Everything
Bound for an exotic adventure? These concourse-ready clothes offer round-the-world comfort in non-turista style.
You can tug on laces and lugs, but to really tell how a shoe pulls it all together, just run.
Ride the tide or hit the holes—the right boat, with the right options, will triple your fun.
Somewhere out there is the ride that suits your speed, shape, and style. Find it.
Baffled by baffles? Sleeping bag design ain't rocket science. Curl up with our pointers.
Sure, a pump filter will remove harmful microorganisms from water. But you still need a viricide—think chlorine bleach, chlorine dioxide, or iodine—to finish off the really small, really nasty stuff like Norwalk, the curse of cruise lines everywhere. All these chemicals work, but some are less effective in very cold…
If your battle cry is "Gimme shelter!" then you've got to get the details down. Start here.
The Dolores used to be one of the mightiest whitewater rivers in the West. Then politics and dry weather got in the way. But neither drought nor dam nor partisan bickering can stop Mark Sundeen from floating (and walking and driving) the entire course of the Rio de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores.
Ditch the lycra. It's time for fuss-free duds—think t-shirts, jeans, and flip-flops—expressly engineered for kicking back.
Where can I find the perfect combination of shoe and lock-in-pedal for the best price? I have tried to look on the net, but it seems like I can only get one or the other, not both. Jeremy Port Orchard, Washington
I recently purchased a new pair of leather hiking boots and, after a ten-mile break-in hike, cleaned them and treated them with mink oil (I couldn't find Sno-Seal anywhere locally). Despite all my years of backpacking, I didn't realize this oil can over-soften the leather and affect the support. Have I ruined my boots for good or is there something I can do to save them? Mark Indianapolis, Indiana
When I went to Europe I took along a $30 point-and-shoot camera. While the pictures ce out fine, the camera itself got trashed, returning home held together with tape. I was wondering if there's a durable camera out there, one that can be dropped and beaten. Water-resistant or waterproof would also be a plus. I don't really need something that focuses, but something that can take a beating outdoors. Jared Boise, Idaho
I have been debating a question with my buddies: Some of the hardcores we have seen wear their waterproof-breathable shell on the inside of a heavy fleece or down jacket. Is this a good idea for maintaining warmth on wet days? Spencer Thunder Bay, Ontario
I'm having only moderate success finding a daypack designed for women. I tested a JanSport at EMS and confirmed that the women's cut really is more comfortable (collarbone bruising has been an issue for me when carrying heavy loads in standard packs), but the capacity was a little small and it had no compression straps. I thought Kelty might be good, but their lumbar supports are unforgiving and aggravate a lower back problem of mine. Do you have any recommendations, either with or without internal fres? Diane Cortlandt Manor, New York
I'm in the market for a summer hiking shoe. I've previously bought and returned pairs that felt comfortable in the store but not on a long hike. How will I know if a pair fits correctly?
I will be leading groups of teens backpacking this summer and worried about keeping contact with base cp and being able to call for help, should the need arise. Any ideas for effective, durable communication devices? Is there a difference between satellite phones and walkie-talkies? Etan Los Angeles, California
Are waterproof hiking boots hotter to wear than non-waterproof hiking boots? And are they less breathable than regular boots? If I'm hiking through the desert, would waterproof, leather hiking boots be too hot? Suzie Johannesburg, South Africa
Gear Guru, over the last two years I've taken up two new sports: snorkeling and kayaking. Several times while snorkeling I have rented "shorties," or partial wetsuits. I have also been told that I should buy a similar wetsuit for spring kayaking. Can you use the se suit for both sports? If so, can you make some recommendations? Steve Delmar, New York
