Everything
“Race Across the Sky,” a documentary about this year's Leadville Trail 100, will premiere October 22. The event will feature a panel discussion with Lance Armstrong, his coach Chris Carmichael, and Dave Wiens, among others. Click…
Carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. should be down by 5.9 percent in 2009, Reuters reports. The reason: lowered demand for electricity and transportation fuel because of the recession. The Energy Information Administration of the Department of Energy says that emissions should increase…
Warren Miller is celebrating 60 years of cinematic history, and you can join the party by entering daily contests from now through December 1. A prize will be given to the winner each day, and you can score everything from gear to lift tickets…
Electric cars may be good for the environment, but they might not be so good for pedestrians. The Washington Post reports that the cars are so quiet that they have become a potential hazard for people who don't hear them coming as they're walking…
Maybe. Denver will be the first city in the U.S. to launch a Paris-style bike-sharing program. A $50 annual membership gets you free use of bikes at drop-off stations around the city. Minneapolis, Boston, and Miami to follow. Huffington Post has the full story here. —John Bradley…
If you thought the battle over the slopes was bad, wait until snowboarders hit the trails en masse. Will that ever happen? Watch some pioneers in the video above and decide for yourself. –Aileen Torres…
On October 24, millions around the planet will demonstrate in hopes of persuading world leaders to sign a new climate-change treaty at a UN summit in Copenhagen this December. The organization behind the actions is author and environmentalist Bill McKibben’s latest grassroots campaign, 350.org. What’s 350? It’s…
At 160/130/120 underfoot, the Shane McConkeyinspired K2 Tribute Ski is wide enough to float over any powder; features a collage and quotes from McConkey, who died ski-BASE jumping in Italy last spring; and is perfect for channeling your inner Saucer Boy. Net proceeds go to McConkey’s wife and daughter. $699;…
On a trip overseas. Alone. Especially to Africa.
In his new travelogue, Bicycle Diaries (Viking, $26), celebrated musician/artist/writer David Byrne talks about rethinking cities around the bikeand reveals that one has been his primary mode of transportation for 30 years, both at home and abroad. JEREMY SPENCER picks the brain of the world's coolest bike-commuting advocate.
That urban legend about Tokyo vending machines selling used schoolgirl underwear? True. Quiksilver’s new poolside boardshort dispensers, at Standard Hotels in Miami Beach, New York, and L.A., may sound like the same idea, but the trunks haven’t been worn. Promise. $75; shopthestandard.com…
The big new thing in round-the-world sailing? Teenagers.
A green motorsport event? Yup, in this case a historic race on the Isle of Man. Gentlemen, start your (battery-powered, zero-carbon, no-decibel) engines!
Sudden leaps in technology. Breakthrough products. Stunningly transformed landscapes. These things don't happen on their ownthey require the vision and dedication of exceptional designers. Meet seven minds that are radically changing your world for the better.
How a carpentry-challenged nonsurfer built a classic wooden longboard with his own kook hands.
Your body holds power only your brain can unlock. The key? A few awkward contortionsand a lot of concentration.
Chris Lieto is poised to make Americans care about the Ironman againif he can just hold on to his lead.
The iPhone as all-knowing, all-seeing guide to adventure.
