Outside magazine, April 1995 Expeditions: Yet More Souls On Ice By Todd Balf Late last December, Liv Arnesen, a former schoolteacher from Oslo, Norway, became the first woman to reach the South Pole alone. Beginning at Hercules Inlet, near Patriot Hills, she skied 745 miles in 50…

1. Havasu Falls, Supai, Arizona Hike two miles to this perfect turquoise pool, with year-round 72-degree water, in Havasu Canyon. All About H2O The wet stuff is always there for us—it grows our food, puts splash and spirit in our adventure, and (by the way) keeps us alive. 2. Johnson’s…

Week of November 21-27, 1996 Sea kayaking schools for beginners Saltwater adventures in Honduras Camping tips for the desert Trekking to the North Pole Backcountry ski trips near Steamboat Trekking to the North Pole Question: I would like to trek the North Pole…

Week of November 9-16, 1995 Swiss vacations for serious hardbodies Pitcairn, the Pacific’s most remote island Eco-tours of the Galapagos Tahiti bareboat sailing Bicycle touring in Costa Rica Best bets for Midwest backpacking Eco-tours of the Galapagos Q: I’m looking for tours…

 Outside magazine, April 1997 Oh, Wilderness By Frederick Turner A C C E S S  &  R E S O U R C E S The Wildest West Exploring the geologic marvels and agoraphobia-inducing expanses of Grand Staircase“Escalante National Monument will put you in touch with…

Week of October 3-9, 1996 Moab for intermediate riders How to survive Death Valley Hike Collings Mountain in Oregon A Palm Springs fat-tire challenge Christmas in the arms of Mickey? Christmas in the arms of Mickey? Question: We are a family of five,…

Sometime around World War II, synthetics exploded into our everyday lives. By some estimates, these materials—plasticizers, dyes, pesticides—have increased by a shocking 8,200 percent in the last quarter century. The upshot of that, of course, has been improved agriculture, economic wealth, and an abundance of cheap materials like Tupperware…

Sometime around World War II, synthetics exploded into our everyday lives. By some estimates, these materials—plasticizers, dyes, pesticides—have increased by a shocking 8,200 percent in the last quarter century. The upshot of that, of course, has been improved agriculture, economic wealth, and an abundance of cheap materials like Tupperware…

I'm looking for the perfect 24-hour pack. I need it for my commute to work, a 25-mile bike ride plus hour's train ride, and want space to stow my laptop, pens, wallet, energy bars, cell phone, and so forth. I'd also want a hydration bladder. After work I'll either head to the local bouldering rocks, stop by the gym to pump some iron, or go on an evening hike. So for that I'll need somewhere to stash my gear, as I'd rather not transfer over the common supplies to a second pack. Greg Simi Valley, California

As a longtime reader of your column, you have helped me in the past. Now I need your advice again. I'm considering purchasing a canoe for family camping trips, something stable for small lakes and smooth rivers, nothing too extreme. What do you suggest in terms of size, length, and weight? Also, what type of carrying rack will I need for a shell-equipped Toyota pickup? John Springville, Utah