What is the Capstan Equation and how does it apply to rock climbing? In this edition of UJCC, Uncle Jacko gets technical, offering insight into why knots and belay devices work. He also discusses cheap gear and reveals how he decides between buying in-store versus online.
How do you measure the height of a bridge when alone in the backcountry? Uncle Jacko explains how nature provides what we need for mathematics and how according to one calculation, 1.4 kg of chocolate might just be an acceptable amount during a long tramp.
Do you need a resource consent to build a snow-cave? Uncle Jacko finds a flaw in the 'Safety in the Mountains' handbook and gives us the inside scope on battery packs and the best antidote for sandfly bites.
Uncle Jacko talks backcountry meal ideas, the medicinal benefits of swearing, and much more in this edition of his Cookery Corner.
Uncle Jacko emphasises the importance of a good pair of knickers in the backcountry and how winter tramping often seems more alluring whilst in the comforts of an armchair.
What makes you the richest person in the backcountry? When a group of research students' tramp in the Australian bush doesn't go as planned, they learn the importance of not only carrying a first aid kit, but an emergency supply of chocolate for morale.
Uncle Jacko poses a controversial question: which is the best tea to take along tramping? In his column from November 2017, Uncle Jacko reveals his love of Assam tea and emphasises the value of learning from one another in the backcountry.
Uncle Jacko shares one of his joys in life: finding new words and ideas. In this edition of his Cookery Corner, Uncle Jacko passes on the meaning of the Maori word "Whakawhanaungatanga," as well as teaches us about the real value of calories in the backcountry and what's inside "The Dangerous Book for Grown-up Boys."
In this edition of Uncle Jacko’s Cookery Corner (originally featured in the November 2015 FMC Bulletin), Uncle Jacko covers a wide range of topics from DOC's orange track markers to the 421 different Scottish words for snow.
‘Five tough wahine’ from Northland come full circle. No longer 'wee little Bronzies,' they complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award with a journey that incorporates the area they visited when they first began their DOE Adventurous Journey.
Are you heading beyond the bushline? In Aotearoa New Zealand, the 'death zone' occurs at the subalpine zone around 1200 and 1500 metres and poses many dangers. Johnny Mulheron, FMC Backcountry Accident Columnist, shares what you need to know, and practice, to travel competently at this altitude.
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