For any outdoor enthusiast, dehydration can become a major problem, especially if you are caught miles away from civilization on a hiking trail without adequate water. In "Dune," the 1984 film based on the novels of Frank Herbert, staying properly hydrated becomes a daily, life-or-death challenge.

Kyle MacLachlan plays Paul Atreides, the son of the very powerful and influential Duke Leto (Jurgen Prochnow). Paul and his father journey to the planet Arrakis, a dry, desert planet that is a prime source of a substance called the "Spice Melange." By ingesting Melange, you could increase your consciousness, but eating too much causes your eyes to glow blue. Those that overdose on spice gain great powers, but their bodies also turn warped and twisted. After his father is murdered by a rival family, Paul and his mother flee into the deserts of Arrakis, wearing only an all-purpose garment called a "Stillsuit." Worn by the Fremen, the native people of Arrakis, a Stillsuit reclaims and recycles fluids typically lost through perspiration and other bodily functions. By wearing this device, someone lost in the desert could survive for days, even weeks, without additional water.

Water is such a crucial commodity in "Dune," in fact, that when someone dies, their bodily fluids are reclaimed and stored in hidden caves across the surface of Arrakis. When Paul does battle with one of the Fremen, he becomes the guardian of all the water that his body had once contained.

A film that makes you wish you had a canteen or a microfilter close by, "Dune" is among the ultimate outdoor films produced during the 1980's. Hiking and climbing gear has come a long way in recent years, but nothing can compare to the fictional Stillsuit. Drinking water produced by one's own bodily wastes is a unique experience, to say the least, but on Arrakis, the alternative was a slow, painful death from dehydration.

"Dune" didn't do that well in its initial theatrical run, but it is a safe bet that soft drink sales at theaters skyrocketed during every screening of this very dry film.

A lot of people call The Naturist (Gavin McInnes) an outdoor expert. We completely agree...he is an expert at what not to do while outdoors. Fortunately, he has one thing going for him, we equipped him in the new Teva® Riva. Thanks to features like an aggressive lug design and a waterproof and breathable membrane, Gavin can be sure that even when everything goes wrong, his feet will still be comfortable and protected by the Riva. To find out more about The Naturist and the Riva, check out: www.zappos.com/teva.

"Spelunking" refers to the outdoor activity of exploring caves and caverns, either for fun or research. In the 2003 adventure called The Core, however, a team of specialists take spelunking to the ultimate level by drilling down to the very center of the Earth.

A secret government experiment has caused the planet's molten core to stop its natural rotation, which affects the Earth's electromagnetic field. Without this protective energy layer, people with pacemakers start dropping dead, birds fly off-course and the Sun's rays start burning people and buildings to a crisp.

The quickest way to get the core moving again is by sending a submersible ship through the layers of rock and molten lava and then detonating a series of nuclear warheads. In order to survive the heat, Dr. Ed "Brazz" Brazzleton (*Delroy Lindo*) creates a substance that he calls "unobtanium," which resists extreme temperatures and pressure. The good doctor also has a laser drill capable of drilling through the toughest rock.

In a ship outfitted with Dr. Brazzleton's inventions, the team, led by Commander Robert Iverson (*Bruce Greenwood*), drills through the bottom of the Pacific Ocean. As the first humans to go deep below the surface of the Earth, they see amazing things, such as huge diamonds formed from the tremendous heat and pressure. The deeper they drill, however, the greater the danger becomes.

An entertaining scientific fantasy, The Core takes cave exploration to new depths. It also shows what could theoretically happen if the Earth's electromagnetic field did start to erode. In one early scene, for instance, Major Rebecca Childs (*Hilary Swank*) has to find a safe place to land a space shuttle when magnetic interference wipes out her guidance system.

The Core does get a little grisly at times, showing in graphic detail what happens when unfiltered solar radiation hits the Earth. Even the best sunscreens can't help you when nothing stands between your face and the rays of the Sun.

A fun, but sometimes unbelievable adventure, The Core is one way to heat up a night of movie watching at home.

If you think earthquakes only happen in California, think again. It's true that most earthquakes happen west of the Rockies, and California has had plenty, but Alaska has had the most in recent history. But looking farther back, the most earthquakes have occurred in the central U.S., and the worst earthquake in U.S. history was along the New Madrid fault in Missouri over three months in 1811-1812. The effects were felt over 2 million square miles, and three quakes registered over an 8 on the Richter scale.

While geologists are working towards it, they still can't predict when or where an earthquake will strike. They do know that if a quake has hit an area in the past, it will happen again. So, it's possible that you'll encounter an earthquake when you're out hiking, camping, boating, or even skiing.

