Looking for outdoorsy books beyond Wild by Cheryl Strayed? You’re in the right place.
Don’t get me wrong. Wild is iconic! No shame. No shade. Total classic. But if you’re already read it (maybe more than once like I have) and you’re craving new outdoor-inspired books that hit just as hard…emotionally, mentally or motivationally, I’ve got you.
Over the past year, I made two intentional shifts:
- I wanted to read more books
- I wanted to shut down screens at least an hour before going to bed
Those two goals paired beautifully. And somewhere in-between my evening tea and an earlier bedtime, I found myself tearing through a stack of outdoorsy, adventure-filled, soul-stirring books.
Whether you love hiking, backpacking, personal growth through adventure or stories about resilience in the wild, this list is for you.
Below are some of my favorite outdoorsy books I’ve read recently, that aren’t Wild (in no particular order).
My Favorite Outdoorsy Books (That Aren’t Wild)
Alone in Wonderland – Christine Reed
A deeply personal account of solo backpacking the Wonderland Trail. Honest, vulnerable and especially relatable if you’re a woman navigating confidence, fear and growth on trail.
Hiking Is the Easy Part – Julia Sheehan
This book nails the emotional and mental side of thru-hiking. It’s raw, funny and incredibly validating, especially if you’ve ever struggled more off trail than on it.
Grandma Gatewood’s Walk – Ben Montgomery
A true legend. Emma Gatewood thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in her 60s with minimal gear and maximum grit. This book is pure inspiration and a reminder that it’s never too late.
A Walk Thru Neverland – Dyana Carmella
A reflective and beautifully written memoir that explores long-distance hiking, self-discovery and the emotional layers that surface when you spend months walking alone.
Take Less, Do More – Glen Van Peski
The founder of Gossamer Gear shares lessons on ultralight backpacking, simplicity and intentional living, both on trail and in everyday life.
Blood, Sweat & Tears – Edited by Christine Reed
A collection of powerful stories from women adventurers. Every essay feels like a reminder that strength comes in many forms and that adventure doesn’t look just one way.
Trail of the Lost – Andrea Lankford
This one is heavy, but important. A former park ranger investigates disappearances in wilderness areas, blending outdoor adventure with psychology and search-and-rescue realities.
Atomic Habits – James Clear
Okay, not technically outdoorsy, but absolutely trail-adjacent. This book lowkey changed my life and directly helped me build consistency with my winter hiking training routine.
Why I Love Outdoorsy Books
Outdoor-themed books aren’t just about miles and mountains.
They’re about:
- Building confidence
- Pushing past fear
- Learning to trust yourself
- And realizing you’re capable of way more than you think
Which honestly is exactly why I love hiking and backpacking so much in the first place.
Your Turn: Book Recommendations Wanted
I’m always adding to my reading list.
If you’ve read an outdoorsy book you loved like a a memoir, adventure story, mindset book or anything trail-related, drop it in the comments below or send it my way.
Happy Reading and Happy Trails!
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I am so glad that you are doing posts! I am taking a break from
YouTube until April 1st.
I’m so excited to try these books.
Awesome!!! Happy reading!
The Big Burn by Timothy Egan – American natural history
I’m passionate about trail work and conservation so this book appealed to me from the start. Nonfiction about a wild fire that began the national parks service, wild fire fighters and protection with a focus on preservation and conservation in earnest. Lots of names I’ve known, but never knew. Perfect story for adding depth and appreciation for America’s wild spaces.
Great recommendation. Thank you! I actually have this book in my reading list pile and will be reading it very soon!!
Thanks for the suggestions! I have added several of them to my reading list.
I want to recommend Keith Foskett, an English thru-hiker whose books on his hikes on AT, PCT, and Camino are excellent.
For a non-hiking read, check out Last Stand by Michael Punke; it’s a fascinating account of Yellowstone’s history and the near-extinction of the American buffalo.
My first intro to the hiking genre was Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods 🙂
Thank you for the recommendations!
Thank you for these recommendations Kathleen!! And those of the folks who have commented! My reading list grows!! 🙂
I have read Atomic Habits – FABULOUS! and Grandma Gatewood’s Walk – which continues to serve as an inspiration to me at 70+ years of age… it can be done simply if need be!
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather “Anish” Anderson was a good read some time ago… about her return to the PCT years after having hiked the Triple Crown.
Spirited Waters: Soloing South Through the Inside Passage by Jennifer Hahn – about kayaking solo along the Inside Passage from Ketchikan, AK to Bellingham, WA – though not about hiking, it is about the challenges and moments of solo travel and nature!
Wishing you all happy reading and happy adventuring – be it walking, hiking, bikepacking, kayaking, etc!! Just LIVING each day!
Eva