Driving south from Reno, NV, on US Highway 395, you'll see a foothill that looks like a chunk was torn out of it. The hill is Slide Mountain; a block slide occurred: a single large mass of material gave way and slid downslope. You're more likely to encounter a fall when hiking or climbing, where rocks and boulders detach from a cliff or steep slope and roll downhill.

Landslides can and do happen in all 50 states of the U.S., and kill between 25 and 50 people each year. Major landslides and mudslides have killed hundreds to thousands of people in countries including Mexico, India, and China when slides hit populated villages. If a landslide occurs in the backcountry, it can still kill, but is less likely to if you're prepared.

To survive a landslide, you need to know where they're likely to occur, warning signs and what to do if one happens. Landslides are most common in areas where fires have destroyed ground-gripping vegetation, areas where there's lots of water, from quick snow melt or heavy rains, and areas of volcanic activity - which includes areas around hot springs and steam vents as well as actual volcanoes. Some warning signs are seepages of water in usually dry areas, new fissures in slopes or boulders, or boulders appearing farther apart or closer together.

Your first warning is an increasingly loud rumbling followed by a trickle of rocks falling around you. The rocks will be followed by more and larger material, so get out of the way. Move sideways as far and quickly as possible, then roll yourself into a small ball and hold your pack over your head. If you're the first to notice the fall, shout loudly to your party. Once the fall stops, keep calling out until your group members find each other.

If you're climbing, always wear a helmet. If you're hiking, wear sturdy boots, carry a durable and solid backpack, and carry along a jacket. Even if it's not cold, the jacket can be used to help prevent shock if someone in your party is injured.

Whether you're heading off on a trekking adventure, kayaking through new territory or hitting the campgrounds for an overnight stay, you'll need the right gear to enjoy happy trails. Layering is every outdoor enthusiast's strategy for keeping cool winds and chills at bay, especially in areas where temperatures drop after sundown. Layering up with fleece jackets, moisture-wicking shirts and thermal pants is a surefire way to trap in much-needed body heat on cooler days, and when you do it right, you have the freedom to take off or put on just one or two garments so that your body temperature stays on the level.

Make this process easier with jackets like the Merrell Spring Iso. It's a super lightweight and slightly fitted polyester jacket designed with Merrell® Aeroblock™ technology, which blocks out harsh winds and chilly temperatures. It's your shield of resistance when you're hiking through the woods or setting your sights on an overnight trek across the Arizona dessert.

Not only does this jacket ward off ugly weather, but it also protects your skin when you're roughing it in the great outdoors. The jacket's designed with raglan shoulders that provide extra support for those heavy backpacks you're lugging around on your trail, so there's less pressure on your upper body throughout your trip. Two small zip pockets make it easy to ditch the fanny pack and store your basics safely and securely. And the seamless, flattering cut makes this a must-have cover up for any campsite party.

A few more layering tips for any avid outdoor enthusiast:

• Stick with the lightweight, zipper-free pieces whenever possible for easy layering and less bulk.
• Avoid wearing too much fleece; fleece can warm up very, very quickly when you're on the run so you could end up overheating and get tired early in your trip.
• Wear a lightweight t-shirt made with moisture-wicking microfibers under shirts and jackets for extra comfort.
• Drink more water than usual; your body needs to be well hydrated in order to conserve energy on its own, so drink as much as you comfortably can throughout the trip.
• Keep hands and feet warm overnight with hand warmers and a pair of quality socks.

Dangerous mountains earn their well deserved reputations after climbers challenge their summits and fail miserably. Mount Vesuvius, on the other hand, has claimed the lives of thousands of people who never set foot on its slopes, and the mountain shows no sign of giving up its murderous ways.

In 79 A.D., during one of the greatest natural disasters ever recorded, Vesuvius erupted, covering the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum with lava and volcanic ash. The preserved ruins of Pompeii have since given historians an unprecedented look at life two millennia ago, including grisly plaster casts of people covered by ash. Nearly 2,000 years later, Vesuvius is still hungry, though, and casts its ominous shadow over Naples, an Italian city filled with millions of people. Even though the last recorded eruption was in 1944, this volcano still could turn deadly at any time.

Despite its lethal reputation, Mount Vesuvius attracts quite a few tourists and climbers each year. If you want to tackle a real killer of a mountain, the best option is to fly into Naples and find accommodations in that city. From there, you can drive or take a bus to Mount Vesuvius National Park. There's plenty to see and do around the mountain, but if you want to get a good look at the crater, there are trails leading up to the rim. These trails don't require a lot of technical skill, but you will be doing quite a bit of walking up to the summit. For that, you definitely need a good pair of hiking shoes such as the Five Ten Guide Tennie, which provide good foot support on long hikes.

Because Vesuvius is an active volcano, the Italian government does have an action plan in case of an eruption. Unfortunately, the plan assumes that the residents and tourists will have plenty of warning before the volcanic ash starts to fly once again. If your timing is bad when you summit Mount Vesuvius, you might get a really, really good look at an eruption.

Sources:
http://geology.com/volcanoes/vesuvius/
http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil/disasterprep/vesuvius.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28032-2004Oct12.html

There's nothing like a terrifying statistic to get your blood pumping for your next mountain climbing adventure. The Annapurna peaks, of which there are six, have the single highest mortality rate among all the 8,000-meter mountains in the world. Most of the deaths and serious accidents occur on Annapurna I and Annapurna II.

If you are increasing your skills in mountain climbing and developing a healthy confidence, it might be time to branch out to new areas of the world, such as central Nepal. The Himalayas provide numerous exciting mountains to conquer, from the Annapurna peaks to the elusive K2.

If you don't think you are ready for the Annapurna peaks, you can start with Annapurna South, which is only 7,219 meters high. This peak is far less rocky than the others, and there are several routes that will accommodate an amateur climber. However, you do have to worry about extreme temperatures and rock fall regardless of which of these peaks you choose to summit.

When you are climbing any of the Annapurna peaks, you'll want to start in the Annapurna Sanctuary, which is the glacial basin that sits in the middle of all the mountains. Once considered a sacred land to natives, this area is now highly revered by locals and visitors alike and is home to a vibrant range of ecosystems that any nature lover will appreciate.

For your visit to the Annapurna peaks, make sure you bring along a pair of sturdy hiking boots and a warm sleeping bag for camping. Trekking through the mountains might constitute a day trip, but all mountain climbing will require at least one over nighter.

You should also know that climbing in the Annapurna peaks is highly regulated by the Nepal government. You'll need an entry visa, as well as trekking or climbing permits if this is your destination, so make sure you have everything you need in advance. This is why many mountain climbers hire guides who will cut through all the red tape for them.