Everything
I'm planning on climbing Argentina's Aconcagua in January '05 and could do with some advice on gear, particularly what sleeping bag and boots I will need. I've been considering getting a Superlight zero-degree down bag from The North Face, to be combined with a Thermalite sleeping pad. As for boots, I'm looking at the Scarpa Freney Pro GTX. (I'd like to stay away from the plastics unless absolutely necessary, as I unlikely to get much use of them again). Do you know how suitable this proposed gear setup will be for Aconcagua? Ciaran Dublin, Ireland
On a recent backpacking trip, the igniter on my otherwise trusty Snow Peak GigaPower stove stopped working. Luckily I had a lighter as a backup, but I thought that the igniter was essentially a mechanical device and shouldn't be affected by altitude (we were cped around 10,000 feet). What gives? Bill Columbus, Ohio
What is the best road bike for under $1,500—I 70 years old and ride about 150 miles a week on secondary roads. I currently own a 15-year-old Trek. Jack Wisconsin
Can you help me, Gear Guy? I'm looking for a light, compact three-season down sleeping bag (rated between 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit). I've looked at the EMS Mountain Light 20 ($160 on sale), but I don't really know much about EMS bags. I've also been considering Feathered Friends bags, and like the idea of a foot vent. I'm a side sleeper so like to have a little extra legroom. My hope is to spend $200, but I would go higher in the pursuit of good gear. Josh Royalston, Massachusetts
My sister Teri is running her first marathon in Florence, Italy, this November, and the Adidas Twin Strike shoes I bought her for a semi-marathon four months ago have already had their day. She has flat feet, a low arch, and needs support plus extra cushioning on her forefoot. This is vital here, and I have been doing research for her because she has little knowledge of computers and the world of online resources. Help! Tina Languedoc-Roussillon, France
For the first time in history, both major presidential candidates are serious about action sports. President George W. Bush rides singletrack and runs. Senator John Kerry snowboards, windsurfs, and pedals a high-end road bike. This month, in an online exclusive, we take a look at the prospective Dudes in Chief…
I looking for a lightweight solo tent that is particularly well-suited for wet conditions. My budget extends to $150. Aaron South Shore, Kentucky
I live in the wet and mild Northwest, where I cycle to work five days a week, preferring to be in the rain than inside on a stationary bike! Here's my dilemma, though: My ass gets wet from the rain or my own sweat if I wear rain pants. I've been told by sales folk in cycle shops that most clothing manufacturers are based in places that aren't even particularly wet. How do you pedal at 15+ mph on your road bike and keep your rear end dry? Steven Portland, Oregon
A former CIA agent is on his strangest mission yet: giving Iraqi kids a scouting chance
Can extreme pleasure and adventure coexist? Yeah, baby! Hop on a bike for a long, winding tour through the gourmet sweet spots of southern France.
The thriving criminal trade in Native American archaeological artifacts always seems to be one step ahead of law enforcement. But when cops learned that a notorious Oregon antiquities collector had graduated from grave robbing to ordering up a contract murder, their macabre sting operation exposed the dark side of digging up the past.
