Workers at Yosemite National Park have been forced to contend with one of its busiest summers on record, and a whopping 40% increase in rescues as drastic Trump administration cuts take their toll.

Data from the National Park Service reveals that 2,919,772 people visited the park between January and August of this year, a 7% increase over the same period last year. Between January and July, there was a huge 40% increase in rescues, according to data reported by Politico.

The busy period coincided with large-scale staffing cuts introduced by the Trump administration.

Internal NPS data reported by NPCA suggests that national parks across the US have lost almost a quarter of their full-time staff to the cuts and voluntary redundancies. In response, they've only hired about half of the usual number of temporary employees.

It's unclear exactly how many staff have left their jobs at Yosemite, but former employees suggest the cuts are taking a dangerous toll, especially on rescue workers.

Former Superintendent Cicely Muldoon retired from her position in February and told Politico's E&E News that "there are a lot of folks doing the jobs that three people used to do".

"The search and rescue loads are intense. The traffic and parking, and Yosemite crowds are intense. People are always exhausted by the end."

Despite the cuts and increase in rescues, officials at Yosemite are insistent that the park is doing well.

A statement from Acting Superintendent Ray McPadden reads: “This summer, we expanded access, offered new and improved facilities, experiences, and programs, all in testament to our dedicated park staff and partners.

“Their extraordinary efforts allowed millions of Americans and visitors from across the globe to enjoy Yosemite and create lifelong memories. Yosemite is open year-round and with fall’s arrival, visitors can expect cooler conditions and fewer crowds while accessing all major areas of the park.”

Park workers and advocates are less optimistic, fearing for the long-term health of national parks in the US without proper funding or ample staff.

John Garder, of the National Parks Conservation Association, which advocates for the NPS and its workers, told Advnture last month that parks across the country could sustain serious structural and ecological damage if underfunding continues.

"We're seeing a situation where there are professional staff who care for resources, who do scientific work, who perform law enforcement, and are needed for their normal duties, who are now maintaining bathrooms, and are doing some of the other work so that visitors don't see the impact that this is having," he explained.

"The long-term threat, which is very alarming, is not necessarily visible to park visitors, but if this keeps up, this eventually is going to be the case as resources get degraded."

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Climbing Africa's tallest mountain is no small feat. The trip to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, takes trekkers through 19,341ft (5,895m) of varied African terrain, including dense jungles and arid desert landscapes. There's also dangerous wildlife to contend with, and the harrowing effects of hiking 4 to 10 miles (6.5 to 16km) a day in rapidly increasing altitude.

On average, between three and 10 people die each year on the mountain, often due to altitude sickness or hiking injuries. However, the dangers aren't enough to stop a team of blind hikers from attempting to make history by climbing the mountain next month.

All 11 trekkers from the Kilimanjaro Blind project are either fully blind or visually impaired and are making their final preparations for the daunting week-long ascent. If successful, they will become the largest group of blind climbers to scale Kilimanjaro.

They will be assisted throughout by guides, who will offer physical support and give crucial information about the underfoot terrain ahead.

Calgary hiker Peter Quaiattini is one of the organizers of the trek, and explained some of the difficulties he expects to encounter to the Calgary Eyeopener.

"The risk with climbing Kilimanjaro, failure rate is altitude sickness, you're going to almost 20,000ft," he said.

"By having a seven-day ascent, it gives your body more time to acclimatize to the higher elevation."

Altitude sickness is caused by rapid exposure to the low oxygen levels at altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but sufferers can sometimes experience more severe effects like hallucinations.

Spending time in the mountains mitigates the risks by saturating the oxygen in your red blood cells and preparing your body for the effects of altitude.

Among those summitting the mountain is retired NASA engineer Michael McCulloch, who has shared his videos of his workouts and preparation on social media.

"Right down the road from me, a few blocks down, there's a fourteen-story professional building," he explains on Instagram.

"Here I am in my Kili training centre doing stairs. This week I'm hitting 75 floors up and down," he jokes from a stairwell.

• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Trail running superstar Kilian Jornet has begun his latest crazy adventure - climbing 67 of America's tallest mountains, and hiking and cycling between them.

Jornet began his States of Altitude Project last week on Longs Peak in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, and is aiming to summit every mountain over 14,000ft (4,267m) in the US, aside from those in Alaska, as fast as he can.

Following his initial summit, Jornet continued to the South Arapaho Peak on the Continental Divide and went down to set off on a 49-mile (79km) cycle ride south to the Echo Lake campground. Six hours of sleep later, he was back in the mountains, working his way through Colorado's Mosquito mountain range.

"Kilian barely slept following the LA Freeway epic, and he woke up feeling every one of those 16 hours as well as the Colorado altitude in his body," explains a post on his Instagram account.

"The morning brought Mt. Blue Sky (formerly Evans) and Bierstadt, but Colorado’s afternoon storms had other plans. A weather system rolled in, forcing route changes that added 4 hours to the day," it continued.

"In just over 41 hours of movement & 160 miles (259km) on foot and by bike, Kilian has now summited 6 Colorado 14ers."

At the time of writing, Kilian remains in Colorado as he attempts to tick off each of the 58 peaks above 14,000 feet (4,267m) that the state has to offer.

Jornet, who's previously set records on the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, and scaled Everest without supplemental oxygen, announced his latest adventure in August, and says there are two main reasons for doing it now.

"What I experienced in the Pyrenees and the Alps motivated me to keep exploring this dimension of long traverses with a strong physical, cognitive, and creative component," he said before setting off.

"It’s also about exploring the American West - the vastness of the terrain and the cultures that have lived and continue to live there, as well as a nature that is often wild and incredibly diverse, ranging from alpine areas to dense forests and deserts."

• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails
• The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails

In the market for some tough new hiking boots to help you take on soggy fall trails? Take a look at the latest pair from outdoors brand Danner, featuring grippy Vibram outsoles and waterproof Gore-Tex exteriors to protect your feet from the rain.

The new N54 hiking boots are Danner's answer to damp fall and early winter conditions, designed to keep you dry and comfortable over mile after mile of tricky trails.

Design

The chunky new Vibram outsoles boast Traction Lug and Megagrip technology, designed to dig into tricky terrain and improve stability as you move. The Gore-Tex uppers were also built for trying conditions, and aim to protect your feet from rainfall without holding on to water or weighing you down.

Inside the shoes, large EVA foam midsoles are designed to absorb blows as you walk, while a TPU rock plate provides added stability.

Price

All this protection doesn't come cheap, and the N54 hiking boots will set you back a whopping $250 on the Danner website (they're not yet available in the UK). Danner footwear is usually a little pricier than its competitors, but these boots go beyond the norm.

In comparison, the best overall pair in our guide to the best hiking boots costs just $165 (US) / £130 (UK). The Merrell Moab 3 boots also feature Gore-Tex uppers and Vibram outsoles, but cost far less than the latest Danner boots.

Danner

We've reviewed plenty of models from Danner in the past and been very impressed with models like the Jag 2 and Mountain 600, but have been left wanting more from recent releases like the N45 hiking shoes.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

Want to minimize discomfort on the trails? Outdoors brand Berghaus claims to have a solution for women whose bodies change during their menstrual cycle: it's called ZonalAdapt technology. After two years in the making, it's available now in the new Farren leggings and trousers.

Berhaus says its design process included scientific research, anatomic consultations, and thorough testing with over 100 women, who wore prototypes to hike in, giving honest feedback about bloating, gut issues, back pain and other areas of discomfort.

A further quantitative study found that over 50% of women avoid wearing their favorite clothing at certain times due to bloating, and many more feel restricted in leggings "when their bodies fluctuate".

ZonalAdapt is Berghaus' attempt to remedy some of these issues. The new Farren leggings and trousers aim to support rather than restrict women's bodies, with responsive waistbands, targeted compression zones, and lumbar support back panels to cushion your spine without pressuring your stomach.

“Every decision we made can be traced back to real conversations with real people, through hours spent together," explains product innovation lead, Rosie O'Sullivan.

"We tried to get under the skin of people's frustrations: what makes them feel less confident, more self-conscious and impacts their likelihood to get outside and enjoy it. By starting there, we had a greater chance of creating something meaningful.”

The new Farren clothes are made from Berghaus' Lycra Adaptiv fiber, a combination of 78% polyamide and 22% elastane, designed to stretch with your body as you move on the trails.

Senior product developer Sarah Nyikos says: “We’ve championed female empowerment every step of the way and felt it ourselves, creating solutions that work in the real world, not just on paper.”

These solutions don't come cheap. The Farren leggings will set you back £100, while the Farren trousers cost £135 on the Berghaus website.

Regardless of their apparently unique qualities, it's fair to describe these models as pricey. Top-notch leggings from brands such as Inov-8 and Adidas are typically available for less online, and some of the best hiking pants come in at under that price, too.

• The best hiking technology: great gadgets you need in the great outdoors
• The best women's running leggings: for getting out in the colder months

A UTMB trail running champion has been suspended from competition for two years and had her titles revoked for doping.

Joyline Chepngeno, 27, tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a banned corticosteroid substance used to reduce inflammation, after she won the Sierre-Zinal race in Switzerland.

At the end of August, Chepngeno made history as the first Kenyan to win the 31 mile (50km) OCC race at UTMB Mont Blanc.

But her UTMB title and the Sierre-Zinal gold Chepngeno she won earlier in the month have both now been stripped from her. China's Miao Yao is now recognised as the UTMB champion, and fellow Kenyan Caroline Kimutai has been upgraded to the Sierre-Zinal winner.

The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed its decision in a statement posted to social media. It reads: "The AIU has banned Joyline Chepngeno (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Triamcinolone acetonide) for 2 years from 8 September 2025."

The AIU has stated that Chepngeno has accepted the decision and will serve her ban until September 8, 2027.

Chepngeno has also been dropped by her sponsor, Salomon, with immediate effect.

"These measures reflect our dedication to acting responsibly and maintaining trust with our athletes," reads a statement the company posted to social media.

"To all those impacted, competitors who race with integrity, organizers dedicated to the credibility of their events, athletes of our Salomon Pro Running Team roster aligned with our unwavering commitment on sporting rules, and the fans of the trail running communities who, like us, believe as much as we do in the spirit of the sport.

"We share our disappointment and reaffirm our commitment to defend the integrity and fair competition above all."

Advnture has reached out to Joyline Chepngeno for comment.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Need a little extra help while you're hiking? Taking on challenging trails could be about to get a lot easier, as outdoor tech brand Hypershell has announced its latest 'ground-breaking' exoskeleton.

The new Hypershell X Ultra straps onto your waist and thighs to provide an extra boost while you're walking or climbing. It uses a combination of AI technology and super-smart robotics to ease the burden on your legs, reducing your heart rate, oxygen consumption, and overall exertion on the trails.

The Chinese brand already has several exoskeleton models on the market, but claims the X Ultra is its best yet.

“We are at a new frontier where technology serves to deepen our connection with the world, not distance us from it,” explains a statement from CEO Kelvin Sun.

“Our goal with Hypershell X Ultra is to remove physical barriers and give people the confidence to say ‘yes’ to that mountain peak, or that extra mile. It’s all about enabling personal achievement and ensuring the joy of adventure is open to everyone, regardless of their natural endurance."

The device will become available to the public on September 15 and will cost $1,999 (£1,599) direct from the Hypershell website, although this is an 'early bird' price.

The X Ultra is powered by the Hypershell's AI MotionEngine Ultra, and features more than a dozen sensors, which monitor your movements and aim to deliver support exactly where it's needed.

Hypershell claims that this translates to an astounding 39% decrease in physical exertion while cycling and a 20% reduction on tough hiking trails.

Its power and various modes can be adjusted on the Hypershell app. Different modes include Descent Assist for greater knee protection when you head downhill and Running+ to help you sprint.

The device, which weighs 3.9lb (1.8kg), comes with two batteries that each last up to 42,000 steps per charge and are designed to continue working in heavy rain and chilly temperatures.

• The best hiking technology: great gadgets you need in the great outdoors
• The best hiking socks: keep your feet comfy all year round

A British endurance athlete has made history by becoming the first person to swim around Iceland's entire coastline.

