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1500 questions
16
votes
2 answers
When to use a static rope?
I usually do sport-climbing so I've never owned a static rope.
However, most rope-related Q&As in TGO.SE don't bother specifying dynamic vs static ropes.
I've been told that for rappelling (or even canyoneering) it's not only pretty common, but…
Roflo
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16
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2 answers
Is there any difference between a harness used for rock climbing vs for mountaineering?
I've recently taken an interest in both rock climbing and mountaineering. Both require a harness, but is there any difference in the harness used for each activity? I understand that the most basic functionality will theoretically be the same, i.e.…
nhinkle
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16
votes
1 answer
Train yourself to need less water
I'm interested in doing multi-day hikes (i.e. backpacking) in the desert where water sources are not readily available, thus requiring one to carry in enough water for the duration of the trip.
On any given day I feel the need to drink a lot of…
Joe
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16
votes
3 answers
How to straighten a bent tent pole
During a storm one of my tent poles that used to be straight, became bent. Is there a way to straighten the pole again?
Or is it a bad idea to try straightening the pole because is would likely snap anyhow and is replacing the pole the way to go?…
Some wandering yeti
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16
votes
4 answers
How to stay hydrated with minimum water usage
A friend of mine asked a experienced long distance hiker, how to drink during such a hike. The answer was, drink 0.1l water per hour and then you are fine.
Is this correct and can anyone add some facts to this answer? Can I stay hydrated over…
ibex
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16
votes
2 answers
How should you wash clothes after exposure to poison oak/ivy/sumac?
I have heard that the oils from poison oak, poison ivy, or poison sumac can remain on clothes even through a wash cycle. After hiking through an area with poison ivy (or poison oak/poison sumac), how should you wash the exposed clothes to completely…
jrdioko
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16
votes
1 answer
Slings for anchoring and lanyard in rock climbing
Probably common question, but: What slings do you use to build anchors for belaying the 2nd in rock climbing? Dyneema or nylon?
I had discussed this problem with my friend and he said that Dyneema is better as it has greater strength ratio and other…
dhpasta
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16
votes
4 answers
Tips and tricks for backpacking with a guitar
There are numerous compact and travel guitars that exist, some of which are designed specifically for outdoor pursuits like backpacking. This is one I've been considering.
Being a musician, music is one of the things I miss most while in the…
montane
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16
votes
6 answers
How to effectively dry/clean the inside of water bladders?
After using water bladder, how to dry it thoroughly besides simply pouring out the water content so any remnant of water inside it is cleanly eliminated?
qazwsx
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16
votes
3 answers
How do I read a topographic map?
When navigating in the backcountry, you'll usually bring a topographic map that shows the terrain so you can tell if there will be steep slopes or cliffs that might make the route difficult.
A sample topographic map is:
How do I read and…
Reverend Gonzo
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16
votes
1 answer
What factors should I be aware of when storing a kayak?
I've seen various images / comments online of how people decide to store their kayaks.
Some people wall mount them, some have a rack, some stack them with padding, some hang them (horizontally / vertically) from walls, some hang them from ceilings…
Aravona
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16
votes
1 answer
How well does solar recharging work when strapped to the backpack?
This answer recommends solar cells to recharge batteries. However, this likely works best during a layover day. I usually don't have those. For a nice-to-have situation, how well does it work to strap a solar cell/panel to the backpack to charge…
gerrit
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16
votes
2 answers
Pack to carry two 30 L barrels
I have come into possession of two standard 30 litre food barrels, but no method of carrying them while portaging. I have heard of people carrying two of these at a time, possibly using an external backpack frame. However, I can't find any products…
mb7744
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16
votes
1 answer
Does drinking tea cause problems at altitude?
I've heard from a tour leader that you shouldn't drink tea in high altitude because it makes you thirsty and cause problem in blood circulation. Is this true? Should'nt we drink tea in high altitude?
Alireza
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16
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4 answers
How high to climb before clipping on a sport climb?
The guy who taught me to lead sport in the gym suggested that when I'm going for a clip, I position my body so that the clip is somewhere between my hips and my chest. He claimed it was a bad thing when most people reached up high to clip. This…
user2169