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1500 questions
25
votes
4 answers
Is it realistic to teach yourself rock climbing?
I've been wanting to get into rock climbing for a while but I live in a very flat area with no climbing gyms around. I'm planning on moving to the Pacific Northwest soon and I wanted to know what the general consensus was about teaching yourself to…
Blackbear
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25
votes
4 answers
Keeping the things interesting in a small climbing gym
I had been a regular climber half a decade back. And, then I got off the routine. Now I am trying to get back into climbing. For that, I go to a local climbing gym kind of thing managed by a friend wherein we can change the route/reroute for…
WedaPashi
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25
votes
5 answers
When sailing, how do I rescue a man overboard?
If someone falls overboard from a sailboat, it is firstly imperative not to lose sight of the person since finding a man in water, especially when there's waves, can be very difficult.
What techniques are there to direct the sailboat to rescue the…
Reverend Gonzo
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25
votes
6 answers
Will a tent provide some protection from bears?
When camping in a bear country, will a tent provide an additional protection from bears, as opposed to just sleeping outside or in a hammock? Provided I take the usual precautions of keeping any food, toothpaste etc in some other place than the one…
Jan Hlavacek
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25
votes
12 answers
What kind of mementos, if any, am I allowed to collect from State and National parks in small quantities?
What kind of mementos am I allowed to collect from State and National parks in small quantities, if any?
I am especially wondering about:
pebbles, shells, sea-urchin-skeletons, sand-dollar-skeletons (coastal State Parks)
pine cones (forested…
DudeOnRock
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25
votes
7 answers
Cheese and eggs on backpacking trips
I have taken some hard cheeses onto backpacking trips quite successfully without spoilage, but I have not dared taking more than I can eat in about 3 days. Eggs I have not dared to take. I am interested in how long people have gone in arid climates…
DudeOnRock
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25
votes
2 answers
How can I improve my footwork while rock-climbing?
When I'm rock climbing, I feel like I've got hand holds down as far as where to grab on and understand that the hands are mainly for balance. However, I can't seem to figure out my feet. There are many times where there is a small nub on the rock to…
GorrillaMcD
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25
votes
4 answers
Is my tent pole a lightning rod?
I have used the Mega Mid tent almost exclusively for hundreds of nights out over the last many years. It's versatile, well ventilated, light... but has this pole sticking straight up the middle.
Is this configuration more likely to attract lightning…
Lost
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25
votes
11 answers
How to fight bugs when hiking?
What's the best way to repel flies and bugs when hiking in summer? Where I hike is not really humid (southern California) but it's hot on summer days and a lot of insects and flies gather around me when I hike or sit.
EDIT UPDATE:
My hiking is not…
doubleE
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25
votes
3 answers
Ideal and Minimal Rope Diameter for Lead Climbing
I'm thinking of a single rope that it's safe to take long lead falls, but also light to carry around. I weight 75 kg and I might climb with heavier partners (80-90 kg)
Miguel Madero
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25
votes
5 answers
Can any waterborne pathogens survive boiling?
I know that boiling does little to break down chemical contaminants or heavy metals. But I'm unsure if it kills all microbial life. Are there any waterborne illness-causing viruses/bacteria/protozoa/cysts that can survive boiling? And if so, how…
J.T. Hurley
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25
votes
6 answers
Why would one choose to use a Harvey map rather than an Ordnance Survey map?
My wife is due to under take her Lowland Leader course in then next couple of months and she has been advised to gain experience using Harvey Maps as well as the more familiar Ordnance Survey maps.
As far as I can see the only advantage they have…
BWFC
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25
votes
2 answers
Is it possible to sunburn through clothing?
I sat for 45 minutes last summer in the hot sun (100°F/38°C). I was pinned in on the bleachers so I wasn't able to get up and move. I could feel the sun burning through my pants. Now I have everyday burning and stinging on my right front upper…
Donna
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25
votes
1 answer
Is the Park Service continuing its case to re-rename Yosemite Park's historic landmarks?
I have often checked into the Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley after emerging, filthy and undernourished, from the backcounty. A hot shower in one of the cottages, an Ahwahnee Burger, a glass (or three) of wine and boysenberry pie a la mode delivered to…
ab2
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25
votes
1 answer
Reacting to a bee attack
We were attacked by Giant Honey Bees (Apis dorsata).
A friend and I were ensuring the safety of others and got away with 30 odd stings.
We had proper hiking attire, and buffs to cover our faces.
Few of us had sunglasses.
Almost all of us had a cap…
WedaPashi
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