Questions tagged [deserts]
A desert is a landscape or region that receives an extremely low amount of precipitation, less than enough to support growth of most plants. Traveling in the desert requires different techniques and equipment than other climates.
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A trail cam capture of an unknown bird in Tucson, AZ
My neighbor's trail cam in Tucson, AZ., caught this photo of an unknown bird in flight. Does anyone in this community have a suggestion as to what it could be? Thanks!
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Flight of the Phoenix (1965) -- how realistic would walking out be?
I was not sure where to ask this question. The 1965 version with Jimmy Stewart is the one to watch. Everyone from the flick is gone now with the exception of Barry Chase and Hardy Kruger. Warning: Do ...
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What are these grayish plants with little white "hair" in Joshua Tree National Park?
While hiking Ryan Mountain (elevation 5457 feet) in Joshua Tree National Park last month, I saw several of these grayish plants near the top of the mountain. I did not see any at lower elevations. ...
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Food for desert hiking
A recent
question discussed how to maximize water retention on a desert hike.
One answer suggested that 100g of protein lead to 800ml loss through urination, so protein intake has to be minimized.
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Water preparation on desert hiking
I have heard that if you drink a lot of water as a habit, the body doesn't do much retention.
Therefore, if you are preparing for a hiking in the desert where not much water will be available, is ...
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Are Icelandic deserts so dry I need to worry about drinking water?
I am investigating the feasibility of a hike looping around Hofsjökull. This will take me through several “deserts” such as Hofsafrétt and Sprengisandur. On photos, this looks pretty dry, but ...
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Is it possible to drive through the Simpson Desert in an AWD?
To drive through a couple hundred kilometers of sandy landscape like the Simpson Desert (central Australia), do you have to have a 4WD? If so, what are the primary concerns?
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Which is the best clothing in extreme heat?
If you are in a survival situation in extreme heat (i. e. in the desert), which is the best clothing and footwear to use? It's better to cover yourself up entirely, like the tuaregs, or to go about ...
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Is a smartphone or dedicated gps receiver better for navigation in the desert?
For most backcountry navigation I use a topo map and compass when necessary. Generally I'm following known trails and combined with some basic awareness of cardinal direction and land features I don't ...
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Train yourself to need less water
I'm interested in doing multi-day hikes (i.e. backpacking) in the desert where water sources are not readily available, thus requiring one to carry in enough water for the duration of the trip.
On ...
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Storing food in the desert
I'll be doing some backpacking in sections of desert in Eastern Washington, U.S. and I was wondering if anybody has tips on food storage while hiking? There will be no trees to hang the food in.
I'm ...
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What are some good guides to the U.S. national forests, specifically those in California?
I was thinking of heading to some of the northern California national forests, but I wasn't sure which to pick. I've read all the relevant links in each fs.udsa.gov website, including attractions, ...
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Snake dangers while hunting in the desert?
I plan to start doing some hunting in the greater southern Nevada Mojave desert (say within a 2 hour drive of Las Vegas).
I know that while hiking, there is some "safety" from snakes because you are ...
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Large Tents and Traditional Campsites
I am going to be relocating to the Colorado desert for a long-term research project and need a portable shelter. The only one I've found so far that will conform to my needs in the turtle tuff shelter ...
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Are dark or bright clothings preferable in the desert?
Natives from regions which are really hot and have a high sun intensity are wearing sometimes white/bright and sometimes black/dark colors.
I mean there has to be a better strategy in terms of heat ...
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