The first warning you'll have is a feeling of rolling ground, then the real shaking starts. Find the nearest open space, something treeless and not downhill from a rocky slope, and stay there. Most injuries outdoors, just like indoors, come from falling debris and in your case, that means trees, rocks, and even snow. Earthquakes can trigger some phenomenal avalanches. Curl up into a fetal position to make yourself a smaller target.

There will be aftershocks, so stay put. If you're hiking along the coast, though, know earthquakes often trigger tsunamis, so move inland and up, then find open space. When the movement stops, check yourself and the rest of your party for injuries, and treat what you can with your first aid kit.

Wear sturdy but comfortable boots like these new Ledge boots from Timberland. Sick of your old pack? This Ultimatum Gear backpack from Nike is brand new, and along with pockets for everything, it has Max Air straps to take the weight off your shoulders. This waterproof watch from Freestyle has an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass.

Know the history of the area you're hiking, travel prepared, and you can survive even an earthquake in the backcountry.

Whether you're heading out on a trekking adventure or relaxing at a campsite as part of your weekend warrior itinerary, having the right gear and clothing will help you make the most of your experience. Even when temperatures and humidity levels run high, you'll need a comfortable pair of lightweight trousers and a jacket to ward off insects and cooler winds. A pair of nylon pants is a must-have piece of clothing for your outdoorsy lifestyle, and the Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pant is a great fit for almost any body shape and size.

These pants are made from sturdy nylon canvas, a super flexible material that makes it easy to go trekking and climbing without having to change outfits. The adjustable drawcord cuffs and full-length inseam gusset give you some extra mobility, and the belt is designed with an adjustable closure for an easy fit. Worried about chafing as you rough it at the campsite? Don't be. These pants are made with a micro-chamois lining to prevent scratches and chafing on your knees and legs. The side cargo pockets provide some extra space for your outdoor essentials, so some days, you can go backpack or tote bag-free.

If you're hitting sunny territory, you'll also be protected with a layer of UPF 50 sun protection materials. For maintenance, the pants are also versatile enough to machine wash cold, and your best bet is to hang them out to dry or tumble dry on a low setting.

If you're planning on layering for the day, these are easily worn over a pair of shorts, capris or even a swimsuit. Use them as a coverall for days when you're not sure about the weather forecast, or throw them on when you're out and about running errands.

The Mountain Hardwear Mesa Pants are a great addition to any outdoor wardrobe, and will help you get the most of your camping, trekking or other outdoor adventure experience. Just tote these along with your usual gear - they work well with almost any nylon windbreakers, t-shirts and a pair of clogs or sandals and you'll be well on your way!

Quicksand and sinkholes. Many hikers and climbers think those are movie props, and while the way they're used in movies doesn't match reality, they are out there, and you need to be prepared for them.

You can find quicksand, liquified soil or sand, nearly anywhere that water meets sand, including ponds, marshes, sloughs, beaches and river deltas. It's found in places as diverse as New Jersey and North Carolina, but it's most common in Florida. You could encounter it in any marshy area after a heavy rain.

Natural sinkholes are found in karst, land where the bedrock is limestone, salt beds, or any rock easily dissolved by water. Again, most are in Florida, though you'll also find them in Texas, Kentucky, Missouri or anywhere limestone lies beneath the soil. They can appear very suddenly; Lake Jackson in Florida took only a few days to completely disappear into a sinkhole in 1999. The beautiful "blue hole" off the coast of Belize is an underwater sinkhole.

Sinkholes can also be caused by people. They're common in areas with underground mining, whether of coal, like that in Pennsylvania, or of gold, as in parts of Nevada. When the burden of soil and vegetation becomes too heavy over the tunnels, it caves in and becomes a sinkhole.

Your best approach is to avoid them. Use a walking stick or trekking poles to test the ground ahead of you in swampy areas. If it slides down, you just found quicksand. If you're unfortunate enough to fall in, don't panic; you'll float on quicksand. Relax, lie back, and let your trekking partners pull you out, either with the poles or climbing rope carried in a rope pack.

If you're caving, you should already have a helmet and a headlamp. The danger from sinkholes is both below you and above you; you could fall in, or the rock above you could collapse. Test the ground ahead of you and the rock above you. If your pole can go in, it's time for you to get out.

Pay attention and watch where you walk, and you'll survive quicksand and sinkholes!

