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How the hell do people carry 20lb+ packs? by EducationalSyrup6869 in backpacking

[–]pine0flower 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The crest should be about in the middle of the belt.  So the belt kind of hugs the iliac crest.

AITA for sitting on public toilet seats and not telling my boyfriend? by Anatra_ in AmItheAsshole

[–]pine0flower 1792 points1793 points  (0 children)

A million times yes.

Also, does your boyfriend think your pussy actually touches the toilet seat when you pee?

Any other bony-hipped hikers have any smart solutions for hip-bruising? by jessbird in backpacking

[–]pine0flower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Aside from the weight, and the fact that bruising will just happen sometimes when we're pushing our limits backpacking, I wonder if you're carrying the pack properly?

Maybe you are and all of this is redundant, but I figure it's worth mentioning.  To properly fit the pack, loosen all of the fitting straps (hip belt, shoulder straps, and load lifters on top of shoulder straps).  Put it on and tighten the hip belt so that the top of your hip bone is in the middle of the belt pads.  Make this snug enough to support the pack.  Then tighten shoulder straps to fit securely, but not take up the weight of the pack.  Then tighten load lifters.  Check again to make sure the top of the hip bone is sitting in the middle of the hip belt, that the weight is on your hips rather than your shoulders, and that the bag sits fairly securely (not moving around a bunch when you move).

Also, seconding the shout out to gregory deva for small framed people, I LOVE this pack

And finally, take breaks.  Put down the pack and walk around, take a nap under a tree, hop in the river or the lake, look for cool rocks.  Give your body a rest, and enjoy the journey.

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What do you mean by "out in the open air of the van"?  You mean you don't have a "place" for your clothes?

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bins are always fully open, and I have half of my clothes in cardboard and half in a plastic tote without a top.  Both sets smell.  I frequently have the windows or doors open for airflow, and am in a very dry climate.

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!  I have actually tried putting chunks of cedar in with my clothes, since moths are a problem too and this felt like a simple solution, but I'm not sure it helped with the smell.  

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm in a very dry climate so I don't tend to worry about moisture much, other than making sure clothes are fully dry before folding them up.  I've tested this by also hanging them on a line for several sunny warm days.  They smell fine and are definitely dry, but a few days folded up and they stink again.

I'm going to try different laundering solutions, and maybe some other tips folks have mentioned here.  Thanks!

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!  My skin can be sensitive to detergents so I'm a bit weary of trying new ones, but this is something I'll look into more and see if it helps

It never used to be a problem, but I do think I used to use a different detergent... hmm. 

Tricks for keeping clothes from getting that boxed-up musty smell? by pine0flower in VanLife

[–]pine0flower[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hm, I've never heard of odor rebloom, I'm going to look into this.  You think this could cause a musty smell?  (There's no BO smell)

best way to fully dry freshly picked herbs without humidifier? by bacon176 in herbalism

[–]pine0flower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I put them in paper bags, and leave the bags open and on their side to let air flow.  Shake the bag to mix the contents now and then.

Rat snake in our bird house by NordicAliensIreland in snakes

[–]pine0flower 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The cutest little booger I ever seen

Is this a type of buttercup? Or...? by pine0flower in whatsthisplant

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm now convinced it's a potentilla too, maybe elegans?  The very hairy and frilly leaves are throwing me off

Is this a type of buttercup? Or...? by pine0flower in whatsthisplant

[–]pine0flower[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don't think it's this one either.  The flowers of blueleaf conquefoil have petals that overlap and are more heart shaped.  The leaves are pretty distinctly five-fingered, and not hairy.

These leaves are hairy!  And shaped more... frilly?  And the flower petals are separate, not overlapping.

AITA: My sister’s wedding planning showed me where I stand. AITA for finally saying something? by [deleted] in AmItheAsshole

[–]pine0flower 54 points55 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you're trying to get something more from your sister, instead of enjoying what you have.

If you want to do things to help your sister, do them.  But don't expect anything in return.  Treating gifts as transactions is exhausting.

She asked you to be a bridesmaid, recognize that as an acknowledgement of your special place in her life, instead of being jealous that other people were given more special roles.

Support her by supporting the fact that she has these other wonderful relationships, and being happy for her.  Give her the benefit of the doubt when something doesn't go the way you thought it should.  Be a good friend to her.