One of the principles of down sleeping bags is that they must breathe. So, how practical is it to use eVENT fabric in a down sleeping bag to make it waterproof and breathable? Or is it better to go with a water-resistant shell instead, which may be more breathable? Peter Würzburg, Germany
What's the ultimate car-camping tent for a family of four? The wife and kids aren't really up to the deprivation (wife's word) of experiencing (my word) the glories (my word again) of the backcountry through backpacking. Appropriate models, size-wise, from Sierra Designs and The North Face seem more like base-camp tents—stoop to enter and exit, no standing room for adults. L.L. Bean and Eureka!, on the other hand, have real mammoth numbers with standing room and porches. If the 4Runner is doing the carrying, what does the weight matter, right? Kirk San Diego, California
I have a sleeping bag that's supposedly a zero-degree bag, but I'm a cold sleeper and get cold in 20-degree temps. I'm thinking of buying a liner but don't want to spend a ton of money, so what kind of liner should I buy? Or is there a better solution for adding warmth? Kira Missoula, Montana
When I was rafting in Alaska, I noticed some outfitters using a folding canoe called an Ally. It had an aluminum fre and was covered by what looked like the se material used for rafts. They must withstand wear and tear fairly well if they're used up there. Any experience with them? Herman Portland, Oregon
I have a sleeping bag that's supposedly a zero-degree bag, but I'm a cold sleeper and get cold in 20-degree temps. I'm thinking of buying a liner but don't want to spend a ton of money, so what kind of liner should I buy? Or is there a better solution for adding warmth? Kira Missoula, Montana
Outside magazine, April 2001 Pure as the Driven Snow I THINK IT’S GREAT that Rob Story profiled Tom Burt, a true backcountry patriot and die-hard snowboarder (“Legend of the Fall Line,” February). Burt has amazing style, not to mention…
 10 CLASSIC TREKS WALKS ON THE Wild SIDE Waking dream: above the clouds on the Milford Track, New Zealand Exploring the most enchantingly rugged places on earth is easy. Just follow our guide to the world’s ten classic treks, put one foot in front of the other—and don’t…
I'm after some shades to use while hiking, skiing, running, and biking in Colorado. I would also like something that brightens my view, not darkens it, if that makes sense. I'd like to stay under $100, but as quality is very important to me, you can recommend more expensive ones, too. Gust Lakewood, Colorado
TheWildFile YOUR URGENT INQUIRIES ABOUT THE WORLD, ANSWERED BY STEPHANIE GREGORY Q: Can you fall asleep while walking? —Krista Hurcomb, Minneapolis, Minnesota A: “You can sleep while you’re walking,” says Jerry Siegel, a psychologist at UCLA’s Sleep Research Center, “but of course, you can’t get REM or restful…
Outside magazine, April 2001 Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 Digital Cameras Nikon Coolpix 880 $700 TECHNOBABBLE: 3.3 megapixels…
Outside magazine, April 2001 Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 Digital Camcorders Canon Optura Pi $1,500 TECHNOBABBLE:A 12x-to-48x zoom…
Week of May 7-13, 1998 Exploring Costa Rica en famille in June Planning a paddling adventure Tot-friendly & all-inclusive summer resorts Summiting Whitney in a day? Tot-friendly & all-inclusive…
Week of April 23-29, 1998 Exploring Iceland by foot Self-guided hiking in the Pyrenees Dengue fever dangers in Thailand Searching for all-women travel groups Dengue fever dangers in Thailand…
Week of April 30-May 6, 1998 Skiing in Austria: finding Europe’s Vail Camping with a view in obsolete fire towers Biking in Glacier: road or mountain? Hiking around Scotland’s Loch Ness…
Week of May 7-13, 1998 Exploring Costa Rica en famille in June Planning a paddling adventure Tot-friendly & all-inclusive summer resorts Summiting Whitney in a day? Planning a paddling…
Week of May 14-20, 1998 Scandinavian sojourns on foot Honeymooning in lush & spicy Grenada Trekking beside Nanda Devi: India’s Kuari Pass Summertime day hikes in Santa Fe Honeymooning…
