Hiking is a wonderful hobby to have. You get to be a part of nature, see incredible views, and it’s healthy for you to boot. Unfortunately, though, we can’t live our lives constantly hiking. Our lives, such as our jobs, our children, and so many other responsibilities, tend to get in the way. The weather can also be a problem, with rain, snow, cold temperatures, and hot temperatures. When we can’t hike, we may want to find a way to feel like we are. A great way to do this is to read a book on hiking. Books have the ability to transport us to faraway destinations, so they can be a great alternative to an actual hike. Here are some of the best books on hiking.
A Walk In The Woods – Bill Bryson
In his book, Bill Bryson, a well-known travel writer, and his friend attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail together. Despite their lack of experience, the two decided to take on the challenge. The pair traveled from Georgia to Maine, and they met various odd characters along the way. The two of them were not prepared for their trip, and they were not equipped with the proper equipment for the task, but this didn’t stop them from continuing on what’s often considered one of the toughest hikes out there.
Into Thin Air – John Krakauer
This non-fiction book follows the story of a failed summit attempt on Mount Everest in 1996. It happened when a storm stranded several hikers at high altitudes. One of the most prominent adventure journalists at the time, John Krakauer, was on the expedition and decided to turn the adventure into a book that everyone could enjoy. Although the book is about a failed summit attempt, it’s also a great read for anyone who has a passion for hiking. The fast-paced story and the technical details of the climb will keep you interested throughout the course of the book.
The Sun Is A Compass – Caroline Van Hamert
Travel books are full of stories that are human-powered, and these can be great for reading. In 2012, Caroline Van Hemert, a biologist, decided to leave her job and go on a journey of self-discovery. She wanted to connect with her husband and the wild. The journey that Van Hemert took was a six-month trip from the Pacific Northwest to the Alaskan wilderness. It was through various forms of transportation, such as canoes, boats, and rafts. The story she wrote about her experience is very readable due to her extensive observations of the wildlife that she came across. If you’re a fan of adventure and stories about human-powered travel, this is the book for you.
On Trails: An Exploration – Robert Moore
In his book, Robert Moor talks about his decade-long journey hiking across the globe, and he explores the various ways that trails are made and maintained. He also delves into the psychology of people who hike and the connection that humans have with the natural world. This book is full of questions and ideas that it’s hard to pin down in one big lesson. The main theme of the book is that the line between nature and society has always been blurred. With that in mind, trails are a great way to explore our relationship with nature.