Dumb Ways to Die While Bushwalking

[Hallu]

Also, Australia is lucky to have properly built and maintained walking tracks. Even in mountainous Tasmania, it's pretty rare to have a narrow track where one wrong step = death, or you have ladders/ropes/chains. In the French Alps, it can be absolutely crazy (like this : http://www.tetras.org/Chartreuse/06_11_ ... e_Est.html or this : http://www.tetras.org/Chartreuse/07_07_Sangle_V.html ), and I think on 2/3 of the walks I do there is a short moment like that. And you won't find a single warning sign.

Plenty of spots like that over hear - you have to go find them though! http://fatcanyoners.org/2013/05/04/ledging-mt-banks/

Yeah that's scary indeed. But it's more of a secret route than an official walking track. While in the French Alps, especially in Chartreuse, it's like a "tradition". They call these very much official paths "sangle", like the strap of a backpack, when the track goes around a cliff or summit with a huge drop on the side. Plenty of people have died walking on them, but since you can't sue anyone for that, unlike in the US or Australia, they remain unfenced.

[Son of a Beach]

Also, there's nothing wrong with a cotton T-shirt... In wet weather, merino starts chafing, while cotton doesn't, and is warmer than synthetic.

Cotton is fine in warm climates (and may even preferred when the weather is certain to be warm). However, I'd be interested to hear more about cotton being warmer than synthetics when wet. It doesn't match up with my experience at all, and seems contrary to all advice I've heard in the past. Do you have any solid reasoning or references for that?

It is my understanding that one of the reasons that summer clothing is made primarily from cotton is due to it being a cool fabric. Although of course that's for when its dry not wet.

[johnw]

Also, there's nothing wrong with a cotton T-shirt... In wet weather, merino starts chafing, while cotton doesn't, and is warmer than synthetic.

Cotton is fine in warm climates (and may even preferred when the weather is certain to be warm). However, I'd be interested to hear more about cotton being warmer than synthetics when wet. It doesn't match up with my experience at all, and seems contrary to all advice I've heard in the past. Do you have any solid reasoning or references for that?

It is my understanding that one of the reasons that summer clothing is made primarily from cotton is due to it being a cool fabric. Although of course that's for when its dry not wet.

Yes I'd agree with that Nik. The claim that cotton is warmer than synthetic is also the complete opposite of my experience and understanding. I'd also be interested in seeing any scientific research supporting it. There is certainly nothing wrong with cotton t shirts etc. on a hot summers day or in places like Far North Queensland where it's warm year round. But personally I wouldn't use cotton clothing most places in Tassie, and never in highland regions, even in summer.

[GPSGuided]

Poor Hallu.

[Hallu]

Well no other proof than my own experience with regular cotton t-shirts and a couple of Patagonia synthetic ones.

[north-north-west]

Well no other proof than my own experience with regular cotton t-shirts and a couple of Patagonia synthetic ones.

That's the thing - merino v synthetic is a personal preference. Synthetics annoy my skin, wet or dry. Merino doesn't.

As for cotton when wet - *shudder* not a good idea in the cold.

[bailz66]

I am the other way Merino annoys my skin and Synthetics dont

Can think of nothing worse than walking around in the hot or cold with a wet cotten t shirt

[GPSGuided]

I am the other way Merino annoys my skin and Synthetics dont

Perhaps it all depends on the particular merino and synthetic fabric being experienced. Even cotton fabrics can vary in comfort.

[bailz66]

I have always had an issue with Wool where I will get a slight itch. My wife finds wool to be the softest thing ever but I can't wear it without getting a rash. I just assume my skin doesn't particuarly like it.

Doesn't stop me wearing the thermals in the snow but prefer some of the synthetics in general

[GPSGuided]

I think in these comparisons, allergy to a particular material/fabric should stay out of the equation. Allergy is something quite different and very individual.

[Hallu]

I am the other way Merino annoys my skin and Synthetics dont

Perhaps it all depends on the particular merino and synthetic fabric being experienced. Even cotton fabrics can vary in comfort.

From experience, MacPac's merino is softer on the skin, but it's not durable at all, and it stinks when you sweat. On the other side of the scale, Icebreaker's merino is much more durable, doesn't stink, but induces a lot of chafing when wet. In the end, I only wear merino on short hikes and for regular days, and cotton on longer hikes. I'll try snow hiking this winter in the Alps, I'll tell you what works best

[perfectlydark]

Ive had mixed experiences. I tend to wear cotton singlets which I find comfy and have no issues re: wetness etc. Cotton shirts though, never for me. I find them uncomfortable and sweaty.
Each to their own and whatever works

[Strider]

Wooops wrong box

[GPSGuided]

From experience, MacPac's merino is softer on the skin, but it's not durable at all, and it stinks when you sweat. On the other side of the scale, Icebreaker's merino is much more durable, doesn't stink, but induces a lot of chafing when wet. In the end, I only wear merino on short hikes and for regular days, and cotton on longer hikes. I'll try snow hiking this winter in the Alps, I'll tell you what works best

I find the baselayer I bought from Costco very comfortable. It's a mixed synthetic and merino (?10%). Now, what does that mean?

[Happy Pirate]

"Hmmm we seem to be lost. Lets split up and each go a different way to try and find the path..."

[MartyGwynne]

Where were you I found the track.....

[TerraMer]

"Oh, look! Field mushrooms."
"Oh, look! Wild peas."

Not checking for snakes before going to the toilet
Packing the wrong season sleeping bag
Walking in a heat wave

[vicrev]

Take notice of Bear Grills (I think iv'e spelt his name wrong,shows how much notice I take of him!) .....Keep smiling ....Vicrev

[Earwig]

Ignoring the fact that there is an uncontrolled bushfire in the area, especially one burning on the mountain slope below you.

http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1252776/helicopter-rescues-footy-team-from-bushfire/

[Gadgetgeek]

continuing to follow a leader after they A: prove they don't have a plan, B: say something along the lines of "I wasn't expecting that..... oh well, off we go" #timesIshouldhavedied

[Strider]

continuing to follow a leader after they A: prove they don't have a plan, B: say something along the lines of "I wasn't expecting that..... oh well, off we go" #timesIshouldhavedied

What is this "leader" mentality? I never got that.

[walkerchris77]

How about following your gps off a cliff. That would do it.

[Gadgetgeek]

He was supposed to be my boss for a summer, and that was supposed to be a team building exercise. Instead he got a couple of people who followed him everywhere, and bunch of free-agents who openly questioned his authority, and went and got the job done our own way. So we didn't have much of a team, it kinda sucked. There was another trip after that as well, so it wasn't just a one off.
Lets just say it left me with a distrust of "experts" and made me a really poor follower. Younger and dumber I guess. I am no longer so diplomatic when it comes to pointing out others faults when my safety is involved. unfortunately it does make participating in group activities a bit of a challenge, and means that I'm more likely to trust my own dumb bull-headed ideas than someone who knows better.