The carefree days of Spring and summer are finally here, which means it's high time you cleared off your weekend schedule for a few days in the great outdoors. The warmer months ahead are a great time to hit the hiking trails, relax on the beach or just brush up on your climbing skills. If you're just hanging out at a campsite or relaxing on the beach, you'll need some comfortable, casual clothes for the occasion, and a versatile tunic dress definitely fits the bill for your days of relaxation.

The Lole Calm Tunic Dress is a great match for ladies with all body types because of its free-flowing, flattering feminine cut. The dress is made with a supersoft rib knit material, and the classic v-neck design is coupled with a drawstring closure for a fun and sassy look. This dress is also designed with raw-edge seams and a rib knit waistline that add a few extra curves in just the right places. A side-slit detailing around the hem provide a more relaxed fit, so you don't have to worry about snags and tears when you're doing some light hiking. You'll also find two large drop-in patch pockets in front; a convenient place to store chapstick, sunblock and other travel essentials.

The soft cotton spandex blend of stretch French Terry materials also make this a super-versatile piece for long trips. The dress dries easily, and you can even hand wash it with a quick soak when you're on the go. If you do have access to a washing machine on your trails, you can machine wash it cold and hang it dry to protect its shape. It's available in Moonlight (black), Watermelon (pink) and White. Get one in every color to round out the warm-season wardrobe!

The tunic dress is one of the season's must-haves, especially if you're hitting the camping trails or nature hikes this season. You can pair it with a pair of flats or beach sandals when you hit the boardwalk, and the loose fit of the Lole makes for a great swimsuit cover up for your all-day beach travels.

When the day's activities call for layering and lightweight, versatile pieces of clothing, a pair of convertible pants can help you get through the day's itinerary comfortably. These pants reduce the need to pack extra clothing for your trip because they can keep you warm and dry as a pair of trousers, and cool and comfortable as a pair of capris. Convertible capris are great for Spring and summer excursions in the backwoods, or even when you're hitting the beach for the day. They're a lightweight basic for any outdoor wardrobe, and the conversion process takes only a few seconds; just unzip and store the extra material in your backpack and you're ready to go.

Try on a pair of Kuhl Forester Convertible Capris to put these versatile pants to the test. The fitted waistband and adjustable fit side cinches make for a perfect fit for almost any body type, and the roomy pockets and extra wide belt loops give you plenty of options for carrying extra accessories. These straight-leg pants have a zipper embedded right below the knee, so you can just unzip in seconds to convert them into a pair of comfortable capris.

The pants are also designed for maximum range of motion; whether you're heading out on a climbing adventure, relaxing under the sun or trekking across a trail, you can move fluidly and easily. The two front curve hand pockets around the hips add a flattering touch to the design, and the curved back yoke provides some extra 'give' for those extra challenging trails.

Convertible pants made with lightweight materials will also keep you cool and comfortable when temperatures rise. You'll need the extra coverage of a pant when you're trekking through a rainforest or exploring rough territory, but you won't be weighed down when the pants are made with a light nylon and cotton blend. They can be worn with your favorite tee, a lightweight sweatshirt and any windbreaker or jacket. Convertible pants and capris are best paired up with a mules, clogs or sandals to make a complete outdoor ensemble that's high on comfort and versatility.

For many of us, the word "Niagara" is synonymous with "big". You've got Niagara Falls, of course, but the mountain climbers among us will be more impressed with Niagara Peak. It might not be the highest point in the country, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

This 13er (13,786 feet, to be exact) is located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, not far from several other ambitious summits. The triangular shape of Niagara Peak combined with the beautiful view climbers enjoy at the top make it a pleasurable climb as well as technical.

Both the approach and the face of Niagara Peak are rocky and pitted, making for slow climbing if you aren't used to the terrain. A pair of sturdy hiking boots with high ankles for extra support and a set of thick gloves are absolutely essential for this climb.

Additionally, make sure you check the weather before you attempt to climb Niagara Peak. The weather here is unpredictable, offering snowfall and rain on the unlikeliest of days. The last thing you want is to get stuck on the side of a treacherous mountain with thunder ringing in your ears.

The great thing about climbing Niagara Peak, however, is that you're within close proximity of several other summits. For example, many expert climbers traverse both Niagara Peak and Jones Mountain on the same hike. There are also a few unnamed peaks in the vicinity that you might want to try if you're feeling adventurous.

There are two basic approaches to Niagara Peak. The most difficult is to approach via the saddle between Niagara and Jones, which is marked by heavy tundra and often difficult to cross in the early winter. However, you can also approach on the northeast side directly opposite Jones, which offers a sheer face but less brush on the ground to deal with.