A study done by the Center for Science in the Public Interest suggests that a tax on soda could help states raise budget money. Perhaps more importantly, a tax could also dissuade people from consuming as much soda, which is…
Our boy Kevin Fedarko has a video segment on Playboy.com that examines his job as a latrine boat operator for river tour groups in the Grand Canyon. Fedarko spent the spring of 2009 manning the Jackass, a river raft that he used to haul “poo boxes” and “pee buckets,” and…
You probably missed some posts on our site last month while you were enjoying the last days of summer and the first days of fall. We understand. Here's a list of our most popular posts from September. 1 The Gear Junkie: Winter Gear Preview Part 1…
Police in Polk County, Florida, are on the lookout for five raccoons who attacked and injured an elderly woman who tried to shoo them away from her door. USA Today's blog reports that the woman was so severely bitten and scratched that she…
Two students who were visiting Samoa when the tsunami hit claim that they survived by surfing it. The Daily Mail writes that Tom Gogola, a student on holiday from Britain, was surfing when the tsunami hit, and survived by…
This is it — one last big week of training, then let the tapering—and nerves—begin. With 26 days until the NYC marathon, the Run Mammoth coaches have me hitting 62 miles — the highest we've decided I should go given my history with injuries showing up as I go beyond…
By Stephen Regenold Beginning in the 1940s, the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Mapping Program was tasked with the immense cartographical feat of surveying the entire country to create a series of more than 50,000 topographical maps. Widely-available and mostly accurate, the 1:24,000-scale government maps canvas…
Five Olympic athletes who tested positive for the blood-booster, Cera, are scheduled to find out their punishment in December, BBC Sport reports. Runners Rashid Ramzi and Vanja Perisic; cyclists Davide Rebellin and Stefan Schumacher; and walker Athanasia Tsoumeleka all face possible bans. The International…
This is the start of the third day since we came off the mountain. I’m finally starting to feel semi-normal. The first two days, I had trouble getting out of bed. I hadn’t really slept in two weeks, and getting out of the shower–well, I finally exited when…
Yesterday, crowds at the 2009 Earthwave beach festival in Cape Town attempted to break the world record for the most people surfing on a single wave. The current record is 100 people, and was set in Brazil last year. Representatives of the festival say that…
When I agreed to accompany my friend on an epic bicycle tripfrom Canada to Mexico on the popular Pacific Coast Route,my previous biking experience consisted of a 1.2 mile commute to work. Suddenly, I’d be goingfrom nada to 60-plus miles a day for almost two…
Today in the New York Times Steven Lee Meyers shared his experience training for a marathon on a treadmill while living in Baghdad. Forced to stay inside because of safety, heat, and other factors, Meyers blogs about training for the Marine Corps…
On September 30th Chris Waddell became the first paraplegic to summit Mount Killimanjaro. Videos of Waddell and the One Revolution Team will be made available on the One Revolution blog. Waddell is the most decorated paralympic skier in history. Read more about Waddell's…
As a gear editor, and a runner, I see a lot of running products. Some are so-so. Some are awesome. Here are some of my absolute favorites for this season. In no particular order: 1. ASICS Favorite shirt 2. Adidas adizero 3. Garmin 310 XT 4. That one white…
Last week, Outside's John McCauley and Will Palmer (based in Santa Fe) and Jeremy Spencer (based in Portland) participated in the third annual Portland Oyster Race, part of Merrell's 2009 urban-adventure-race series, which moved on from Portland to San Francisco last weekend and concludes in Austin (Oct.
This video posted by the Adventure Blog demonstrates the functions of a new backpack that generates electricity as you walk. The pack collects energy as it bounces up and down with your body, allowing the wearer to recharge batteries, iPods, satellite phones,…
According to The Ski Blog, the Municipality of Whistler has pledged to go carbon neutral by 2010, just in time to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This will include cutting down on direct emission as well as purchasing carbon credits. Whistler…
Jon Krakauer returns with an epic story of sacrifice and betrayal
BEST: SEPTEMBEROCTOBER, WHEN THE SAND IS COOL FIRST ENCOUNTER: Sun Spots I can’t tell you if we saw the sun set on the North Rim and rise on the South Rim or if the order was reversed. It doesn’t matter. What I remember is that I was seven…
The easiest way to build fun and adventure into every day? Lose the car keys and ride your bike to work—and everywhere else. Herein you’ll find the knowledge, tips, bicycles, duds, and gear to pull it off in style. Saddle up!
