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