Grueling workouts are the only way to get ready for long-distance endurance, right? Wrong.

I have yet to find a definitive answer on how well some of the higher-end single-wall tent materials work, products like Bibler's ToddTex, three-layer Gore-Tex, and Integral Designs' Tegraltex. Some say these fabrics are great, very tough, and result in little or no condensation, others the opposite. But no one seems willing to crown a king of the single-walls. Is it too tough to call? I like the simplicity of a single-wall design, but tents like the Sierra Designs Hyperlite AST look to be very good and compete well on weight and packability. What's your take? Luke Minneapolis, Minnesota

Destinations, September 1998 Hot Dam! Where to get that last whitewater fix of the season By Stephanie Gregory It’s still too warm out to mourn the end of summer, though we do get wistful for whitewater about now. But thanks to that modern engineering marvel —…

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

Week of January 22-28, 1998 Skiing into Jap Lake in the BWCA Scenic camping close to Washington D.C. Environmental expeditions from Earthwatch Taking the Silk Route from Turkey to China Rustic eco-camping in the Virgin Islands Scenic camping close to Washington D.C. Question:…

Week of May 1-7, 1997 Family hiking, fishing vacations Nice, secluded canoe camping Mount Cook climbing preparations Scenic cross-country road trip Bowl skiing in Western Canada Scenic cross-country road trip Question: This summer, after graduation, a friend and I are going to drive…

Week of February 28-March 6, 1996 Diving in Fiji Sailing in the Seychelles Backpacking choices in Wyoming The Yukon’s Kluane park Easy-access hikes in Colorado Outdoor spiritual education Sailing in the Seychelles Q: I’m thinking of doing a two-week sailing vacation in…

What are you looking at? Q: How can I take a safari in Africa without being a millionaire? — Gudrun Nalitla, Reykjavik, Iceland Adventure Advisor: A: At first it seems hard to believe that a little drive through a park where you watch rhinos and impalas and elephants—wild ones,…

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 Scandinavian sojourns on foot Question: I’m trying to find a hiking/walking tour (moderate level, not all…

Week of February 13-19, 1997 Cycling outfitters for the British Isles Learning at the helm in sailing school Exploring Grenada’s natural offerings Racing in short-term extreme events Beating the crowds for hiking the Grand Canyon Learning at the helm in sailing school Question:…