Lately, more and more indie beers—with their mad hops and big barley—are sporting names cribbed from the lexicon of the stoked. But are the brewers of these imbibables just appropriating the cachet of adventure sports to sell a few six-packs? Or do they live and love the wild life? We…
“Fall line” has become a loaded term in the fashion world, thanks to the Vertical Catwalk, a bizarre confluence of couture and climbing that’s turning the runway on its head. The shows, set to techno, symphonies, and other tunes, send roped-in models sashaying straight down building facades. ¶ The brainchild…
Americans like to keep score. What better way to keep track of who’s good, better, and best than by casting bronze busts and collecting premium castoffs, then sticking them all in one place? Baseball may have Cooperstown, but surfing gets Lihue, Hawaii. Here’s what else you’ll find in our favorite…
The latest in waterproof shoes will surprise you—the same protective qualities you’d expect in your rugged hikers are now popping up in casual boots and even dress loafers. The result is dry-foot comfort in the face of the season’s first cold rains. Dr. Martens's Waterproof Rigger Dr. Martens’s Waterproof Rigger…
Welcome to the sneaker showdown of the 21st century. This year, industry behemoths Nike and Adidas unveiled revolutionary new designs—at diametric ends of the spectrum. It’s as if the Book of Genesis and The Origin of Species had hit stands simultaneously. » The high-tech ADIDAS 1, due out in December,…
Looking to rachet up your mojo, sans synthetics? University of Massachusetts explorer in residence Chris Kilham, 52, has spent 25 years traveling the world to study native uses of medicinal plants. Despite having zero formal training in botany, the plucky adventurer and author—known to fans of his herbal guides and…
You train almost every other part of your body, so why not your eyes? Sharpen your vision with these techniques; we guarantee your athletic performance will improve.
The Outside lifestyle is all about positive adventure and good, healthy fun—but not this month. Grab a six-pack and rev your engines as we celebrate those wild and sinful guilty pleasures we aren't supposed to like but do! Because sometimes you just gotta cut loose.
Leave it to Bhutan—the Switzerland-size Buddhist kingdom wedged between Tibet and India that’s become the pinnacle of exclusive adventure travel—to be the new home of two ultra-indulgent lodges. Opening this month, Uma Paro, owned by Como Hotels and Resorts, is a 20-room, nine-villa mountain getaway set on 38 forested acres…
Do you lie awake at night worrying that everything you know is wrong? You need what this guy is selling!
My boyfriend has paddled a couple of rivers solo and is planning a third this fall. Typically gone for a week, he tries to call me each night to give me his location and coordinates, but sometimes ends up in places that don't have cell-phone coverage. His parents and I are afraid of "sounding the alarm" too soon after not hearing from him for 24 to 48 hours. I can see him peacefully eating his granola as the cavalry rides in to save the day. Therefore, we have decided to buy him a personal locator beacon (PLB) for his birthday for peace of mind! Which one, then, do you recommend? Marisa Charlotte, North Carolina
I'm wondering what type of setup I'll need for a through-hike of the Arizona Trail. The toughest things I can envisage are the varied climatic zones and terrain, plus the issue of no water for long stretches. It sounds like I will need two or three different gear setups to execute the trip successfully. But then I only have the dinero for one. Any ideas? Todd Scottsdale, Arizona
This theoretical question was inspired by the incredible courage of Aron Ralston. In his account of his ordeal, he mentions thinking that maybe he should save his urine for possible consumption when all his water had run out. My question, then: In the event of a life-threatening situation, could one use a water filter to filter the impurities out of one's urine, thereby rendering it fit to drink? I realize this is kind of a gross question, but the theoretical alternative (dying of thirst in the wilderness) is even grosser... Bill Charlottesville, Virginia
Can you suggest a few jackets that can multitask for snow sports, short hikes, and the commute to work? I like the hard-shell feel but don't need expensive Gore-Tex; I'd like adjustable cuffs and a removable hood; I would prefer something without a powder skirt but with a zip-out style that's not parka length; I like a simple jacket in solid colors without oodles of pockets and zippers. Hope I didn't overload you. Suggestions? Jim Ann Arbor, Michigan
