Classic or skate? Either way you'll go fast with the latest—and best—Nordic gear.

Utah's Wasatch Mountains are teeming with guys who geek out over depth hoar. But there are only a few snow scientists on par with Dean Cardinale. In addition to being one of Snowbird's avalanche forecasters, the 38-year-old is also the president of Wasatch Backcountry Rescue and a certified instructor with the American Avalanche Association. He spoke to

If you build a ski mountain, they will come? That's what one Texas resort believes.

The Classic Powder Skiing Once you experience Alta's powder, you too will be an Altaholic ALTA SKI AREA, Utah: Not only does Alta get twice as much snow as less blessed resorts—it averages 500 inches—but its flakes are also lighter and drier. Maybe that’s why nearly 80 percent of…

1. Bern Muse Helmet Slope Style This downsized lid has zero bobblehead factor yet still has room for a removable liner (with speakers). $99; bernunlimited.com 2. Marmot Furlong Like it or not, you will get noticed in the lift line when you’re…

Did our November 2007 feature package "The Good, the Bad, & the Just Plain Lucky" get you squirming for more thrills? Here, check out our archive of past tales of woe, plus instructional videos from the Wilderness Medical Society's annual conference.

Your Gearness, I keep seeing reviews for sub-5,000 cubic inch packs. Some of us get to wander the wilderness packing extra for the family or scouts, and we need bigger packs. What can you recommend for comfortably carrying 40 to 60 pounds in our beautiful mountains? Andrew Lehi, Utah

I’m an avid curler in desperate need of pants to wear on the curling rink. They must have a bit of stretch, and breathability is an issue, too. Curling is harder work than meets the eye, particularly when sweeping vigorously. I understand that you probably don't get too many curling questions, but perhaps you are aware of a suitable product from another sport. David Westmount, Quebec

What is the best protection if a mountain lion is encountered on a hike? They have been spotted in our area, and we love to hike in our local wilderness park. Susan La Crescenta, California

Photo Gallery: Julia Mancuso Associate editor (and ski-babe connoisseur) Gordy Megroz lived the dream of many a lad when he flew to Maui to profile U.S. Ski Team star Julia Mancuso for the November 2007 profile “America’s Next…

In early September, shortly before departing London to begin filming the new season of his hit Discovery Channel series Man Vs. Wild, Bear Grylls granted Outside an exclusive e-mail interview. It was the first time he'd communicated directly with the press since allegations surfaced in July that he'd slept in hotels during the filming of s

My husband and I are going to Peru for our 50th anniversary. We will be adventuring in the Amazon rainforest, and I’m wondering what kind of supportive footwear I can use on the wet, slick trails. Also, what rainwear would protect against torrential rain, yet not be too hot in the jungle? Judy Reeds Spring, Missouri

I moving to Barrow, Alaska, and want to make sure I’m prepared for the cold. I have a thermal lined Carhartt coat. Is this sufficient, or should I buy a new parka? i Ann Arbor, Michigan

Ever since a friend of mine announced that he and his wife wanted to do the next Paris-Brest-Paris bike race (in four years), I have been bitten by the bug and have decided to do it, too. I will be training a lot at night and will need a lighting system. What do you suggest? Gary Denver, Colorado

This year, at least two new quasi Personal Locator Beacons are coming out. One is called TracMe and the other is SPOT. Being a known gear junkie (the first step is to admit you have a problem), I'm getting hit up by my associates to get the low down on these critters. So, can you help us out and do a side by side comparison on these new products? Ranger Randy Grand Junction, Colorado

Gear of the Year: Alpine skis Outside Buyer's Guide Winter 2007-2008 Outside Buyer's Guide Winter 2007-2008 Ski Boots: Feel the power Slope Style: Hip goes high-tech Ski Poles: Strong and light sticks Goggles: Get clarity Destinations: Find powder here The Goods: Nordic skiing…

I’m curious about the ARB Simpson II Rooftop Touring Tent, which attaches to a vehicle's roof rack. It makes sense in a place like Australia, where sleeping on the ground could be riskier. But for the North American camper, is this a revolution in car camping or just a waste of money? Jay Dana Point, California

Honorees to be featured in inaugural winter edition of Outside Buyer's Guide

Since I was a kid, I've been warned that the mighty Mississippi is a deadly stew of swirling eddies—and that swimming across it is oneof the stupidest things a person can do. Naturally, I had to give it a try.

