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Scrambling over rough ground requires steady use
Remove the cord from your compass and replace it
Blisters on your heels? When you first put your
If you get back to your car and the locks are
Use a set of dry bags (exped or Ortlieb) to
'Daisy chain' knot a length of 3 or 4mm accessory
Buy a knitting counter from a wool shop. Attach
Many books and magazines recommend removing the
When travelling on aircraft, I've learnt a few
If you are using a hostel, bunkhouses or low
The simplest things are often what save you in a
ever walking in winter and realise you should have
A hedgehog trained to scuttle up and down the
Once you've done your days climbing, there's
Just a few more...Dont strap your crampons to the
1. If facing on a long walk in to a winter route,
Always tell someone you know and trust where you
In an emergency it is always worth dialing 999/911
Take two bin bags with you when on an overnight
Survival hint - Before you leave on your
Know where you are!!!! Sounds obvious but good
Check out Park self-adhesive clear patches for
When in the mountains I ensure I never loose
Rather than use bulky map cases, every map I buy I
Replace shoe laces with para cord, which is much
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Scrambling over rough ground requires steady use
Product/Skill: GPS/Navigation/Maps
Interest: Mountaineering
George Cave wrote: Scrambling over rough ground requires steady use of both your hands. Place your waterproof map folded to the correct section in the gap between the rucksack back and the main rucksack. The map will naturally spring open to stay wedged in there.
If you don't have a laminated map, place inside a map cover but always make sure it is double sided, has a waterproof, and no cord. The cord just gets in the way and strangles you in high winds, when your map could have been stuffed behind your back anyway!
If you don't have a laminated map, place inside a map cover but always make sure it is double sided, has a waterproof, and no cord. The cord just gets in the way and strangles you in high winds, when your map could have been stuffed behind your back anyway!
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Remove the cord from your compass and replace it
Product/Skill: GPS/Navigation/Maps
Interest: Walking
Ian Smith wrote: Remove the cord from your compass and replace it with a bootlace. Knot the end of the lace and loop it round the belt on your trousers or waist strap on your rucksac. Then pop the compass into your trouser or jacket pocket. The compass is always convenient to hand and you will never lose it.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Blisters on your heels? When you first put your
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: Mountaineering
Rob Watts wrote: Blisters on your heels? When you first put your boots on try cross lacing your boot hooks back down one set after reaching the top. you can pull the laces that bit tighter without cutting off the circulation to your foot, and you are applying pressure at just the right place to help lock your heel into the boot. I find this especially useful in my winterboots as heels tend to lift more when wearing crampons.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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If you get back to your car and the locks are
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: General Outdoor
Bill wrote: If you get back to your car and the locks are frozen solid, cover one with an inner glove or some other convenient fabric so that you don't stick to it, and then seal your lips over it and breath into it as if giving it the Kiss of Life. The warmth will unfreeze the lock very quickly.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Use a set of dry bags (exped or Ortlieb) to
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: Mountaineering
andy hodges wrote: Use a set of dry bags (exped or Ortlieb) to organise your kit:
1 little one for gloves, buff, hat
1 little one for phone, money, keys
1 middle one for spare fleece and extra gloves
1 middle one for Bothy bag, emergency food, torch and first aid kit (your 'insurance policy')
Label them (or buy different colours) and then your sack packing is very quick plus on multiday wet walks (a usual week in the Lakes??) you don't have any wet kit to dry out in your rucksack. Also if using different sacks its easier to transfer kit without having the 'oh God, I've fogotten the first aid kit' moment!
1 little one for gloves, buff, hat
1 little one for phone, money, keys
1 middle one for spare fleece and extra gloves
1 middle one for Bothy bag, emergency food, torch and first aid kit (your 'insurance policy')
Label them (or buy different colours) and then your sack packing is very quick plus on multiday wet walks (a usual week in the Lakes??) you don't have any wet kit to dry out in your rucksack. Also if using different sacks its easier to transfer kit without having the 'oh God, I've fogotten the first aid kit' moment!
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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'Daisy chain' knot a length of 3 or 4mm accessory
Product/Skill: Rucksacks/Luggage
Interest: Trekking
andy hodges wrote: 'Daisy chain' knot a length of 3 or 4mm accessory cord into a loop and attach this to your rucksack zipper. It makes a great zip pull for mitted or gloved hands and means you always have a few metres of bootlace, guy rope, repair kit available. Use a bright colour and it is easy to find your zipper in the dark.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Buy a knitting counter from a wool shop. Attach
Product/Skill: GPS/Navigation/Maps
Interest: Walking
andy hodges wrote: Buy a knitting counter from a wool shop. Attach this (thread it) onto your compass lanyard (which are never long enough anyhow so repalce it with some thin accessory cord) and you have a great counter for pacing.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Many books and magazines recommend removing the
Product/Skill: Expedition/Route planning
Interest: General Outdoor
Bob Holder wrote: Many books and magazines recommend removing the tube from toilet rolls when going on long expeditions. this is daft. the tube is difficult to remove. it only weighs about 9 grams and helps keep the paper usable for weeks even when the roll is crushed flat!
