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1500 questions
15
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5 answers
How important is thermal underwear for skiing?
I am going on a Ski trip with two days in the snow. Given that I am unlikely to go skiing again for a long time, I would like to minimise the amount of gear that I purchase. The minimum temperature appears to be about -2 or -3 degrees Celcius. How…
Casebash
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Is a full waterproof coat more important than waterproof trousers for hiking?
I've spent most of my working life outdoors (forestry mostly), but have not done much hiking, which I now intend to do. When working outdoors, my clothing consisted of a wool shirt and waxed cotton waistcoat, anything else would just be ripped to…
Pseudonym
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3 answers
Where can I find an iodine crystal water purification product?
For years I used a product called Polar Pure for water purification when weekend backpacking. It was an iodine based solution, so not great for a thru-hike, but fine for a week or less. Specifically, it used iodine crystals which slowly dissolve…
Justin C
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Would a tampon be a good addition to a survival kit
Jezebel magazine suggests a tampon for your survival kit.
I don't question that, if you just happen to have a tampon, you can use it. But at the end of the article they suggest even guys carry one because it's such a great survival tool. When I…
Russell Steen
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2 answers
How to confirm/remove ticks in tough spots when alone?
When in tick country, tick checks are critical. Easier with a buddy who can look where the sun doesn't shine, but even alone, diligent inspection (especially with a mirror of some sort) can go a long way.
This question is about what to do after…
cr0
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2 answers
When is it a bad idea to follow a game trail?
If you are walking on trail, and a game trail heads off in an interesting direction is it ever a bad idea to follow it? If so how would you know when it is OK to follow a game trail?
This question assumes you have a good maps/GPS/skills and…
James Jenkins
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15
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6 answers
How can I backpack further without resupplying?
There are a couple of long hikes that I am thinking of doing, both are 70 to 80 miles (110 to 130 km) long one way. I would like to do a yo-yo (140 to 160 miles, 230 to 260 km) without a resupply.
I am not worried about running out of food, since I…
Charlie Brumbaugh
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15
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4 answers
Dealing with anxiety and confidence issues
I did some hikes in the past but I'm way from calling myself experienced. Now, since I live in an awesome region surrounded by Alps, I decided to take a "one hike a week challenge", hiking mostly alone. The hikes are currently one day hikes.
Now,…
Paul92
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2 answers
What role does information about atmospheric pressure play from an outdoor perspective?
My wrist watch has a barometer, measures atmospheric pressure in mb (millibar).
What role does information about atmospheric pressure play from an outdoor perspective?
Lets stick to caving, hiking/trekking, mountaineering, kayaking, sailing,…
WedaPashi
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15
votes
1 answer
Why does this blue tit bird desperately want to come inside?
There's a strange thing going on since a few days ago in the office. Suddenly we recognized a blue tit flying like crazy up and down on our window. It looks quite average, a beautiful bird, not like somehow sick or something. Still, the first day we…
OddDeer
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2 answers
Is it normal for a compass to develop an air bubble at high altitude?
I live in Denver, Colorado. Going above 10,000 ft. (3,000 metre) always results in an air bubble large enough for me to want to tilt the compass to prevent the bubble from interfering with the needle. Is that normal behavior for a compass?
I…
jsf80238
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4 answers
What is the most efficient strategy to melt snow using a stove?
When melting snow to obtain drinking water, what is the most efficient strategy if one needs more water than results from one pan of snow? Most efficient for me is using a minimum of fuel, not necessary the fastest way.
I can think of multiple…
Some wandering yeti
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What practical issues do I need to be aware of when hiking or camping on my own?
Related to this question, if I'm camping and hiking on my own, I'm obviously at more of a risk than if I were with someone, and some key tasks will definitely be harder with no-one to assist (such as putting up a tent).
If I were planning such a…
berry120
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15
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5 answers
How do I remove mildew from a tent?
Similar to this question, but mildew tends to be very resistant to removal. I sadly failed to keep my tent dry enough, and now it has a couple of mildew spots. They're not bad, but I would rather not replace my entire tent.
What's the best way to…
Russell Steen
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15
votes
3 answers
How do I extend the life of waterproof leather boots?
I've got some leather boots that are showing some wear and tear. More importantly, the seam between the sole and boot is starting to crack and allow some water in. Do products like ShoeGoo or FreeSole work well to extend the life of boots when used…
BMitch
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