K2 at 50: The Bitter Legacy
Fifty years ago this summer, the world's most vicious mountain— Pakistan's 28,250-foot (8,611-meter) K2—was first conquered. For the Italian climbers who stood on top, the ascent brought lasting fame. For their teammate Walter Bonatti, it launched a lifetime of acrimony—and a personal quest that would change climbing forever. Read excerpt >>

The River Wilder
The summer crowds have retreated, the famous New England foliage is beginning to turn, and savvy paddlers know it's time to head to the Allagash. GEOFFREY NORMAN follows Henry David Thoreau on a river journey deep into Maine's restorative North Woods. Read excerpt >>

Finding Your Place in the Galaxy
A 30-year-old obsession with stargazing, and a touch of telescope-envy, led wildland firefighter and author PETER LESCHAK to plunk down $4,000 on some high-end optics. What did he get in return? The keys to the universe.

FALL SPECIAL: ADVENTURE TOWNS
Do You Have Asheville Syndrome?
Symptoms include an overwhelming propensity to spend all your free time climbing, biking, and paddling in the Appalachian Mountains. And the odd assortment of people who've flocked to this North Carolina town seem to have no desire to find a cure.

Nine More Tempting Towns
Warning: Spend a week in one of these enticing base-camp burgs and you may decide you can never go home. Read excerpt >>

Frontiers
Welcome to the deliriously beautiful, recently reclaimed ancestral lands of British Columbia's Nisga'a Indians—the Northwest's newest hiking, fishing, and paddling playground.

City Escape
Maximum Minneapolis: A 24-hour biking and paddling guide to the Twin Cities.

Pelton's World
Dude, where's my car? And my wallet! And my tickets! Our resident extreme-travel expert tells you what to do when all is lost. Read excerpt >>

Where To
It's Chile versus New Zealand in the face-off of the fjords. Plus: Seven undersea hot spots.

Next Weekend
Storm into shoulder season with these nine out-the-backdoor escapes. Plus: New Mexico's wildest road trip >>

Books
Post-Communist Hungary's whiskey bandit; tracking falcons in a Cessna; and how to swim with penguins (yes, it's cold).

Performance
The new math of unlocking your true max heart rate, and a tell-all guide to the ever diversifying world of sports drinks. Read First Responder questions and answers >>

First Person
Aron Ralston cut off his own hand to save his life. More than a year later, the Colorado climber reflects on the act that stunned the world.

The Essentials
Sea kayaking made easy: From picking a paddle to taming the tide—all the tools you need to explore the world's most accessible wilderness.

Gear: Fall Lineup
Technical outdoor apparel has gotten a makeover: We've rounded up this fall's best—and best-looking—new stuff. Take these clothes, tools, and toys around the world, or just across town.

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