Everything
I'm looking for a lightweight, water-resistant, secure, and organization-friendly pack., basically what I would call my weekend pack. I'd like to have enough space for some food, water (hydration sleeve a plus), backup clothes, and all the gadgets we love so much (i.e. cell phone, iPod, GPS, headlp, etc.). Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Chris Royal Palm Beach, FL
I hike and cp a lot—and for long periods—during the middle of the hottest days of the year (with no access to showers). I’m wondering what you’ve heard about Icebreaker underwear and how well they are about odor. Katherine Greenville, SC
I'm planning a trip to South America this summer and want to invest in a water filter and/or purifier system. What do you recommend? Paul Salt Lake City, UT
I have a high-end road bike and looking for another bike that will serve all other purposes—commuting, trail riding, maybe some rugged touring. I partial to steel and would like to keep it around $1,000. What do you think about cyclocross bicycles? I intrigued by the Redline Conquest. Win Indianapolis, IN
My husband and I are looking to escape the city for four nights and five days. We want to cp, hike, and kayak, preferably in the southwest. We are not climbers, but flying in and out of Las Vegas looks practical given our short stay. What do you suggest? Alex A. Washington, DC
Good campsites—close to water, a flat spot for tents, etc.—are relatively common. Great campsites are more elusive. To find yours, be sure to consider these four factors.
1. FELT ZW1 BIKE It looks fast, it feels fast, and it is fast—even if you’re not. The oversize carbon-fiber tubes are dialed for female riders; they were never too stiff, never too soft. Shimano’s finest Dura-Ace components, Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels, gel grips, and Felt’s women’s carbon saddle…
Our esteemed gear editors offer the insight and advice you need to find the right gear for you.
I looking for a wheeled duffle/backpack with the option to carry on my back (I think). However, I DON'T like the zip-on daypack feature. I have checked out REI and Eagle Creek and can't find what I looking for. I traveling for two weeks and won't be doing any trekking. Any ideas? Elizabeth Portland, OR
I've been a conventional tent guy for years, but the Hennessy Hammocks intrigue me. How much of an adjustment would it be a for a tent guy to switch to a hammock? Do they really live up to the hype? Andrew Shreveport, LA
1. MT. BORAH CUSTOM With seven-week turnarounds and minimum orders of just six pieces, Mt. Borah makes customcycling gear easier than ever. Jerseys from $83; mtborahcustom.com 2. VITTORIA OPEN CORSA EVO CX The handmade CX can handle pressures up to 200 psi and is…
The latest research can help boost your horsepower—and cut your workouts in half
An old-school move holds the key to unlocking your power; if only you can do it right.
Since being jettisoned from Patagonia's empire twenty years ago, Salt Lake City—based Black Diamond Equipment has prided itself on breaking all the rules. They eschew advertising, take enormous risks, and employ a team of superfit athletes who do their only "market research" skiing and climbing in the Wasatch backcountry. And it's working.
Those people who say that? They're annoying. But, as our man eventually discovers, that doesn't mean they're not on to something.
Disney is getting back to its nature-documentary roots—but can the company escape its own legacy?
Next year, I would like to climb Kilimanjaro with my brother to celebrate his 30th birthday. Can you recommend any tour organizers who have a particularly good reputation for treks up Kilimanjaro? We are hoping to cp instead of staying in huts and will probably select a moderately intense route up the mountain.
Our favorite banking scion's latest adventure puts all eyes on the soiled seas.
Need another reason to get excited about the resurgence of American distance running? After struggles with injuries, Kara Goucher, a 30-year-old former NCAA cross-country champ, finished third in the New York City Marathon last November. Her time of 2:25:53 was the fastest debut for an American woman ever. As a follow-up, she's set her sights on the sport's mos
The Eddie Bauer Mountain Guide soft-shell jacket marks the company’s return to making expedition-worthy gear after outfitting the original American Everest expedition, in 1963, and later sliding downhill into women’s casualwear. Eddie, we’ve missed you. $229; firstascent.com Eddie Bauer…
To find the emptiest hideouts in seven iconic parks, we called on the guys with the keys to the back door: the rangers and staff.
Luanne Freer talks about saving lives in the world's highest emergency room.
What is the best way for a non-athlete to get back in shape for a backpacking trip? I want to hike the Wonderland Trail in 5 months, but I have gained weight and lost muscle tone recently. Niki Berkeley, California
I'm a beginning climber. My hands and forearms are relatively weak, and crp up easily. What are the best exercises to increase hand and forearm strength? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
I often have a sore, tight neck after work. What's the proper way for me to stretch my neck before running or biking? The Editors Santa Fe, New Mexico
What are the best exercises for improving my time in the 40-yard-dash?
I'm working on a ship in crowded conditions for months on end. I want to go hiking and trekking on my time off. What's the best way to maintain endurance without being able to walk or run at sea? Bonus if I can do it in 30 foot swells.
Gear Guru- I'm looking for a bike rack that is easy to use and easy to put on the car and take off. I've been looking at the Thule Jaws rack, but on a recent trip to Moab, I noticed almost every car out there was equipped with a fork-lock rack. Do these people know something I don't? Chris Eau Claire, WI
I purchased a pair of Scarpa Summit GTX mountaineer boots, kind of on a whim (I'm a gear nut). I plan on climbing Rainier and some other smaller peaks in the northwest, and I'm wondering: Do people trek in these boots all the way to the top, or do they change in to larger mountaineering boots on summit day? David Seattle, WA
How can you prevent getting lost if you're bushwhacking without a GPS? Do you recommend some type of hi-visibility flagging, or is that not low impact enough? Teeka Van Riper Washington
In the movie Rambo, Sly heats up a metal rod and uses it to cauterize a bullet wound. Is this effective? LCPL Michael Barnes Cp Pendleton, California
I went to a school and was promised I would be able to track a mouse across a cement floor after a week. I couldn't. Is it possible to get that good, that fast?
There are two choices when confronting the current chaos in the job market: Be afraid. (Useless.) Be bold. (That’s the spirit.) Because moments of turmoil present the biggest opportunities to take a new direction, to find an employer who gets your need for adventure, to finally break free of the cubicle. How We Picked…
As the wisecracking host of the hit series Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe frolics in mud and trades in gross-out humor. But what started out as a gag has become a movement that's empowering Americans to rediscover our love of hard work—just when we need it most.
For almost 70 years, former ski patroller and local legend Jim Blanning rode Aspen’s evolution from broken mining outpost to chic mountain playground. But when his hometown spit him out, he came back with a vengeance. And bombs.
I agree with four of your five "top gear innovations" picks, but would strongly argue that the Therm-a-Rest pad should be in the #2 slot over the humble Ensolite pad. While Ensolite pads were a good step forward, the self-inflating matt has done more to enable a good night's sleep in the backcountry than anything else. Jeremy Omaha, NE
Is a Patagonia DAS (which I already have) good enough for Denali? Or should I upgrade to Patagonia's Down Parka? Or to First Ascent's new Peak SV? Tom Great Falls, VA
I'm planning a one- to two-week road trip up to northern Washington, possibly Canada. Do you have any suggestions of good places to cp/stay and interesting things to do? Any goods hikes and or bike rides? Tim O. San Luis Obispo, CA