Ross Edgley, 39, began the mammoth journey in May and has covered more than 1,000 miles (1,610km) in the months since, encountering violent storms, unpredictable currents, and chilly temperatures.

On Monday, September 8, he arrived on Nautholsvik Beach in Reykjavik to jubilation from friends, family, and support staff gathered at the scene.

“This has been the toughest and most ambitious challenge I have attempted yet,” said Edgley, who previously swam all the way around mainland Britain, and holds the record for the world's longest non-stop river swim, covering 317 miles (510km) down Canada’s Yukon River in 2024.

“Iceland provided an incredible opportunity to test my physical and mental limits - the country has provided some insane experiences I will never forget," he added.

Edgley and team used a 68ft (21m) expedition yacht as a floating base throughout the journey. On board, Ross was fed, hydrated, and given medical attention to deal with the various injuries he sustained in the water.

He also partnered with local scientists and researchers to monitor the impact of climate change in the North Atlantic and collected more than 100 eDNA microplastic samples, which will be used for further research on land.

"We wanted to help scientists understand how these waters are changing," he continued.

"Swimming day in and day out gave us a completely unique perspective on the ocean, and it was a privilege to support real-time research that could aid in future conservation efforts."

Want to watch Ross's latest challenge for yourself? He was filmed throughout by a crew from the UK's Channel 4, who will be turning his mammoth effort into three one-hour documentaries, due to air later this year.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Love trail running? The latest documentary from British outdoors brand Rab is here, and it's not one to miss.

Set in Japan's spectacular Northern Alps, 'In the footsteps of Banryu' follows a team of expert trail runners retracing the routes established by the 18th-century monk known as 'the father of Japanese alpinism'.

British film-maker and trail running enthusiast Jake Baggaley leads the 37 mile (60km) journey over the sharp ridgelines and cliffside paths of the Kamikochi, Yarigatake, and Hotaka Circuit routes, which culminates in a record time attempt of Mount Yake-dake, an active volcano.

Jake's joined on his journey by a combination of trail runners, mountain guides, and filmmakers, to follow the routes established by Banryu.

"Ever since my first visit to Japan, nearly a decade ago, I've been captivated by these mountains," explains Jake in the documentary.

"The tales of the infamous Daikiretto ridge and Mount Yari, first climbed by the monk Banryu from Kamikochi, have captured my imagination. They're the origin stories of alpinism in Japan, and the idea of following in Banryu’s footsteps is what's inspired this adventure."

The father of Japanese alpinism

Banryu Shonin was an 18th-century monk and pioneering Japanese alpinist, well-known for his historic ascents in Japan's Northern Alps.

In 1828, he became the first person to successfully climb Mount Yargatei, a 10,433ft (3,180m) peak in the southern part of the mountains, home to plenty of exposed ridges and steep scrambling sections.

Banryu returned to climb the mountain on multiple occasions after his initial ascent and attached ropes and iron chains to challenging sections, so others could follow in his footsteps.

"Mount Yarigatake, towering over Kamikochi, was first climbed by the ascetic priest Banryu," explains the documentary.

"He is known as a pioneering mountaineer and lived and trained in a cave deep in the mountains. Banryu is called the father of Japanese alpinism."

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Authorities in the Catskills mountains responded to a unique call-out late last month, when four hikers became intoxicated after taking hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Local rangers and firefighters in the Slide Mountain Wilderness came to the rescue after the hikers misplaced possessions and complained of a "debilitating high."

"The original caller admitted the group had consumed psilocybin mushrooms and one of them was experiencing a debilitating high," reads a statement from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers.

The hikers were quickly located and escorted "to the trailhead where they were evaluated by Shandaken Ambulance," before they were taken back to their lodgings by authorities.

Psychedelic mushrooms on the trails

Psilocybin mushrooms are otherwise known as magic mushrooms or 'shrooms, and found in wilderness areas throughout the US. They're especially common in mountainous areas due to the varied terrain and diverse habitats of high-altitude environments.

Because of their regularity in the wilderness, incidents with hikers are more common than you might expect. In May, authorities in New York's Adirondack Mountains were left bewildered after two hikers reported the death of a surviving companion while high on magic mushrooms.

Nearby rangers found them in "an altered mental state," with their reportedly dead friend actually alive and well.

Despite their occasionally comical nature, hallucinogens present several dangers if taken on the trails.

In 2022, a 25-year-old trekker drowned near Washington's Wallace Falls after allegedly eating mushrooms. Multiple varieties of mushrooms can also be deadly if ingested.

Psilocybin and psilocin mushrooms are illegal for recreational use in New York and most other US states. They're legal for therapeutic use in Oregon and for personal use in Colorado.

• The best hiking shirts: choose one of these great-fitting active tops with bags of technical clout
• The best hiking socks: keep your feet comfy all year round

Authorities in British Columbia, Canada, say they have now found the bodies of all three hikers who fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in the East Kootenays.

After a week of intensive searching, rescuers from Kimberley RCMP uncovered the third body, of a 35-year-old man, who had already been presumed dead.

Authorities were originally alerted to the incident on September 1, when they received an SOS signal from a GPS device. A swift search and rescue mission promptly followed, and rescuers soon discovered the body of a 68-year-old woman halfway down the falls.

Days later, with the help of drones, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters, they found the body of a 35-year-old female hiker and then confirmed that all three had likely perished.

Local police confirmed the final discovery and thanked rescuers for their efforts in a statement.

It reads: “Their efforts and skill have been appreciated by visiting members of the deceased family."

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Hiking around waterfalls can be treacherous. Check out our expert guide for some thorough safety tips.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Could your next smartwatch be an Amazfit? The Chinese watch brand has unveiled its latest high-tech wearable, and it's got loads of new features to get excited about.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro watch is the latest in Amazfit's T-Rex range of watches designed for sports enthusiasts who want to track their performance in immense detail. It comes with plenty of health trackers, advanced mapping, and an impressive battery life, and will set you back a lot less than a top-of-the-range Garmin.

The T-Rex 3 Pro comes in two sizes, 48mm and 44mm. The former features a 1.5in AMOLED display while the latter has a 1.32in display. Both are protected by sturdy sapphire glass and tough titanium bezels.

Price

At $399.99 (£399.90), the Amazfit T-Rex Pro is comparable to upper mid-range sports watches like the Garmin Forerunner 965 and older models like the Fenix 7.

It will set you back a lot less than the latest top-end Garmin models, but costs noticeably more than the previous T-Rex 3, which comes in at $279.99 (£279).

Sports and fitness features

The T-Rex 3 Pro was designed with athletes, particularly runners, in mind, and features more than 180 different sports modes to help you train. The sports included range from trail running to watersports, and there are even specialist HYDROX modes.

While you work out, the T-Rex 3 Pro tracks your well-being with an extensive array of health monitors that keep tabs on everything from your heart rate to breathing. Afterwards, the watch monitors your recovery and updates its Bioscore Energy fatigue indicator, which is meant to inform when you can hit the trails next.

GPS and mapping

The T-Rex 3 Pro features tens of thousands of detailed topographic maps, which you can access for free and check on while you work out. You can also pinpoint key locations and generate new routes in a few simple steps.

Once you're on the trails, it uses a circular polarization antenna to receive accurate GPS signals and track your position with precision.

Battery life

Perhaps the most impressive thing about the T-Rex 3 Pro is its extensive battery life. This brand-new watch can last for up to three weeks on a single charge, depending on what you're using it for.

With GPS and always-on display modes on, your battery will deplete a lot faster, but it can still survive for a while. The 48mm watch lasts for up to 19 hours, while the smaller 44m watch boasts 13 hours of battery life.

• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track

Frustrated open water swimmers are calling on the British government to take immediate action to address the ongoing sewage crisis in British waters, after completing a 124 mile relay along the River Thames.

Athletes supported by the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigning charity set off from Gloucestershire in England on Monday, September 1, and swam, relay-style, to Teddington Lock, which they reached on Thursday, September 4. Participants then travelled, by boat, to the heart of Government in Westminster, where they urged lawmakers to take immediate action to protect Britain's rivers, lakes, and seas.

The stunt was part of a greater campaign of public pressure from the charity, which is up in arms about government inaction over what they describe as a "national scandal".

"This isn’t just dirty water. It’s a national scandal. Water companies are prioritising profit over their duty to protect people and planet," SAS said in a statement.

"Right now, government is reviewing the very regulations meant to protect our waters. But the proposals on the table fall massively short - and could even weaken protections.

"Our message is clear: tinkering around the edges won’t cut it. To end the sewage scandal, we need reform - a water system that works for people and planet, not profit and power."

During the swim, participants braved challenging swimming conditions and were even forced out of the water at some points.

The SAS said the relay team were "swimming through darkness, battling exhaustion, pushing through aching muscles and the inevitable dodgy stomachs that come with swimming in filthy water."

"Along the route at Slough, Henley and Marlow, the swimmers were forced to halt as we spotted CSOs [combined sewer overflows] spewing raw sewage on our live map."

Water pollution in Britain

Dangerous levels of pollution have become commonplace in Britain's rivers, lakes, and seas, prompting national outrage and widespread concern from the open water swimmers who frequent them.

Along with the excessive use of fertilizer and pesticides, waterways are heavily polluted by the billions of gallons of untreated sewage released by water management companies each year.

Pollution in the Thames is particularly bad. In June 2024, at least 35 competitors experienced sickness after swimming in the Berkshire stretch of the river as part of the Royal Windsor Triathlon.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Garmin's latest high-tech smartwatch is here, with loads of new features and functions to help you hit the trails and explore the wilderness with confidence.

The Fenix 8 Pro is an upgraded version of the super-smart Fenix 8, which launched in 2024 and combined a tough, rugged design with state-of-the-art GPS and sports features.

The Pro adds to all the bells and whistles of its predecessor with several new features, including ground breaking access to Garmin's InReach tech, designed to help you stay connected anywhere that normal phone signals can't reach.

Design-wise, it's pretty similar to Fenix 8, featuring a sapphire crystal lens, encased in a titanium bezel and fiber-reinforced polymer case with a titanium rear cover.

It's also got the same wide array of health and fitness trackers, designed to monitor your progress and help you improve your performance in the wilderness.

Price

The Fenix 8 Pro looks to be one of Garmin's most impressive models, but it will also likely be one of its most expensive. The costly MicroLED version costs $1,999.99 (£1,729.99), while the AMOLED version costs $1,199.99 (£1,119.99).

In comparison, the standard Fenix 8, which remains one of Garmin's flagship models, remains priced at $1,099.99 (£899.99).

GPS and InReach technology

The Fenix 8 Pro is Garmin's first watch to use InReach technology for satellite and LTE connectivity. This tech is usually used in Garmin's handheld GPS devices, and allows you to stay connected regardless of your whereabouts in the wilderness.

With an active InReach subscription, you can send and receive messages from remote, off-grid locations and make calls without needing to connect to your phone. LiveTrack location sharing is also handy, allowing loved ones to monitor your progress as you negotiate wild trails.

In an emergency, you can trigger an SOS alert. This signal will be received by Garmin's 24/7 international coordination center, which will pass your information on to local search and rescue agencies.

Navigation has also been improved with the introduction of Garmin's TopoActive maps feature. These maps paint a detailed picture of your route and pinpoint potential points of interest, like upcoming summits and viewpoints.

MicroLED display

The Fenix 8 Pro is the first Garmin device to feature a brand new MicroLED touchscreen display.

It's comprised of 400,000 LED lights, which create a "revolutionary display that produces rich colors and high pixel densities with wide viewing angles and superior readability - even in direct sunlight," according to Garmin.

This display is only available in the large 51mm size. If you've got smaller wrists or prefer a standard AMOLED display, the Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED version is available in both 47mm and 51mm sizes.

Battery life

Despite several new features, the Fenix 8 Pro has suffered slightly in the battery department.

The MicroLED version can survive for up to 10 days in smartwatch mode and 14 days in battery saver watch mode, while the AMOLED Fenix 8 Pro boasts up to 27 days in smartwatch mode and 34 days in battery saver mode.

In comparison, the standard Fenix 8 can keep on kicking for up to 29 days in smartwatch mode and 41 days in battery saver mode.

• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
• The best GPS watches: smart timepieces to keep every adventure on track

Hikers and climbers have two new options to help them head into the wilderness with confidence, as Garmin has released a duo of super smart handheld GPS devices.

The new GPSMAP H1 and GPSMAP H1i Plus utilize Garmin's GPS technology to track your whereabouts and keep you in touch with the outside world when you lose signal.

Both devices feature 3.5-inch color touchscreen displays and physical buttons, which you can use to access preloaded topographic maps and satellite imagery and track your progress as you hike.

They both boast up to 145 hours of battery life in GPS mode and come with an array of high-tech safety features to keep you safe in the wilderness. Livetrack sharing, for example, allows you to share your location with loved ones back at home, while a live weather feature provides up-to-date information and warnings about local weather conditions.

If you're in danger, you can trigger an SOS alert. This signal will be received by Garmin's 24/7 international coordination center, which will pass your information on to local search and rescue agencies.

The H1i Plus is the premium device and comes with a few more bells and whistles to streamline your outdoor experience.

With an active InReach subscription, you can share photos, voice messages, and texts regardless of your position in the wilderness. There are built-in front and back cameras so you can snap a selfie or a landscape shot, and your device will also respond to voice commands.

"When your journey takes you off the grid, the new GPSMAP H1i Plus lets you connect with loved ones through a photo, a text message or a voice memo where mobile phones do not work," says Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales & Marketing, Susan Lyman.

"Now, you can share your adventures in real-time, sending photos when you’re at the mountain summit or communicate with friends and family from the trail."

Although they're impressive, these extra features will cost a pretty penny. The GPSMAP H1i Plus will set you back $999.99 (£849.99) while the standard H1 is priced at $699.99 (£549.99).

These devices are the latest in Garmin's range of handheld GPS devices. We've tested and been very impressed with previous models, including the InReach Mini 2, which received a rare five-star rating in our review.

• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course
• The best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb

Rescuers from Kimberley RCMP in British Columbia have discovered a second body after three hikers fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in the East Kootenays.

Authorities caught wind of the incident on September 1, when they received an SOS signal from a GPS device. A swift search and rescue mission promptly followed, and rescuers soon discovered the body of a 68-year-old woman halfway down the falls.

Their rescue efforts continued over the next few days and included the use of a drone, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters.

On September 3, officials confirmed that they had located a deceased 35-year-old female hiker and began work to retrieve her body. A male hiker, also 35, remains missing.

"The second hiker of three has been located deceased after the group apparently fell while hiking Meachen Creek Falls," confirms a statement from Kimberley RCMP.

"A 35-year-old man remains missing; however, he is presumed dead and efforts continue in order to locate and recover him. The investigation is ongoing although none of the deaths are believed to be suspicious."

Hiking around waterfalls can be extremely dangerous. Check out our expert guide for some thorough safety tips.

• The best water shoes: gear up for wild aqua adventures
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

A record number of runners from the group Black Trail Runners competed in this year’s UTMB finals as a result of the UK-based organization’s work to improve diversity and inclusion in trail running.

Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, co-founder of BTR, says the idea for drawing more black runners to the iconic trail race in Chamonix-Mont Blanc came to her six years ago when she was competing in the Gran Trail 50k Courmayeur and didn’t see any other women of color at the starting line.

“I looked around, and I thought to myself, ‘Wouldn't it be great to be here with other women of black heritage doing different races?’ Wouldn't that be amazing? Because at that time I was the only person I saw.’”

While the UTMB doesn’t gather ethnicity data on participants, research by BTR suggests fewer than one percent of entrants in UK trail races are black.

In 2020, Pace-Humphreys launched BTR with fellow trustees Sonny Peart and Phil Young, a registered charity that promotes the inclusion and representation of people of black heritage in trail running. This year, she herself competed in the UTMB finals, a 100-mile lap around Mont Blanc, for the first time, while six of her female peers and one male runner participated in other races in the week-long series.

“I’m so proud of everything we did and bringing more ethnically diverse people into the trail running world – that bigger societal, systemic change that ultimately is what I’m all about,” says the 47-year-old from Stroud, who has already raced in the UTMB Snowdonia and Arc of Attrition ultra marathons this year.

"Keep going until the race spits you out"

The brutally wet and freezing conditions during this year’s race, however, slowed the runners down during the first half and caused a last-minute safety diversion, which Pace-Humphreys says challenged every runner from the elites to back-of-the-packers.

“It put me into a massive energy black hole that I struggled for 50 miles to catch up.”

The runner missed the cutoff time for the Le Chapieux checkpoint at the 80-mile mark and was forced to abandon her effort.

“I really wanted to close the loop. I’m a type A personality, and I was never going to pull myself out. It was always going to be, keep going until the race spits you out.”

"There was more support around"

Despite her DNF disappointment, the grandmother of three says this year on the course felt different to her 2019 experience, which found her clinging to the side of a cliff after falling in icy conditions as white runners passed her by without offering to help.

“It still felt quite lonely," says Pace-Humphreys, who explains that the cutoff times mean runners are sprinting through aid stations, stopping only to eat and fill their water bottles, which doesn't leave room for camaraderie.

"But I felt that if something had happened where I needed help, there was more support around.”

“I was hallucinating from La Fouly to Champex-Lac, and in order to regroup myself, I stopped. There was a runner behind me, and he stopped too and asked if I was okay, and that was really beautiful.”

“It didn’t feel like pressure"

Pace-Humphreys says the strong presence of BTR in events in the lead-up to the race, and the successes of her peers, is also helping her cope with what’s known as “the ultra blues.”

“I’m very, very grateful to be able to experience the joy of being around other trail runners who absolutely did everything that they wanted to do.”

Those peers include Simbarashe Mugomba, who completed the 100-mile finals, and Juliette Denny and Serena Broadway, who both competed in the 100k CCC race.

Broadway, fresh off running the 300k Northern Traverse across the north of England, tells us that despite slippery conditions underfoot that slowed her pace, this experience was entirely different from her 2022 OCC race at UTMB, where she says she felt isolated.

“It didn’t feel like pressure, I just felt how lucky I am to be there with this group representing diversity on the trails.”

Rebecca Devereux was the sole member of BTR competing in the 50k OCC race, which was rerouted due to thunderstorms. A vet by profession, Devereaux enjoyed a podium finish earlier this year at the gruelling Montane Winter Spine 50k.

Grace Natoli, Angela Tomusange and Nethliee Smith all competed for BTR in the challenging ETC race, which takes runners up nearly 4,000 ft (1,200m) of vertical gain in just nine miles (15k).

“We did everything that we set out to do"

Though the presence of BTR at the event signals a move in the right direction for runners of color, Pace-Humphreys says she still didn’t see any black women around her at the starting line, and there’s still work to be done.

“It’s on us as changemakers to continue to try and get support to do the work and bring people from our communities,” she says of continuing to put pressure on UTMB organizers to improve diversity at the event.

“We’re the ones doing it. UTMB aren’t doing it. They are relying, in a sense, on the work that they do not support from a resourcing point of view, on us to do it.”

Pace-Humphreys says she’s received an “overwhelming” number of messages from followers in the past week who have been inspired by the BTR showing and now want to try trail running and experience the event.

“We did everything that we set out to do. You’re going to see a massive increase in members of Black Trail Runners at the UTMB next year, because in the end, the mountains don’t discriminate; it’s the system.”

While she’s not sure if she’ll return next year to compete, Pace-Humphreys says she will “absolutely” return at some point to finish the 100-mile loop. Stay tuned.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

A damage report has revealed the devastating impact of a violent wildfire, which decimated large sections of the Grand Canyon National Park over the past couple of months.

The Dragon Bravo wildfire began on July 4 after a lightning strike, and spread rapidly thanks to high winds and scorching temperatures inside the canyon. As of today, it has burned over 140,000 acres of Arizona wilderness and is 80% contained, with hundreds of firefighters still battling the blaze.

The latest assessment from the Department of the Interior’s Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team states that nearly half of the structures in the park's North Rim section have been severely damaged or destroyed by the blaze.

A total of 106 affected structures include the historic Grand Canyon lodge, the visitor centre, and a vital wastewater treatment plant. Roughly 1,000ft (305m) of the area's 3,300ft (1,006m) water pipeline also sustained serious damage.

Ed Keable, superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, described the assessment as the "first step towards recovery on the North Rim of Grand Canyon."

"By evaluating risks and identifying treatments now, we are laying the foundation for long-term landscape resilience. This careful, science-based work is essential to ensuring that areas can reopen safely.”

The North Rim, which is usually popular with hikers, will remain closed for the rest of the season, along with multiple inner canyon corridors and campgrounds. Trails affected include the North Kaibab Trail, South Kaibab Trail, Phantom Ranch, and Bright Angel Trail (below Havasupai Gardens).

A social media post from the National Park Service expands: "With assessments complete, the park and interagency partners are now shifting to stabilization, mitigation, and long-term recovery efforts. Protecting human health and safety remains the top priority."

• The best hiking shirts: choose one of these great-fitting active tops with bags of technical clout
• The best base layers: the foundation of your hiking garb

One hiker has died, and two others remain missing after they fell from the Meachen Creek Falls in Canada's East Kootenays over the weekend.

Authorities from the nearby Kimberley Search and Rescue were notified of the incident by an SOS signal from a GPS device, and quickly began a search operation.

The organization dispatched a drone, police dogs, and two Big Horn helicopters to find the hikers. Only one has been confirmed dead thus far.

Waterfall safety

A scenic waterfall is almost guaranteed to be the highlight of any hike, but falls can also be dangerous and cause multiple deaths every year.

Check out some of our top safety tips if you're planning a hiking trip to or via a waterfall.

• Wear the right shoes - Wet surfaces near waterfalls can become slippery and dangerous, especially if you're wearing the wrong footwear. Wear a proper pair of hiking shoes or boots to get the most grip possible. Wear water shoes to help avoid nasty slips if you're planning to swim.
• Check the weather - Poor weather conditions can increase danger. Check the forecast before your hike and look out for heavy rain or ice. Shaded areas can be particularly precarious as they maintain ice for longer.
• Research the falls - Jumping into a waterfall that you don't know much about can be very dangerous. Research the falls you're visiting to understand their depth, what lies beneath the surface, and whether you're ok to swim. Avoid swimming above waterfalls where you could get swept over the edge.
• Stick to established routes - Off-trail and restricted areas are off-limits for good reason. Stick to established trails and use viewing platforms to get a good look at the falls.
• Take a friend - Hiking is always safer with a friend or in a group, who can provide assistance in an emergency and call for specialist help if needed.

For more waterfall safety advice, check out our expert guide.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Open water swimmers have been told to stay out of one of the nation's most popular lakes to avoid increasingly dangerous conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has urged swimmers to stay out of Lake Michigan until at least September 5 due to strong currents and high waves, which present a danger to human life.

"Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions and do not venture out on piers. Please check with your local authorities on potential beach closures," reads an NWS Grand Rapids statement.

"Strong currents can pull swimmers into deeper water, and high waves can sweep people off piers."

The warning comes after a deadly few months for open water swimmers in Lake Michigan. At least 32 people have drowned in the 13,237 square-mile (34,280km²) body of water so far this year, far more than in any of the other Great Lakes.

A total of 66 people have drowned in the Great Lakes so far in 2025, with over 1,400 perishing in the water since 2010.

Open water swimming safety

Listening to safety warnings and staying out of the water when prompted is non-negotiable, but in the right conditions, open water swimming can be a fantastic way to get some exercise and spend time in nature.

If you're keen to take a dip in wild waters, look below for some of our expert safety tips.

• Get ready for the conditions - Make sure you're ready to get in the water with proper wild swimming gear. Lakes, rivers, and other open water swimming environments are often colder than open-air and indoor pools, so wear a wetsuit if needed, and be prepared to get out and warm yourself up in something insulating like a dry robe.
• Wade in slowly - Jumping or diving into open waters can disturb wildlife and put you in danger, as you might not know where the bottom is, or what's lying underneath the surface. Wade in carefully to avoid an incident.
• Take a mate - Prepare for the worst-case scenario by bringing a friend who can help you out or call for emergency assistance if required.
• Check water quality - Open water swimming environments can host harmful pollutants like E. coli and toxic infestations like blue green algae. Make sure you're swimming in safe waters and check the water quality using the How's My Waterway map in the US and the Surfers against Sewage map in the UK.
• Keep an eye out for currents - Strong coastal and river currents can knock you off course and carry you into dangerous waters. Make sure you know how to spot one, and if you're caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore until it peters out.