South Africa's track team has lost sponsorship from Nedbank because of the controversy over gold-medal runner Caster Semenya's gender, the AP reports. The International Association of Athletics Federations ordered tests to determine whether Semenya is really a woman. Nedbank said it did…
The kayaking community is gearing up to participate in the international day of climate action on Oct. 24. Kayakers will form the number 350 in the water in Portland to show their support for the UN Climate Change Conference in December. Watch…
Ottawa has a troubling air pollution problem, but it's not caused by the normal suspects. A crematorium from Hope Cemetery is blanketing the air daily with fumes from the cremation of dead bodies, the CBC reports. “We've all smelt it, we've…
Some cities are magnets for groundbreaking industries. Here are 13 that have put themselves on the map.
CARRY-ON Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Courtesy of Ortlieb Like to haul bigger loads, like a laptop, on a rear rack? Get ORTLIEB's grab-and-go BACK-ROLLER CLASSIC (pair, $165; ortliebusa.com), one of the toughest, and best-looking, waterproof panniers available. Check out 2009's best commuter bikes and our bike…
The easiest way to build fun and adventure into every day? Lose the car keys and ride your bike to workand everywhere else. Here's how to pull it off in style. Saddle up!
Alarming new science shows that thin air can wreck brain cellsat lower altitudes than you'd think. Here's how to protect yourself.
How do you evenly redistribute the down in a sleeping bag? I was cold while backpacking recently and noticed that the down was not well distributed. It was clumped in some areas and bare in others. Sherry Parker, CO
What is the lightest two-person three-season tent? I define a tent as something that is big enough to lie down or sit in, and keeps the rain and bugs out. All the manufacturers are trying to confuse me by listing minimum weight, packaged weight, trail weight, fastpack weight, packed weight... Erik Rochester, NY
What portable solar panels will work best on the Greenland icecap? I plan to ski across Greenland for two to three weeks this May (west to East on the Nansen route). I need to charge a small laptop for work, and preferably a couple of iPods for mental hygiene. Bjorn Aune Oslo
I want to upgrade my 1994 Kona Hei Hei 1994 (Titanium fre). I would like to convert to disc brakes on the front with new suspension forks and upgrade the canti to v-brake on the rear. Is this possible? What make/model would you recommend buying groupset wise, wheels, forks, etc., to keep the bike light but the cost of the upgrade low? Catherine Macclesfield, UK
Is there one singular multi-sport, multi-purpose helmet out there? I like to participate in most outdoor sports, kayaking, biking, ski/snowboarding, climbing, etc. Are there any multi-sport helmets that would work for all those sports? Having four different helmets seems like a waste. Ad Hood River, OR
When feet started floating into the dark, coastal bays of British Columbia, it wasn’t hard to imagine the worst, especially when the Mounties went silent. Even paradise has an underbelly.
At least 100 players in the NFL are expected to don pink cleats in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, according to the New York Times. Other pink paraphernalia to be worn by players includes sweatbands, towels, and gloves, but the…
Nathan Apffel's surf film, Lost Prophets: Search for the Collective, embraces the original notion of surfing as an escape, a joy, and a way to connect with nature. Slated for release this fall, the movie is a gorgeous array of color, action, and…
When packing for a trip, do you ever think “But what if I spontaneously want to go kayaking?” This is for you. The folks at Vagabondish give a first look at the Citibot, a kayak that weighs 24…
Congratulations to Laurin Weisenthal of Huntington Beach, CA, who just swam the English Channel in one of the fastest times in history. Weisenthal, 25, made the swim from England to France in just 8 hours and 33 minutes; many of the 1,000 people who have completed the swim take well…
Want a low-tech workout that will get you buff? Watch Outside's Lab Rat, Nick Heil, show you how to do walking lunges, with a little impromptu weight. For more workout videos, go to Outside…
By Stephen Regenold The world's warmest balaclava. Goose-down booties. A ski goggle that changes tint with available light. These are the products to look for while gearing up for the outdoors this winter. Here is a quick preview of a few hot items. ColdAvenger Expedition…
Laughing, walking up stairs, opening a bottle of wine — they're all activities that burn calories, and with the Fitbit, you can track just how many calories, along with how many steps you take in a day, and how many hours of sleep you get at…
In our October issue, we mention 350.org and their mission to make October 24, 2009 a day of activism to promote the signing of a new climate-change treaty at the UN Summit in Copenhagen this December. All over the world, people plan to make the message…
Most people who lose a leg dream of walking again. For adaptive athlete Jarem Frye, the inventor of a spring-loaded prosthetic knee transforming the lives of amputees, that wasn't nearly enough. He wanted to fly.