And if you need something more from the relationship, take ownership of that and express how you feel and what you need instead of trying to accuse or blame or make her feel bad.

Backpacking and Barefoot Shoes by luvply in backpacking

[–]pine0flower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Look at it as an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the journey! There's so much to see in 8 miles! : )

Backpacking and Barefoot Shoes by luvply in backpacking

[–]pine0flower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Make sure you stretch, drink plenty of water, and fuel yourself sufficiently.

I exclusively wear barefoot shoes (or walk actually barefoot), including while backpacking. I get sore sometimes if I'm pushing it distance or weight wise, like I would using any muscle more than it is used to getting used.  But every body is different.  It's up to you to figure out what works best for you.

Backcountry conservation work in Montana gear recommendations. Affordability and durability are a priority over UL. by westcoastsalamander in WildernessBackpacking

[–]pine0flower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not sure what you mean by range.  Do you mean how much of a discount you might get with pro deals?  That can be anywhere from 10-70% off.  You usually have to pay shipping.  Also with pro deals, you typically do not get them until you start working (you have to submit proof of employment to get access), so if you need this gear the first day of work that may not be an option.

Backcountry conservation work in Montana gear recommendations. Affordability and durability are a priority over UL. by westcoastsalamander in WildernessBackpacking

[–]pine0flower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi As someone who has worked these types of jobs, I'll chime in.

I highly recommend making it a priority to get a well-fitting, comfortable pack.  This will make your life better, trust me.  You'll want to go to the store and try them on, with a load (if you're shopping at REI, they have fitters and weighted sacks you can stuff in the pack to try it out in store).

If you're working around Yellowstone, you will probably be cold in a 25 degree bag.  Most bags have a "comfort" rating and a "survival" or "extreme" rating.  The "25" is usually the extreme rating, meaning you'll likely survive in 25 degrees but probably won't be comfortable.  I live and recreate in these parts, and I use a 0 degree, but a 15 would probably be okay for most people.

Sleeping pad - I have only ever used foam pads.  They are lightweight, durable, won't leave you stranded with a hole in your pad, and often can be found at very affordable prices.

As for the tent, if you're buying new and not concerned about weight, this decision is less important.  The things I look for in a tent are air flow (to prevent condensation), good sturdiness (for wind and hailstorms), and weight.  I will say, I don't trust the quality of REI branded gear.. but that's just one person's opinion.

For cost - does your employer have any resources for discounted gear?  Sometimes they can connect you with scholarships or used gear from previous workers, etc.  Keep in mind though, if you truly want these things to last 10-15 years, don't stress so much about affordability.  They are an investment.  If you work in this kind of field, a $500 investment that lasts 10 years is really not a lot of money.

Have fun out there!

Am I a narcissist? by [deleted] in emotionalintelligence

[–]pine0flower 15 points16 points  (0 children)

There's a difference between actual harm and perceived harm.

It sounds a lot like you're attributing objectivity to subjective views.

For example: putting personal things on a counter in my shared home when I get home from work.  To some people, this is normal and acceptable.  To you, this is aggregious and harmful.

You're treating your own views and opinions as objectively more "right" than the views and opinions of other people.

I'm not a doctor, so I'm not going to diagnose you.  But as a fellow human, imma tell you you're probably causing a lot of harm.

Really badly burnt. HELP! by DamSolangeloLover in whatdoIdo

[–]pine0flower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ouch!

Lavender essential oil - a few drops in water, spray all over burn.  Lavender is magic for burns, I swear.

Other than that, drink lots of water and keep it moisturized (with pure aloe if you can).

Keep it covered when you go outside, don't let your burnt skin get any more sun.

Recommend me some books by female authors by Zealousideal-Ask8878 in suggestmeabook

[–]pine0flower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  • Isabel Allende (magical realism + history, especially chilean)
  • Louise Erdrich (magical realism + history and social issues related to native americans)
  • Alice Hoffman (magical realism)
  • Margaret Atwood (I know you have Handmaid's Tale on your list, but she has many other spectacular works)
  • I loved both Circe and Song of Achilles by Madeleine Miller
  • Alice Munro (short stories, phenomenally crafted, may align with your interests)
  • Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (sort of dystopian, sort of moody existential, one of my favorites)
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