Is there a manufacturer of backpacks, boots, and tents (probably three separate manufacturers) that offer acceptable quality without the "post-20's mid yuppie" price tags that have made so much good equipment unaffordable? Robert Walnut Creek, California
The Olympics have inspired me to step into the ring of triathlons and I’m in desperate need of your help. I got the swimsuit and goggles, I’ve fallen in love with my running shoes, but where can I find a solid bike that’ll perform in ideal tri-conditions without sapping both my energy and my bank account? Alan Washington, DC
Help me sort out the confusing world of sports sunglasses! I've recently started biking to work every day, and I need a pair of prescription sunglasses that work for cycling and for casual wear. I'm thinking that sunglasses with interchangeable lenses (some for the trail, some for around town) are the way to go. Are there any cost-effective ways to do this for prescription wearers? And what's the deal with all these multi-colored lenses: what color lenses should I use for which conditions? Josh Boston, MA
What is the best camera for new photographers wanting to get into wildlife photography? Pela Monroe, LA
I have had a dratic increase in activity recently, going from a 10-mile round-trip bike commute to 22 miles, along with running three to four days a week and playing Ultimate Disk once or twice a week. I have been getting really sleepy at work in the afternoon and have also had a hard time mustering the energy to really sprint on the frisbee field. I have been making an effort to eat more, but was wondering if there were certain types of foods I could eat to help maintain high energy levels and speed my recovery after activities. Liz Llewellyn Minneapolis, MN
My wife keeps bugging me about getting a phone so I can keep in touch with her when I'm out backpacking for several days. Is there something light and somewhat affordable available? Peter San Carlos, CA
Oh, wise gear guru, what are the best gloves for winter hike in the Adirondacks? Lorne Brooklyn, New York
Is there such a thing as a battery-powered water-filtration system on the market? If you have ever spent long ounts of time and huge ounts of energy pumping water out of a lake or stre, you can see how carrying some small batteries to run such a system would be advantageous. Right now I use an MSR hand pump, which I just find is too labor-intensive. Carl Ellerslie, Georgia
Would you be seen dead wearing a fanny pack on a day hike? Pack makers like JanSport do model bigger backpacks with detachable waist packs, but I'm not convinced that this would do my trail cred much good. However, I after some sort of compact, light daypack that will cover me for short yomps where my load isn't all that big. Any ideas? Aaron Salt Lake City, Utah
Boy, I sick of granola and power bars. What do you, O great gear one, pack to make your days on the trail a little more delectable? Does Mrs. Gear bake you up some tasty morsels, or is there something I can pack in to make that meal at the end of the day more than just a function of ingestion? Rochelle San Francisco, California
I feel overwhelmed by all the different types of ski equipment. As someone who skis hard maybe a dozen times a year on mostly East Coast snow (probably once out west, too), what kind of boots, bindings, and skis would work for me? I know I'm a little early here, but I'm already dreing of that first snowfall. Ron Washington, D.C.
Do you know where I could purchase mountain-biking trail maps that are uploadable to my Garmin GPS V unit? I'm specifically thinking the Bend, Oregon, area. Mike Bend, Oregon
I'm a snowboarder interested in recording video footage of skiing and 'boarding. The mind boggles, though, with all the available formats, options, models, etc. I've also been told I should get a camera with a wide-angle lens, but all the salespeople I've asked didn't even realize wide-angle lenses were either interchangeable or available. Help! Stu Yakima, Washington
Nordic walking looks like an interesting way to stay in shape, albeit one that'll make me look a geek on Tulsa's trails. I've actually always wanted some poles for hiking, but I understand not everyone finds them useful or a worthwhile investment. With Nordic walking as a secondary usage, maybe I can justify it. Can you recommend a good hiking pole for both uses, as well as for propping up my tarp? Brian Tulsa, Oklahoma
Call us rubberneckers, but who can resist the panic, terror, and inspiration of a good survival tale? We combed through vast libraries of lore to find 10 more unforgettable, nearly unbelievable great escapes. Brace yourself.
What do you get when you combine an obscure speed contest, some scrap aerospace material, and one very obsessed California engineer? A bike that can push 80 miles per hour. Behold the Cutting Edge II, a nine-foot, 42-pound recumbent ride that may be the most efficient human-powered machine ever built.