For more on open water swimming safety, check out our expert guide.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Open water swimmers in Shropshire, England, can dive into wild waters with a little more confidence following the introduction of a high-tech app that displays water quality.

The new Shropshire Wild Bathing app seeks to address the ongoing issue of swimmer safety in Britain's waterways using underwater sensors that measure daily pollution levels and provide up-to-date readings.

The sensors have been installed in popular Shropshire sections of the River Severn, which runs through Wales and West England.

The app was created by the River Severn Partnership, which includes officials from the Shropshire council and the Environment Agency. They hope that it can increase awareness of the issues surrounding British waters and improve knowledge of when it's safe to swim in them.

Environment Agency water specialist Tom Coekin explained how the complex sensors work. He told the BBC: "It takes a reading every day, and then about once a week someone will come along and recharge them."

"All that information uses telemetry to come through to the application itself and online so that members of the public can read it."

Water pollution in the UK

Water pollution has become a hot-button issue in the UK. High levels of harmful bacteria and chemicals in British and Northern Irish rivers, lakes, and seas have forced open water swimmers and other water-based athletes to reconsider their activities and think twice before taking a dip.

Waterways are heavily polluted by the excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, and the billions of gallons of untreated sewage released by water management companies each year.

The crisis has been especially hard on open water swimmers and other water-based athletes like rowers.

Last year, several rowers in the historic Oxford-Cambridge boat race fell ill after high levels of E. coli were detected in the River Thames. At least 35 competitors also experienced sickness after swimming in the Berkshire stretch of the river as part of the Royal Windsor Triathlon in June.

The organization behind the historic Henley Swim open water race has been forced to close its doors following a huge drop in participation as fears about pollution continue to spread.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

An elderly Japanese hiker has become the oldest known person to scale Mount Fuji, at the age of 102.

Kokichi Akuzawa climbed the 12,388ft (3,776m) mountain over three days with the help of several climbing partners, including his 70-year-old daughter and members of the Gunma Mountaineering Club, where Akuzawa is the honorary chairman.

The experienced climber, who last scaled Fuji at 96, took the popular Yoshida route to the summit and broke up the journey by staying in mountain huts along the way.

On his third day of trekking, Akuzawa made the final push and reached Fuji's summit, where he was awarded a Guinness World Record certificate for his achievement.

He told the organization: "It was tough, and it felt a lot different to the last time I climbed it. I'm amazed that I made it to the top. I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. I'm feeling pleased now."

Despite his success, Akuzawa was eager to rule out a repeat climb in the near future.

“Never again. If you ask me next year, maybe you’ll get a different answer, but for now, I’m happy with that climb.”

Akuzawa trained for his adventure by taking an hour-long walk each morning and climbing a smaller mountain once a week in preparation.

In the past year, he's survived a fall, shingles, and an incident of heart failure.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best hiking shorts: cool, comfy legs mean more miles on the trails

An 85-year-old hiker has died after being trampled by cows in the Austrian Alps.

The unnamed man and his wife were charged at by an aggressive herd on Sunday, August 31, while they walked their dog in the Ramsau am Dachstein area of Austria's Styria province.

Local police spokesman Markus Lamb told AFP: "A retired couple from Vienna and their dog were walking just below the so-called Austria hut when a herd of nine cows, including three calves, charged and severely injured them."

Nearby hikers and refuge workers witnessed the attack, alerted emergency services, and administered first aid to the couple, who were taken to a hospital in Salzburg. The man died of his injuries before he could undergo surgery.

Cow safety

Depending on where you're trekking, cows might not be high on your list of worries, but they might be a little more dangerous than you expect.

Believe it or not, cows are the deadliest animals in the UK, killing upwards of 70 people in the past 15 years. They're equally dangerous across the Atlantic, accounting for roughly 22 deaths each year in the US.

Cows are generally peaceful animals, but there are a few things to keep in mind when passing by them, so prepare in advance with some of our top safety tips

• Reroute when necessary - Look around before you enter a cow field and take a different route if you see calves or a bull. Like most animals, cows are extremely protective of their young, and bulls, identified by their humped shoulders and muscular necks, are notoriously ill-tempered. Cows are also known to take a keen interest in pregnant women, so they're best avoided altogether if you're expecting.
• Alert the cows to your presence - Cows can become aggressive if surprised, so make plenty of noise when they're in your way.
• Walk quickly and avoid eye contact - Avoid antagonizing cows by passing them at speed and allowing them plenty of room.
• Keep dogs on a short lead - Excitable furry friends can wind up cattle, so keep yours on a short lead and keep it from barking if possible.
• Don't panic - Keep calm if cows move towards you. Continue walking at a steady pace towards your exit and give them a gentle shove if they come within touching distance.
• Don't run - If cows become aggressive, running will only spur them on. Instead, make yourself as big as possible, wave your arms, and yell the expletive of your choice to avoid getting trampled.

For a detailed safety breakdown, check out our expert guide to cattle safety.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days

A former rugby star, who was told he would never walk again after breaking his neck, has become the first person to scale a previously unsummitted peak in Krgyzstan's Tian Shan mountain range.

Ed Jackson, 36, sustained the life-changing injury in 2017 when he dove into the shallow end of a swimming pool and has lived with various physical and neurological disabilities ever since.

On Friday, August 21, he returned home from a month-long expedition to the remote Tien Shan mountains, where he became the first person to reach the unexplored summit of a peak he's dubbed 'Hope Mountain'.

The challenge, which has raised £6,000 ($8,000) for his Millimeters to Mountains (M2M) foundation and various children's organizations, is the culmination of years of hard work. Jackson and his wife Lois launched M2M a year after his injury to help facilitate outdoor adventures for people facing adversity.

"There was a lot of meaning behind reaching the summit, other than just ticking a box to stand on top of it," Jackson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"Whatever your limitations are, you can get out and do extraordinary things."

Jackson and his team overcame plenty of tricky terrain and challenging conditions during the ascent, negotiating icy glacial slopes, uneven valleys, and steep, elevated ridges. The former England and Wales player says the help he received from locals was one of the highlights of the adventure.

"One of the most amazing things was connecting with the local shepherds and the nomads in the mountain," says Jackson.

"They became invaluable for us to be able to get our kit into different locations, they were lending us their horses or coming with us."

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best women’s climbing shoes: for indoor climbing sessions, valley cragging and all-day mountain adventures

Search and rescue officials in Wyoming have recovered the body of a missing hiker who disappeared in the Bighorn Mountains at the end of July, almost a week after ending their initial search efforts.

The body of Grant Gardner was discovered after a professional climbing team from North Carolina noticed a backpack underneath a nearby ledge in the Cloud Peak wilderness area on August 26.

Search and rescue personnel travelled to the scene and found Gardner's body near the site on arrival.

A statement from the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office reads: "Grant Gardner’s remains were located near the backpack. Gardner was wearing clothing that very closely matched the terrain he was climbing in."

"A difficult/dangerous recovery was conducted, and Grant Gardner is being brought home to his family."

Gardner was last seen at the end of July, before embarking on a three-day hike in the Big Horn National Forest. Alarm bells were raised on August 1, when he failed to return from his trek in the Misty Moon Lake area, where he planned to scale the 13,171ft (4,015m) Cloud Peak.

He was last heard from on July 29, when he contacted his wife to confirm that he had summited the mountain. After 20 days, rescuers ceased their search efforts, which included the use of helicopters, planes, ground teams, and dogs.

"In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner," Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in a statement on August 21.

The search was hampered by strong winds, lightning, thunder, and tricky underfoot terrain in the mountains.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best hiking backpacks: from the lightest daypacks to sturdy alpine haulers

A 73-year-old hiker has died in Montana's Glacier National Park after falling from one of its most popular routes.

Diane Bunker of Muscatine, Iowa, was hiking the famous Highline Trail on Friday, August 29, when she tripped and fell roughly 450ft (137m). Search and rescue officials rushed to her location and found Bunker dead at the scene with sustained traumatic injuries.

Glacier National Park officials confirmed the incident in a news release obtained by the Daily Montanan.

It reads: "While hiking with a large group, Bunker tripped and fell off the edge of the trail, out of sight from her hiking party."

"Two Bear Air was dispatched to search for the fallen hiker. Two Bear Air located and recovered her below the trail."

The stunning but potentially dangerous Highline Trail is one of Glacier's most popular routes, guiding trekkers through 14.9 miles (24km) of Wyoming wilderness and gaining 2,621ft (798.9m) in elevation.

The route offers breathtaking views of Glacier National Park, but can also be dangerous, featuring a narrow, exposed cliffside section, with steep drops and a tricky cable handrail.

"The trail can be 3 - 5 feet wide in places, with a large drop-off on one side of the trail," explains the National Park Service website, which says there is a hand cable available for about 50 yards of the trail.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best hiking hats: cozy beanies for mountains and sun hats for warmer days

This year's CCC race at the UTMB finals had one of the most competitive starting lineups of the week, with some elite runners choosing the shorter 100k distance over the 100-mile finals in order to be fresh for the World Championships in Spain next month. That meant the elite field was possibly even deeper than usual, but in the end, it was two Hoka-sponsored athletes who secured the top spots.

The forecast was for heavy rain during the race, which takes runners from Courmayeur, Italy, to Chamonix in France via Champex-Lac, Switzerland. However, while the 100-mile and OCC races suffered from stormy conditions, the CCC runners ended up experiencing some of the best weather of the week, and the skies were mostly clear for Friday's race, which dealt some of the fastest times ever.

• OCC 2025 results
• UTMB women's results
• UTMB men's results

Franceso Puppi's streak continues

In the men's race, Francesco Puppi's winning streak continued, with the Italian taking his place at the front from the word go. After winning this year's Canyons by UTMB 100k, Puppi was a favorite to win along with Eli Hemming (US), who had moved up in distance after winning last year's OCC. The pair quickly moved to the front of the race as the runners left Courmayeur, forming a big pack of more than a dozen runners that included American runners David Sinclair and Drew Holmen.

The group stayed mostly intact through the first half of the race, but at the halfway mark in Champex-Lac, Hemming started to lose time while Puppi moved ahead, alongside Sinclair.

By La Giete, at mile marker 41 (65k), Puppi had secured a five-minute lead over Sinclair, and American Jeshurun Small briefly found himself in third place. Jeshurun soon fell back, however, and the reshuffling continued for the remainder of the race with the exception of Puppi, who broke clear away and stayed out in front all the way back to Chamonix.

Puppi won in 10 hours, six minutes, and two seconds, the second-fastest finish ever behind Petter Engdahl, who set the record of 9:53 in 2022. It was Puppi's second time running the 100k distance.

Sinclair came in second in 10:13:42 and Holmen rounded out the podium arriving just minutes later in 10:16:15. Hemming ultimately just missed out on the top 10, placing 11th overall, while last year's winner Hayden Hawks moved up to the 100-mile race this year, despite an injury that kept him out of Western States, but DNFd after just 31 miles (50k).

Women sprint to the finish

The women's race started out looking like it might fulfill expectations, with the last three defending champions back for another shot at the podium. Last year's winner Toni McCann (South Africa) was near the front from the start, along with Norway's Yngvild Kaspersen (2023 champion), and France's Blandine L’Hirondel, who won in 2022 winner with the course record.

Kaspersen took the lead over the first climb, but soon dropped back due to an ankle injury, which ultimately saw her dropping from the race.

L’Hirondel and McCann stayed at the front and were joined by Poland's Martyna Młynarczyk, who took second in last year's race, and Spain's Anna Tarasova. However, at the 40k mark, McCann suffered a bad fall, which saw her limping into the aid station, clearly distressed. She withdrew from the race at La Giete, leaving Młynarczyk, L’Hirondel, and Tarasova to battle it out.

With only four miles (6km) to the finish, the race became heated, with Nordskar surging past Młynarczyk and L’Hirondel dropping back. In a sprint finish, however, Młynarczyk proved she had the goods, coming into Chamonix in 11 hours, 41 minutes, and 55 seconds. Nordskar arrived less than 20 seconds later and Tarasova came in less than two minutes after her. L’Hirondel settled for fourth place nearly 10 minutes later.

