Everything
Sixteen years ago, the man who helped raise Megan Michelson was shot to death at a remote kayaking lodge in Northern California. Michelson embarks on a painful search to find out what happened, and why.
A new film chronicles the classic story of a daring prison break from a Soviet gulag. We dispatched our crankiest critic to weigh in on the somewhat true story.
By Stephen Regenold Mike Kloser, a Vail, Colo., athlete and a former world-champion mountain biker, is something of a god in the sport of adventure racing. As the captain of Team Nike, Kloser dominated AR for years, including multiple world-champ titles and victories at banner events…
Two new island novels explore what it means to leave everyday life far, far behind.
After Marine Corps Veteran Ronnie Simpson survived an explosion in Iraq in 2004, he threw himself at an audacious goal: to sail around the world. It almost killed him.
I'm going on a mountaineering expedition in Peru's Cordillera Blanca next summer. Being a college student, I don't have tons of money to shell out, so what is the best hard shell jacket for the best price?BryanBoone, NC
Having been home from my successful Vinson summit a few weeks now, my attention has shifted from reflection to planning. The next climb is Aconcagua in mid January. There are two major activities at this point: gear review and continued training. This will be the second climb in The…
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced last Wednesday that the National Park Service will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011. The first fee free days will be this weekend, January 15-17, for the…
Photo from advencap on Flickr The Quiksilver Foundation, in recognition of Kelly Slater's tenth ASP World Surfing Championship, announced Tuesday the 10 for Ten campgain, in which $10,000 will be given to ten non-profit organizations of Slater's choosing,…
Your urgent inquiries about the world. Answered.
What are the best snowshoes for deep snow? What are the best goggles for snowshoeing? Jennifer from Helena, Montana Judy from Portland, Oregon
I'm short on time and cash, and stuck out here on the East Coast, but am looking for a climbing destination on this side of the Mississippi that's equivalent to Liberty Bell. In other words, a fun, multi-pitch rock with a bit of a sense of accomplishment at the summit. What can you do for me? Richard Fairfax, VA
Freeskier Sarah Burke is ready to return to her winning ways and convince the world the halfpipe skiing is worthy of the Olympics.
Your urgent inquiries about the world. Answered.
In 2007, molecular biologist Ron Evans flipped a genetic switch on test mice and turned them into super-athletes. Headlines ensued, as did nervous references to human applications and "exercise in a pill." Evans is still toiling away in the lab, and guess what? The day is coming.
Guides Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, Seth Waterfall, Caroline George, Jake Norton, cinematographer Kent Harvey and their clients summited Vinson Massif on Antarctica, 45 years after the first ascent of the mountain. The team called in to…
Photo courtesy of Ray Zahab Stretching over 1000 kilometers south from Chile’s northern border is the driest place on earth, the Atacama Desert. It's a high lifeless plateau with areas so arid that rain hasn’t been recorded since record keeping began. Defined by meteorologists as…
I'm going to Peru for a week-long hike to Machu Picchu. I think the tour guides carry the large gear (tents, food). What backpack should I get? My local store suggested an Osprey 40 but I really have no idea what to get. Help! Thanks.ChrisLouisville, KY
The Missoulian reported what is probably the sixth death from deep snow and tree wells in a matter of a fortnight. Invesitgations in California, Montana, and British Columiba are still in progress on these non-avalanche, non-trauma deaths (one may be drowning and the other trauma). See my past…
Alpine Meadows Ski Resort at Lake Tahoe announced the second annual Take the Lake Triple Air Open ski and snowboard jump competition, which takes place March 18 through March 20, TransWorld Snowboarding reports. Competitors will show off their big-air moves on a triple jumpline…
By Stephen Regenold The International CES trade show, the world’s largest gathering of consumer-technology companies, took place last week in Las Vegas. Here are five new products for the outdoors market that caught my eye on the show floor. GPS ‘Bug’ — The…
Photo courtesy of Flickr. Switzerland's Federal Tribune rejected Alejandro Valverde's appeal to overturn a CAS ruling suspending him from cycling worldwide until January 2012, VeloNews reports. The initial CAS ruling came when WADA and the UCI requested a global ban…
