January 2013 Table of Contents
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Adventure Travel Issue
What Kind of Hiker Are You?
Do you like peaks or wildlife? Want to bring the kids or a kayak? Read our profiles to find your ideal trip.
Chile: Private Patagonia
The far-out scenery in Puerto Natales rivals Torres Del Paine—minus that park’s crowds. Shannon Davis scouted unknown hiking, paddling, riding, and climbing.
Himalayas: The Path to Shangri-La
Himalayan expeditions don’t require big money or porters. In eastern Tibet, Mark Jenkins found unclimbed, hiker-friendly summits and centuries-old monasteries.
Canada: Treasure Island
Haida Gwaii, a lush archipelago off British Columbia—just six hours from Seattle—is rich in bears, whales, and hot springs. What it lacks, discovered Ted Alvarez, is people.
Norway: Home of the Giants
Glaciers, lakes, and tundra make northern Europe’s highest peaks a land of extremes, but plush huts made it suitable for Michael Lanza’s family on a five-star weeklong hike.
Wales: Fresh Tracks Thru History
The new Wales Coast Path traces a wild shoreline past ancient castles and quaint fishing villages. Barney Scout Mann found the best sections for ultralight exploring.
United States: Best of the Grand Canyon
Steep. Hot. Rugged. And totally worth every drop of sweat. Annette McGivney and Andrew Matranga mapped the most sublime day, weekend, and weeklong treks.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL GEAR
FIELD TEST: Two-person tents
After 155 camp nights and wind speeds up to 52 mph, our testers report on the best new shelters.
Plus: All-purpose shoes, ultratough pants, a bomber duffle, cozy baselayers, and a midweight puffy jacket.
ADVENTURE TRAVEL SKILLS
See more wildlife, climb more peaks, and hike more miles with these tips that’ll help every adventure traveling backpacker raise their game.
HEROES: Austin Taylor, 27
Taylor created Haiti’s first backpacking tours — and keeping the profits local.