The win automatically enters Młynarczyk in next year's Western States, if she wants to race again and try to redeem herself after this year's DNF.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on teh trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Looking for the write up on the women's podium? Head to this article for all the details.

Stories of elite runners in the UTMB finals can often be divided into two narratives: those who triumphed, and those who DNFd. Yesterday, Courtney Dauwalter managed to write a new version of what success at the iconic race can look like, pulling off a top 10 finish despite a rare bad day on the course.

Dauwalter was back in Chamonix for the first time since 2023, when she won the race for the third time. Last year, her record fell to Katie Schide and ultra running fans were looking forward to seeing her try to settle the score this year.

Dauwalter started out in the lead, bringing up the front in a pack that included Ruth Croft and a rotating cast of other runners such as Abby Hall, Emily Hawgood, Camille Bruyas and Katarzyna Dombrowska. In torrential rain, climbing Notre Dame de la Gorge, she still had her characteristic smile on her face.

She looked more serious as she hunted for water at Lac Combal, but that was no surprise, given that she'd just endured snow, hail and winds at high altitudes. At the Courmayeur aid station, she looked more serious than usual, and soon it was clear the day was not going to plan.

On Saturday morning, we stood around the lake at Champex-Lac waiting for Dauwalter to come through first. Her family gathered nearby. Instead, the first female figure to make her way along the lakeshore was Croft, followed by Bruyas. When Dauwalter appeared a few minutes later, she was moving more stiffly than usual and her smile had been replaced by a grimace.

Over the next seven hours, Croft seemed to get faster, increasing her lead by 20 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour. Bruyas held her steady pace, and Dauwalter was doing more hiking than running by the time she reached Trient.

By 3pm, Croft's win looked all but settled, Bruyas a shoo-in for second, and while Dauwalter held third place for a couple more hours, it became increasingly clear that a podium spot was out of reach.

Many elite athletes would have chosen a DNF in order to preserve their UTMB Index, but Dauwalter instead showed us all what she's really made of by battling it out against the odds. She hiked, she ran, she stopped to pick up young fans and give them a hug.

In the end, Dauwalter finished what she started, crossing the finish line in an impressive tenth place in 25:50:38, grabbing a young fan by the hand and sprinting over the finish line with him.

"It was a really, really tough day out there," says Dauwalter, who says the support of her fans and team is what kept her going.

"I continued because a race this special is worth doing the full loop."

When asked what it was like to race against Dauwalter, this year's winner Croft says: "It was a privilege to get to race against her, finally, she's the GOAT. Always has been, always will be."

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Looking for the results of the women's race? Head to this article for all the details.

Tom Evans has written the ultimate redemption story at this year's UTMB, taking an impressive win after two consecutive DNFs at the race.

The British runner dominated the race from early on despite a storm that challenged the runners with dangerous, wet and freezing conditions overnight, and resulted in a last-minute rerouting of the course to avoid the exposed Pyramides Calcaires section

"It's just the most incredible race and I think we were blessed with very British weather, we had snow, rain, and a bit of heat at the end," says Evans.

For the final hours of the 100-mile race around Mont Blanc, Evans kept company with American Ben Dhiman and fellow Brit Josh Wade, but started to eke out a wider and wider gap between himself and the other two runners, finally coming in at a spectacular 19:18:58, which is nearly 20 minutes faster than Jim Walmsley's 2023 record. However, because the course was altered due to weather, it's not yet clear whether the time counts as a new record.

"It was just a spectacular day when the mountains just threw everything at you, and the mountains will always win, and you just need to look after yourself and see who can get round the fastest," says Evans.

Evans' victory follows wins this year at Arc of Attrition and UTMB Tenerife. He worked with coach Scott Johnson, who also coaches Ruth Croft, the winner of today's women's race.

Redemption all round

Evans took third place at the race in 2022, but this win has not come easily. He DNFd in 2023 after getting lost and disoriented in the dark overnight, and then dropped out overnight again last year due to stomach issues. In 2023, he was mugged and assaulted on a training run for the UTMB Cape Town in South Africa, an experience he says he's been working with a psychologist to overcome.

"I am incredibly proud to have learned from my mistakes and executed a really good race."

Fellow Asics runner Dhiman, who also DNFd at the race in 2023 and 2024, ended up trailing Evans by over half an hour, taking second in 19:51:37. Colorado-based Dhiman has already won both the Lavaredo Ultra Trail and Grand Raid Ventoux this year.

Josh Wade landed third place in 20:05:06. Wade took 11th on the course last year and DNFd the year before, but he's hot off a podium finish at this year's Transgrancanaria and won the UTMB Snowdonia in 2023. The North Face-sponsored runner lives and trains in the UK's rugged Lake District.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Looking for the results of the men's race? Head to this article for all the details.

Ruth Croft has snatched a commanding victory at this year's UTMB in tough conditions after surging ahead with around 25 miles (40k) to go.

The New Zealand runner, who came second in last year's race behind Katie Schide, was always a favorite for a podium spot, but with Courtney Dauwalter in the mix, we thought first place was all but settled when the pair took off from Chamonix on Friday evening in their first-ever face-off. However, the Adidas Terrex athlete's proven skill as an excellent closer allowed her to move into first place by the halfway mark and hold that spot with a comfortable lead for almost seven hours.

The runners battled challenging conditions overnight, including rain, hail, and snow, which caused a last-minute modification to the route to bypass the exposed Pyramides Calcaires section. Undeterred, Croft says she realized she had to be more aggressive from the start this year, and quickly moved into the lead, with Dauwalter just behind her, and this year's Western States winner Abby Hall taking up third position.

By the time the runners reached Notre Dame de la Gorge in torrential rain at the 33k mark, a bigger gap appeared to have opened up between Croft and Dauwalter, though the Colorado-based runner still had a big smile on her face at that point, and Zimbabwe's Emily Hawgood had moved into third place.

Just over five hours into the race, Dauwalter had moved to the front, and Poland's Katarzyna Dombrowska had taken up third place, a position she held onto through the Lac Combal aid station.

At the halfway mark at Courmayeur, Dauwalter was still in the lead, stopping at the aid station just long enough to put in some eyedrops, but she was moving slower than usual and looking more serious than usual. Moments after she left, French runner Camille Bruyas arrived in second place, followed closely by Croft in third, setting up a new formation of front runners that would last for the remainder of the night and into the morning.

A UTMB Triple Crowner

At Champex-Lac, we were expecting Dauwalter to come through first, but Croft caught us off guard by coming along the lakeshore six minutes ahead of Bruyas, while Dauwalter brought up the rear, seeming to be moving stiffly. Croft moved further and further ahead, arriving at the finish line in 22 hours, 56 minutes and 23 seconds,where she was met with a hug from men's winner Tom Evans, with whom she shares coach Scott Johnson.

Croft's win makes her a UTMB Triple Crowner, after she won the CCC in 2015 and the OCC in 2018 and again in 2019, and she celebrated at the finish line with a shot of peanut butter whiskey.

"It's taken 10 years to get to this point," says Croft, who explains that her DNF at this year's Transvulcania race in May due to hypothermia helped her deal with the conditions overnight.

Bruyas, who finished second in last year's Hardrock 100, came along over half an hour later in 23:28:48, and Germany's Katharina Hartmuth passed Dauwalter after Vallorcine to round out the podium in 24:16:39.

Hartmuth is hot off a third-place finish at Hardrock this summer and is no stranger to the UTMB podium, having taken second in 2023 and third in 20233. Despite appearing overjoyed at the finish line, she admits she struggled with the weather conditions this year.

"I've never experienced such weather before," says Hartmuth.

"Trying to not get too cold and changing clothes all the time, it was just a logistical challenge."

As for Dauwalter, though many elite athletes in her position might have chosen to take a DNF to preserve their UTMB Index, the queen of ultra forged ahead to finish the course in tenth place, saying: "I continued because a race this special is worth doing the full loop."

"It was a privilege to get to race against her, finally, she's the GOAT. Always has been, always will be," says Croft of her opponent.

Read all about Dauwalter's remarkable finish here.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Could AI-enabled drones be the life-saving rescue apparatus of the future?

Italy's National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps (CNSAS) isn't shying away from the controversial tech. The mountain rescue service turned to the devices at the beginning of the year in a bid to locate more missing trekkers, and has recently revealed how the technology helped them uncover the body of an Italian hiker, who had been missing in the Alps for over ten months.

The location and recovery

Nicola Ivaldo, 64, disappeared in September 2024 on Monviso, a 12,602ft (3,841m) peak in the Cottian Alps, on the border between France and Italy.

Using data from his cell phone, rescuers were able to narrow down his location to the mountain's north face, a steep and uneven area far too dangerous to explore on foot.

After months of searching, CNSAS deployed drones, equipped with high-definition cameras, to take more than 2,600 images of the area.

AI software then analyzed the imagery and identified a few distinct red pixels, which rescuers later discovered were Ivaldo's helmet. After a few days of bad weather that prevented any earlier attempt, a helicopter successfully recovered the man's body.

Mountain rescue drones

Mountain rescuers often use drones in search and rescue operations to locate and identify missing hikers and climbers.

They've also been used to deliver essential supplies to mountaineers. Last March, drones successfully carried 33lb (15kg) payloads from Everest's Base Camp to Camp 1, in a trial of technology which officials hope could become commonplace.

The use of AI technology is less common, but its success in this instance could pave the way for greater application in rescue scenarios, although opponents argue its potentially harmful environmental impact should also be considered.

• The best avalanche beacons: emergency transceivers that save lives
• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain

Attempts to save a Russian climber who became stranded atop a 24,406ft (7,439m) peak in Kyrgyzstan have been abandoned after multiple disastrous rescue attempts.

Natalia Nagovitsina became stuck in perilous conditions atop the towering Victory Peak for over two weeks, after she broke her leg in an accident near the summit on August 12.

Efforts to save the 47-year-old have been hampered by harsh weather, including temperatures down to -9.4°F (-23°C), and the high risks involved in a potential rescue. Earlier this month, Italian climber Luca Sinigaglia died from hypothermia after attempting to deliver vital supplies to Nagovitsina, including a sleeping bag and a gas cooker.

Two other rescue attempts have failed, as one helicopter crashed on the mountain, and another abandoned its efforts due to poor weather. Rescue pilots were due to make a third attempt on August 25, but again abandoned their efforts due to the weather.

"Professional pilots flew in from Italy. But when they flew to the area by helicopter, the weather was not favourable. Before that, they invited a drone pilot who was ordered to probe the area, but it was not possible," explained Ilim Karypbekov, vice president of the Kyrgyz Mountaineering Federation.

"The forecast said that in the coming week, five or six days, the weather would not be stable enough to fly a helicopter, let alone a drone. So they called it off.

"They saw that there was no point in waiting that long. No one could survive that long. They decided that it was pointless to wait any longer."

Despite the dangers, Nagovitsina's son, Mikhail, believes his mother is still alive and is urging Russian authorities to organize another rescue operation.

During a brief weather window earlier this month, officials were able to use drones and helicopters to capture footage of the injured mountaineer. According to Mikhail, the video, shot on August 19, shows his mother moving and waving.

"In the video I received, it is clearly visible that seven days after losing contact, she is actively waving her hand, full of strength," he says.

"My mother is an experienced climber...and is also in very good shape.

"I am sure that she is alive and wants the search to be resumed."

No further rescue attempts have been made. Nagovitsina's body will likely be recovered next spring, when conditions improve, according to Ilim Karypbekov.

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain

An Olympic open water swimmer has become the first person to swim across the largest lakes in England, Wales, and Scotland in under 24 hours, to raise money and awareness for the ongoing pollution crisis in British waters.

Hector Pardoe, 24, swam the lengths of Lake Windermere, Lake Bala, and Loch Lomond, to complete a total distance of 34 miles (55km) in an effort inspired by the popular three peaks hiking challenge.

His efforts have so far raised upwards of $10,500 (£7,803) for Surfers Against Sewage, an organization dedicated to turning the tide on harmful pollution levels in Britain's lakes, rivers, and seas.

