Are you dreaming of hitting the trails and exploring the great outdoors? Hiking has overtaken running, fishing, and biking as the top outdoor activity in the U.S. Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or simply looking to escape into the wilderness through the pages of a book, we’ve got you covered. We’ve curated a list of the 14 best books about backpacking that will inspire, educate, and entertain you.
From thrilling memoirs to practical guides, these books about backpacking offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Let’s dive in and discover your next favorite read!
Inspirational Memoirs
1. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson’s humorous account of his attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail is both informative and entertaining. His keen observations on nature, history, and the human condition, combined with his witty writing style, provide readers with a delightful and enlightening experience.
“Distance changes utterly when you take the world on foot. A mile becomes a long way, two miles literally considerable, ten miles whopping, fifty miles at the very limits of conception. The world, you realize, is enormous in a way that only you and a small community of fellow hikers know. Planetary scale is your little secret.” – Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods
2. “Wild“ by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s memoir chronicles her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. Following personal tragedies, Strayed embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions of the trail’s challenges and beauty make this a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration.
“I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.” – Cheryl Strayed, Wild
Practical Guides
3. “The Backpacker’s Field Manual“ by Rick Curtis
For those seeking practical advice, Rick Curtis’s guide is an indispensable resource. Covering everything from trip planning and navigation to first aid and emergency procedures, this book is a comprehensive manual that every backpacker should have in their library.
“The wilderness is not a place to be feared but respected. With the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a source of endless wonder and adventure.” – Rick Curtis, The Backpacker’s Field Manual
4. “The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide“ by Andrew Skurka
Andrew Skurka, a renowned long-distance backpacker, shares his expert knowledge on gear selection and backpacking techniques. This guide is essential for both novice and experienced hikers looking to optimize their gear and improve their overall trail experience.
“Ultralight backpacking is not about sacrificing comfort or safety. It’s about maximizing efficiency so you can enjoy the wilderness more fully.” – Andrew Skurka, The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide
5. “The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs“ by Tristan Gooley
Tristan Gooley’s book teaches readers how to connect with nature in profound ways. By learning to interpret the signs of the natural world, backpackers can enhance their outdoor experience and navigate the wilderness with greater confidence and awareness.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Tristan Gooley, The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs
6. “Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips” by Mike Clelland
Mike Clelland offers a wealth of practical tips for those interested in ultralight backpacking. His advice on gear, packing, and techniques will help you lighten your load and enhance your backpacking experience without sacrificing comfort or safety.
“The lighter your pack, the more enjoyable your hike. It’s not just about the weight—it’s about the freedom it brings.” – Mike Clelland, Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips
Adventure Stories
7. “Into the Wild“ by Jon Krakauer
“Into the Wild” tells the tragic and fascinating story of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his possessions to venture into the Alaskan wilderness. Jon Krakauer’s investigation into McCandless’s life and journey offers deep insights into the allure of wilderness and the quest for meaning.
“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” – Christopher McCandless, quoted in Into the Wild
8. “AWOL on the Appalachian Trail“ by David Miller
David Miller’s detailed account of his thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring long-distance hikers. His day-by-day narrative captures the physical and emotional challenges of the journey, making it a compelling read for backpacking enthusiasts.
“I had to face the enormous scale of the natural world, the unforgiving nature of the trail, and the surprising difficulty in meeting basic needs like food, water, and shelter.” – David Miller, AWOL on the Appalachian Trail
9. “Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart“ by Carrot Quinn
Carrot Quinn’s memoir of her hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is an honest and engaging account of the highs and lows of long-distance hiking. Her vivid storytelling and raw honesty make this a compelling read for any backpacking enthusiast.
“The trail is not just a series of views and rivers and sunsets, as beautiful as those may be. It’s a living, breathing entity, and I am walking on it, and it is teaching me who I am.” – Carrot Quinn, Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart
Wilderness Exploration
10. “The Snow Leopard“ by Peter Matthiessen
Peter Matthiessen’s “The Snow Leopard” is a beautifully written account of his journey through the Himalayas in search of the elusive snow leopard. The book is a profound meditation on nature, spirituality, and the human experience in the wilderness.
“The secret of the mountains is that the mountains simply exist, as I do myself: the mountains exist simply, which I do not. The mountains have no ‘meaning,’ they are meaning; the mountains are.” – Peter Matthiessen, The Snow Leopard
11. “Walking the Amazon“ by Ed Stafford
Ed Stafford’s remarkable account of his expedition to become the first person to walk the entire length of the Amazon River is a testament to human endurance and determination. His story is filled with adventure, danger, and the beauty of the Amazon rainforest.
“The greatest challenge is not the physical feat of walking the length of the Amazon. It’s the mental stamina required to keep going day after day, regardless of the obstacles.” – Ed Stafford, Walking the Amazon
12. “The Last Season“ by Eric Blehm
“The Last Season” tells the story of legendary backcountry ranger Randy Morgenson, who went missing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Eric Blehm’s gripping narrative explores themes of wilderness, solitude, and the human spirit.
“The mountains are calling and I must go, and I will work on while I can, studying incessantly.” – John Muir, quoted in The Last Season
13. “The Sun Is a Compass“ by Caroline Van Hemert
Caroline Van Hemert’s “The Sun Is a Compass” chronicles her incredible journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Arctic Circle. Her story of adventure, wildlife, and the natural world is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
“In the vastness of the Arctic, I found a profound connection to the natural world and a deeper understanding of my place within it.” – Caroline Van Hemert, The Sun Is a Compass
14. “Journeys North: The Pacific Crest Trail“ by Barney Scout Mann
Barney Scout Mann shares the stories of six hikers on their journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. This book offers a captivating look at the diverse experiences and bonds formed on the trail, providing both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the thru-hiking community.
“The trail provides. It strips away the excess and shows us what truly matters.” – Barney Scout Mann, Journeys North
Conclusion: Best Books About Backpacking
These 14 books about backpacking offer a mix of inspiration, practical advice, and captivating stories that will enrich your journey, whether you’re an experienced hiker or new to the trails. From the challenging terrains of the Pacific Crest Trail to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, these books will transport you to incredible places and fuel your wanderlust.
Which of these books about backpacking resonates with you the most? Have you read any of them, or do you have other favorites to recommend? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Ready to Hit the Trails?
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our other resources to further guide and inspire you to go on that backpacking journey:
- The Only Camping Packing List You Will Ever Need
- Ultimate Picks: The Best Walkie Talkies of the Year
- Boost Your Health with the Benefits of Fresh Air
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Happy reading and happy trails!
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