In addition to the amazing climb offered at Niagara Peak, there is also some beautiful hiking to be done in this region. Abandoned mines, beautiful woods and a few scattered streams and ponds make for lots of wildlife, and you can easily spend an entire week exploring on foot or horseback.

For the outdoorsy type in need of some stylish gear, a pair of calf-length pants with a rugged design are a must. The Prana Nemesis Knicker is designed with super-strength seams and stretch fabric so any climber, hiker or sailor can roam freely and comfortably through their latest adventure. Theses pants are designed for ultimate comfort and extra protection during inclement weather; a convenient climbing brush holder, angled pockets and an adjustable waistband make it perfect for the outdoors - and you can look fashionable in the process.

One of the biggest benefits of these pants is their superb drying abilities. You can head out on a boat, trek through rain showers or just play in the mud without worrying about getting completely soaked. The pants dry within minutes, and when you work up a sweat on your trails, they will also soak up excess moisture in a flash. No need to fret about loose material from a poor fit, either; the adjustable waist band and generous cut in the hips and thighs provide a custom-fit look.

Making sure your outdoor wardrobe is made up of loose and comfortable clothing is essential for performance. You don't have time to tug on too-tight pants or fret about adjusting and pulling on pants and shorts to stay comfortable. Loose-fitting, versatile and lightweight clothing is the best match for dressing your adventurous side, and these pieces are easy to pack, wash, dry, and stay in good shape for the long-run. To put things into perspective, look at your outdoor gear as an investment; you need these basics to perform at your best, and when you're not playing the weekend warrior, you can even let some pieces do double duty as weekend wear or for working out.

The stretch nylon fabric makes the Prana Nemesis Knickers a comfortable pair for day-to-day wear, and a versatile addition to your wardrobe. You can wear them to the gym, when running errands, or just kick back and relax on the weekends with the cargo-inspired style. The Nemesis Knickers are available in four neutral colors to coordinate with almost any color top, jacket or vest.

Last week our very own Bill J. from the merchandising department took us on an outdoor adventure. We knew there would be some off-roading involved so we delightfully accepted his invitation to enjoy some awesome four-wheeling fun, and we actually learned something at the same time. In this installment of "Enjoying the Outdoors", Bill J. shows us how to shoot a bearing with a map of the area, a compass and a plastic ice chest.

If you're an adventure reader, you'll realize that I borrowed the title from a story by Jack London. One of his arctic tales, it's about an adventurer caught in the wilderness in temperatures as low as -70 degrees, which London says will freeze your spit before it hits the ground. If the adventurer can't make a fire, he'll freeze.

You don't have to be in -70 degree weather to bite the big one from cold. If you're unprepared, temperatures in the 50s can do it. A key to survival in the wilderness, and in some shelters, is the ability to make a fire to keep warm. (Obviously, if you're in an area that has a burn ban, you should have survival gear appropriate to any possible weather conditions; starting a wildfire is not the best way to avoid frostbite.)

Especially in areas like Alaska, northern Washington, the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and Ontario, and anywhere with water, trees and a tendency for precipitation, you need to be prepared with waterproof matches and small kindling such as small sticks and dry leaves. Paper burns too quickly to be of much use unless you have a lot of it, and it's not convenient to carry. Pick up items you can use for kindling and put them in your pack. If you can't find waterproof matches, then carry a waterproof pack for your matches, kindling and any gear that needs to be dry.

Before you start a fire, clear the area of loose material that could carry embers to surrounding vegetation. Use your pile of kindling and have slightly larger sticks and some larger branches or firewood at hand. Ignite the kindling and feed the larger sticks into it gradually to make sure they catch and stay lit. Once you have a good fire of sticks going, make a tripod over it of large branches or firewood. The tripod allows airflow, a key ingredient to a good fire, to surround the branches and keep the fire burning longer. Add wood as needed.

Stay warm out there!

When Mother Nature does something big, she does it up right, as is the case with Annapurna. Rising 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) into the air, this gorgeous mountain has a name that translates as "Goddess of the Harvests" or "The Provider." Like other climbing destinations, though, the natural beauty masks some real dangers. Located in Central Nepal, Annapurna has several peaks, the most well-known being Annapurna I and Annapurna II. Attempting to climb either peak would provide enough of a challenge for one lifetime. Suffice it to say, this is not a casual Sunday afternoon climb with your friends but a full-fledged expedition.

