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Keep the GPS handy, fly rod at the ready, and don't forget your rubber boots

In adventure as in life, wisdom is passed down from father to son. Or not.

Renegade freeriders are launching mountain biking into the X Games era

A change has come to the Iron Curtain death zone—and it's wild

Can a monster swell be tracked down and hunted like some great beast? That's the mad mission of the $3 million Billabong Odyssey, surfing's rapid-response quest to find and ride the biggest wave in history?

Go fast and furious in the (1) TAG HEUER FORMULA 1 dive watch ($595; 866-260-0460, www.tagheuer.com). The (2) OAKLEY GMT watch ($650; 800-403-7449, www.oakley.com) has two dials—one for your present location, the other for where you’d rather be. The Swiss-made (3) ORIS XXL FULL…

Over the past few months, �����ԹϺ��� readers submitted their tails of adventure and altruism to be considered for our “Volunteer Vacations” project in partnership with USA Weekend magazine. We’re glad to say we’ve received some great, heartwarming stories from people who gave back to the communities they visited.

Meet your secret muscles—and find out how these hidden assets can leverage your leap to peak performance

Want to go from day tripper to trail ripper? Lose the weight, hit the throttle, and have a 21st-century blast.

Let one of America’s best sport camps propel you toward a bigger, richer life. Because nothing beats the buzz of learning something new.

Survival and Wilderness Skills

Can Underwear Make You Stronger?* fitness tips *No, but it sure looks (and feels) that way Who knew that a stretchy T-shirt made from a more breathable version of the fabric found in ladies’ girdles would become the base layer of choice for athletes as diverse as baseball…

Why I not stiff and sore right away after weight training, but sore the following two days? Should I work through the soreness?

I love the athletic look of soft shells and would love to buy one. The only problem is I've heard they're just that: shells, meant more for layering than for providing a single layer of protection. In your opinion, are there any soft shells that can provide both heavy-duty warmth and stand up to the rain and snow? I'll use this shell more for "getting around town" than I would for aerobic activities, so I want something that would keep me very warm in cold temperatures. Megan Spokane, Washington

I will be traveling through a number of countries next fall and every guidebook I've read suggests traveling with just one small, carry-on bag. What's a good bag, then? And any ideas on what kind of clothes to pack? All synthetic, or is cotton OK? Jake Surprise, Arizona

Over the winter I've been commuting to work on my bike and using a set of CatEye headlights. The light they throw out, though, is pretty weak. What headlight system would you recommend for biking at dusk and in the dark? Rob San Francisco, California

Last month I purchased an older Climb Light rainjacket from The North Face, but the fabric "wets-out" as soon as rain or snow hits the surface. I treated it with Nikwax TX-Direct wash-in solution, but to no avail. It's not the first time I've had such a problem with a TNF jacket, either. What can I do?

We are going to climb Mount Whitney in preparation for a Mount Kilimanjaro bid next year. I'm five-foot-nine and 140 pounds, my husband's six-foot-five and 240 pounds. We're wondering if we'd be happier with internal- or external-fre backpacks, and what sizes we should be looking at. We were planning on going to REI and then I read your column and decided to ask you. Jan Federal Way, Washington

My son and I went backpacking with our brand-new down sleeping bags over the weekend to help us get in shape for a longer trip this spring. It had rained for several days earlier, so things were pretty wet and humid. During the day we stuffed our down bags into plastic zip-type bags in case it rained more, but I guess the bags were a little dp from all the moisture in the air. Anyway, when we got home and unpacked, our bags stank of mildew. I can't imagine what they would smell like after ten-days on the trail. Is this common for down bags, and is there a way to prevent this? Kevin Omaha, Nebraska

Gear Guy, I badly need your advice before I drop $200 on a new pair of boots for hiking Rainier's Wonderland Trail. Though the trip is in August, I will also use the boots throughout the spring/summer hiking season. I'm probably looking for something tailored to a low-volume foot, with or without Gore-Tex. Will Richmond, Missouri

Will the new ultralight, freestanding tents hold up to the abuse of heavy winds à la the kind of conditions one might face in Patagonia? Troy Ogden, Utah

I've been looking at sports watches and recently read a review of Suunto's S6. Do you think it's worth spending $350 for a watch? Can you think of other timepieces that are cheaper but have some of the se bells and whistles? You know, altimeter, rate of ascent/descent, that sort of thing. Helen Boulder, Colorado

Timmy O’Neill’s adventurous spirit was fostered in the urban open spaces surrounding his childhood home in Philadelphia. He learned to kayak at the age of five, and later explored the boundaries of Fernwood cemetery and the banks of Cob’s Creek in search of excitement—which usually involved burned-out cars and run…

What's your take on carbon-dioxide canisters versus mini-pumps for carrying while road cycling? Erik Chanhassen, Minnesota

