(CNN) — The early flu season has spiked a fury of “germaphobia” across the United States as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that the flu has reached epidemic levels. Widespread ...

When you start the transition from traditional to ultralight backpacking, survival gear is usually the first thing to go. Signaling mirror? Extraneous. Extra paracord? Too heavy. Fire starters? Pshh.

Look, you're a hauling truck driver. That means you live on the pavement, and you know the drill: long stretches, remote areas, and then, bam, your rig decides to throw a fit. It's not a matter of if ...