Get fit for summer's hottest sport—in less time than you'd think

"I just got through watching reruns of the Eco-Challenge, and was wondering what those competitors (and us less adventurous hikers) can do for very wet, muddy, and slushy hiking conditions? How about Gore-Tex socks and some strips of duct tape around each calf to keep the water out?"

I hike with an ankle brace and just read about a new system called Biomex from Lowa Boots, which is essentially a built-in ankle support system. Do you know anything about this? Joe Santa Barbara, California

I know it's only August, but I have recently taken up running and looking ahead to the looming Ottawa winter. In preparing to outfit myself, I have been doing some reading about soft-shell jackets. The claim seems to be that I won't need to do the usual layering job with one of these—the soft shell can do it all. Is this right? Would a soft shell be the answer to a big part of my winter running wardrobe? Eric Ottawa, Ontario

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

Outside magazine, May 1996 Reality Bites The honeymoon for Yellowstone National Park’s new gray wolf population appears to be over. In February alone, a string of incidents reminded federal officials just how tough predator reintroduction can be: On February 5, officials were forced to destroy a wolf…

Things are ramping up at the Outside in Aspen Weekend. Skier Chris Davenport led a hike to Maroon Bells, cyclist Tyler Hamilton headed out with a crew on a road ride, and kayaker Jesse Coombs led a kayaking contingent out to some nearby rapids. There's still plenty more on…

Somewhere at the bottom of the deepest canyon on earth flows the Cotahuasi—a long, roiling ribbon of whitewater, a river so old and dangerous that you never master it, you just surrender to it. And pay respect to its ghosts.

In a week, all of the outdoor gear companies will convene in Salt Lake City to introduce their new skis and boots, jackets and baselayers, beacons and solar powered iPhone devices, sleeping bags and packs, trekking poles and tents, and all sorts of other outdoor gear and gadgets. We’ll be…

100 companies that believe the secret to success is empowering employees to live bigger, better lives.