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1500 questions
21
votes
2 answers
What is the first thing to do, when buried in an avalanche?
Are there set rules I should follow which would increase my chances of survival if I get buried by an avalanche?
Should I try to do anything if I get caught-up in one, before it has settled?
G.Rassovsky
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21
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2 answers
Are Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel truly toxic to burn in a campfire?
For a very long time now, I've believed and taught that burning Rhododendron or Mountain Laurel in a campfire will make you sick because of the toxins in these plants becoming airborne then inhaled around the fire. Many people I know that I trust…
montane
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21
votes
2 answers
Can a compass needle become de-magnetized over time?
My compass has become increasingly untrustworthy. Over the past couple years I had noticed that it often pointed pretty close to magnetic South, but it corrected after a light tap.
In two recent trips to the woods this compass has been wildly…
orangejewelweed
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21
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2 answers
How to clean vomit from camping gear?
Some background. Whilst car camping down in Weymouth recently I was unfortunate enough to encounter a stomach bug (we initially thought it was food poisoning but later realised it was a bug as my other half developed the same symptoms over 3 days…
Aravona
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21
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11 answers
What are good items to leave in a geocache?
I started geocaching roughly a month ago and it's really fun activity to get into.
I had a few questions (though one was answered already here > What should be carried in a standard Geocaching bag?) but my main question is typically for the UK due…
Aravona
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21
votes
3 answers
How should a climbing rope be cleaned?
What products and process should be used to clean a climbing rope when it gets sufficiently dirty? How would I remove as much dirt and grime as possible without negatively affecting the strength or lifespan of the rope?
STW
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21
votes
4 answers
How do you properly dispose of human waste while snow camping?
Assuming the cat-hole is the preferred protocol for waste disposal in the area you are backpacking, what should you do when the soil is buried below A LOT of snow, and/or frozen?
Lost
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21
votes
4 answers
Is it safe to cut a climbing rope in half?
I recently bought a 70 meter climbing rope from REI because it was a great price on the outlet. Last weekend I used it for the first time in the Texas hill country, where 99% of routes need a rope less than 35 meters. The rope is overkill for what I…
Chris Mendez
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21
votes
3 answers
Micro-Fractures in Climbing Equipments
I have always been very careful while handling climbing gear. Last year while returning from an expedition, I met a group that was returning from a tough-looking climb. They were selling off a few of their gear, which were pretty new. Most of the…
WedaPashi
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21
votes
7 answers
Does packing boots with newspaper make them dry faster?
In one of the trail journals I read, the author mentions packing her boots with newspaper to dry them out. On the one hand I can see perhaps some wicking action, but this would greatly reduce airflow.
Will this actually help dry shoes out?
Russell Steen
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21
votes
3 answers
Synthetic vs Down sleeping bags?
What are the best conditions to use a synthetic sleeping bag vs a down one? Can you always use a down sleeping bag as long as you keep it in a dry waterproof bag?
Ross
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21
votes
1 answer
Plastic or fiberglass for a kayak?
I'm an intermediate level kayaker but have only paddled plastic boats. I'm looking for a kayak to do multi-day trips in on the ocean. What are the differences between plastic and fiberglass?
Ross
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21
votes
6 answers
What are some proven methods of training for week long backpacking trips at high altitude?
I'm going to Colorado to visit a friend and we will be going on a week long trek across a couple of 14'ners. I'm looking for some ways to help prepare my body for trip.
Justin Self
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21
votes
3 answers
Should I be worried about bears when sleeping in a hammock?
I'm going on a multi day backpacking trip and I am planning on taking only a backpacking hammock instead of a tent. When I mentioned this to a friend of mine he jokingly referred to me as a bear taco.
Do I need to worry about bears more since I am…
brh
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21
votes
8 answers
What are the dangers of swimming in natural waters?
What are the dangers of swimming in natural bodies of water? In essence I would like to know about all types of waters, but I am mostly interested in sea because it is most relevant to me. Like many people I enjoy taking a swim when at the sea side,…
Dominykas Mostauskis
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