Name: NIKI GUDEX Niki Gudex Home: SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Gig: MOUNTAIN-BIKE RACING Height: 5’4″ Age: 26 Gudex is the grit girl of Australian mountain biking. Since joining the national series, in 2000, she’s finished every season but one ranked first or second in downhill. Last year she…
There's something about New Zealand—and it's not just the soaring mountains, the red-hot culture, or the world-class Kiwi wines. STEPHANIE PEARSON goes in search of the adventure gene that inspires four million enlightened souls and makes NZ's islands a heaven for travelers.
Four luxurious north-woods hideaways where you can chill into fall
Don't be a tool! The latest in advanced cutlery puts a survival kit in your pocket.
Over four days this past May, 26-year-old Estes Park, Colorado–based climber Tommy Caldwell completed what is arguably the greatest big-wall climb in history. Using only his hands and feet, he made a first free ascent—no pulling up on mechanical aids allowed—of the Dihedral Wall, an obscure route on the west…
Mountain-bike training on a stationary bike is like prepping for a rodeo on a merry-go-round: The thrill is gone, and you’re just spinning. Enter the Trixter X-Bike: Hinged handlebars rock from side to side to provide the core-and-upper-body workout you get from blazing trails and climbing hills—minus the risk of…
The lighter side of warm: From left, get cotton’s durability and cashmere’s luxuriousness with 1.) NAUTICA’s cable-knit crewneck ($128; 877-628-8422, www.nautica.com); channel Paul Bunyan with 2.) WOOLRICH’s washable wool pullover ($69; 800-966-5372, www.woolrich.com); stand out from the crowd on game day in 3.) POLO…
A new test for bike saddles promises to protect you from getting numb or falling limp. Go nuts!
The single-malt whiskies of Scotland are a distillation of the rain-soaked Highlands and remote, sea-sprayed isles. Below, our fave picks of 18th- and 19th-century distilleries that combine the picturesque and the eminently quaffable. Single Malt Scotch Reviews Courtesy of ravenscroftcrystal.com »EDRADOUR (011-44-179-647-2095, www.edradour.co.uk),…
Bike racing's most hellish climb isn't L'Alpe d'Huez or Mont Ventoux; it's New Hampshire's Mount Washington
Blame it on the Naked Chef—suddenly everyone wants to know how to roll the perfect lumpia. Here are four resorts where you don't have to forgo active pursuits just to don your toque.
Think yoga is for wimps? You haven't reckoned with Peter "Iron Yogi" Seamans, the star bodybuilder who wants to get you ripped—one urinating-dog pose at a time.
Deep inside a remote canyon, a boulder shifts. In an instant, Aron Ralston's hand is pinned beneath half a ton of rock. So begins an ordinary hero's six-day ordeal of grit, pain, and courage—culminating in a decision to do the unthinkable.
Panama's mythic Darién Gap—a 10,000-square-mile swath of jungle on the border of Central and South America—has swallowed explorers for centuries. Today, guerrillas, drug smugglers, poachers, and jaguars rule this vast no-man's-land. Our explorer spent six weeks trying to penetrate Darién's heart of darkness, but the Gap still fiercely protects its secrets.
