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1500 questions
24
votes
2 answers
What should I do when caught in lightning while in my tent?
Suppose I'm caught in a heavy thunderstorm while lying in my tent, on my foam sleeping bad, in my nice waterproof tent. Suppose I have a good campsite so I don't need to worry about flash floods. However, suppose that I happen to be in a rather…
gerrit
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24
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6 answers
Tent placement?
Having found the general area in which to camp, what should I look for when choosing the exact location for my tent?
I'm thinking specifically about conditions along the east coast and great dividing range of Australia. Typically this means gum…
WW.
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24
votes
4 answers
How should a climbing rope be stored?
I've purchased my first climbing rope and am wondering how it should be stored when not in use. I have a rope bag which I assume is a good home for the rope; should it be kept tightly coiled inside the bag; loosely flaked, or stored entirely…
STW
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24
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4 answers
How safe is sleeping in bear country?
We have recently hiked in Slovakian mountains where bears live. I’m not too concerned about the bears during the day, as we make enough noise to avoid an encounter. But I am not sure about sleeping there.
We slept in bivy sacks in the open, I hung…
zoul
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24
votes
3 answers
Please Explain Rock Climbing Grades
I have seen various grades for different climbs such as
5.14b,
8b+,
8b - 150m
It seems there are different parts to the grade, e.g. the last one is it 8b for 150 metres?
Do these grades only apply to sport routes or to trad routes as well?
Can…
Scotty.NET
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24
votes
1 answer
Overview of free and open huts in Norway outside the system of the official tourist association DNT
On my hiking trips, I mostly sleep in my tent, but occasionally I appreciate to have a roof. Mostly by chance, I've found on my trips a number of free and open huts in Norway that are not owned by Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) (the Norwegian…
gerrit
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24
votes
5 answers
How safe is the bowline knot in different situations?
The bowline knot (picture below, source) has a great reputation as a very safe knot. Is it really completely safe in all situations and loads, or are there use cases where it may fail?
zoul
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24
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2 answers
Is it safe to use denatured alcohol as an antiseptic?
A lot of hikers carry denatured alcohol for cooking. Is there any risk to using it as an antiseptic for cuts and lacerations?
Russell Steen
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24
votes
7 answers
How to minimize sea sickness?
I love sailing, and my wife loves the ocean, but she gets sea-sick often.
Any advice on how to avoid sea-sickness in people prone to it?
I'm looking for advice in terms of foods that are less of an issue to digest, where to sit in the boat, boat…
Didi Kohen
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24
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5 answers
Which wood sources produce toxic smoke?
So the title says it all. If I am scavenging wood in the wilderness, does some of it burn toxic? If so what kinds. This question is derived from this answer.
MaskedPlant
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24
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6 answers
Cold water swimming - go in quickly? or slowly?
Assume you want to do some cold water swimming, i.e. anything under 14 Centigrade (57F) water, for more than say 10 minutes (so, expressly, not a Polar Bear "dip and scoot").
What's the safest approach?
Wade/jump in quickly and get it over…
Italian Philosophers 4 Monica
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24
votes
1 answer
What is the purpose of this D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue on my hiking boots?
My hiking boots have a D-shaped ring at the base of the tongue. What is the purpose of this?
I don't think the purpose is to allow you to hang the boot on a hook or something, because there is a bigger strap on the back of the boot that would allow…
pacoverflow
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24
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3 answers
Is there a rule of thumb on which locations will have lots of mosquitos vs. which will have none?
As an example, if you hike in The Enchantments area in Washington you will be swarmed with mosquitoes, to the point where mosquito head nets are an absolute must. On the other hand, if you hike in the Mt. Rainier national park, mosquitoes are pretty…
JonathanReez
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24
votes
3 answers
What equipment is recommended when camping with a baby?
I have a 3 month old daughter and am currently planning a short camping trip next month here in Australia where the weather should be warm but may also be wet. What should I take to ensure an enjoyable and safe trip? I'll only be in a national park…
John Doyle
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24
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6 answers
How can I signal for help in the wilderness?
What are some different ways I can signal for help in the wilderness?
I'm looking for methods that apply in all seasons, particularly in the mountains, with forests or meadows & plateaus.
studiohack
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