Everything
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 work—and everywhere else. Here's how to pull it off in style. Saddle up!
Alarming new science shows that thin air can wreck brain cells—at 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…
In support of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, President Obama will travel to Copenhagen later this week to meet with the International Olympic Committee. The New York Times reports that this will be the first time in history an…
We're just over one month away from the NYC Marathon, and the training loads are peaking. Last week was a 62 mile week, capped by a 20 mile tempo run. For me—a former 3k, 5k, 8k guy—that was the longest run I've ever done, and it felt great. Luckily, we…
Ouch. Long day: 10.5 hours. Technical from start to finish, and unrelenting. I did a series of about 1,000 three-to-four-second sprints at 12,000 feet and 3,300 vertical. I didn't use the winch. We're saving it for the upper mountain. The Harken winch is a great mechanism. We're still…
I'm looking for the best pair of running shoes for a triathlon event. I'm not a natural runner but a natural athlete. What are the best running shoes for a triathlon? Viver Swimmer Taipei, Taiwan
I want to climb a volcano. And when I say climb I mean hike, I don't want to have to mess with ropes and the like. Any suggestions in North America? Luke H. Austin, TX
I just got back from a backpacking trip and used my CelBak bladder in the pouch included in my backpack. I liked using this system instead of reaching back for a water bottle, but the bladder is hard to refill when buried in the pack and also takes up pack space. Is there another kind of bladder out there? Maybe a square one that can sit on top my gear, near the top of the pack? This would keep it out of the way and make it easy to access. Joseph Moraga, CA
Hi, I want to purchase a water filter or water purifier to turn my day hikes into some overnight trips. I have been doing a lot of research but can't seem to figure out which one I need. I'll primarily be hiking in the Northeast and only in North erica, so is there a need for an actual water "purifier"? Thanks in advance. Kane Red Bank, NJ
I have freakish feet. I a size 13 with AA width. I can't seem to find a boot that will fit. Any ideas? Bill Burlington, VT
I looking for the best backpack type child carrier. Any suggestions? Rudi Gardiner, NY
I still use cages on the pedals of my Bianchi. I find it easier to get in and out of the pedals than clips. However, I cannot find shoes that are designed for cages. Do such shoes exist? Andy St. Paul, MN
The team at Serac Adventure Films brings you the best student videos from the 2009 Teva Games.
What exercises will help build strength for long-distance swimming? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What, if any, benefit do we get from a properly executed sauna? I notice my heart rate is elevated so I wonder about any cardio benefit. I also assume that with increased heart rate we enjoy some increased circulation and "cleaning" of waste products from Peter Olson Santa Fe, New Mexico
What are the best exercises to improve balance for surfing? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
How can I improve my lateral speed for defense in basketball? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
For hiking in the Andes, what four-season tent would you recommend? Looking for one that'll give me the best weight-to-strength ratio with least condensation and a proper vestibule? Christien Pretoria, South Africa
What type of apparel would you wear for backpacking to keep your burly legs warm in the Georgia and Tennessee mountains from November to March? Jason Calhoun, GA
What should you do if you run into a cougar in the backcountry? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
In your experience, what's the number one reason people get lost in the backcountry? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
What is the number one skill people should learn in case they get lost in the backcountry? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
What should you do if you're bitten by a scorpion while camping in the American Southwest? The Editors Santa Fe, NM
We polled the sharp-eyed nomads we trust most and came up with a bucket list of the best trips for getting the best shots around the world.
It takes more than a good camera to get a good shot. Nowhere is that more true than in adventure photography—a field of photographers snapping with split-second shutter speeds in the least hospitable environments on earth.
We handed disposable cameras to 11 Outside icons for a behind the scenes look into their lives. What did we find out? You'll be surprised.
When you're crossing to Florida the hard way–across 800 miles of water, with six people and no motor, in a 21-foot handmade open boat–it's a long, long way from Haiti to Miami.
That trope about photos being worth 1,000 words? Here's where it came from.
National Geographic photographer and editor at large Michael “Nick” Nichols has spent the past 20 years doing a job thatlet’s face itwe’ve all wanted at one point. Nichols is best known for his photographs of biologist Michael Fay’s 1999 crossing of the Congo, as well as for his use of…
From Everest to El Capitan, climbing photographer Jimmy Chin shoots in some of the most demanding terrain on earth. This is the gear he brings.
The big breathability issue is making buying a jacket confusing. eVent has thrown a cat ong the pigeons and waterproof soft shells also change my options. Is there any clear thinking on this subject? I have the new Aegis jacket and that's just a proprietary fabric but seems to work fine. In other words, what are the "real" facts and how do you choose the "best" jacket for various applications? Ian South Africa
We have a great 20-year-old 14x14 Eureka family tent. This summer a branch came down and tore a 36 inch vertical rip in the tent. Can it be repaired? Is there a company here in Northern California that does that or a kit I can buy to repair such a long (clean) tear? Gloria Millbrae, CA
What type of sunglass lens makes the transition from sun to shade the easiest for riding singletrack through the forest? Lynn La Grande, OR
Like so many seemingly impossible shots you see these days, it's a digital creation—which is bad for photography and even worse for our concept of reality.
Asperger’s turns social interaction into a source of suffering. “It’s like everyone else has a bucket for dealing with people,” says Clay, “and I only got a cup.”
But beneath his foul language and outrageous antics, the Czech photographer is the greatest living observer of human suffering and spirit.
Walk hard in these travel-ready kicks worth a place in any adventure photographer’s duffel. : Patagonia Maui Dew (Photograph by Shana Novak) These all-weather, water-resistant-pigskin shoes are surf-town casual yet warm enough to wear well into the fall. But they’ve won hearts and minds in the halls of our offices…