Not exactly the usual view when peeking into Corbet's… photo courtesy Chip Carey Afraid to jump into Jackson Hole’s famed Corbet’s Couloir? There is one other way to get in there-but don’t count on it being an easier option. If you were among the…
I am trying to find a good, durable approach shoe for both lightweight packing and climbing/canyoneering without have to change shoes. I am a minimalist when it comes to gear. I have read good things about the Five Ten Guide Tennies. Any thoughts or recommendations?FredSanta Monica, CA
A week into the new year, and already plenty to see. Here's the stuff you should click on so far for 2011. Worth a Look:The Top 10 Travel Stories of 2010 (New York Times) Worth…
Photo from WIkimedia Steven Rinella can cook anything, which pairs nicely with his ability to hunt anything anywhere. He's Outside's go to guy for anything food and wilderness related, whether it's a quest to…
FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Friday that the 2022 World Cup will probably be staged in January rather than June or July, Reuters reports. The 2022 World Cup will take place in Qatar, where summer…
Courtesy of Sacred Rides. Sacred Rides and GoPro Cameras are rewarding mountain bikers for their patience during snowy winter months with a free trip to Central or South America. Enter the Flip…
Copyright Darren Kirby (Darren Kirby) Courtesy of Flickr Dark sky tourism is on the rise, reports the BBC. Light pollution causes astronomical bodies, such as stars, planets and the moon, to be less visible in urban areas.
By Stephen Regenold The annual International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), held this week in Las Vegas, is the world's largest gathering of consumer technology companies, geeks, and technophiles of all types. But hidden in the halls of technology are outdoor brands and dozens of gadgets that…
Tour de France superstars Andy Schleck and Fabian Cancellara are just two of the high profile members of Team Leopard-Trek, the new pro-cycling supersquad that entered the International Cycling Union rankings at No. 1.
What is the best soft shell for cross-country skiing? Paul Ely, MN
I am currently stationed in Naples, Italy for another year and a half. Can you list ten things that I should accomplish in Europe while I'm here? I love to travel and fish and I am more concerned with seeing the natural beauty of the continent than anything else.BlakeNaples, Italy
Photo by Ashley Barrett Four-time ASP champion Stephanie Gilmore has signed a five-year contract with Quiksilver. In addition to surfing for the company, the 22-year-old Australia native will also act as a brand ambassador, joining 13 other…
In 1939, wealthy American adventurer Dudley Wolfe was abandoned high on an unconquered K2, becoming the Savage Mountain's first victim. For more than 60 years, no one knew his story. Enter Jennifer Jordan, author, filmmaker, and…
*O.K. These tips will work for men too. The only problem with ski mountaineering racing—or randonee if you want to get all Frenchy—is that barely any women in the US are doing it. Which begs the bigger question, why do women wait for men to embrace debilitating endurance sports before…
Pro cyclist Jessica Phillips has always raced road in the summer and taught skiing in the winter. The 32-year-old Aspenite admits that the switch is necessary, because women’s pro cycling alone doesn’t exactly bring home the bacon. This year, she’s taking her transition to a new level. World Cup…
Courtesy of Flickr The Portuguese Cycling Federation has banned national cyclist Pedro Lopes for 15 years for a second doping violation, according to Velonation.com. Lopes's failure to disclose his whereabouts to doping authorities on three occasions over…
Courtesy of Flickr American snowboarder Kelly Clark earned first place in the halfpipe semifinals today at the O'Neill Evolution 2011 in Davos, Switzerland, according to…
Does any company make a cool one-piece ski suit? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
On December 30th, 58-year-old Aspen socialite and endurance athlete Jennifer Figge, who gained notoriety in 2009 after “swimming” the Atlantic, set off on her new quest to swim long stretches between Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Hawaii—a distance of some 3,000 miles. Her 2009 swim across…
I am looking to buy a new snowboard. I only use it six to ten times a year but I still want a good board. I'm looking for a mid-level board for any sort of condition. What are your suggestions? David Detroit, MI
Last week, massive storms pummeled the mountains with snow. Unfortunately, in a 48-hour span, four more cases of tree well accidents were reported. On December 28, a snowboarder went out of bounds from a Tahoe resort and was found in a deat in tree well two days later. On December 27,…
