For hikers on the Continental Divide Trail, completing the 3,100-mile hike that spans New Mexico to Canada will now require filing additional paperwork. As a result of a transfer of federal land to the U.S. Army, hikers must obtain a permit to access the final 1.1 miles of the CDT to its southern terminus near the U.S.–Mexico border. 　　Only U.S....

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　　In the middle of the backcountry in the Sierras, ultrarunner Lizzy Fowlers knee went from feeling normal to swelling up to the size of a grapefruit. Her paced slowed, each step became a painful labor, and gradually other parts of her leg began to fail. The tendons in her ankle seized up like they were in a vice grip, making...

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　　Youre getting lucky in the woods because of condoms. Not because they’ll keep you from making questionable life choices at elk camp (though Ive admittedly been at a few camps that were far more risky by the fire than on the ridge), but because without prophylactics, diaphragm calls as we know them probably wouldn’t exist. 　　That thin piece of latex...

　　It was the sound of kids chatting and laughing that got me out of bed that morning. I’m used to that, though. After all, I live in a friendly, family neighborhood. Except, this time, the kids sounded closer, like they were hanging out on my front porch. 　　When I pulled the curtains, I was instantly reminded of the special press...

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　　As I loaded the truck in the pre-dawn darkness, I felt the all-too-familiar tapping of rain on the brim of my hat. The rain intensified, and I felt it soaking through my shirt and onto my shoulders. Great, this again, I thought as I threw two turkey decoys in the bed. 　　My time in the field has become more limited,...

　　When I pulled the new Columbia Platinum Peak II womens ski jacket out of the box, my first thought was, “This is $300?!” Yes, that’s still a lot of money. But we’re now living in an era where many ski jackets hover between $500 and $700, with some even pushing $900. In comparison, the Platinum Peak II feels like a...