By guest blogger Meaghen Brown Montana’s Mike Wolfe won the North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile on December 3rd in 6:19:04, beating what some called the best ultrarunning field assembled in 2011. Both Wolfe and 21-year-old  Dakota Jones broke the old course record—Wolfe by 15 minutes—after running together for…

Cycling Special, March 1997 The Best New Road Bikes By John Lehrer Could it be that road-bike manufacturers are finally catching on? After spending years bemoaning their ever-worsening sales figures, they’re now touting two bits of news that seem far from coincidental. The more-for-less marketing strategy that…

I recently purchased an Integral Designs Endurance Bivy made of Pertex Endurance fabric, as I wanted a lightweight bivy sack to protect my down sleeping bag from drips and condensation in tents, tarps, and snow cave situations. So I've used my bivy sack in humid Pacific Northwest conditions inside a tent with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and each time have been disappointed to find my sleeping bag glistening from head to toe with condensation. My question, then: Does Pertex Endurance live up to its hype as a highly breathable waterproof fabric? My experience suggests that it doesn't, but I'm curious to know what others think about this fabric. John Seattle, Washington

The Rugged Outback: How Tough Is Tough? Working the cattle .avi format (656K) or .mov (743K) Video courtesy Northern Territory Tourist Commission The where, when, and how Logistics of arranging your own outback experience. Your questions answered The author responded to your questions…

I'm going to a mountainous part of New Mexico this summer. On a previous six-day trip I took a pair of Asolo 535s, but this time I'll be trekking for about 12 days, in addition to a couple of shorter hikes to get acclimated. Since my old pair will need to be put to pasture (they deserve it), I'm wondering if the Asolo 535 will be tough enough for a longer trek, and also whether a pair of thicker Montrail Vercors boots might get too hot in New Mexico. Dave Charlotte, North Carolina

The Grand Canyon is a river trip above all other river trips. Normally done over the course of weeks or months, a few members of the U.S. Men's Rafting team decided to set a new speed record; 34 hours.

Outside’s January 2004 cover package, “Fit to the Core,” is chock full of advice on how to find the Whole Athlete within. From downtime at spas, to Pilates, to meditation, we show you how to integrate your mind and body for optimal performance. Here, five great outdoor athletes share wellness…

But how long before Mother Nature stops taking it and starts dishing it out? Soon, say the Earth Changers. Very, very soon.

I'm looking for a mountaineering boot for tackling some of the Lower 48's fourteeners. I've reviewed the Koflach Degre and the Asolo Guide, but I'm also interested in some of the newer leather boots, like the Scarpa Cerro Torre Thermo. Have the new insulated leathers finally become an acceptable solution, or should I stick with doubles? Matt San Ron, California

Goal Zero Yeti 1250: Here’s the scenario: a freak ice storm hits during the Super Bowl or March Madness. The TV goes black. Your Bud Lite is in danger of getting warm. How do you respond? With Goal Zeros’ Yeti 1250, you’ll not only be prepared–you'll be be a local hero,…