Empower
While California skiers are rejoicing over the state’s record-breaking snowfall this year, many wildland firefighters are starting to get nervous. Winter precipitation means spring plant growth—and to a wildfire, plants are nothing more than fuel. Of course, California’s record-breaking precipitation does have some benefits. It’s helped alleviate the state’s longstanding drought. Plentiful rainfall also encourages [...]
My heart pounds as I pull just one more time against my hangboard, a piece of wood designed with finger-sized slots for warming up the hands for rock climbing. I’m desperate to grasp any bit of possible help before all the cameras point at me and I’m expected to climb a challenging ascent in front [...]
Finding water in the mountains sounds like it should be easy, whether from streams formed by melting snow or fast-running rivers meandering through valleys. But in reality, you might find yourself on a high mountain ridge with no obvious source of food or water. Or, at lower elevations, the terrain might be too dry to [...]
The first priority of survival in general is to seek the protection of a shelter, and that goes doubly if you’re in sub-zero temperatures. Often, especially if you’re above the treeline, that shelter must be made from snow. “Snow can save your life and will insulate you far better than the metal of a broken-down [...]
As a survivalist, Bear Grylls has made it his mission to show people how to persevere everywhere from mountains and jungles to deserts and in sub-zero conditions. Bear often talks about his four life-saving priorities if faced with an emergency situation—and a simple way to remember them: “Please Remember What’s First” for Protection, Rescue, Water [...]
If you’ve ever hiked at high altitudes, you may be familiar with one of the more unfortunate side effects of mountain travel: excess wind. And we don’t mean the meteorological kind. There’s no question that high altitudes are associated with increased flatulence. But there are plenty of questions about why. Some mountaineers blame it on [...]
Few people are as dedicated to their regular workout routine as mountain biker Justin Brandenburg. When the New Mexico-based enthusiast rolled up to his favorite trail in 2021 and found it buried in deadfall from a recent storm, he knew he had to do something to enjoy the path once more. And so he started [...]
Obviously, Bear Grylls is no stranger to freezing temperatures—having successfully climbed Everest and survived plenty of other extreme weather scenarios, he’s first to admit that cold climates are not to be messed with. Still, even if you’re exploring winter vistas from the heated comfort of your car, he has some sage advice to ensure your [...]
Building a campfire isn’t easy. Even if you have the essentials like matches and kindling, it takes skill and experience. But what if you’re missing one of the most essential items for building a fire—namely, usable wood? Even outdoor experts and regular campers might not be prepared for such a dilemma. Most often, it happens [...]
Bears, big cats, and wild canines are attacking humans more frequently than at any time in modern history. That’s according to a sweeping new international study released in the journal PLOS Biology last week. But it’s not just that there are more people on the planet—or more carnivores. Instead, a complex interplay of climate, socioeconomic [...]