A glimpse into the mind of a man who has spent 26 years in pursuit of the ultimate gizmo.
Alex Puccio has won the first event in the Spot Series Bouldering Competitions, Rock and Ice reports. Adam Markert won the men's comp for this event, called “The Gun Show.” The series is held at The Spot, a…
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is experimenting with electric mats to deter bears from outdoor freezers and dumpsters, the Aspen Times reports. The mat emits 600 volts, but does little harm to the animal because of its low amp. It doesn't present a…
The first Monserrat Volcano Half-Marathon will take place on this island in the East Caribbean Dec. 5, Runner's Web reports. The race will be part of the local Carnival festivities. The course will pass through Soufriere Hills, an active volcano. Check out the…
Charlie Houston, who was part of the first ascent team at 25,643-foot Nanda Devi in 1936, has died, Climbing reports. He was 96. Houston was a pioneer in altitude research. He wrote influential works on the process of acclimatization for climbers and the health…
Researchers show that, historically, overall health improves during a bad economy, CNN reports. A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences looks at economic growth and the health of the…
In honor of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December, Google and the Danish government are presenting interactive maps that will show what the Earth will look like in various stages of global warming. Check out the first climate tour…
I'm writing from 18,000 feet on what promises to be a pretty chilly evening. Left at 6 A.M. with a variety of expectations. Consensus had us staying at Hans-Meyer, and that looked optimistic after our first adventure on the winch. The first quarter mile took about…
The Klamath River in California, which was dammed up between 1908 and 1962, will have four dams removed beginning in 2020. The dams were erected by PacifiCorp, and their removal will supposedly allow for the revival of salmon and steelhead spawning and bolster fishing, tribal, and farming communities along the…
This is very cool. The video needs to be edited down to about 25 percent of its current length. But the contest and the result are great. (Found via Lance Armstrong's Twitter feed) —John Bradley Twitter: johnwbradley…
First Descents, founded by kayaker Brad Ludden, sponsors whitewater kayaking camps for young adults with cancer. Since it's start about 10 years ago, it has sent more than 600 cancer patients to these adventure camps, with this year proving to be the most…
You can enter to win a chance to climb Mt. Rainier with Ed Viesturs and Peter Whittaker on a five-day expedition. First Ascent is sponsoring the contest and will outfit the winner with gear. See details here, and check out Viesturs's Outside…
Associate editor Justin Nyberg shows off some radical new products.
Photographer Alexx Henry shoots a revolutionary video using the Red One camera.
What are good women's packs for an extended trip? I plan to hike the Long Trail next summer and need a larger pack. Erin South Windsor, Connecticut
I just started mountain biking at 50. What's the best equipment for me? @yakimakel Via Twitter
My wife and I would like to take our 13-month-old daughter cycling with us around town. Should we use a trailer or a child seat? Noah West Lafayette, Indiana
What's the best mountain bike for a eight-year-old girl? I want a front suspension to help me beat my dad on the trails. Gwendolyn Nace Snellville, Georgia
According to RunnersWeb.com, the 20th annual Canadian Marathon in Toronto was the most successful in Canadian history, raising $1.8 million for 99 neighborhood charities, and breaking the records for fastest marathon for both men and women on Canadian soil. Defending champion Kenneth Mungara…
Bode Miller announced this past Thursday that he will be rejoining the US Ski Team this coming season with the goal of reaching the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. The former Olympic and World Cup Champ has been skiing independently…