Best of Backpacker 2014

Vanished

Like many hikers, Aubrey Sacco walked into the Himalayas with the joyful excitement of a pilgrim entering the Promised Land. But she encountered a dark side of Nepal all trekkers should know about. Now her family can’t rest until they know how she disappeared. 

By Tracy Ross

Thru-Hiking: When More is Better

For long-haul hikers, time has a way of putting things into perspective.

By Casey Lyons

X Marks the Spot

A hidden box of treasure. A cryptic poem from a wealthy Santa Fe art dealer. Four states’ worth of Rocky Mountain wilderness. Our reporter joins the hunt.

By Brian Mockenhaupt

The Kids Are Alright

The only thing you’ll regret about taking the brood backpacking is not doing it sooner—and more often.

By Dennis Lewon

Hike Forever

After four decades of backpacking and climbing in Wyoming’s Wind River Range, 75-year-old Joe Kelsey is living proof that, while time may stop for no one, it might just slow down for hikers.

By Mark Jenkins 

Depth of Field: Canyoneering

Little rain and stable weather make fall the ideal time to play in Utah’s slot canyons.

By Steve Howe

My Partner Ate My Socks

Is goatpacking the ultimate ultralight solution or a surefire way to ruin a good hike? 

By Casey Lyons

Mush!

You don’t need to tackle the Iditarod to enjoy dogsledding, a fast and fun winter adventure. 

By Molly Loomis

The Quest

The only way to truly appreciate America’s vast wilderness? Hike it all. 

By Mark Jenkins

Bella Vita

A trek on Italy’s Alta Via 2 might just be the most romantic hike in the world. If you’re lucky. 

By Brendan Leonard 

The Other Himalaya

Someday, the Manaslu Loop will be just as famous as the Annapurna Circuit. Better hike it now.  

By Dougald Macdonald 

Walk of Ages

Past meets present on a trek to Petra, Jordan’s 2,300-year-old desert metropolis.

By Rachel Zurer

Fresh Tracks

It’s prime time to visit Patagonia’s brand new park—before anyone else even knows it’s there. 

By Tomas Dinges 

A Ghost Among Us

One woman’s journey to the brink of what’s possible on the Pacific Crest Trail.

By Megan Michelson