Avid game hunter Steven Rinella will eat just about anything. Or so he's told us. So what happens when our extreme gourmand travels across the world to face America's ultimate culinary aversion?

Six weeks, I told my wife. All the way to heaven and then home. Perhaps I would fail in some, or every, way. But one must go oneself to know the truth.

What do you recommend I get my son for winter camping in New England? He is five feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. I want to keep him warm and dry—and keep the bag for several years. I'd like to spend under $150, if possible. I was also told 0 degree is best and down is not good if it gets wet (and it probably will get wet). Cindy Hartford, Connecticut

I looking for an expedition-weight cold-weather jacket for skiing, hiking, and all around wear. I tend to get cold easily. I would also like something with a lot of pockets, and is waterproof and windproof. Oh, and somewhat stylish. Can you suggest a few for me to choose from? Thank you! Joy Tacoma, Washington

We plan to visit friends for a day or two at a time and would like to get sleeping bag liners to use instead of sheets. We also want something to use as a light sleeping bag when our 15 degree bags are too much. Can you compare the silk, cotton, fleece, and synthetic liners on the market? Diane Portland, Oregon

A nail recently tore a one-inch hole in my nice new Pearl Izumi Ultrasensor bib shorts. The tear is just to the right of center; not on a se. Are these things repairable?

MIT climatologist Richard Lindzen is pushing a controversial idea: that mankind isn't to blame for global warming and that Al Gore's apocalypic warnings are mostly hot air. Right or wrong, why do so many people think he should be silenced?

For Nick Paumgarten and his father, skiing has been both a blessing and a curse, taking the lives of some family members while giving others every reason to live.

To catch a caveman like Osama bin Laden, who's at home in some of the earth's most remote mountains, what you really need is a great outdoorsman.

Nine all-stars tell it like it is

I want a waterproof digital camera that has a viewfinder. Any suggestions? Ashleigh Austin, Texas

I need a light tent that comfortably fits two people but can fit three in a pinch. I leery of single-walled tents because of numerous reviewers citing condensation problems. What is your recommendation? Mike Midland, Texas

Gear Dude, I need to replace my worn out three-season boots, and I haven't had any luck shopping here in England. I’m looking for a full-grain, one-piece leather upper and a Vibr sole, with none of these fancy schmancy Gore-Tex linings (I'm kinda old fashioned that way). Can you please help? Aaron Nottinghshire, England

Call it trickle-up technology. In the past 30 years, adventure-centric products have moved from the margins to the mainstream. Here's drool-inducing proof that today's top manufacturers are on our side.

On a cosmic night of baseball Randy Wayne White joins the armada in San Francisco's McCovey Cove to fish for Barry Bond's record-breaking home-run ball

Our all-time best fitness advice, all in one place.

Fifteen of the world's best athletes, explorers, and writers pick their favorite adventure books of the past 35 years.

The next milestones of adventure aren't about reaching new heights. They're about changing the game.

I was told to avoid plastic water bottles containing Bisphenol-A (e.g., Nalgene bottles) because of the health risk they are thought to pose. So, I recently acquired a Laken aluminum bottle. Is this really an improvement, health-wise? Ron Orleans, Ontario

I competing in an ultra trail race (50 miles) in the Golden Gate Headlands area of California in December. Those trails, from what I told, are quite different from the more technical trails up here in the Vancouver area. What do you recommend as a good shoe for the trails down there? Scott Vancouver, British Columbia

“We wanted to take one of the gnarliest mountains in the world and make it look like your local backcountry ski area,” says Aspen-based freeskier Chris Davenport of his 22-day June expedition to 20,320-foot Mount McKinley. And they did. Along with Clark Fyans, Nick DeVore, Kirsten Kremer, and Adam Clark,…

We interrupt this issue to bring you a glimpse of the future. From a 13-year-old skateboarder who's already trademarked his name to a 14-year-old who surfs Pipeline with Kelly Slater, meet the stars of our 40th Anniversary cover.