Pardoe, who's raced at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, hopes his challenge will alert people to the issues facing open water swimmers and other users of Britain's waterways.

He told the BBC: "Sport is a thing of national pride and we're one of the best nations per capita across the world.

"We're always finishing inside of the top five in the Olympic Games, but we're lagging behind in many areas of water pollution."

Pollution in British waters

The pollution of British waters has become an issue of national concern in recent years, with open water swimmers and other athletes particularly worried about the high levels of harmful bacteria and chemicals in British rivers, lakes, and seas.

Along with the excessive use of fertilizer and pesticides, waterways are heavily polluted by the billions of gallons of untreated sewage released by water management companies each year.

Open water swimmers and other athletes have been feeling the effects. Last year, several rowers in the historic Oxford-Cambridge boat race fell ill after high levels of E. coli were detected in the historic River Thames, while at least 35 competitors experienced sickness after swimming in the Berkshire stretch of the river as part of the Royal Windsor Triathlon in June.

"I was fortunate enough to start open water swimming when I was 12, but we're seeing a constant closure of open water venues across the country," continued Pardoe.

"More and more rivers, lakes are being deemed unsafe to swim due to sewage discharge."

Despite the dire state of play, Pardoe believes that British waters aren't beyond help, using his training facility at Lago d'Orta in Northern Italy as an example of what can be achieved.

"Industry meant this was one of the most polluted lakes in all of Italy about 50 years ago. There was very little marine life, and it was pretty much considered filthy," he explained.

"But there was a project to clean it up, and now it's one of the cleanest lakes in the country. The water is stunning and such an amazingly powerful story."

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

US runner Jim Walmsley has won the OCC race at the UTMB World Series Finals after what turned out to be an epic battle on the 61k course.

The US runner was originally in the starting lineup for the 100-mile World Series event on Saturday, but changed to the 55k distance last week. There's been speculation that he is still being plagued by a knee issue that saw him drop out of this year's Western States, but he may also be saving his legs for the World Championships in September. Whatever the reason, the switch up threw a wrench in predictions for the top finishers, with a question mark over whether the race would still be an Italian showdown between Cristian Minoggio and Luca Del Pero or another Walmsley washout.

Stormy weather added even more excitement, as the route and start time were changed at the last minute to avoid more exposed sections in Chalet des Grands and La Flegere and add a couple of kilometers to the distance.

The runners set off after a two-hour delay at 10:15am local time in wet conditions, and about 30 minutes later, Walmsley was part of an early breakaway during the first climb along with Sweden's Petter Engdahl and Switzerland's Sam Hendry.

On the ascent up to Col de Balme at 38k, Minoggio started to claw things back, moving into third place, but Walmsley held the lead on the descent. It was at the Argentiere aid station with 10k to go that he explains things went a little pear-shaped.

Despite appearances, the day turned out to be hotter than expected, and Walmsley says he lost precious time hunting for hydration at the aid station.

“There was no water there, so it was a bit of a surprise. I was expecting to fill up one bottle before the climb."

While he was searching through bottles of sparking water and coke, Minoggio seized his opportunity.

“He just blew right past me," says Walmsley, who started to feel worried when the Italian was already 20 seconds ahead of him by the time he left the aid station.

“I think we played around a bit too much earlier.”

This is the first time the two runners have ever raced each other, and the Italian proved a worthy opponent to the UTMB and Western States record holder. The gap had widened to one minute with 8k to go, but Walmsley dug in and kept Minoggio in his sights.

With only around 1k to go, Walmsley made his move and surged past Minoggio, tapping him on the shoulder as he went. The pair proceeded to treat us to a sprint finish, reaching speeds of up to 21.3k per hour at one point, with Walmsley landing in Chamonix in five hours and 34 seconds and Minoggio arriving just 20 seconds later, where the pair shared a hug.

“Sorry, I was running past a lot of high fives, but I was definitely running scared all the way to the line," says Walmsley, who looked overjoyed at the finish.

The win means a €13,000 ($15,000) cash prize for Walmsley and marks the second year in a row a US runner has taken first in the race, after Eli Hemming won last year.

This was Minoggio's first time racing in the UTMB World Series Finals, but he's stood on over a dozen middle-distance podiums over the last year. Poland's Andrzej Witek joined the pair on the podium, coming in around three minutes behind them after a tight battle with Engdahl and Kristian Jones.

This year's OCC course took the runners over 3,487m of vertical gain between Orsières and Chamonix.

Women's OCC results

The women's race was no less exciting, with a deep field of podium contenders in the mix. The participants started the race running as a tight pack, with about seven runners taking the initial lead.

Switzerland's Judith Wyder and Spain's Sara Alonso got stuck behind a train for a couple of minutes, which proved long enough to make a difference in the outcome of their race.

By the 22k mark, defending champion Miao Yao (China) and Kenya's Joyline Chepngeno had moved into the lead, and we saw the runners looking for water on the course after missing the fountain in Martigny.

The pair slugged it out till the last couple of kilometers, where Chepngeno left Yao behind. The Kenyan's win looked like a sure thing until we saw her stop for stomach issues just shy of the finish, but she managed to hold it together, coming in first in 5:34:03.

“It was very hard for me, but I tried my best. I was having a lot of pain,” says Chepngeno, who is fresh off beating Katie Schide for first place at this year's Sierre-Zinal sky race.

Despite taking second this year, Yao came in 20 minutes ahead of her 2024 time and says she knows she ran better than last year.

Wyder managed to overcome her public transportation difficulties to scoop up third place, despite finding the altered course more challenging.

“This course definitely suits me less than the other one, it’s less technical, it’s more runnable,” says Wyder, who managed to come in 20 minutes faster than last year and, along with Walmsley, makes two Hoka-sponsored runners on this year's podium.

“I knew on the downhill I had to put my all into one pot and just go for it.”

You can view the full results of this year's OCC race here.

How to watch the UTMB finals

The UTMB finals take place over August 25 - 31 with the 100-mile finale starting on Friday, August 29. Once again, we'll be reporting live from the finish line in Chamonix, and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world in seven languages – French, English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian and Thai – with equal coverage of men's and women's race leaders.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

A student at the University of Colorado Boulder looks set to outdo all of her classmates' summer vacation stories after she successfully climbed one of the most difficult climbing routes in the world over the break.

Katie Kelble, 20, has become one of only a few climbers to successfully free climb The American Way in Kyrgyzstan.

The American Way is a 5.13a route on the northwest face of Pik Slesova ("the Russian Rower"), a granite tower in the Ak-su Valley that rises 13,910ft (4,240m). The tower also houses the famous Perestroika Crack (5.12b), which was free climbed by Greg Child and Lynn Hill in 1995.

Kelble, an aerospace engineering student, reveals that not only did she manage the feat despite undergoing wrist surgery in late March, but the route was her first big wall climb.

"Not enough words to explain how stoked I am about this one! Somehow snagged a free ascent of this brilliant route. With 20 pitches of beautiful granite, this may be the best route I’ve ever done," writes Kelble on Instagram, adding that the climbing may not even have been the most difficult aspect of her adventure

"Hardest part of the trip was having enough self-restraint to not bring home a cat."

The climber took three days to complete the 3,116ft (950m) ascent, which stands a little higher than El Capitan in the Karavshin Valley. Many compare the area to Yosemite National Park in terms of terrain, though it's considerably more remote.

The 20-pitch climb was freed in 2019 by Eric Bissell, Brent Barghahn, David Allfrey and Nik Berry. Emily Harrington and Adrian Ballinger completed a free ascent in 2021, which was documented in the HBO series The Edge of Earth.

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best approach shoes: for alpine adventures, via ferrata, scrambling, and more

Canadian authorities have found a body in their search for a missing Norwegian hiker who took on harsh conditions in the Canadian wilderness.

Steffen Skjottelvik, 29, has been missing since August 15, when he failed to check in to his accommodation at the York Factory in Manitoba. The experienced trekker had embarked on a gruelling journey from Fort Severn in Ontario to the York Factory, traversing plenty of harsh terrain and unforgiving weather conditions.

Following a lengthy search, rescuers discovered his body when a helicopter pilot spotted it in the wilderness, near the Hayes River, where his jacket was discovered days prior.

In a statement shared with People, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said they accompanied Parks Canada officers and Community searchers from Fort Severn "to the provided location on foot and confirmed that the body recovered on shore was that of the missing 29-year-old Norwegian hiker."

Skjottelvik's planned trek covered more than 186 miles (299.3km) of remote Canadian wilderness and would have been a challenge for any trekker, regardless of their experience.

RCMP Sergeant Paul Manaigre told CBC that: "People have said there are only a few people that can do it on this planet."

"The fact that he made it that far is just a testament to his skills."

Manaigre explained that the ground near where Skjottelvik was found is so boggy that people would often sink to their knees or waist while walking. It's also populated by wolves and polar bears, and features dangerous, fluctuating water levels.

"I've been a police officer for nearly 30 years, involved with search and rescue for the last eight, and in my experience, this has probably been one of the hardest searches that has taken place in this province," he continued.

If you're thinking of taking on a long-distance trek, check out our expert guide to hiking hazards and how to avoid them.

• The most comfortable hiking boots and shoes: lightweight, cushioned hikers for happy feet
• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain

It's been two months since Caleb Olson turned in one of the fastest times in Western States history, wearing what can only be described as a white fishnet running top, and now Nike has released details on what gives with its latest trail running technology.

With the planet turning hotter and long-distance trail races getting more popular, Nike identified a need for clothing that helps athletes stay cool. Nike Radical Airflow represents "a new era of breathable apparel," according to the brand, which is no surprise if you saw images of Olson, as his shirt appeared to have more space than substance.

“Wearing it is like stepping into a fridge," says Olsen, who ran the 100-mile race in 4 hours, 11 minutes, and 25 seconds despite battling temperatures in the 90s.

Couldn't he just take his shirt off, you might ask? Not according to Nike, which says fridge-effect isn't just about those gaping holes.

Nike Radical AirFlow technology

When your body starts to heat up while you're running on a warm day, your sweating mechanism works pretty much like an in-built air conditioning system, allowing heat to escape through moisture. But only if that sweat is allowed to evaporate off your skin, as we explain in our article on breathable fabrics.

According to Nike, Radical AriFlow doesn't just allow more sweat to escape through the giant holes in the mesh, thereby accelerating the body's natural cooling mechanism; it also speeds up airflow towards your skin while you run.

The holes, which Nike calls "airducts," expedite the flow of air while you're on the move, thanks to a "funnel-shaped" construction that goes from larger on the outside to smaller as they get closer to your body. In lab tests, engineers also discovered that placing dimples on the inside of the fabric (where it comes into contact with your skin) helps to improve the circulation of that air. And that's why the brand says it chose a long-sleeved top – to give athletes the maximum benefit possible.

Does it really work? According to Drew Holmen, who wore a prototype of the shirt for his win at the Lavaredo Ultra Trail 80 in Italy at the end of June, Olson's victory wasn't a mere fluke.

"I was shocked by the cool breeze I felt across my body," says Holmen.

Meanwhile, those large cut-outs under the arms offer mobility and also cut down on weight and chafing in high-friction and high-sweat areas, making it all the more interesting for ultra runners.

Nike says the technology has been tested over the last two years – one of the largest tests in Nike running history – in the field by Nike's All Conditions Racing Department, and in controlled research settings using thermal mannequins. Lab tests reveal that when compared to DriFit, Radical AirFlow prototypes absorb and retain 50 percent less sweat after prolonged running in hot conditions.

Athletes will continue to test the prototype throughout the 2025 elite season for release in 2026, so we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more skin on display at this year's UTMB finals. No word yet on what your tan line will look like after a summer in the top.

• The best running tops: for training and races on all terrains
• The best women’s running tops: for cool and dry runs on the trails or roads

A wildfire that's been burning in northwest Colorado since the beginning of August is now the fourth-largest in the state's history, capping off a historic fire season.

The Lee Fire, burning near Meeker and Rifle, grew several acres on Monday night and has now surpassed the 2002 Hayman Fire, which resulted in six deaths and stood as Colorado's biggest wildfire for nearly 20 years. In the most recent update on InciWeb, the fire is reported to be at 138,758 acres, only slightly smaller than the 2020 Pine Gulch Fire, which burned for nearly two months.