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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When travelling on aircraft, I've learnt a few
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: General Outdoor
Tony Fisher wrote: When travelling on aircraft, I've learnt a few tricks...Wear your heaviest boots for the flight - you don't get weighed! Carry your camera around your neck - another few ounces. Most important, find out if the airline gives you a 'sports gear allowance', although most airlines list 'sports' gear as golf, skiing or shooting equipment, I've found that climbing gear can be classified as sports gear. Most airlines are flexible. This can give you a free additional baggage allowance up to 10kg.
There's no harm in asking!
There's no harm in asking!
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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If you are using a hostel, bunkhouses or low
Product/Skill: Tents/Sleeping bags/Mats
Interest: Mountaineering
Nigel Lewis wrote: If you are using a hostel, bunkhouses or low budget hotels, take a sleeping bag liner. A silk one packs down really small, is comfortable next to the skin, and will almost certainly be cleaner than the blankets provided!
It adds warmth if you are cold, or can be used alone if you are hot. Plus, I'm told, bed bugs can't bite through silk!
N
It adds warmth if you are cold, or can be used alone if you are hot. Plus, I'm told, bed bugs can't bite through silk!
N
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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The simplest things are often what save you in a
Product/Skill: Survival/Safety
Interest: Mountaineering
Michael wrote: The simplest things are often what save you in a suddenly dangerous situation, and the simplest and most effective is a Storm Whistle, kept close (around the neck, on the front of jacket etc) at all times.
Your bright coloured clothing may allow helpers to spot you once they are close but it is the whistle that will let them know to search. And the Storm Whistle, which will work underwater, is far louder than the penny pinching basic whistles most people carry. It is so loud that if possible you should cover your ears before blowing. One of the best £5 investments you will ever make.
Your bright coloured clothing may allow helpers to spot you once they are close but it is the whistle that will let them know to search. And the Storm Whistle, which will work underwater, is far louder than the penny pinching basic whistles most people carry. It is so loud that if possible you should cover your ears before blowing. One of the best £5 investments you will ever make.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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ever walking in winter and realise you should have
Product/Skill: Winter Skills
Interest: Walking
charliem wrote: ever walking in winter and realise you should have got your walking axe off the back of your rucksack a while ago on flatter terrain?
before you set off, once you have your rucksack on slide the axe down between the shoulder straps and out to one side.
its rarely uncomfortable as you are wearing a few layers, and quick and easy to access without taking your rucksack off :)
before you set off, once you have your rucksack on slide the axe down between the shoulder straps and out to one side.
its rarely uncomfortable as you are wearing a few layers, and quick and easy to access without taking your rucksack off :)
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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A hedgehog trained to scuttle up and down the
Product/Skill: Waterproof Clothing
Interest: Climbing
jessyb wrote: A hedgehog trained to scuttle up and down the table from guest to guest makes an unusual mobile cheese and pineapple cube nibble dispenser at cocktail parties. no, but seriously, the BEST EVER "climbing your nuts off all day" fuel . . . is . . . . orange juice & water mixed up. You don't need anything else. The slow release will keep you going all day and you don't even need to stop for food. Try it. It works. :)
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Once you've done your days climbing, there's
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: General Outdoor
Joe Miller wrote: Once you've done your days climbing, there's nothing better than relaxing in the sun with a cold beer. But how do you manage that when you're in a hot country, miles from anywhere? Simple. Slip an old sock over your tinny or bottle, and stand it in a pan of water so that the sock is in the water. The water evaporates from the sock, cooling your beer, just like a fridge, and ensuring you have a pleasant evening on your return!
