If you are an outdoor enthusiast like me, you’ll also want to read some of the best hiking books for learning, preparation, outdoor skills improvement, and escaping the digital world. I read a lot of hiking and outdoor-related articles on a daily basis. However, the in-depth, curated knowledge that you get from a book has no alternative. Reading hiking books enhances knowledge about both hiking as a sport and an adventure.
Related: Is Hiking a Sport
Many outdoor adventurers have written amazing books about hiking; few of them are exceptional, and you must prioritize reading them. In this article, I will review the best books, including hiking adventures, tips and techniques, and self-realizations through hiking books.
Top Best Hiking Books Reviews
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail remains the dream of many outdoor adventurers around the world. You will find plenty of books and blogs on Appalachian Trail hiking.
Bill Bryson, the author of A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail, got the chance to hike the trail and wrote an incredible book based on his experience. Bill Bryson beautifully mixed humor, history, and personal reflection while hiking on the AT.
One of my favorite things about this book is its perfect blend of humor with nature’s beauty. As an avid reader, I always appreciate humor and sarcasm, and this book delivers just that. Losing interest while reading this book is impossible.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed wrote the heartfelt memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which takes readers through an emotional journey of self-discovery. The book is a raw and powerful exploration of grief, self-discovery, and healing by the author.
Her story is mainly painful, but it’s also filled with some humor. She was not prepared for the trail and learned how to pack for backpacking on the trail. So, this also gives some good practical tips for outdoor adventures; that’s why the less weight matters on the trail. All in all, this book is worth reading.
The Backpacker’s Handbook by Chris Townsend
The Backpacker’s Handbook by Chris Townsend is one of my favorite books. If you want to learn about backpacking and gear tips, then this one book is a great source of practical tips. The years of Chris Townsend’s backpacking experience make this book worth reading.
Anyone looking to learn about hiking and preparing for a backpacking expedition will find it useful. Some might find it a bit dry, but the practical knowledge is invaluable for those eager to gain firsthand hiking experience.
Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart by Carrot Quinn
If you are interested in thru-hiking the PCT, then Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart is worth reading. The author Carrot Quinn curated her experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The book not only touches on the physical and emotional challenges of a thru-hike but also deeply explains the transformative journey of personal growth that comes with the thru-hike.
The author’s practical experience and the way she explained her experience really inspired me to read that book again and again. She also met several strangers on the trail who share her goal.
PCT thru-hike is in my plan, but unfortunately time has never allowed me to hike that trail as it takes months. But whenever I read a book about PCT, I see myself on the trail, going through all the experiences that author went through.
You will also learn that outdoor adventures are not always filled with great moments but also with loneliness, frustration, and exhaustion. I highly recommend this book to anyone who goes for hiking, especially those interested in the PCT thru-hiking.
Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness
Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness by Edward Abbey is a classic book about the beauty of the American Southwest. The author was the park ranger at Arches National Park in Utah during the 1960s. He beautifully wrote about his time as a park ranger and his love of the desert. He also stresses the need for wilderness and the importance of solitude.
The writing is poetic and reflective; it really penetrates through the heart. In his book, he criticizes the development and industrialization that is threatening the wild. Edward Abbey skillfully uses the desert as a symbol to express his emotions and beliefs.
This book also serves as a historical nonfiction account of Abbey’s time in the wild. My favorite parts are the chapters where he rides horses and ventures deep into The Maze in Canyonlands.
How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking
This hiking guidebook takes a refreshing and humorous approach, featuring witty illustrations and a critique of modern hiking culture. Diana Helmuth paints a realistic picture of true hiking, countering the urban romanticism of outdoor life.
She balances both perspectives and highlights the contrast between expectations and reality. The book provides real-life advice on food, gear, hygiene, and safety, enhanced by Natasha Dunston’s captivating illustrations. I love this book because illustrations always grab my attention—an incredibly clever addition.
Backpacker Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-Hike
This book presents the real challenges of long-distance hiking, addressing both the physical and emotional toll it takes. Liz Thomas shares valuable insights and practical knowledge for aspiring hikers.
The book features real-life photographs from her personal journey, adding inspiration to start packing and hit the trails. I admire books that create a strong emotional and mental connection with the reader, and this one does so while keeping the adventurous spirit alive.
The Last Hillwalker: A Sideways Look at Forty Years in Britain’s Mountains
Finding a universally loved book is rare, but The Last Hillwalker comes close. This book is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and even earned a nomination for TGO Book of the Year. John B.
Burns shares his experiences from over forty years of hiking, from the British mountains to the Rocky Mountains of the US and Canada, with extensive time in the Scottish Highlands. His lifelong passion for hiking shines through, making this book truly inspiring. Understanding one’s connection with nature is a key theme, making this a five-star read.
Summary
That’s not the end of the best hiking books list. There are still plenty of top hiking books, but I shared some of the most read and popular books. Each book in this list offers unique perspectives, valuable advice, and a deep love for adventure. Some focus on practical skills, while others deliver humor or emotional depth. Reading is one of the best ways to expand knowledge and appreciation for the outdoors.
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