The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange

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1500 questions
23
votes
2 answers

How can I recognize a game trail?

I've been out hiking in wilderness areas when I came across an unmarked trail. It wasn't on a map but it appeared to lead in the direction I wanted to go. I decided not to take it in case it was a game trail leading in the wrong direction. In the…
Chris Mendez
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15 answers

What's the best way to avoid slipping on ice?

Where I live, winter is still a good bit away, but last year I slipped on ice and ended up with a black eye and a broken wrist. This year I sincerely want to reduce the chances of that recurring. I am wondering what common materials you can use to…
CountTo10
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22
votes
4 answers

Why do robins tilt their head to the side before pulling a worm out of the ground?

I've seen this happen several times. The robin hops along, stops, tilts it's head slightly and then grabs the worm/grub, etc. What's the purpose of this gesture? I'm thinking it maybe helps them focus on the target?
user2766
22
votes
8 answers

How to cook meat with no equipment?

Our ancestors have cooked and eaten meat for thousands of years with only primitive equipment (no pots, pans, etc). In a survival situation or when traveling with minimum equipment it may be useful to use similar methods. However, I have little…
nivag
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22
votes
8 answers

Is wild garlic edible? How do you prepare it?

Driving into work this am, the woods were full of wild garlic, you could actually smell it in the car. I've always presumed that it is edible but I'm not 100% sure. Can you eat wild garlic? Which parts are edible? Does it have bulbs like the…
user2766
22
votes
5 answers

Is there a protective substance, like an epoxy, I can use on my feet so I can backpack barefoot?

Is there something that works like epoxy or natural tar that I can apply to the most delicate impact points of my feet (balls and heel) that will form a very durable bond, and let me backpack (i.e. hike with 30lbs on my back) "barefoot" (without…
themirror
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22
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9 answers

How to attach signs to trees considering tree growth?

I am trying to determine the best way to attach trail signs to trees in the woods. The problem with trees is that they grow. If you firmly embed a nail in the wood, the tree will eventually grow around the nail head. When we put up small plastic…
Olin Lathrop
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22
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3 answers

When is it OK to hike off trail?

I visited my local forest preserve recently (in a suburb of Chicago, IL) and found new signs every mile or so that read something to the effect of Please stay on the trail so as to preserve the natural environment beyond the trail. Part of the…
drapkin11
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22
votes
9 answers

When should you carry a firearm when hiking/trekking?

When my friend planned to hike the Appalachian trail, his mother insisted he take her small handgun. I didn't think it would be a great idea in that case, but I'm sure there must be times when such gear would be advisable. Is it ever necessary if…
That Idiot
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22
votes
4 answers

Can I shoot a bear in self-defense?

Can I shoot a bear in self-defense? Will I face fines and jail time if I do?
wyocalboy
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22
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3 answers

How do you locate the "North Star"?

What if it's night and you want to find north? How do you locate the North Star in the night sky?
user2766
22
votes
7 answers

Permanent Camping Cooler - No Ice Needed

Situation: Forest Clay Ground covered in pine needles Pacific Northwest Climate No River No Electricity Can provide purified water, and whatever building materials needed. Goal: Construct a cooler which can permanently serve as an fridge out…
Anon
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22
votes
6 answers

When should I use spray-on versus wash-in waterproofer for treating DWR garments?

There are both spray-on and wash-in products available for treating my DWR (Durable Water Repellent), gore-tex, eVent and other garments using products such as nikwax wash-in or nikwax tx-direct. What types of garments is it more appropriate to use…
Benzo
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22
votes
8 answers

What do I do if I lose my belay plate?

The scenario My climbing partner and I are at the top of a pitch and we drop a belay plate to the ground. There is no safe descent, we were planning on rappelling down off safe anchors. What do we do? Also covers: "How to abseil without a descender…
user2766
22
votes
6 answers

How to store a backpack while sleeping?

During a recent backpacking trip, we hung the bear bag and got ready to set in for the night and I realized I wasn't sure what I should do with my backpack. Technically the backpack was carrying the food bag all day, so should it be hung? I should…
Blackbear
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