skills?
I recently came back from a 17-day backcountry hike. At the start of the hike, my backpack was 28 kg. At the end of the hike it was around half of that or a little bit more. I'm fine hiking with 20 kg, but 28 kg is rather heavy.
The first couple…
gerrit
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14
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4 answers
How to get out through surf in fins?
I got myself some short fins since as a fairly weak swimmer especially in my legs I wanted a bit more confidence and power when swimming in the sea.
However one basic problem I've encountered - how to get out through the breaking waves with them on…
Mr. Boy
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