Don’t like to brag, but I have climbed Mount Everest 30 times. Everest The first time I climbed it, I was only ten years old. I was lucky to make it to the top. I didn’t know what I was doing. I was wearing only corduroys, a windbreaker, and…

To celebrate Outside’s founding in the boffo year of 1976, we asked a longtime contributor to risk embarrassment by dressing as an outdoorsy dude from that era, then circulating among innocent people to watch their jaws drop. The result was an offbeat gem by one of the magazine’s most versatile and creative voices.

I have the full suspension MTB. I have the carbon aluminum road bike. Now I need something to tow our 2.5-year-old's trailer (with a side hitch) on wide, groomed trails. She weighs about 30 pounds, and the Chariot trailer is about 25 pounds. Add in food, drinks, toys, etc., and I figure I’m towing about 70 lbs. What mid-performance bike do you recommend? Dave Cillus, New York

If you are like me, when you arrive at your cpsite after a long hike, you want to switch out of your boots and put on something lighter. What shoes are out there that will work well around the cpsite? Something that will protect the toes, has enough sole so you can step on a rock with hobbling yourself, and doesn’t make for much extra weight. John New York, New York

I rolled out my tent fly after not using it for a while and it was all stuck together. With difficulty I was able to unstick it for use. But if I roll it up again, I’m sure it will get stuck and perhaps rip when I try to use it again. I've aired and sunned it out on the line for many days. No change. Help! Charles Fairfax, California

I am the project officer in charge of the design, development, and procurement of all Individual Load Bearing Equipment for the United States Marine Corps. We’re currently performing market research on backpacks with approximately 2,500 cubic inches of capacity. Durability and comfort is top priority. I would like to purchase several different styles of backpacks to study the best ideas out there. Which manufacturers and packs should I consider? John Quantico, Virginia

I've never been to Indiana and will be attending a wedding there this fall. How about a little advice on what to do during my stay? Michael S. Phoenix, AZ

Outside‘s Best Places to Work program recognizes companies that encourage employees to balance a productive work life with an active, healthy personal life. Does your company offer: »   fitness facilities or programs? »   flex-time or telecommuting options?…

I recently purchased a 1970s Ghisallo ten-speed bike. What can you tell me about this brand? Bob Lebanon, New Jersey

“When you sit down on an exercise machine, with your back against chair, you tend to shut down the rest of your body,” warns Laird Hamilton. “You want strength that you can actually control and apply.” It’s called functional strength, and it dictates the way you should lift weights. Here’s…

Gallery: British Columbia For the October 2007 feature story “The Ski Gene,” Italian-born photographer Paolo Marchesi followed author Nick Paumgarten and his father for a wild adventure in steepest, deepest British Columbia. Here, see Marchesi’s photo outtakes from…

Down Boy: Q&A with Steven Rinella Though author Steven Rinella wrote the book on weird food (The Scavenger's Guide to Haute Cuisine), traveling to Vietnam to sample cooked dog for the October 2007 feature story “Down Boy” totally freaked him out. Rinella talks…

New York City-based writer Patrick Symmes and Irish photographer Seamus Murphy scoured the Far East in search of the legendary city of Shambhala for the October 2007 feature story “The Kingdom of the Lotus.” Here, listen to a podcast interview with Symmes and see Murphy’s photo outtakes from the assignment.

I'm going camping in the Caribbean where it’s relatively dry and night temperatures are usually 75F. What sleep system would you recommend? Abel New York, New York

My wife’s toes are constantly jming into her hiking boots on day hikes. We do moderate (8 to 14 mile) day hikes, and the downhill portions obviously create the greatest toe stress. Is there a particular type of hiking shoe that would remedy this? Ron Richmond, Virginia

That was the cry from many, many readers. Read the morse code translation of the message that appeared in the October 2007 issue of Outside below.

