I'm planning on through-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail and would like to keep my pack weight as low as possible without sacrificing comfort. When I through-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1990, my pack weight was around 50 pounds, including food and water. I have heard that ultralight packs are not very comfortable with loads over 20 pounds. Can you recommend a lightweight backpack for my hike? Cliff Ashford, Alabama

This short video from David Lama features footage of the mountaineer on the first ascent of Lunag Ri, a 22,660-foot peak in the Himalayas

The Bureau of Land Management is getting an earful over its tentative approval of a lease to Alton Coal Development LLC, a group of Florida investors that want to expand an existing coal mining operation into public lands close to Bryce Canyon National Park. The existing mine, on private…

I recently completed a fantastic trip to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, but unfortunately my stove was confiscated by airport security on the way home. I'd emptied the stove and attempted to air it out, but still wasn't allowed to travel with it because I'd used it less than 24 hours beforehand. Can you recommend a method or product to clean out a stove that will completely eliminate any fuel odors and make it safe for air travel? Additionally, I'm now in the market for a new stove. I had a Peak-1 Apex II, reliable as the dawn though maybe a little heavy. Can you recommend a lighter yet equally reliable replacement? Dave Boston, Massachusetts

What we think will happen on, and off, the course at Sochi

Outside Editors Nick Heil and Sam Moulton take on the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race in Aspen, CO. The race takes place on grueling 26-mile course that takes competitors up and down four mountains in several hours. …

Me, myself, and bike on a 1,253 circumnavigation of the South Island

Photo courtesy of whitneyinchicago on flickr. My dad is a wannabe pie-a-holic. He's also a Type 1 diabetic. So in an effort to prepare an holiday pie that he can indulge in, I've been baking a “sugar-free” apple pie for the past nine years. And you know what? It's…

I want access to prime powder outside the resort but don’t want to hike in for ski-touring. How do I find the right heli-skiing guide?

Can you recommend a three-season tent that is well configured and roomy for two people and a dog? Tom Miller San Francisco, California