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1500 questions
18
votes
4 answers
What is a good source of vitamin C in the wild?
I know I could just carry a bottle, but scavenging is much more fun. What is a good source of vitamin C in the wild? Have spruce needles really got enough?
J. Musser
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18
votes
3 answers
How safe is a chest harness when used without a sit harness?
How safe is it to use a chest harness without a sit harness? I ask this question because of an experience I had while on holiday.
A couple of years ago I was in China and hiked/climbed HuaShan (see this link for some info/pictures). This is…
S. Catterall
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18
votes
2 answers
Why are tourniquets not recommended as a first aid for a snakebite?
Why are tying the tourniquets or restricting bandages not recommended or in fact to be avoided to treat a snakebite before getting the proper medical attention?
Closely related questions:
Am I able to "open up" a snake bite and suck the venom out…
WedaPashi
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18
votes
4 answers
Plant identification methods
Can anyone explain the basic process of identifying plants. To assist I also am posting an unidentified plant photo.
Can anyone identify it and explain the method and resources used? Thanks.
Location: Southern Pennsylvania - Gettysburg.
Photos are…
Eliot G York
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18
votes
4 answers
What are the pros and cons of ice axe leashes?
My ice ax came with a leash already on it and I have never had any problems with it, but almost all of the other ice axes that I have seen in use lacked one.
One obvious pro is in case of dropping the ice ax, a leash will prevent it from sliding…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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18
votes
5 answers
Dealing with very cold climate (clothing)
In the near future I will have to prepare myself for a Siberia expedition.
During the winter, average temperatures in Siberia range from -10°F
(-23°C) to below -50°C (-45°F).1
What should I wear in very low temperature conditions? Is there any…
syntagma
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18
votes
9 answers
How can I keep my iPhone going on a multiday hike?
Taking a five day hike, and I want to take a bazillion pictures. It would be nice to have the compass & GPS functionality too, and I want something really small. The obvious choice is my iPhone.
As everyone knows, however, an iPhone sucks juice…
Affable Geek
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18
votes
4 answers
Falling into an ice cold body of water
I've never been hiking in such extreme situations, but if in the situation in the question, i.e. you're hiking in very cold weather and someone falls in (let's say so pretty much their whole body is under, and it's a lake not a river, so no current)…
berry120
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18
votes
4 answers
What are the key features to look for in mobile device apps for hiking/camping?
I've used one of the trail apps and was satisfied, but am looking for something better. What are the features I should focus on for selecting an app? What bells and whistles are really useful on the trail?
David Lozzi
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18
votes
4 answers
How to stow backpack and boots whilst in a hammock?
I'm contemplating using a hammock for my next trip, usually I'd keep my backpack and boots with me inside when I sleep to keep them dry.
Is there room in a hammock for a backpack and boots? Or is it uncomfortable being pulled into them all night?…
Chris J
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18
votes
2 answers
Starting cross-country skiing off trails
I've done a bit of cross-country skiing on trails at local mountains, but I'm more interested in getting off the trails and out into the woods. The terrain around here is pretty steep in general with very heavy powder when it snows, which it does a…
Ryley
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18
votes
2 answers
Difference when using twin or half ropes
There are three types of ropes according to the UIAA/EN norm for climbing ropes: Single, half and twin. While the distinction between single ropes and the other two is rather obvious (one strand versus two parallel strands) it is not so clear for…
imsodin
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18
votes
5 answers
How do locals (short of drilling) determine that lake ice is safe for skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing?
This question is not a duplicate of either (1) Ice skating on a frozen lake -- how thick should the ice be?, which only asks how thick the ice should be; or (2) How to determine the thickness of ice?, which only asks how to determine how thick the…
ab2
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18
votes
10 answers
What is the best type of shoe to wear for crossing deep rivers?
I'm heading up for some walking to Scotland soon. I will need to cross multiple rivers.
I have no interest in crossing wearing my walking boots as so many people like to do as wet feet are the worst of all options. Yes I could remove my socks and…
Undistraction
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18
votes
2 answers
Are there any affordable night vision goggles that are good and available to civilians?
I quite often go hiking in the evening after work and I have a good head torch but sometimes I wish I had some night vision goggles because often a headtorch will scare wildlife and cause farm animals to go crazy (not so good if you are on a…
Andrew Welch
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