Q&A: Hampton Sides Hampton Sides Hampton Sides A winner of the 2002 PEN USA Award and author of three books, “Ghost Soldiers,” “Americana,” and most recently, “Blood and Thunder: An Epic of the American West,” Hampton Sides’s work has…

The Early Days: Q&A with Larry Burke Larry Burke Larry Burke From the beginning, one man has been at the head of Outside. In1976 Outside‘s founder and editor in chief Larry Burke started the quarterly journal, Mariah, which would…

Watch Lance Armstrong, Laird Hamilton, Amanda Beard, Kelly Slater, Jake Burton, Lynn Hill, Scott Lindgren, Ed Viesturs, and Ben Harper as they gather for Outside‘s iconic 30th anniversary cover photo shoot. Soundtrack provided by Ben Harper.

Our man Eric Hansen has scoured the globe in the name of misadventure and excitement. Here, read all of Hansen's columns for Outside, listen to audio versions, peruse photos he took while on assignment, and watch a video as our guy shows you how to drink Tequila.

If you spin at little or no resistance at high speed, do you gain the same benefits as you would spinning with resistance at a lower speed? Are you burning the se ount of calories? Stephanie

I'll soon be traveling around Ethiopia for three weeks, and I need a new pack for this trip and beyond. I travel mainly to third-world places on the semi-cheap. I need a pack that’s light, can take a beating, and doesn't take up much room. And I don't want an attachable day pack on it. Any suggestions? Herb Danbury, Connecticut

I'm going to do a bicycle tour around Lake Michigan next summer, and I'm thinking about getting a GPS for the bike. Got any recommendations for me? Ken Vernon Hills, Illinois

It brought you Gisele, Ronaldo, and samba. But the real Brazil gets even better. Here's your map to the best sin and sand on the planet.

OK, so he's not the coolest guy on the river. But with another world freestyle title, a kayak-building business that's shaking up the industry, and a sweet RV to take him and his paddling offspring anywhere, Eric Jackson is high on the pile.

Overrun with linebacker types who can't hack the training, recruiters for the Navy SEALs are targeting X Gamers and endurance athletes. Because who wouldn't want Lance Armstrong on the front lines?

Eleven years after Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild caused a sensation, the family of Christopher McCandless, director Sean Penn, and his all-star cast and crew talk about their quest to bring the fatal journey of "Alexander Supertramp" to the big screen.

Before her 2005 arrest, eco-saboteur Chelsea Gerlach took part in nine Earth Liberation Front actions, including the 1998 arson that destroyed Vail Mountain’s Two Elk lodge. In an exclusive interview from behind bars, Gerlach talks about life on the run, destruction on behalf of the environment, and why she cooperated with the federal investigators who smashed the ELF.

We sent our wayward columnist to row a boat in Cinque Terre and all we got was this lousy letter

Escape from New York (and nine other big cities) with these 40 fast adventures

Inspiring ideas from Bay Area inventors

I’d like your opinion on the Scarpa Escape GTX and La Sportiva Trango S EVO GTX boots. I getting ready for a trip to Gannett Peak next summer and have narrowed my choice to these two boots. Logan Madison, Alabama

I planning to trek through Nepal and India and wondering what is the best purification and/or filter system to use. I have heard a lot about the SteriPEN. How does it compare to the rest? Miri Halifax, Canada

An inventor unleashes the world's baddest bio-bike

Leonardo DiCaprio's new documentary aims to shock us into saving the planet. Will viewers show up?

Some of fall’s best books follow travelers venturing off the tourist circuit to find both danger and enlightenment. The Americans in PAUL THEROUX’s The Elephanta Suite, a collection of three haunting novellas, all pass through the same luxury hotel room in Mumbai. Yet each goes on to discover an India…

Denis Johnson takes on Vietnam

Sure, it's big, bad, and thirsty. But I love it—and you can't judge a man by his wheels alone.

Mexico's most famous masked man, champion lucha libre wrestler El Hijo del Santo, has a thing for turtles. As the 2007 spokesman for San Diego-based conservation group Costasalvaje/Wildcoast, he's caressed their shells (yes, he wore the mask—always!) and patrolled beaches for egg thieves. PATRICK SYMMES rang El Santo at a Mexico City gym, where