Week of April 23-29, 1998 Exploring Iceland by foot Self-guided hiking in the Pyrenees Dengue fever dangers in Thailand Searching for all-women travel groups Searching for all-women travel groups…
Week of May 7-13, 1998 Exploring Costa Rica en famille in June Planning a paddling adventure Tot-friendly & all-inclusive summer resorts Summiting Whitney in a day? Exploring Costa Rica…
Week of May 7-13, 1998 Exploring Costa Rica en famille in June Planning a paddling adventure Tot-friendly & all-inclusive summer resorts Summiting Whitney in a day? Summiting Whitney in…
Week of May 14-20, 1998 Scandinavian sojourns on foot Honeymooning in lush & spicy Grenada Trekking beside Nanda Devi: India’s Kuari Pass Summertime day hikes in Santa Fe Summertime…
Week of April 23-29, 1998 Exploring Iceland by foot Self-guided hiking in the Pyrenees Dengue fever dangers in Thailand Searching for all-women travel groups Exploring Iceland by foot…
Week of April 30-May 6, 1998 Skiing in Austria: finding Europe’s Vail Camping with a view in obsolete fire towers Biking in Glacier: road or mountain? Hiking around Scotland’s Loch Ness…
Week of April 30-May 6, 1998 Skiing in Austria: finding Europe’s Vail Camping with a view in obsolete fire towers Biking in Glacier: road or mountain? Hiking around Scotland’s Loch Ness…
Week of May 28-June 3, 1998 Exploring Italy’s dazzling Dolomites Fall honeymooning in the San Juan Islands Spectacular (and dangerous) wildlife adventures Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Exploring Italy’s…
Week of May 28-June 3, 1998 Exploring Italy’s dazzling Dolomites Fall honeymooning in the San Juan Islands Spectacular (and dangerous) wildlife adventures Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Fall honeymooning…
Week of May 21-27, 1998 Family vacationing at Acadia’s Echo Lake Camp To tour or not to tour in Alaska Hiking (part of) the Na Pali Coast Selecting a walking vacation that’s…
Week of May 21-27, 1998 Family vacationing at Acadia’s Echo Lake Camp To tour or not to tour in Alaska Hiking (part of) the Na Pali Coast Selecting a walking vacation that’s…
Week of June 4-10, 1998 America’s sweetest rides: a state-by-state guide Mixing pleasure with work: day hikes near Billings Fourth of July mountain biking on Puerto Rico Seeking a REAL adventure for…
Week of May 21-27, 1998 Family vacationing at Acadia’s Echo Lake Camp To tour or not to tour in Alaska Hiking (part of) the Na Pali Coast Selecting a walking vacation that’s…
Week of May 21-27, 1998 Family vacationing at Acadia’s Echo Lake Camp To tour or not to tour in Alaska Hiking (part of) the Na Pali Coast Selecting a walking vacation that’s…
Week of May 28-June 3, 1998 Exploring Italy’s dazzling Dolomites Fall honeymooning in the San Juan Islands Spectacular (and dangerous) wildlife adventures Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Spectacular (and…
Week of May 28-June 3, 1998 Exploring Italy’s dazzling Dolomites Fall honeymooning in the San Juan Islands Spectacular (and dangerous) wildlife adventures Canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoeing in…
Week of June 11-17, 1998 Exploring the Outer Cape: Activities galore Selecting a trek in Nepal Finding summer bliss in Vermont Wildlife vacations fit for families Wildlife vacations fit…
Week of June 4-10, 1998 America’s sweetest rides: a state-by-state guide Mixing pleasure with work: day hikes near Billings Fourth of July mountain biking on Puerto Rico Seeking a REAL adventure for…
Week of June 18-24, 1998 Packing for a fall biking trip in France Northern Utah’s Bear Lake and Flaming Gorge Adventuring in the Dominican Republic Seeking an educational wilderness experience…
Week of June 25-July 1, 1998 Family fun on Hawaii’s Big Island Adventure Travel Companies for male travelers A wheelchair-accessible trip to the Great Smokies Weekend whitewater canoeing escapes from NYC…
Week of June 11-17, 1998 Exploring the Outer Cape: Activities galore Selecting a trek in Nepal Finding summer bliss in Vermont Wildlife vacations fit for families Selecting a trek…
Week of June 18-24, 1998 Packing for a fall biking trip in France Northern Utah’s Bear Lake and Flaming Gorge Adventuring in the Dominican Republic Seeking an educational wilderness experience…
