Most Popular
1500 questions
20
votes
7 answers
Protection from rain - running vs. walking
Let's assume there's a reason to stay dry from rain. You've a form of a basecamp which can keep you dry.
Is it better to walk or to run back through the rain?
The crux (imho!):
Running reduces the time spent in rain
Walking reduces the amount of…
OddDeer
- 23,447
- 17
- 101
- 204
20
votes
7 answers
Is there any practical use for a grappling hook?
A friend was asking about grappling hooks the other day, apparently they'd seen a mountaineering program where the guy carried a grappling hook. We couldn't quite figure out why, I've never seen anyone use one (outside of a comic book).
Are they…
user2766
19
votes
8 answers
What proven alternatives are there to DEET?
DEET is an effective mosquito deterrent, but there are many reasons it cannot be used. Per the CDC, cuts, eczema, and being a kid are all problems if you want to use DEET.
What proven alternatives are there to DEET that can be used for people with…
Russell Steen
- 32,121
- 23
- 131
- 274
19
votes
7 answers
Why are backpacks mostly not made of waterproof material?
Many bicycle panniers are made of waterproof material. Backpacks are not, necessitating built-in or separate raincovers. Why don't backpacks use the material that waterproof panniers do? Unlike gear to be worn on the body, there's no need for…
gerrit
- 27,162
- 12
- 91
- 203
19
votes
4 answers
What easy 6,500m peaks would serve as easy qualifiers for Everest?
So there's been talk of this for a while, but it seems like the Nepalese government is finally committing and closing Everest to inexperienced climbers. So from now on, as a safety measure, if you want to climb Everest, you will be required to prove…
ShemSeger
- 53,549
- 10
- 123
- 296
19
votes
2 answers
What is the proper tension for a tent line
When setting up a tent and staking it out, what is the proper tension for the lines? I generally just make them arbitrarily tight, but have no idea how that would perform in high wind or other conditions.
Russell Steen
- 32,121
- 23
- 131
- 274
19
votes
3 answers
What kind of canteen material will have the least effect on the taste of water?
I want to buy a canteen, and I have choice between aluminum, stainless steel, enamel and various kinds of plastic. I had canteens before that made any liquid taste horrible after just few hours. I would like to find one that does not affect the…
Jan Hlavacek
- 2,678
- 3
- 22
- 28
19
votes
0 answers
What are the primary considerations when trekking across the Olympic National Park, Greece including a summit of Mount Olympus?
I am planning to make a solo traverse of the Olympic National Park in Greece, including a summit of Mount Olympus.
I am a former soldier and team medic with considerable experience in the outdoors, although none of it on the Greek peninsula.
What…
Venture2099
- 2,889
- 2
- 16
- 37
19
votes
7 answers
Best rope for a rope swing
A few years ago I, er… a friend of mine, put up a rope swing in a nearby park. It's in a large eucalyptus, about 25 metres high, and is much loved by many local kids – and parents.
Originaly I just used super cheap polypropylene rope (I think it…
stib
- 700
- 1
- 5
- 12
19
votes
2 answers
For how long afterwards do we benefit from acclimatization?
Consider we are trying to pre-acclimate for an expedition in Himalaya to shorten the actual timespan on site.
As an example, I am expecting a benefit if I go in the Alps for several days above 4000m and sleep over 3000m. If my trip to the big…
Wills
- 12,159
- 5
- 53
- 114
19
votes
3 answers
Dropping gear: Where did the hairline/micro fracture urban legend come from?
In an answer given to this question: Micro-Fractures in Climbing Equipments, it's stated that dropping gear causing micro fractures is a persistent myth, quoting Black Diamond's statement:
Q. Is it okay to use carabiners that have been dropped? A.
…
ShemSeger
- 53,549
- 10
- 123
- 296
19
votes
4 answers
Best technique to sharpen a knife using a whetstone?
I have a knife and a whetstone. One side of the whetstone is rough and the other is finely grained.
I occasionally sharpen my knife but I'm not 100% clear if I'm using it correctly. I normally move the knife in a circular motion trying to hold it at…
user2766
19
votes
4 answers
How to detect a crevasse on a glacier
When you're walking in a roped party over a glacier, how can the leader detect crevasses?
Sometimes it's possible to walk existing tracks, but even then it's possible to have a crevasse fall.
What are good ways to find a save path on a…
ibex
- 2,662
- 1
- 15
- 30
19
votes
1 answer
What is the loop on the finger of my winter gloves for?
I have a pair of winter /climbing gloves. Each glove has a small loop on the ring finger, top of the glove. Why? What's it for?
user2766
19
votes
2 answers
How do you make a snow shelter?
Sometimes when mountaineering, there may be an emergency situation which leaves you in bad weather with no or damaged shelter (such as returning from a summit attempt or after a wild and crazy storm).
Snow shelters can keep you insulated as well as…
Reverend Gonzo
- 8,218
- 11
- 49
- 77