The air is thinner at higher altitudes because the atmospheric pressure is lower. Your body will initially have difficulty getting the oxygen it needs, and your performance will suffer. This lack of oxygen can prevent unacclimated hikers from losing up to 50% of their regular physical efficiency at altitudes over 6,000 feet. Hiking at 8,000 feet (2,500 meters) or higher may cause altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include a throbbing headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, and an inability to sleep. Undoubtedly, it is difficult to appreciate the incredible high-altitude scenery when feeling miserable. Here are some […]
Survival
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The moon has no light of its own. The light seen from the moon is a reflection of the sun. The shape of the reflected light varies as the Earth orbits around the sun. This can be useful for finding direction at night once you understand how this works. When it is a crescent moon, it is straightforward. To Find South during a Crescent Moon Imagine a line connecting the endpoints of the moon’s crescent projecting to the horizon. The point on the horizon indicates South. If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia or New Zealand, this […]
Using the fingers on your hand is one way to estimate how much time you have before sunset. This can be a handy tip when you need to find a campsite and do not have a light source available. Setting up a tent in the dark can be challenging. How to calculate hours to sunset using the fingers on your hand Fully extend your arm out in front of the sun. Hold your hand up so that the top part of your index finger just hits the bottom of the sun. Keep adding fingers until you reach the horizon. Use the other […]
Did you find berries growing on the trail and wonder if you can eat them? Here are some tips to help you decide. These Berries are Not Safe to Eat Nearly all white, green, and yellow berries are poisonous. Never eat the berry (or the leaves) from a plant that has a milky sap. 50% of red berries are poisonous, so eating them is only worth the risk if you can positively identify it. Avoid leaves or seeds with an almond-like scent, a characteristic of cyanide compounds. These Berries are Safer to Eat 99% of aggregate berries (small fruit pieces […]