Theories Discussion > General Discussion
Hikers' experience and training
ahabmyth:
--- Quote from: Falcon73 on August 29, 2025, 06:45:12 AM ---Yes I think the experience possibly being overrated should not be ruled out in this case. They may have all hiked but had they ever run into a real emergency? Not saying this contributed or didn't. Unfortunately it adds to a long line of possibilities that can't be ruled out without more evidence.
--- End quote ---
Well I am afraid that what you see is what you've got, we are all in the same boat. Reading everything that this site/group has to offer will give you a better understanding of the series of events that leads upto the disaster. You just need an inquisitive open mind and some parts will fall into place "some parts". To answer your first question though, I surmise they were all experienced hikers given their ages ,quite remarkable actually. You will find things in the rabbit hole.
Hunter:
Ziljoe
I'm talking about other groups. Plus, it's one thing to light a fire, another thing to choose the right wood so that it smokes less and doesn't give off shooting sparks.
Falcon73
They were not trained in emergency response. At that time, such courses were only for the military, and not for everyone.
Ziljoe:
--- Quote from: Hunter on September 02, 2025, 12:54:17 PM ---Ziljoe
I'm talking about other groups. Plus, it's one thing to light a fire, another thing to choose the right wood so that it smokes less and doesn't give off shooting sparks.
--- End quote ---
Cedar and pine are known to spark, I have used them in my own Wood Stove in a tent . The flue or pipe allows for the worst to be burnt off and the stove obviously contains any harm.
In winter and cold outside conditions, sparks are of little concern. The odd ember might float down and singe the tent canvas but this would be more of a concern during warmer times of the year.
They obviously had open fires as well, again this would be of little concern although a jacket was burnt we don't have any details how this came to be.
I would think there would be little concern as to what type of wood they chose to burn , only that it was dry or dead wood. Pine and cedar would have the advantage of the resin and perhaps suitable birch was used.
The smoke made should travel along the pipe with correct ventilation and draw .
Obviously in a house or during summer outside, these variables might have more serious consequences, but in the cold conditions, I would suspect that they would use the best of what was available.
From my own experience, I have suffered no problems with sparks or smoke burning all sorts of wood. The biggest negative to winter camping is the speed at which the wood burns which inturn means you have to keep adding fuel. Birch and hardwoods give a longer burn ( as you probably know) but if you are out in the woods you can't select the perfect tree every time. The high heat of resin can cause the stoves to warp and glow red but that is just the nature of the game. It is easy to make a new one when needed.
Long-term, in a homemade stove is not ideal but short term I don't think it would be a problem
Hunter:
Ziljoe
Unfortunately, I use an online translator. So there may be misunderstandings.
According to reports, the stoves were simple in design back then, and sparks burned through tents. And using spruce trees in an open fire was also dangerous. There are reports where sparks from such a fire almost destroyed a sleeping bag.
And in Dyatlov's campaign, sparks caused damage to warm outerwear. They are called telogreikas, another name is vatnik or fufaika.
Ziljoe:
--- Quote from: Hunter on September 02, 2025, 08:32:17 PM ---Ziljoe
Unfortunately, I use an online translator. So there may be misunderstandings.
According to reports, the stoves were simple in design back then, and sparks burned through tents. And using spruce trees in an open fire was also dangerous. There are reports where sparks from such a fire almost destroyed a sleeping bag.
And in Dyatlov's campaign, sparks caused damage to warm outerwear. They are called telogreikas, another name is vatnik or fufaika.
--- End quote ---
Thank you Hunter. Perhaps translator will cause misunderstandings .
Yes, I mention the burnt clothes of the dyatlov group . The one in the photo of the burnt jacket.
Yes, all stoves are simple in design , new and old . It is a metal box with a pipe .
Yes, one other group of tourists burnt their tent at the same time as the dyatlov group and had to dig snow dens to get back home.
As someone who has camped with open fires and a stove inside a tent , I would be comfortable with cedar in my stove.
All types of wood and sparks have the potential to spread a fire . I would say that the distance of the fire from clothing or tent is the most important factor .
It is a risk that I would take in winter. In summer I would be more concerned of starting a wild fire from sparks
In the UK, we can use a holiday campsite that is full of tents and use a wood stove. No one asks about the wood used in the stove. Sparks won't destroy a sleeping bag , a fire will , some modern sleeping bags have flammable insulation.
Sparks from an open fireplace in a house is a concern.
The negatives of cedar and pine trees is that they burn quicker than hard wood , whatever wood is dry is the best wood.
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