I've always wondered what goes into a first-aid kit for backcountry expeditions. What are the essentials for staying alive in case of an accident? Alf Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Over 170 of the world’s best—and craziest—athletes tested their mettle at Crested Butte’s 2004 Saab U.S. Extreme Freeskiing Championships last month (February 25 through 28), each hoping to beat the competition with hair-raising runs down the mountain’s steep and technical Extreme Limits terrain. extreme skiing, Colorado Airborne at the…

I have a place in Vermont's Green Mountains and wondering what full metal-edged skis would work for skiing in the New England woods? I currently use the 170-centimeter Fischer E99, but is there a shorter ski that I can use for skiing logging roads, snowmobile tracks, and general rough in the woods? I don't think telemarks are the ticket as I'll be skiing on the flat, and I can use my E99's for any cross-country trails. Nigel New York City

I hike with an ankle brace and just read about a new system called Biomex from Lowa Boots, which is essentially a built-in ankle support system. Do you know anything about this? Joe Santa Barbara, California

�����ԹϺ���‘s March 2004 article “Facing the Fall Line” chronicles big-mountain snowboarder Steven Koch’s quest to become the first to summit Everest and then set a never-before-attempted line down its treacherous North Face. Accompanying Koch on the Everest expedition was mountaineer-photographer Jimmy Chin, who captured the powerful images that accompanied…

Do bodyweight exercises like push-ups and abdominal crunches need to be done every other day like weights, or are they more effective when done every day?

Can you recommend a mid-sized backpack? I have been looking at the new Arc'Teryx Bora 65, which is nice but really expensive! Is there a comparable backpack for less? Petter Boulder, Colorado

I have yet to find a definitive answer on how well some of the higher-end single-wall tent materials work, products like Bibler's ToddTex, three-layer Gore-Tex, and Integral Designs' Tegraltex. Some say these fabrics are great, very tough, and result in little or no condensation, others the opposite. But no one seems willing to crown a king of the single-walls. Is it too tough to call? I like the simplicity of a single-wall design, but tents like the Sierra Designs Hyperlite AST look to be very good and compete well on weight and packability. What's your take? Luke Minneapolis, Minnesota

The highest points in heartland states like Kansas and Iowa aren't much to look at, but when you knock off seven of them in a four-day, 3,000-mile blitz . . . well, let's just say the little bastards have a way of kicking back.

Good! Let's talk about what our experience of the wilderness has lost now that it's cheap and easy to stay connected—no matter how far out there you go. Ted Kerasote explores the new wired wild.

When Stephen Koch set out to snowboard the insanely steep Hornbein Couloir on Everest, he knew he might die trying. He chose life.

Travel can be a minefield of fatigue, jet lag, strange food, and fitness regimens shot to hell. It doesn't have to be that way. With our road-warrior plan, you can fight back—and win.

Eco-stylist Danny Seo has charisma, a fabulous new line of hipster clothing, a reality-TV show in development, and a posse of hot young actors swooning over his righteous aura. Meet the guru who's transforming America one earth-friendly Hollywood makeover at a time.

Welcome to Ghana, where commuting is a nightmare—and optimism is a bright-yellow bike of one's own

Chase your travel dreams with 48 handpicked adventures guaranteed to satisfy every type of wandering soul

With eleven time zones' worth of Tiaga, tundra, virgin peaks, and off-the-dial whitewater, Mother Russia is beginning to open her doors to adventure travelers. If you're brave enough to take her on, the next frontier beckons in the wild, wild East.

Since airlines ban gas containers, even empty ones (a display of banned items at the San Jose airport includes the burner element, too), how do expeditions transport their stoves overseas? More to the point, how can I? Mark San Jose, California

What's a lightweight, lightly insulated glove suitable for rainy days in fall and winter? Years ago I owned a pair of Patagonia Light-X gloves—waterproof shell on the outside, light fleece lining on the inside—that were great for rainy days and light snow. I could always wear liners under them if it was really cold, but worn alone they were nimble and flexible. Now I've lost my pair and they're discontinued, and all the gloves I see are burly gloves for climbing K2. Help! Josh Cbridge, Massachusetts

I've been looking into soft shells to take on a NOLS [National Outdoor Leadership School] expedition to the Himalayas and have narrowed the selection down to Patagonia's Mixmaster or Beyond Fleece's Cold Fusion. I was hoping you could help me choose one based on durability, performance, and warmth. Kevin Mahopac, New York

I have a 200-mile ride planned over the Memorial Day weekend and concerned because the soles of my feet get numb after about 20 miles of riding. I've tried a variety of bike shoes, without success. Would some sort of insert help, or even just a pair of athletic shoes? Nancy Manchester, Missouri