However, that update also shows the fire as 90 percent contained, and in a Tuesday briefing, FDNY Incident Management Operations Section Mike Izzo says favorable weather conditions brought by monsoon season mean crews are making "strong progress."

"With increased moisture in the area, fire activity has remained low. Operations have shifted to implementing the Lee Fire suppression Repair Plan."

That plan involves monitoring and securing the perimeter of the fire, says Izzo, who adds that the fire has stopped growing, and there is only one small section along the southern perimeter where it remains uncontained.

The weather forecast for the area calls for rain throughout this week, which will help firefighters in their efforts but also increases the possibility of dangerous flash flooding. Mudslides have been reported in Rio Blanco County.

The Lee Fire was discovered on August 2 and ignited as a result of lightning strikes on BLM land in the Piceance Creek area. Governor Jared Polis has declared a state of emergency, which has been approved by the Trump administration.

This summer has brought the worst fire season for Colorado since 2020, when the Cameron Fire destroyed hundreds of properties.

In Canada, Nova Scotia has banned all hiking and camping in wooded areas to reduce the risk of wildfire, while in Europe, we've seen disruption from Italy's Mount Vesuvius to Scotland's Arthur's Seat.

If you're planning on recreating in a wildfire-prone area, read our articles on wildfire safety and hiking in wildfire smoke before setting off.

• The best hiking water bottles: stay hydrated at camp and on the trails
• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices

Open water swimmers in Germany can head into wild waters with a little more confidence, following the introduction of 'Dolphin' lifeguarding drones at multiple popular spots.

These small, remote-controlled devices are designed to help wild swimmers in emergencies, providing something for them to hold on to and safely tugging them back to shore.

They're a little over a yard long and can reach speeds of up to 16 miles per hour (25kmph) on their way to a person, and 3.1mph (5kmph) with two adults holding on. On board, there's a video camera that sends feedback to the drone operator. The devices can be controlled from up to roughly half a mile away (800m).

These potentially life-saving machines have popped up at 14 open water swimming spots around Germany as part of a testing programme run by the German Life-Saving Association (DLRG).

The DLRG began the programme after a deadly 2024 for German swimmers. There were 411 drowning deaths in the nation last year, the highest number since the pandemic and a significant jump compared to the 380 in 2023.

The devices, known officially as Dolphin 3s, are made by Hong Kong company, OceanAlpha, and are already in consistent use by Chinese lifeguarding organizations.

The OceanAlpha website reads: "Dolphin 3 can propel itself to rescue a casualty faster than any skilled swimmer, while the rescuer can operate it with a remote controller to stay safe and dry."

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best water shoes: gear up for wild aqua adventures

Is it time for a new national park? Lawmakers in Florida certainly think so. They're pushing for 2,800 square miles of Florida wilderness to become America's 64th national park, in a move to protect the sensitive habitats of the Florida springs and bolster interest in the area.

The 'Path to Florida Springs National Park Act' has already been introduced to lawmakers in America's House of Representatives and is currently undergoing a special resource study to determine its suitability and feasibility. If this goes without hiccups, the proposed bill would need to pass Congress before a new park is formally created, although it's unclear how long this would take.

If approved, the bill would designate large parts of the Florida wilderness, including the popular Ocala National Forest, as a new national park. This land would benefit from greater funding and conservation efforts, and advocates hope it could lead to increased tourism.

Suzanne Scheiber, founder of Florida's Green Dream Volusia environmental group, told Spectrum 13 News that a new national park could be "one of the best things that’s happened locally. Our springs need more attention, and if this helps with that by bringing attention and federal funding, then I think that it’s an exciting time."

The Florida Springs

The proposed national park would cover a large area of land in central and northern Florida, including the stunning Ocala National Forest and the Lower Wekiwa River Preserve.

These wilderness areas feature large waterways, forests, and natural pools, which are already popular with hikers and open water swimmers.

They're also home to a wide variety of animals, including black bears, alligators, and bald eagles. National park designation could lead to increased study of the area's wildlife and greater protection efforts.

America's National Parks

National Parks were first designated in the 1800s to protect and manage America's vast, unspoiled wilderness. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson established the National Park Service to oversee the areas and help visitors enjoy them safely.

As of 2025, there are 63 national parks. They're visited by over 300 million people every year, who come to hike, camp, and climb in the serene North American nature.

The New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia was the last to be designated, in 2021.

• The most comfortable hiking boots and shoes: lightweight, cushioned hikers for happy feet
• The best trekking poles: take the pressure off when you're out on the trails

Look out, trail runners! Nike has unveiled its latest pair of trail running shoes to keep you comfy and propel you forward on the trails.

Nike describes the new ACG Ultrafly as "a trail-tuned super shoe purpose-built to move with the terrain, delivering ever-ready stability, traction, durability and comfort, even when the miles stop playing nice."

This pair won't be available to the public until the spring, but there's already plenty to be excited about.

Build

Nike went back to the drawing board to design its latest trail running shoes, gathering insight from testers all across the globe, who received prototype ACG Ultraflys to give feedback on.

After 13 rounds of testing, the final version features a redesigned upper and silhouette with a large toe-box, internal fit band, and gusseted tongue.

Nike hasn't specified which materials have been used, but claims that the new uppers are both fast-draining and breathable, so you can take on water crossings and rainy days with ease.

Nike says these new trail shoes were "built in the dirt, forged by every brutal mile, and is engineered for optimal performance and agility in the most demanding conditions."

Inside the shoes

Once inside, the ACG Ultraflys greet your feet with Nike's ZoomX foam midsoles and ZoomX sock liners. The American brand claims these midsoles are comprised of its "lightest, softest, and most responsive foam", to return energy and stop your feet from aching on the trails.

There's also a redesigned FlyPlate, which promises flexibility and vital support as you navigate varied terrain.

Outsoles

Grippy outsoles are essential for a good trail run, and Nike has gone with the experts. Vibram is trusted by brands across the globe for its stable and dependable outsoles, and is a common choice for hiking and trail running shoes.

The ACG Ultraflys feature Vibram's Litebase outsoles, which provide "superior grip, reduced weight and next-level control on rugged uphill and downhill terrain", according to Nike.

Price

Nike has yet to specify a price for its latest trail running shoes, but if previous models are anything to go off, you can expect to pay a pretty penny.

Its predecessors, the Nike Ultrafly, cost $270 and the ACG Ultrafly is likely to be similarly expensive.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys

Rescuers in Wyoming have abandoned their 20-day hunt for a missing Minnesota man after concluding that his "most optimistic survival odds have run out".

Grant Gardner was last seen at the end of July, before embarking on a planned three-day hike in the Big Horn National Forest. Alarm bells were raised on August 1, when he failed to return from his trek in the Misty Moon Lake area, where he planned to scale the 13,171ft (4,015m) Cloud Peak.

Gardner contacted his wife on July 29 to confirm that he had summited the mountain, but hasn't been heard from since. Rescuers have now decided to end their lengthy search efforts, which included the use of helicopters, planes, ground teams, and dogs.

"In consultation with family members, I have made the heartbreaking and difficult decision to suspend active search and rescue operations for Mr. Gardner," Big Horn County Sheriff Ken Blackburn said in a statement .

"Our teams have exhausted all resources and personnel over the last 20 days. With weather conditions and other factors updated in our search models, we have to face the reality that the most optimistic survival odds have run out.”

The lengthy search efforts were hampered by violent winds, lightning, thunder, and challenging terrain at altitude.

“It should be noted conditions are extreme and very challenging, at least two rescuers have suffered medical conditions, and have had to receive medical care," an earlier Sheriff's Office report read.

• The most comfortable hiking boots and shoes: lightweight, cushioned hikers for happy feet
• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies

Good news, US climbing fans! One of the nation's most exciting climbing stars is finally back from injury and ready to hit the wall.

Four-time bouldering world champion Natalie Grossman, 24, has been on the sidelines since March after tearing the ACL and meniscus of her left knee, but will be returning to competition at today's North America Cup.

"I get to compete this weekend!" she confirmed via Instagram.

"Today marks 6 months post ACL + meniscus surgery which means I’m finally cleared to lead climb with minimal movement restrictions. Though fully trusting my knee and being in shape is another story."

Although her recovery isn't yet over, Grossman's return to competitive climbing means she could be available for this year's final two IFSC World Cup rounds at the start of September and the World Championships competition at the end of the month.

"Recovery is nowhere near over, but I was given this opportunity and I want to seize it. This is part of the process but it is not the end result! I have no idea what to expect so let’s go have some funnnn and see what happens.

"I’ve poured everything into this long recovery, so no pushing my knee this time. Recovery comes first," concludes her Instagram post.

Who is Natalie Grossman?

Prior to her injury, Grossman's place as the world's best female boulderer was undisputed. The US athlete won four back-to-back World Cup series from 2021 to 2024 and topped the podium at an astonishing eleven World Cup rounds in that time.

She's also been a fierce competitor in the lead climbing World Cup, finishing second and third in the 2021 and 2022 competitions.

Her return from injury will be a welcome sight to climbing fans worldwide, after Grossman missed almost the entire 2025 World Cup season.

Without her, the bouldering competition has been an open affair, with six different winners from the six different rounds this year.

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best climbing films: 10 great movies about incredible mountain adventures

A 50-year-old climber has died after showing signs of altitude sickness and sustaining serious injuries on Mount Shasta in California's Southern Cascade mountain range.

The unnamed man was descending from the 14,179ft (4,322m) peak when the weather took a turn for the worse and he became disorientated. He also lost contact with his climbing partner in heavy rain and low visibility.

Upon reaching base camp, his companion was unable to contact his friend and called 911 to request emergency help. A nearby search and rescue team promptly launched a rescue effort, but was delayed until the next morning by unforgiving snow and rain on the mountain.

On Sunday, August 17, a search and rescue helicopter located the man's body "at the base of a cliff, wedged between the scree slope and an ice sheet", according to a Facebook post by Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

Nick Meyers, of the US Forest Service, told SFGate that the man was found several thousand feet lower than the mountain's base camp, and he likely suffered "a slip and fall on the steep section of the mountain".

Mountain safety

Following the incident, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office warned about the risks of high-altitude climbing.

"This climbing accident is the sixth call for service the Sheriff's Office has received on the Clear Creek route in the past two weeks, underscoring that even one of the 'safest' routes up Mount Shasta needs to be approached with significant preparation and caution," continued its Facebook post.

"Multiple hazards, including falling rock, exposed cliff edges, difficult-to-navigate terrain, and the ever-present risk of rapidly changing weather can make this non-technical climb a perilous endeavour for any climber despite their skill and experience level.

"Thus, we encourage everyone attempting to summit the mountain to have a personal SOS beacon, a GPS device to stay on-route, and ideally one or more climbing partners."

What is altitude sickness?

Altitude sickness is caused by exposure to dangerously low oxygen levels at altitude. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath, but sufferers can sometimes experience more severe effects like hallucinations.

To mitigate the risks, climbers often acclimatize to the low oxygen levels by spending time in the mountains or sleeping in hypoxic tents, which mimic the arduous alpine conditions and prepare their bodies for altitude.

For more information, check out our expert guide to avoiding altitude sickness.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best ice axes: for tackling frozen terrain

In what looks like the latest move to secure its place among the top GPS watch brands, Amazfit has signed trail running star Ruth Croft to its roster of athletes.

The New Zealand runner is heading back to the UTMB finals next week for her second attempt at the legendary 100-mile race after coming second in her 2024 debut, and she'll have an Amazfit watch strapped to her wrist when she arrives in Chamonix.

Croft took first place at Western States in 2022 and has already won the Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 100k race this year. Among her many achievements, she also ran the length of Greenland's 125-mile Arctic Circle Trail in 2022.

The 36-year-old previously worked for Garmin, and Amazfit says she will be working with its Research and Development team to contribute to the creation of new products and the refinement of existing ones "to help deliver the most advanced, athlete-focused sports watches on the market."

“I’m equally excited about representing Amazfit on the global stage and getting hands-on with the product development process,” says the ultra runner, who's also training to be a naturopath.