If you want to tackle the tenth highest mountain in the world, good physical conditioning is a requirement, not an option. Summitpost.org reported that in fall 1999, 120 expeditions attempted to summit Annapurna, but 54 of the climbers in those groups did not make it back.With any mountain that exceeds 8,000 meters, the combined threat of altitude sickness and hypothermia can become a painful reality. Peakware.com recommends planning an expedition for either April or May.

When packing up the tents, foodstuffs, boots and crampons, don't neglect your eyes when going for the summit of Annapurna. To give yourself a clear, clean field of vision, snow goggles such as the Spy Optic's Soldier are an excellent addition to your gear. The Soldier helps prevent fogging and provides 100 percent protection from UV radiation.

When planning any type of expedition in the Nepal region, all good things come from Kathmandu, the capital city. Experienced climbers who have tackled Annapurna have found plenty of tour guides and other help in this Nepalese city.

Back in the 1970's, Bob Seger sang, "That's why I'm going to Katmandu. Up to the mountains where I'm going to." If you want to be like Bob, head to Annapurna I or II, but make sure you are truly ready for what "The Provider" has to offer.

Sources:
http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=13
http://www.yetizone.com/
http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150258/annapurna-i.html

There are many movies, which upon watching their footage, inspire people to get out into the wild in one way or another. One of such movies is the IMAX film, Yellowstone. Set in Yellowstone National Park in Montana, the beauty of the park's nature and wildlife will leave those who have never visited planning a trip.

As seen in the movie Yellowstone, there are many breathtaking scenes of nature all around Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful, the famous geyser, is located at Yellowstone National Park. Old Faithful can be viewed by foot on the trail or by car on a one-way drive. To get the whole nature experience, by foot is probably best. Since this will be on a hiking trail, onlookers should be sure to wear the proper hiking shoes, as well as carry a knapsack of hiking supplies.

Yellowstone also features an animal stampede, which may also be seen at the Yellowstone National Park. There is an abundance of wildlife in Yellowstone National Park, much of which can be seen very up close. It is important to stay in your car in some areas because of this closeness. There are designated areas to view animals on foot. Safety is key when in a natural wildlife habitat.

Inspired by Yellowstone to run wild in the nature at Montana's Yellowstone National Park? You just may be in luck. Backcountry hiking sites with overnight camping are available at the park, with a Backcountry Use Permit. Be sure to bring all your hiking and camping gear to be prepared.

Because a safe distance from the wild animals is at least 100 yards away (anything closer is prohibited for safety purposes), a good pair of binoculars is essential for viewing wildlife. To capture those images, a good camera is also ideal.

When it's time to settle in for the night, a sturdy tent can provide a decent shelter in an outdoor environment. Be sure to choose the one that is the right size for your group. Speaking of groups, keep in mind that when in a wild outdoor scene, such as this, safety is in numbers. Backcountry hiking alone is not recommended by the parks.

Sources:
http://boxoffice.com/reviews/2008/08/yellowstone.php
http://www.nps.gov/yell

Yellowstone National Park continues to attract millions of avid hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts each year. If you're one of the many hiker paying respects Old Faithful this season, make sure you're well-prepared for the adventure.

Here are a few essentials for making it through your Yellowstone trail like a pro:

Layer it up
Wearing layers is essential when hiking or camping in Yellowstone's temperate climate. Many areas of the park experience rain showers and chilly winds, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. Make sure you're well prepared for inclement weather with wool socks, moisture-wicking pants and shirts, an insulated vest, a wool beanie and a lightweight puffy jacket for any evening excursions on the itinerary.

Don't get Stuck in the mud
The trails are usually very wet and muddy at the beginning of the year; make sure you're wearing comfortable hiking boots that provide plenty of ankle support and will prevent your toes from getting wet. You may need trekking poles to make it across some of the bogs and marshes on the more challenging trails, so map out your route and factor in weather conditions well beforehand.

Pack up that First Aid Kit
Whether you're putting together your own or picking up a pre-made kit, make sure you're well prepared to manage insect bites, cuts, bruises and small wounds. While you won't have many rocky boulders to conquer on the beginner's trails in Yellowstone, you might find yourself forging through forests, thermal springs and canyons. Wrap up those wounds and treat insect bites in a flash with basic supplies stocked in your first aid kit.

Cook Smart to Avoid Bear Attacks
When you're setting up camp in Bear Country, make sure you're doing everything you can to avoid a bear attack. Many hikers and campers encounter bears in Yellowstone because they're not prepared; leaving food unattended at the campsite or cooking and storing food in open areas will leave a scented trail that attracts bears day and night. Use an efficient cooking and food heating system for your meals to make that food prep and cleanup is a cinch.