Is it ever too late to become the caring parent you thought you could be? To find out, one man went in search of his adopted manatee—only to discover the many injustices that humankind has heaped upon these hapless marine mammals. And when Junior is fat, slow, and endangered, family values are nothing more than an easy way to break your heart.

How do I know when it's time to change the filter in my PUR water filter? I haven't used it much but have had it for several years. Can they go bad or expire? Adrienne Moab, Utah

I've recently started using the MSR Pocket Rocket, in place of my trusty Whisperlite, going through $25 worth of fuel in three weeks, compared to a gallon of white gas per season—a pricey switch, I'm sure you'll agree. Today I happened upon a Glowmaster fuel cartridge, almost half the cost of the Primus and MSR cartridges. Will it work as well as its more expensive cousins, and should I burn this instead of my greenbacks? Allen Tumwater, Washington

Share your life-changing or death-defying moment in the great outdoors and you could win one of 126 prizes. We're looking for 126 stories that can compliment Aron Ralston's life-changing moment so we can make the ultimate list. Submit your entry to 127definingmoments.com and on November 12th the Outside editors…

Near Las Vegas and Reno

Week of August 29-September 4, 1996 Roughing it (sort of) on St. John Aspen action, minus the snow Outside the Beltway, into Virginia Camping in Hoosier National Forest Head to Mexico for a quickie Camping in Hoosier National Forest Question: When is Hoosier…

I'm looking for a side-by-side comparison of waterproof-breathable materials (MemBrain, Conduit, Hyvent, H2N0, Gore-Tex). Do you know of one? If not, can you give one? Brackin Montreat, North Carolina

Week of March 6-12, 1997 Making the most of a few days in Oz Where to mountain bike in Arizona Living off the land along the AT Paddling Glacier Bay’s East Arm Bike-touring on Prince Edward Island Bike-touring on Prince Edward Island Question:…

I am looking for a portable, bright lantern that would do admirable service for hut-to-hut ski trips or sea-kayaking excursions. Is there one available that runs on liquid fuel? This would permit a modicum of fuel economy as I am still using my SVEA 123 stove, and avoid using throw-away canisters (recyclable though they may be). My Coleman 222 lantern just heaved its last gasp on a recent winter trip to the Gaspe and, sadly, needs to be replaced.—GeofferyToronto, Ontario

You know Polartec's fabrics from many of the jackets and fleeces you wear everyday. In 2012, the company will release a proprietary new fabric that is both waterproof and highly breathable.Outdoor Retailer: Polartec Neoshell from Outside Magazine on Vimeo.– Joe Spring …