How do they test temperature ratings for sleeping bags? I have never owned a 30-degree bag that I would actually use in 30-degree weather. Justin Santee, California

Whether it's been backpacking in Norway in March or Canyonlands in July, I always wake up in a condensation-filled tent. I spend three seasons in a Mountain Hardwear Thru Hiker and winter in a Sierra Designs Tiros, and have never heard complaints about condensation problems in these tents. Nonetheless, I inevitably awake with a wet floor and dripping, frosty walls. Is there such a thing as a wet sleeper? (And thank you in advance for forgoing the tent-wetting jokes and speculation.) Beckett Mansfield, Ohio

I have a good-quality down sleeping bag that includes a nylon taffeta shell, and I'm looking into ways of improving its water repellency so that it's more effective in very humid conditions (for exple, Tasmania's temperate rainforests). I have considered Nikwax Downproof, but have heard that it can reduce the bag's overall thermal efficiency. What do you think of other treatment options? Of course, another approach, albeit heavier, might be to get a light, breathable bivy for the bag. Hannah Perth, Australia

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

I sick of eating the se old dehydrated meals when I'm out backpacking. Can you give us some real suggestions for tasty, convenient dinners? Maybe you could share what you ate for dinner on your last backpacking trip? Matt Albuquerque, New Mexico

We do a lot of winter backpacking in New Hampshire, where it gets quite cold, and always struggle with stoves for melting snow. Some stoves are difficult to light, while others take forever to melt the snow. What is the best stove and lighter combination for melting snow in real cold weather? Craig Goffstown, New Hampshire

My ten-year-old Vasque Sundowners are finally toast, so I'm looking for an affordable replacement, perhaps REI's Gore-Tex Monarch boots. I weigh about 200 pounds, and my usual MO is to trek about ten miles to a base cp in the Sierras with a load of around 60 pounds; I'll then spend a week or so doing day hikes with a lighter 15-pound daypack. The sales people are steering me towards a heavier boot because of the weight that I carry, but because I do most of my hiking with a lighter load I'm thinking I want a lighter boot. I don't have ankle problems, yet. What do you think? Mountain Guy Concord, California

My wife and I love to backpack in the summer and would like to continue doing so with our new baby boy. Everybody we say this to either laughs or looks at us with horror. The carrying part doesn't scare me, but sleeping in a tent with a six- to nine-month-old does. Any suggestions? (My recurring nightmare is that one of us could roll over and smother him.) Craig Portland, Oregon

Hey, Gear Guy, I've pruned some ounces by getting the Osprey Aether 45 pack, Marmot Arroyo bag, Optimus Crux stove, Seychelles water filter, and also by cutting off useless straps and the like. But for an ultralight one-man tent that can handle three-season Sierra weather, what do you recommend? I was looking at the new Mountain Hardwear Waypoint. Is this any good at keeping out condensation? Jake Irvine, California

I looking to upgrade my sleeping bag so I can get more versatility over a range of temps. In particular, a light bag that would be suitable from 50 degrees down to about 25. I have seen ads for bags with detachable covers that offer flexibility over a wider variety of conditions, which seem like a good option for multiday trips. What do you think about this kind of bag? Worthy innovation or a gimmick? Any ideas for some good bags like this in the $125 to $175 range? David Boulder, Colorado

Great response on the pros and cons of the Theta LT versus MEC Flight pants, by the way. But what about a pair with a heavy-duty rear-end that will withstand glissading? I've yet to find anything adequate, so tend to slide down on my emergency blanket to save my expensive Gore-Tex pants. Don Tacoma, Washington

My sons are 10 and 13 and are becoming interested in strength training. I'm opposed to introducing them to even moderately heavy lifting (benches, squats, etc), but I have gotten them dumbbells for light arm exercises (no more than 10 lbs. at a time) and encouraging them to do push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups. Do you have any advice on specific exercises for pre-teens and early teens? Also, what precautions should be taken, and are there any definite no-no's at this age? Mark Sokol Akron, Ohio

I bought a pair of Asolo FSN 95 GTX boots for hiking Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail. They felt very comfortable in the store and needed very little breaking in, but I had to stop wearing them by the third day on the trail as they sorely aggravated bone spurs in my heel. Can you suggest a pair of hiking boots with soft inner heels that won't slide around too much? Marc Silver Spring, Maryland

I getting ready for a February snowshoeing trip to the Sierra Mountains, and I want to nix my usual problems with cold hands. In the past, I've tried using a base-layer glove combined with a higher loft glove and a waterproof Gore-Tex shell. Unfortunately I still get cold hands! Needless to say, I in desperate need of your awe-inspiring, sage-like wisdom to find that warm-hand solution to all my problems. Nathan Louisville, Kentucky