“I’ve spent years understanding what athletes truly need from their sports watches, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge to help Amazfit establish itself as the reference point for innovation and quality in the category.”

The announcement is a strong indication that Amazfit intends to stake out a place in the world of elite athletes, and follows news that American trail runner Rod Farvard has also joined the Chinese wearables brand.

Both runners will be competing at the 100-mile distance in next week's UTMB finals. Find out who else is running, and how to watch this iconic event in our article on the 2025 starting list.

• The best cheap GPS watches: log your adventures without depleting your savings
• The best Garmin watches: explore Alpine trails or chase a new PB with a smartwatch that will keep you on course

When Jim Walmsley showed up on the UTMB starting list earlier this month after dropping out of Western States due to a knee injury, the trail running world started gearing up for the possibility of another record – however, a last-minute change shows the ultra runner legend has now moved over to the OCC roster.

The Arizona runner, who still holds the course record for the 100-mile distance, which he laid down in 2023, will now compete in the 55k (34-mile) distance at the UTMB finals on August 28.

The characteristically reclusive runner hasn't commented on the change publicly, so it could all have been down to a clerical error, but most likely he's still being plagued by the same knee issue that saw him take a step back from the California race in June.

The OCC stands for Orsières-Champex-Chamonix and takes the world's best middle-distance runners up 11,236ft (3,425m) in elevation gain. Though Walmsley is highly regarded at the 100-mile distance, with course records at UTMB and WSER, he's proved himself to be lightning quick at the 50k distance too, with footage earlier this year showing him charging across desert terrain in the Mesquite Canyon 50k to another course record.

Unsurprisingly, he'll also be in elite company at the OCC, with Sweden's Petter Engdhal and Germany's Hannes Namberger in the mix, as well as his fellow countrymen Ryan Becker, Adam Peterman, and Michelino Sunseri. Last year's winner, Eli Hemming, and second-placed Francesco Puppi have moved up to the 100k CCC race this year.

Besides that big change, the roster for the 100-mile men's race looks largely unchanged, with this year's Hardrock 100 winner Ludo Pommeret still in the mix along with third-placed Germain Grangier, four-time UTMB winner Francois D’Haene, and Jeff Mogavero, who took fourth at this year's Western States.

Seeking redemption will be the UK's Tom Evans who's been unable to complete the race since taking third in 2022 but delivered an impressive victory at this year's Arc of Attrition, Rod Farvard, who DNFd at this year's Western States (but took second place last year behind Walmsley) and Hayden Hawks who also pulled out of this year's WSER due to injury, but placed third in the race last year.

Women's starters

The women's starting list has also seen some changes, with Marianne Hogan sidelined by an injury and Ida Nilsson revealing she's not yet fully recovered from WSER. The good news, however, is that Courtney Dauwalter is still planning on showing up in a bid to reclaim her crown from Katie Schide. She'll be running against the likes of Abby Hall, who's fresh off a Western States 100 win, while New Zealand's Ruth Croft is back for another stab, having taken second place last year behind Schide.

Even without Walmsley's earth-shattering speeds, it's all shaping up to be a brilliant end to the UTMB World Series, and once again, we'll be reporting live from the race to bring you all the news as soon as it happens.

How to watch the UTMB finals

The UTMB finals take place over August 25 - 31 with the 100-mile finale starting on Friday, August 29. Once again, we'll be reporting live from the finish line in Chamonix, and you can follow all the action live at live.utmb.world in seven languages – French, English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Italian and Thai – with equal coverage of men's and women's race leaders.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

US climbers may be forced to look elsewhere for their gear after a large Canadian brand announced it would stop sales across the US / Canada border due to the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Flashed specialises in bouldering equipment and has earned a stellar reputation for its safe and supportive crash mats and handy climbing accessories.

Despite its position as a major player on the bouldering scene, the Canadian brand says the current tariff situation has forced it to cease retail sales in the US.

"This isn’t a decision we wanted to make," reads a Flashed Instagram post.

"The U.S. climbing community has been an important part of our journey for decades, and we’re deeply grateful for every climber who has supported us, trusted our gear, and brought us along on their adventures.

"While we won’t be able to continue retail sales in the US, our mission to support climbers everywhere remains unchanged. We’ll keep pushing forward, finding ways to connect and contribute to the community we love."

Although Flashed has ended retail sales, its supportive padding is still available to commercial gyms in the US.

"Our commitment to creating safe, high-quality climbing spaces remains unchanged, and we’re proud to keep supporting climbing gyms and their communities across the country," continued the Instagram post.

What are tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods, which increase their price and aim to make domestically-sourced products more appealing.

In April, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all US goods, along with additional, substantially higher tariffs on products from abroad. Tariffs on Canadian goods have risen and fallen in the months since, and currently sit at 35%.

Following the first wave of tariffs, we caught up with Kent Ebersole, president of America's Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), to ask how they'd affect outdoor-loving Americans.

"These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers, and families," he told us at the time.

“That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies, and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the US and maintain their American workforce."

• The best climbing shoes: get a grip both indoors and out
• The best women’s climbing shoes: for indoor climbing sessions, valley cragging and all-day mountain adventures

Hoka might have made a name for itself in the trail running shoe department, but the brand's hiking boots have also become well-loved on trails worldwide. Those who love the blend of plush, sneaker-style comfort with technical clout are going to want to pay attention to the California-based brand's latest announcement.

Hot off the chunky heels of the Mafate X trail running shoe, which hit the stores back in March, Hoka has announced the impending release of the Hoka Mafate X Hike. In any Hoka shoe, that X marks the spot where there's a carbon plate, and 15 years after the brand released its first Mafate shoe, it wasn't hugely surprising they'd attempted a more propulsive version for runners, even if the evidence is mixed on whether carbon plates really help trail runners.

It's also no great surprise that they're launching a new hiker, what with the popularity of the Kaha 3 and Anacapa 2, but we'll be the first to admit that the Mafate X Hike is the most interesting boot we've seen from the brand (and possibly any brand).

Meet the Mafate X Hike

Like the trail shoe version, it looks to boast a nearly impossibly high stack (the trail shoes are veritable skyscrapers at 49mm in the heel) thanks to supercritical EVA foam midsole, which is known for its durability and water-resistance. Unusually for a hiker, it's also got a carbon plate, something we've found really helps with stability in our field tests of the running shoe, but may also increase foot fatigue due to lack of flex.

The upper is made of Haptic material, which usually means it's 3D printed to cut down on waste. It's a treatment that's applied to synthetic fabrics to improve abrasion resistance and performance.

Unlike the trail runner, there's an integrated neoprene collar that brings them up quite high on the ankle. The brand says it provides extra ankle support and should help keep both debris and water at bay. There are adjustable speed hooks for more adaptability in lacing, and it looks as though the boot might share the same wide toe box (by Hoka standards, anyway) as the shoe.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole features the brand's unique "pizza and tacos" lug design, which we've found delivers surprisingly good grip. They haven't disclosed how deep the lugs are, but they look reasonably toothy in press images, and the midsole is entirely covered up for durability.

The most interesting new feature with these shoes, however, is the built-in RECCO reflector for improved searchability. This isn't unheard of; we've seen it recently in Scarpa boots, but it is unusual, and we're more used to seeing it in ski backpacks and waterproof jackets (gear you're likely to use for years). It's certainly a sign that the brand intends these high-profile shoes to be suitable for backcountry use, and there's no doubt that the Citrus/Alabaster color scheme makes you more visible to mountain rescue.

No word yet on the release date or weight of these beefy boots, though we suspect they're lighter than they appear, and equally, there's no mention of price yet on Hoka's website, though the trail runners are on the premium end of the price scale. With the addition of a RECCO reflector, we can't help but wonder if these will be Hoka's priciest hikers yet?

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

US journalist Alec Luhn has spoken out about how he survived for six days on a Norwegian glacier with multiple broken bones and no water.

Luhn, a climate journalist, was reported missing by his wife Veronika Silchenko on August 5 when he failed to show up for his flight back to London after a solo backpacking trip to explore a glacier in Folgefonna National Park. Search and rescue teams found him alive on August 6 and airlifted him to a hospital in Bergen.

Speaking from Bergen, where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries, Luhn says his trip turned into a harrowing survival ordeal when his boot broke, telling Good Morning America that he slid down a steep slope on a mountain near Buarbreen glacier. He hit a rock, which broke his femur and caused fractures to his pelvis and spine.

"I knew I wasn't going to be able to move and get out of there, and so I thought, 'OK, well, I got to essentially make it for at least four days on this mountain, so that people will realize that I'm missing,'" says Luhn.

An experienced hiker used to taking challenging expeditions in remote terrain, Luhn was carrying a tent and sleeping bag to shelter from the elements, and video from his rescue, which you can watch below, shows him dressed in brightly colored clothing to help make him more searchable.

However, he lost his food, water and cellphone in the fall. Initially, he was forced to drink his own urine to survive, a last-resort technique that's saved the lives of other adventurers like Aaron Ralston. On the third day, the weather turned, and he was able to start drinking rainwater.

"I really was desperate for water," recalls Luhn. "I remember, just like, literally licking up every drop of water I could get."

The change in weather also meant he had to endure several days of gale force winds, heavy rain, and near-freezing temperatures, which hampered search efforts, but on the sixth day, Luhn spotted a rescue helicopter overhead and started waving. When he realized the helicopter had missed him, he rigged up a flag using his tent poles and was able to make contact.

"Finally, the door of [the helicopter] opens and somebody waves back at me, and that was the moment I knew it was finally, finally over."

A Facebook update from his wife shares that Luhn underwent successful surgery for his broken femur and fractured pelvis.

Luhn is currently based in London and has reported for National Geographic, New Scientist, The Guardian, The New York Times, the BBC and The Atlantic. He was recently awarded the 2024 American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Kavli Science Journalism Award, the oldest science journalism award in the U.S.

Folgefonna National Park is home to the third-largest glacier on mainland Norway.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best crampons: tested for sure-footed traction on frozen terrain

Rescuers in England's Lake District National Park were called to a unique situation, after a stubborn dog refused to move, despite the best efforts of his owners.

The four-legged trekker came to a halt while traversing the loose rock and uneven underfoot terrain of the Wast Water Screes, underneath the Illgill Head and Whin Rigg fells, with its two human companions.

At 66lb (30kg), the pooch was too heavy to pick up and carry, so the hikers were left with no alternative but to call for emergency help.

In response, rescuers from the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team (WMRT) deployed a boat across Wast Water to pick up the stranded trio, who then walked back to their campsite.

How to hike with your dog

Exploring the trails with your furry friends can be a great way to get some exercise and make lifelong memories together, but there are a few things to know first. Here are some fundamentals to keep in mind if you want to hike with your dog.

• Prepare to carry them - Hiking trails, especially harder ones, often feature challenging obstacles, like ladder stiles, chained-up gates, and metal mesh bridges with holes big enough for paws to slip through. There's also the risk of injury. Either way, you'll probably have to carry your dog at one point or another, so make sure you're capable of doing so.
• Check the temperature - Scorching temperatures are made even worse under a thick coat of fur, so make sure to check the forecast and avoid long hikes when the sun's out. This will depend on your dog's breed, age, and the amount of shade you're likely to encounter on the trails, so do your research beforehand.
• Plan for diversions - Fallen trees, washed-away trails, and other unsurpassable obstacles may force you to divert from your planned route, so prepare yourself and your dog for an extra mile or two.

• Use your leash - You might be surprised by how often you need to have your dog on a leash in the wilderness. Sheep, goats, cows, and other animals can all be easily disturbed, and you'll need to be especially careful if you're passing through bear country.
• Pack for your dog - Give yourself peace of mind by packing gear to help your dog when things don't go to plan. This could include a GPS tracker in case you lose touch, an LED collar for late finishes, and plenty of water in case it gets too hot.
• Pick up behind you - There's little worse than a walker who refuses to pick up after their dog, so bring plenty of bags and do the right thing if required.
• Look out for ticks - Ticks often attach themselves to dogs and find refuge in thick fur. Make sure you know how to spot one and invest in a good tick remover to get rid of the pests.

For more information, check out our expert guide to hiking with a dog.

• The best first aid kits: be prepared for accidents and emergencies
• The best hiking pants: don't let winter slow you down with our top trail trousers