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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