Yes, fleece can get wet. Fleece is a type of synthetic material made from polyester or other man-made fibers that are designed to be lightweight and warm even when wet. This makes it an ideal choice for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and climbing where the weather may be unpredictable. When fleece does become…
Modal moisture wicking is a type of fabric created using sustainable beech tree fibers. This fabric is designed to quickly absorb and disperse moisture away from the skin, helping keep you feeling cool and dry. It has greater breathability than cotton as it absorbs water molecules better and faster than traditional fabrics, allowing air to…
Yes, you can paint Tyvek. Tyvek is a synthetic material made from high-density polyethylene fibers which makes it quite durable and easy to work with. Before painting the Tyvek, make sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and water to remove any dirt or dust particles that may interfere with the paint adhesion. To ensure…
To paint titanium, you will need a clean surface to start, so use a degreaser to remove any contaminants and oil. Sand the surface with 180-grit sandpaper or an orbital sander to create a rough texture for the paint to adhere better. Use painter’s tape around the edges if desired. Then apply two coats of…
No, Tyvek suits are not waterproof. They are made of a spun-bonded olefin material which is highly breathable and resistant to tears and punctures but does not offer any protection from water or other liquids. The material is designed to be lightweight and comfortable while offering some resistance to dust particles as well as dirt…
No, butane does not go bad. Butane is an odorless, colorless hydrocarbon gas that can be used as fuel for many applications. It has a very long shelf life and does not spoil or degrade over time like other fuels such as gasoline or diesel. The only way it could “go bad” would be if…
Mittens should fit comfortably and be snug around the fingers, but not too tight. The mitten should cover your entire hand from the base of the palm to where your fingertips meet your knuckles. Your thumb should have enough room to move freely within its own compartment of the mitten. If you can’t easily make…
Yes, whistles can scare bears away. Bears are generally afraid of loud noises and sudden movements, so the sound of a whistle would likely startle them. Whistles also carry far away in the wilderness and will often alert nearby bears that something is not right in their environment. Additionally, some people use bear whistles to…
Hikers get fat because they fail to balance their calorie intake with the number of calories burned. When hiking, hikers often consume more food than necessary for the energy expended during a hike. Additionally, many hikers tend to not be as active when not on a hike, leading them to use fewer calories than they…
Yes, titanium does conduct heat. Titanium is a metal and all metals are good thermal conductors. The rate of heat conduction or thermal conductivity for titanium is about 21 watts (W) per meter-kelvin (mK). This makes it slightly lower than that of aluminum and stainless steel but still much higher than other materials such as…
1. Purchase dye in the color or colors you’d like to use for your backpack. Choose a fabric-specific dye, such as Rit Dye, which is designed specifically for cotton and other fabrics. 2. Prepare the dye according to package instructions and fill a large bucket with enough hot water to cover the entire backpack when…
Down-filled long johns are a type of thermal underwear that provides an extra layer of insulation against the cold. The down fill is often made from duck or goose feathers, which trap heat and create air pockets for greater warmth. Long johns typically come in two pieces – bottoms and tops – and can be…
Yes, chlorine does kill chiggers. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent which disrupts the cell membranes of microorganisms, including chiggers. It works by releasing hypochlorous acid in its reaction with water which causes an imbalance in the osmotic pressure of the cells and leads to their death. For example, adding 1ppm of chlorine to a…
No, you cannot drown chiggers. Chiggers are mites that feed on the skin cells of humans and animals. They are typically found in areas with tall grass, weeds, or other vegetation where they can easily burrow into the skin to obtain food. When submerged in water for extended periods of time, chiggers will go dormant…
No, aluminum does not attract lightning. In fact, it is a well-known electrical insulator and has no effect on lightning whatsoever. The misconception that aluminum attracts lightning likely stems from the fact that many structures such as towers and buildings are made of metal which may be constructed with aluminum or other metals. However, these…
To tie an Ursack, start by getting the appropriate rope and attaching it to a tree or other support. Then feed the rope through the loops on either side of the Ursack, forming a closed loop at each end. Next, tighten each loop around its respective portion of the bag. Secure one loop with a…
No, oven bags are not waterproof. Oven bags are designed to keep moisture in when cooking but they do not stop liquid from penetrating the bag and getting inside. The bags are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic that is heat resistant up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it is not waterproof or water-resistant so…
1. Collect the items you need for your hikes, such as food, water, a map and compass, extra clothing layers, and a first aid kit. 2. Place heavier items near the bottom of the pack to help balance them out when wearing them. This includes sleeping bags or mats, tents, and tools like an axe…
Thru-Hiking is a term used to refer to the activity of hiking an entire long-distance trail in one continuous journey, usually done over a period of several weeks or months. Thru-hiking requires planning, dedication, and physical fitness. It can involve camping for extended periods in remote areas with limited access to basic amenities such as…
Hiking is a great way to explore nature and get some exercise. Depending on where you live, there may be different options for places to go hiking near you. If you are in the US, the best place to start looking is at your local state parks and national forests. These areas usually have trails…
When going on a hike, wearing the right clothes is essential in order to stay safe and comfortable. The clothing should be lightweight, breathable, and made of fabrics that will wick moisture away such as wool or synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. A good idea is to layer up with items such as a…