What do you think of OR's Pulsar Parka? I see the Outside Buyer's Guide gave it a "Drool" award. I ask because I can't find it for sale at any of the "big" outdoor retailers. I have hunted every major Web site that carries OR products and not one of them carries or even advertises this jacket. Was there some problem with them or why does no one carry them? Thank you for your response. Craig K. Noble Bliss, New York

Colombia home to a rich heritage GETTING THERE There are several ways to reach either San Agustín or Tierradentro, including connections from the major cities of Cali or Bogota (passing through Nieva). Coming from Cali will allow you to spend some time in Popáyan, a colonial gem…

Colombia home to a rich heritage Green-roofed gazebos scatter the valley. The attractions are the friendly people and countryside itself. The ambience of Tierradentro is pleasant and friendly Children giggle in the streets … and people still have time and interest to sit and talk.

Peter Douglas    Photo: Courtesy of California Coastal Commission The next time you find yourself on a stretch of pristine California coastline, you can thank Peter Douglas for what you don't see, such as high-rises or offshore oil-drilling platforms. The 69-year-old, who died April 1, fought hard against coastal development throughout…

My primary winter sport here in the Northeast is snowshoeing in the Adirondacks and White Mountains. I carry a 34-ounce ice ax and 36-ounce crampons for insurance, but I'm thinking of replacing them with lighter versions. What's your take on the durability of light alloy crampons and featherweight axes? Any brand recommendations? Also, can I use Black Diond's Whippet pole ends in place of an ax for my stated use, and would one do the job? Mark Ellington, Connecticut

In the year of the long-travel 29er, the Ripmo's smooth ride and ability to handle any terrain with ease make it king of the mountain

Week of December 14-21, 1995 Hotspots in Nowheresville, IA Surfing safari to Costa Rica Rural China by bike and by foot Southern Patagonia for sea kayaking Skiing at Quebec’s Mont Ste. Anne Cycling from Spokane to Missoula Surfing safari to Costa Rica…

Week of October 29 — November 4, 1998 Adventuring outskirts of Puerto Vallarta No-frills Jamaica Mountain biking around Taos Adventuring outskirts of Puerto Vallarta By Amy MarrQuestion: I’ll be heading to the Puerto Vallarta area over Christmas. Any advice on outlying budget places that I…

South African Johnny Olivier was just looking for an easy job to pay the bills. But after agreeing to help a buddy collect lion bones for an international wildlife-trafficking kingpin, he found himself in the middle of an unprecedented poaching scheme that involved imported sex workers, heavy gambling, bags of cash, and the slaughter of more than 30 rhinos.

Why are mountaineering leather double boots such as the Boreal G1 or Vasque Vertical such a niche product? They are supposed to provide as much warmth as plastic double boots, without any the discomfort of wearing something fit for Frankenstein. These boots have summited Denali and Everest, yet event the "experts" at specialty gear stores frequently don't know about them. What's the catch? Andy Veres Alexandria, Virginia