I have been waiting to buy a lightweight two-person backpacking tent for a while now, and recently was impressed by the newer REI-brand tents. Is there any quality drawback in buying a tent from REI as opposed to one from Mountain Hardwear or Marmot? Basically, will I regret it in two years? Matt Albuquerque, New Mexico

In light of the recent mountain lion attack in southern California, I was wondering if a bear spray like Counter Assault would work against a mountain lion? If not, what would? Chris Malibu, California

Here's my recurring nightmare: I'm hurtling down a hill when my rim, worn away by repeated gritty brakings, ruptures and warps, stopping the bike instantly and launching me over the handlebars for a high-speed, unscheduled appointment with the pavement. So far, this has only happened in real life while I've been pedaling uphill. But, have any manufacturers come out with a road bike with disc brakes? I know they're heavier, but I don't care about weight if I can save skin and teeth. Mark Portland, Oregon

As the brutal battle over proposed drilling in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge grinds on, a former oil worker returns to the North Slope in search of the truth about the pro-exploration argument. His conclusion? (Brace yourself.) The unthinkable is the right thing to do.

Freeskier Seth Morrison, 30, thinks nothing of hucking off 60-foot mountain ledges. Snowboarder Keir Dillon, 26, routinely performs McTwists 15 feet above halfpipe lips. Speed skater Derek Parra, 33, powers around an ice oval at 25 miles per hour. All three are superb athletes, but which of them is the…

What happens when a veteran mountain guide has to follow someone else's lead for a day of heli-skiing? Heads swell, powder flies, and somebody gets handed a big slice of humble pie. Dave Hahn confesses.

Sex. Danger. Family values. This backyard soap opera has it all—plus feathers, razor-sharp talons, and a neighborhood obsessed.

Your prescription for matching next-generation outerwear with your favorite winter pursuit is ready

Seeking enlightenment and risking death, an American Muslim takes on the pilgrimage to Mecca—the world's greatest and toughest spiritual adventure

Emmy-winning cinematographer and big-water kayaker Scott Lindgren’s new film Burning Time is a bold new �����ԹϺ���-sponsored production that’s been in the making for two years. In it, Lindgren (of Tsangpo-expedition fame: see �����ԹϺ���‘s July 2002 cover story “Liquid Thunder”) scours the globe with kayaking’s best athletes, seeking out some…

Ten handpicked resorts that are rich in sun-drenched beauty, high on adventure, and fine-tuned for luxury.

Welcome to an Endless Playground

Ten Sure Bets for the Romantic Escape Artist

Montana

Gearing up for the backcountry tryst

Having loaned my friend my old Sierra Designs tent, he returned it several months later without having adequately aired it out. The coating on the fly is now tacky and starting to pull away from the nylon. I called Sierra Designs to ask about a replacement, but they no longer carry replacements for the model I have. They did, though, offer to sell me a tent at half price in exchange for my existing tent. Should I go with their offer or have someone just repair the fly and waterproof coating? Eric Manhattan Beach, California

Where do you think things are going in terms of backpack innovation? I looking to buy a bag for base-cp-style backpacking, but I don't want one that is outdated or poorly designed. I want cutting edge. It seems everyone focuses on weight, but in my mind accessibility is equally important. Zachary Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm considering buying the Makalu boot from La Sportiva for extended backpacking and mountaineering duties, thinking it would be flexible enough for backpacking yet stiff enough for some crampon work. I understand that for really cold winter climbing I'd want something insulated, but am I wrong in thinking the Makalu will be up to the task? Christopher Mountaintop, Pennsylvania

If I do 20 minutes of cardio at one time and then another 10-12 minutes a few hours later, will I get the se benefit as if I do it all at once? Nancy Caledonia, Ontario

I have a question regarding an older Serac Gore-Tex jacket I have: Does Gore-Tex lose its water-repellency after repeated washings? Is there something I can apply after many washings to restore repellency? If so, what do you recommend? Mike Jackson, Ohio

I know you don't like ponchos, but I used one for a month in the Belize jungle and think it did a darn good job: In the hot, humid conditions, it allowed air to circulate; I used it to cover my pack in the rain; it was easy to put on and covered both me and my daypack; I could use it as a tarp to sit on or as a lean-to. Given all these advantages, could you recommend something better than the standard military-issue poncho for my next jungle trip? Are there Gore-Tex ponchos available? Jay Manchester, New Jersey

My 16-year-old daughter's Venture Scout troop is doing an eight-day horseback trek in northeastern New Mexico this July. They have to store all their gear in a large stuff sack (and two midget saddle bags), so she needs a lightweight, compressible sleeping bag to maximize space in the stuff sack. They'll be sleeping in tents at altitudes up to 12,000 feet, so the bag needs to be rated to around 30 degrees—and affordable. Easy, right? Lou Oak Hill, Virginia