Frequent Questions
1,403 questions
62
votes
10
answers
15k
views
What is the safest way to purify water?
There are a number of ways to purify water, off the top of my head we have filters, iodine, and boiling. Clearly each has some advantage/disadvantage (iodine tastes terrible, boiling takes time). ...
- 5,348
27
votes
2
answers
7k
views
How to carry a bicycle in a canoe?
I am contemplating a river journey from Pittsburgh to the Gulf of Mexico. 981 miles on the Ohio river and 2340 miles on the Mississippi River. The current plan calls for completing the journey in 1 ...
- 30.4k
32
votes
6
answers
5k
views
What precautions should I take to protect myself and my camp from bears?
Most of my prior hiking experience has been in areas that are not home to bears, so what precautions should I take to protect my camp (and myself as I am hiking) from bears.
I am aware of a couple of ...
- 858
34
votes
5
answers
29k
views
How to tow a canoe with a bicycle?
There are a few pictures on the internet of people towing canoes with bicycles, there are even complete solutions that you can purchase for the task. But what is really involved, what are the ...
- 30.4k
57
votes
7
answers
22k
views
Does cotton really kill?
For outdoor hiking, backpacking or camping trips, I always hear people saying Cotton Kills. That means don't wear cotton anywhere (underwear, shirts, pants), and no cotton blends. Usually it's given ...
- 3,653
35
votes
3
answers
5k
views
If I cross paths with a bear, what should I do?
If I'm out hiking, and I come around a corner and stumble upon a bear, what's the best course of action to take to minimize the chance the bear will act aggressively?
Do different types of bear (...
- 3,041
31
votes
6
answers
19k
views
Do you need to purify all mountain water sources
I was just reading this question What is the safest way to purify water?
Now I walk a lot in Snowdonia in North Wales and on occasion I drink from mountain streams. I've even camped next to mountain ...
user2766
29
votes
6
answers
4k
views
Are trekking poles proven to be helpful?
I covered quite a lot of ground, but approaching 36 my knees are starting to give me troubles. Should I expect trekking poles to restore my previous stamina and walking durability? Or are they just ...
- 521
17
votes
1
answer
950
views
What are the principles of Leave no Trace?
What are the fundamental principles of leaving no trace in the backcountry?
- 53.7k
79
votes
24
answers
65k
views
Where in Europe is wild camping permitted?
Is there any resource (website, book, etc) that lists all European countries, and the state of free camping?
Specifically, I want to see in which European countries I'm not fined when I place my tent ...
- 3,249
14
votes
2
answers
3k
views
How do you decide on a climbing grade?
Rock climbing and bouldering tours are classified e.g.
Sierra from 5.2 to 5.15c or
Fontainbleau 2 to 8c+.
As you advance in your climbing experience you achieve higher
grades and learn new movements, ...
- 1,491
13
votes
1
answer
2k
views
What are the navigation considerations on the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers between Ohiopyle State Park (PA) and Pittsburgh PA?
I want to travel by canoe from Ohiopyle State Park to Pittsburgh Pa on the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers
What are the navigation considerations? Also I will have a bike and trailer for the ...
- 30.4k
4
votes
2
answers
2k
views
What can I burn in an open cup burner stove?
I'm looking for easily obtained fuels for an open-cup stove, such as a Trangia, in case I need to top up while travelling.
I have a small simple DIY open cup spirit stove, for boiling water when bike ...
- 27.4k
69
votes
8
answers
6k
views
What are essential items in an emergency kit?
What are must-have items in an emergency kit for a multi-day hiking trip?
- 1,441
55
votes
2
answers
165k
views
How to avoid exploding rocks
It seems that every tutorial I read and show I watch shows people using rocks for everything from a cooking surface to boiling water. However, I have had rocks crack in half on me, and I've always ...
- 32.2k