I going to climb Mount Rainier and was curious if I should rent climbing boots or buy my own. What's your experience with rental boots? Ken Vernon Hills, Illinois
My wife and I are going to Torres del Paine in March, and we're debating between bringing my Sierra Designs Orion (light, small, not strong), my SD Prelude (solid, roomy, very heavy), or buying something new like the SD Comet, MSR Fusion 3, or Walrus Warp. Do you think any of these tents are strong enough for the Patagonia winds, or do you have any other recommendations? Alexandre Toronto, Ontario
I'm planning a trip to Ecuador this December, where I'll spend a few days each of mountain biking, hiking in the Andes, and whitewater rafting. Last time I hiked in the Andes I just wore running shoes, without problems. I was thinking of getting a pair of Chaco-type sandals and a pair of trail runners, instead of full-on hiking boots, to cover the variety of activities as well as lighten my load. Any advice? Sarah Houston, Texas
I'm looking into a recreational kayak for flatwater lakes and slow to moderate rivers (nely, the erican River up near Folsom, California). I need a kayak with a cockpit big enough to fit me and a little guy (under 50 pounds). We've paddled in open kayaks in lakes, but I would like a closed hull. Any good suggestions? I've looked at the Loon 111 and Perception Swifty. Annette Roseville, California
Why don't you compare gear from other countries to erican companies' gear? I have seen other gear from abroad and a lot of it looks like good-quality stuff with several really neat designs. How about some info on foreign gear? Steve Cullman, Alabama
This is one of those "I want it all" questions. After sleeping uncomfortably in my Cat's Meow mummy bag while trekking the Inca Trail, I gave it to our Peruvian guide. I'm now looking for a sleeping bag that will work for a trek up the Gokyo Valley to Everest Base Cp next fall. So it needs to be roomy, light, and warm, without costing a fortune. Pipe dre? Craig Brooklyn, New York
Where can I find a good digital-camera tripod that's lightweight enough for backpacking? Crystal Tacoma, Washington
What would be the best mountaineering boot to avoid the beat-up shins I get with plastic boots? Are there boots made with this problem in mind? I know that it's not an uncommon one for women. Heather San Jose, California
I was just reading a review of a battery-heated jacket from The North Face (MET5) that's fitted with a power dial and Polartec heat panels that enable you to control your own little microclimate. Wow! Sounds like the future of jackets is here. Do you think this technology is reliable? How long before jackets come powered with solar panels? Frances Arlington, Virginia
I've been looking at some Big Agnes sleeping bags and interested in adding one of their REM sleep pads. Seems like a great idea (the pad inserts into a sleeve in the base of the bag), but I was wondering if this would be a mistake because the sleeping bag sacrifices insulation on its base. Should I go for the "system," or just drop for standalone sleeping bag and sleeping pad? Brad Durango, Colorado
I've been looking at soft shells for an early fall trip up to Voyageurs National Park, and certainly like what I see from REI, The North Face, Marmot, and the like. Thing is, there's A) way too many choices, and B) I'd like to get something that I could also wear casually around the city. Any ideas? Henry Chicago, Illinois
I'm a little boggled by all the choices in multitools these days. From the venerable Swiss Army all-in-one to the expensive Schrade creations that look like they've been crafted for Viking warlords. Any faves? More importantly, what tools do you think essential, which are gear-makers' fripperies? Malcolm Vancouver, British Columbia
Any idea what will be on the catwalk at Outdoor Retailer this year? As a diagnosed gear junkie, I need to know where my money's going next. Really, I'm getting a little tired of just plain ol' lightweight swag and breathable layers. Go on, give me a sneak preview of the future. Val Seattle, Washington
My bike saddle is a pain in the ass. Is there something I can do to alleviate this pain in the posterior? Perhaps there's a La-Z-Boy of the bike world out there to make all my road miles bearable. Andrea Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I'm looking for a lightweight system with the largest-capacity bladder. I'll use it primarily for ultralight hiking, and long trail runs. My primary concern is that it doesn't slosh around against my back and hips, as I'd rather not have underarm chaffing. Any suggestions or places I might find this info on the Web? Larry Santa Monica, California
It seems that hard plastic Nalgene containers are something of a standard in the backpacking arena these days. However, what's to prevent me from simply refilling empty plastic water bottles? They are considerably lighter, less expensive, and really very durable. They can even be crushed when empty to preserve space, and later be un-crushed for refilling. Is there some other reason why I should pitch the five-cent CRV and invest in a $6 Nalgene bottle? Brian Glendale, California
Dear G-squared: Why are 90 percent of backpacks internal- as opposed to external-fre? Is their comfort and performance really that much superior to justify the price difference (yes, I cheap, but I try not to be stupid)? My son and I will be carrying about 50 pounds for ten days in the New Mexico mountains. Also, can you get a good fit on a pack you buy on the Internet, or is it better to deal with a local shop? W.B. Nako Cincinnati, Ohio