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Just a few more...Dont strap your crampons to the
Product/Skill: Winter Skills
Interest: Mountaineering
Anna Bochenska wrote: Just a few more...Dont strap your crampons to the top of your racksack, it is commonly done but very dangerous for your head if you slip and fall, just strap them to the back! Word to the wise - seriously even if your friend (that you only just met at the gym and has a car), swares blind that they can belay and have belayed in mountain conditions before, check them out first on smaller routes/on the big wall at the gym, theres nothing worse than doing a hard mulit-pitch route and being scared for your life because you dont trust the idiot belaying you. Buy light walkin shoes, its great to strap them to your harness (the second can haul them). When you get to the top of a long route and you feel like your feet will fall off, just po them on and abseil the seven or so rope lengths in full comfort.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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1. If facing on a long walk in to a winter route,
Product/Skill: Survival/Safety
Interest: General Outdoor
Anna Bochenska wrote: 1. If facing on a long walk in to a winter route, with winter climbing/stiff boots, on ground not necessarily designed for such boots (eg. rochks, gravel etc), its a good idea to take some climbing tape (like that used to strap fingers) and tape up the backs of ones feet. This is great to avoid blisters, especially if this is the first day of a longer trip.
2. Cut a candle in two and stick it in your first aid kit, great for dark nights in lonely bothies.
3. Condoms are great to keep injured limbs (fingers, toes) dry for the time it takes to get real help
2. Cut a candle in two and stick it in your first aid kit, great for dark nights in lonely bothies.
3. Condoms are great to keep injured limbs (fingers, toes) dry for the time it takes to get real help
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Always tell someone you know and trust where you
Product/Skill: Survival/Safety
Interest: General Outdoor
James Crossley wrote: Always tell someone you know and trust where you are going, which route and estimated time of arrival back at base. Never venture into areas you are not totally safe and confident with and ALWAYS carry the correct equipment. Safe climbing is dependant on common sense and local knowledge. Stay safe out there. James
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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In an emergency it is always worth dialing 999/911
Product/Skill: Survival/Safety
Interest: General Outdoor
Paul wrote: In an emergency it is always worth dialing 999/911 on your mobile phone even if you do not appear to have a network connection. Emergency calls are carried on any available network at your current location not just the network that you are subscribed to.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Take two bin bags with you when on an overnight
Product/Skill: Waterproof Clothing
Interest: General Outdoor
Neil wrote: Take two bin bags with you when on an overnight trip. You can then put these over your dry socks at the end of the day and still wear your soggy boots/ trail shoes.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Survival hint - Before you leave on your
Product/Skill: Food & Energy Gels
Interest: Mountaineering
Roly Lock MBE wrote: Survival hint - Before you leave on your expedition buy a selection of your favourite choc bars (Mars, Snickers, Bounty, Turkish Delight etc) take off their wrappers, mould them together, seal in a plastic bag, wrap with gaffa tape and place in the bottom of your exped rucsac, this could save your/someones life on the hill, is great to snack on, can make you very popular with other team members after 7 days of rice/exped grub and makes a great present for the guide/sherpa at the end of the expedition. I normally take about 0.5kg, but of course you could take more.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Know where you are!!!! Sounds obvious but good
Product/Skill: Navigation/Map reading
Interest: General Outdoor
Mark Newson wrote: Know where you are!!!! Sounds obvious but good navigation is the key to safety on the mountain. When doubt creeps in….think twice before you drop height. Ten minutes down can cost you twenty minutes back up! Mark @Angmering
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Check out Park self-adhesive clear patches for
Product/Skill: Waterproof Clothing
Interest: Mountaineering
Keith Donne wrote: Check out Park self-adhesive clear patches for running repairs to your shell clothing. I've used them on a torn gore-tex sleeve and crampon-punctured pertex trousers, and they do a good temporary job in extremis. You get them from most cycle shops, as they're really for puncture repairs: just peel off the backing like a plaster and stick it on, but you may need one on each side of the fabric.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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When in the mountains I ensure I never loose
Product/Skill: General Outdoor Skills
Interest: Mountaineering
Gary Scholte wrote: When in the mountains I ensure I never loose anything by attaching valuable items to the zip handles with para cord. I.e. mobile phone, compass, GPS, torch......energy bar if your that way inclined.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Rather than use bulky map cases, every map I buy I
Product/Skill: GPS/Navigation/Maps
Interest: Mountaineering
Gary Scholte wrote: Rather than use bulky map cases, every map I buy I use fablon to cover it. You can use pemanant markers to mark routes, write down co-ordinates etc, if it rains they don't come off. When you get home use deodorant to remove the pen marks and the maps ready to mark again.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
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Replace shoe laces with para cord, which is much
Product/Skill: Other Outdoor Equipment
Interest: Walking
Miles Falkingham wrote: Replace shoe laces with para cord, which is much stronger than normal laces, and as the cord is made up of many cords it can be stripped down to provide about 6 times the length in survival cases.
Posted on Sep 28, 2009
by
StayOnTheEdge