Besides running a successful design firm, Damion Hickman also runs one of the biggest club teams in Southern Califorina, Team Velo Sport. The 700 members blanket the sport of cycling, with riders from numerous disciplines: mountain biking, time…
Cruise ships are for tourists. Real travel is for wanderers who don’t want to just see, but experience something different. Packing and planning take a back seat to learning how to simply be in this game. So leave your guidebook at home, snip the Canadian…
Greg Hill (Tommy Chandler/Backcountry.com) After 266 days of climbing and skiing, and climbing and skiing, and climbing and skiing, Greg Hill hit his goal. His watch registered 2 million vertical feet on…
Author David Vann discusses his new novel Caribou Island, Sarah Palin's Alaska, and how to defend yourself from Mexican pirates. To listen to the extended interview click here, or subscribe to our…
Can being super flexible make runners more prone to injury? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
Which sporty watch would you recommend for someone that bikes, snowboards, hikes, and surfs? I am not so concerned with tide info, but I do want something that would keep him from getting lost when snowboarding or mountain biking in the backcountry! Shannon Temecula, CA
What satellite phone should I take on a kayaking trip around Fiji? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
Greg Hill is 1.65 million feet into his goal of skiing two million backcountry feet in 2010. Will he make it?
What are the best shoes for winter running? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
My son has requested a soft shell jacket as a gift. He seeks something similar to his Columbia shell with internal fleece jackets (3-in-1) of his youth. I think he wants the shell and doesn't care if it zips into a liner. Your suggestions? Susan Cedar Rapids, MI
Going up, Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana Along with the bourgeoning sport of alpine touring, many skiers and snowboarders are skinning and snowshoeing inbounds these days, requiring mountain resorts to figure out how to deal with uphill traffic. Although you may hear grumbling on both sides, know that resorts need…
Early season conditions have been brutal across the west. But none are more so than at Jackson Hole, WY, where the locals are just ruined, and have been for weeks. The fault lies with the lift system…also known as the tram. Four thousand foot laps of powder on an empty…
In a tech-assisted misadventure, our man finds the most difficult line between two points
Aspen’s Michael Ferrara is bringing attention to a little-known problem: post-traumatic stress disorder among the people who save our lives
What's the best GPS for extended backcountry hikes? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
What camera tripod would you recommend for backpacking travel through Europe? Haven't decided on taking the Canon Powershot or the Rebel. Robin Tucson, AZ
Chris Davenport, Mike Arzt To say that ski mountaineer Chris Davenport stayed busy in 2010, would be an understatement. He came out with a new book (Fifty Classic Ski Descents of North…
Musician Ry Cuming grew up surfing Australian waves, so it’s no wonder that his music has a chillax, beachy vibe. Lately, the 26-year old has been touring with Maroon 5 and One Republic, far from his native swells. But he surfs…
From hot springs to mountain-town fiestas to one surprisingly easy island getaway, we've got you covered.
A 58-year-old Aspen socialite is forcing the world to grapple with just what it means to swim across the ocean.
Triathlon is one of the most gear-intensive sports there is, so try a few tris before you invest in a top-of-the line wetsuit or bike. In the meantime, here are a few great buys that will shave seconds off your time and get you amped for an Ironman. Specialized Women's…
I am running the Tough Mudder race and was wondering what the best type of pants to wear? I need something that will keep me somewhat warm, I know that will be nearly impossible but also won't weigh me down. Thanks a lot. CB Athens, GA
I have a very adventurous ten-year-old daughter and we've been talking about going to Nepal. Any good itineraries? And would the Everest Base Camp trek be appropriate, or would she get more from the Annapurna area? -Dennis Spokane, WA
Presenting a handful of gift ideas, from $8 sure things to four-figure vacations for the friend with everything. A Winter RefresherFor the backcountry skier that has everything. Fat skis with ultralight Dynafit bindings. New goggles, a cool-looking helmet, and all the avalanche safety gear. If he's really motivated…
Photo courtesy of XWRN on Flickr. People in 1910 would’ve died of embarrassment if they saw some of 2010’s fitness trends. (Try handing a Shake Weight to a centenarian.) Other trends would've made a caveman proud. Presenting the top…