Week of June 4-10, 1998 America’s sweetest rides: a state-by-state guide Mixing pleasure with work: day hikes near Billings Fourth of July mountain biking on Puerto Rico Seeking a REAL adventure for…
Week of June 18-24, 1998 Packing for a fall biking trip in France Northern Utah’s Bear Lake and Flaming Gorge Adventuring in the Dominican Republic Seeking an educational wilderness experience…
Week of June 11-17, 1998 Exploring the Outer Cape: Activities galore Selecting a trek in Nepal Finding summer bliss in Vermont Wildlife vacations fit for families Finding summer bliss…
Week of June 11-17, 1998 Exploring the Outer Cape: Activities galore Selecting a trek in Nepal Finding summer bliss in Vermont Wildlife vacations fit for families Exploring the Outer…
Week of June 18-24, 1998 Packing for a fall biking trip in France Northern Utah’s Bear Lake and Flaming Gorge Adventuring in the Dominican Republic Seeking an educational wilderness experience…
Week of June 4-10, 1998 America’s sweetest rides: a state-by-state guide Mixing pleasure with work: day hikes near Billings Fourth of July mountain biking on Puerto Rico Seeking a REAL adventure for…
Week of July 2-8, 1998 Urban stargazing for amateurs Ski mountaineering in South America Finding a kayaking camp Stellar hiking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range Stellar hiking in Wyoming’s…
Week of July 16-22, 1998 Dodging lightning in the mountains and canyons Off-roading in South Dakota’s Black Hills Navigating Nova Scotia Touring Asia by bike Off-roading in South Dakota’s…
Week of July 2-8, 1998 Urban stargazing for amateurs Ski mountaineering in South America Finding a kayaking camp Stellar hiking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range Finding a kayaking camp…
Week of July 9-15, 1998 Planning a memorable trip to Australia Exploring the “Land of Enchantment” Backpacking in Ireland on the cheap Rafting Tennessee’s Olympic-famous Ocoee River Rafting Tennessee’s…
Week of July 16-22, 1998 Dodging lightning in the mountains and canyons Off-roading in South Dakota’s Black Hills Navigating Nova Scotia Touring Asia by bike Dodging lightning in the…
Week of June 25-July 1, 1998 Family fun on Hawaii’s Big Island Adventure Travel Companies for male travelers A wheelchair-accessible trip to the Great Smokies Weekend whitewater canoeing escapes from NYC…
Week of June 25-July 1, 1998 Family fun on Hawaii’s Big Island Adventure Travel Companies for male travelers A wheelchair-accessible trip to the Great Smokies Weekend whitewater canoeing escapes from NYC…
Week of July 9-15, 1998 Planning a memorable trip to Australia Exploring the “Land of Enchantment” Backpacking in Ireland on the cheap Rafting Tennessee’s Olympic-famous Ocoee River Planning a…
Week of July 9-15, 1998 Planning a memorable trip to Australia Exploring the “Land of Enchantment” Backpacking in Ireland on the cheap Rafting Tennessee’s Olympic-famous Ocoee River Exploring the…
Week of July 9-15, 1998 Planning a memorable trip to Australia Exploring the “Land of Enchantment” Backpacking in Ireland on the cheap Rafting Tennessee’s Olympic-famous Ocoee River Backpacking in…
Week of June 25-July 1, 1998 Family fun on Hawaii’s Big Island Adventure Travel Companies for male travelers A wheelchair-accessible trip to the Great Smokies Weekend whitewater canoeing escapes from NYC…
Week of July 2-8, 1998 Urban stargazing for amateurs Ski mountaineering in South America Finding a kayaking camp Stellar hiking in Wyoming’s Wind River Range Urban stargazing for amateurs…
Week of July 16-22, 1998 Dodging lightning in the mountains and canyons Off-roading in South Dakota’s Black Hills Navigating Nova Scotia Touring Asia by bike Navigating Nova Scotia…
Week of August 13-19, 1998 Ice climbing under a Big Sky Finding rapids and warm weather in October Glorious Glacier: short hikes for August Finding rapids and warm weather in October…
Week of August 6-12, 1998 Biking (and eating) through France and Italy Challenging adventure for father and son Undiscovered rock climbing in South America Beachside honeymoons for active couples…