The Great Outdoors Stack Exchange
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1500 questions
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4 answers

What is the difference between a rifle and a shotgun?

This is one of those things, that seems like it has just always been in my knowledge. A recent comment about rifles on a question about shotguns got me thinking, it really is not all that simple. They make slugs that you can fire in a shotgun, and…
James Jenkins
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Frogs in pond attacking one reddish coloured frog?

In my garden pond I saw a bundle of frogs seemingly smothering one reddish coloured frog. Being British and always favouring the underfrog I sprayed the "attackers" with the hose until they all went. The victim frog was indeed reddish in colour and…
El Ronnoco
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How to use a Munter hitch to belay and rappel?

There seems to be conflicting information on the web about how to use a Munter hitch for belaying and rappelling while rock climbing. The way I learned decades ago is consistent with Nols Wilderness Mountaineering by Phil Powers: The Munter hitch…
StrongBad
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What wetsuit thickness is recommended in which temperatures for diving?

I'm soon to embark on a chilly scuba dive around 5-7C at 18m, of which we'll be wearing 7mm semi-drys with shorties. The next thickest I think is actually a drysuit for really cold waters, but not sure if there is a thicker wetsuit. However this got…
Aravona
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Diving mask colouring

I'm learning to dive and the first purchase is a mask and snorkel. The issue I have is discerning what mask to get colour-wise. There seem to be two main types for the silicon, clear and black. The lens can then have different coloured frames. My…
Dynadin
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What are the easiest methods to carry a backpack when cycling?

This question might be flanked by The Great Outdoors and Bicycles, yet I'll ask. When I am off for a mountain-biking thing, I usually have a backpack with me which contains clothing, medical kit, basic toolkit for repair, tarp, sleeping bag, food…
WedaPashi
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Roof-top tents vs conventional tents?

I have noticed a slow but steady rise in the number of campers using roof-top tents like these and those, among many others. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these over conventional ground tents? In what circumstances would someone…
Chris Mendez
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What belay systems would work for beginning climbers who can only use one arm?

A friend would like to start climbing but he can only use one arm. I've read about a few people climbing with one arm, but I haven't found advice on which gear to use. We are only at the beginning of researching options, any tips and experiences…
Nana
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What are other possible make-shift alternatives for chalk powder?

Climber's life rely heavily on equipment. Having all the necessary equipment for simplest of climbs is a must. But, if at all I forget to bring the chalk powder along, what other alternatives I have for that? I have used dry leaves by crushing them…
WedaPashi
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Climbing: fear/panic on boulder wall

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced fear/panic that gets in the way of bouldering, and what their tips are for dealing with this. (There is a prior question on fear in lead climbing, but my issue is specific to bouldering. I climb…
Mary
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Does a bird really abandon the nest? Will similar birds re-use it?

This may appear a bit opinion-based. Birds take a while and a lot of effort to build a nest. Is it okay to take that pretty nest as a sample or a show-piece to put in a personal balcony or a garden? I don't know if they or the same kind of bird…
WedaPashi
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Can fish sense a person's heartbeat from vibrations through the line?

Fishing is 95% waiting and 5% action, well at least that's how it is for me. During the down time, I contemplate deeply on some obscure and inane things. For a while I've wondered if an angler is holding his or her rod when the line is in still…
zer00ne
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What trees/bushes are best suited for a simple bow?

This question is about the simple type of bow often (but not exclusively :) ) made by children that consists of a branch of wood with a cord tied to both its ends. Obviously such a branch should be straight and uniformly thick. Furthermore there is…
imsodin
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How much experience is needed with llamas to hike with a llama, on one's own?

I've seen people on multi-day hikes with a llama, and the llama seems docile and easily led. It seems too good to be true. I would never go out with a mule or a horse on my own. If my husband and I went on a short (two or three day) trip with a…
ab2
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Cleaning the plastic residue of the inside of my old backpack

I have a very old backpack (10-15 years old) that is perfect for one day or weekend hikes. The problem is that the inside material has started to peel off and it leaves small bits of yellowish plastic on anything that I put in there. This is…
Paul Irofti
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