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1500 questions
22
votes
4 answers
What foods should I avoid when backpacking?
Are there any foods that should be off-limits when backpacking because they have a negative impact on performance or well-being? I am thinking that candy-bars and very greasy foods might be candidates?
SierraCalifornicus
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22
votes
10 answers
How can I keep my backpack from resting directly against my back?
I have a backpack that I often wear on my (outdoor) walks to and from work each day. The walk is 30 minutes one-way and mostly in an open field/park area, so in the afternoon it's usually warm enough that a great swath of my back gets incredibly…
William
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22
votes
2 answers
Is titanium cookware safe?
There are one or two other posts on cookware, which covers those made of titanium, but this post is in regards to its interactions with the human body. I haven't been able to find any academic/peer-reviewed articles in this subject and I don't want…
MarkE
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22
votes
3 answers
How to apply duct tape and mole skin to prevent blisters?
In response to a question that was asked regarding preventing/treating blisters, a reputed and a respectable climber (DavidR) said:
"Having 'duct tape', 'mole skin', or other adhesive products, and
knowing how to apply them to prevent blisters in…
WedaPashi
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22
votes
4 answers
Is it possible to develop immunity against mosquitos?
For me, every bite by mosquito results in heavy itching and the blister, which size is dependent on how long the mosquito was sucking the blood, in worst cases even 1 cm in diameter. If I would stay naked outdoors the whole nights, the blisters…
Danubian Sailor
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22
votes
7 answers
What are the odds that I stand a chance against Wild Boars?
I have been trekking and camping since last 6 yrs. I have over 600 hikes and about 30 technical rock climbs under my belt. We often tend to camp up in forests, and at our sides, wild boars are pretty normal. Though I have never been under an attack…
WedaPashi
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22
votes
2 answers
Canadian Law with respect to knives
I keep seeing slightly different answers for some of these questions.
In summary of what I know already, please tell me if I am wrong.
You can own any knife of any length, with the following general exceptions:
It is stereotypically related to…
Jonathon
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22
votes
7 answers
How can I clean teeth in the backcountry?
Consider a 10-day trip without resupply. A bathroom is not exactly available next to the campfire. What would be different about brushing teeth: frequency, tool, etc.?
Vorac
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22
votes
3 answers
What are the first signs that you are headed for heat exhaustion, and what should you do?
Extreme heat by historical standards is in the news, and most likely in our future. So this question is how to know when you are headed for being seriously affected by the heat, and what to do about it. To clarify, you want to notice early danger…
ab2
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22
votes
4 answers
How efficient is travel by canoe?
How efficient is travel in a canoe, in terms of effort/time required to cover distance?
Or kayak, pirogue, any kind of small boat that is moved by paddling instead of sail or motor - is there a significant difference between the different kinds of…
rwallace
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22
votes
2 answers
Are there any modern advantages of a fire piston?
A fire piston is a very old way of starting fires, predating friction matches and works on the same principle as a diesel engine.
Basically, you use it to light a piece of tinder and then start the fire with that.
Source
It's possible to buy…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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22
votes
9 answers
Under what conditions does heating a tent artificially make objective sense?
My question is motivated by the earlier question How To Quickly Warm A Tent, which generated a lot of interest, and one of the best comments ever on TGO:
All I could think about after reading your other half's post, was what
my wife would think,…
ab2
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22
votes
4 answers
Buying a Backpacking Knife
I am a first-time knife buyer.
What should I look for in an all-purpose, lightweight backpacking knife?
I aim to use it for cutting trail plants and fish. My top priority is a knife that doesn't need sharpening even if it's not used by the most…
themirror
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22
votes
9 answers
How should I treat poison ivy?
If I'm struck by poison ivy, what should I do? Is there a way to suppress the itch?
Jasper
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22
votes
6 answers
Should one buy a higher shoe size while buying hiking shoes?
I've heard this multiple times from different people that while buying a hiking shoe, always go for one size larger than what fits you perfectly. The most recent one being a local store where I went to check out some shoes. The logic seems to be as…
Ricketyship
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