Some hiking books teach you how to pack for your first overnight trip. Others tell a story so good that you finish the last page and start looking at trail maps.
The best hiking books do one of three jobs: they inspire you (memoirs and adventure stories), they teach you (gear, skills and safety) or they help you plan (trail guides and destination books).
This list covers all three. We picked 25 books, from funny Appalachian Trail classics to serious navigation manuals, plus picks for women, kids, beginners and gift-givers.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, JoinHikes earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through Amazon links in this article, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How we chose: We looked at each book’s content, who it’s written for, how often it appears on respected outdoor reading lists, reader reviews and whether the advice is still useful today. We have not tested every technique in every book on the trail ourselves.
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hiking Books?
For most readers, start with A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (funny, easy to read) and Wild by Cheryl Strayed (emotional and unforgettable).
If you want to learn, get How to Suffer Outside (best for beginners) and The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide (best for choosing gear).
For a gift, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime is our favorite. Planning the Appalachian Trail? Buy the current A.T. Thru-Hikers’ Companion.
Best Hiking Books: Quick Comparison
On a phone, swipe the table sideways.
| Book | Type | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick 100 Hikes of a Lifetime | Photo / destinations | Gifts and trip ideas | Check price |
| Top pick The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide | How-to | Choosing gear | Check price |
| Top pick A Walk in the Woods | Memoir | A funny first read | Check price |
| Wild | Memoir | Emotional solo journey | Check price |
| Beginners How to Suffer Outside | How-to | First backpacking trip | Check price |
| A.T. Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026 | Trail guide | Appalachian Trail planning | Check price |
| Trail Tested | How-to | Long-distance & lightweight | Check price |
| Surviving the Trail | Safety | Being better prepared | Check price |
| Grandma Gatewood’s Walk | Biography | Trail history | See review |
| Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills | Technical manual | Advanced mountain skills | See review |
All 25 books are reviewed below. Prices change often, so check the current price on Amazon before you buy.
What Makes a Great Hiking Book?
It’s still useful
Old memoirs age well. Old gear advice and trail logistics don’t. We flag books where you need the newest edition.
It’s written for a real reader
A beginner and a mountaineer need very different books. Each pick says who it’s for, and who should skip it.
It’s widely trusted
Most picks show up again and again on respected outdoor reading lists and have strong reader reviews.
It’s a good read
Even how-to books should be clear and easy to follow, not a wall of jargon.
Best Hiking Memoirs and Adventure Stories
These are the books that make you want to hike. They won’t teach you how to set up a tent, but they show what life on a long trail really feels like: the blisters, the strangers who become friends and the moments that change people.
1. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
Best for: Anyone who wants a funny, easy first hiking book, even non-hikers.
Published in 1998, A Walk in the Woods follows travel writer Bill Bryson as he sets out to hike the Appalachian Trail with his out-of-shape old friend Stephen Katz. Neither of them is really ready, and that’s what makes it so funny.
Between the jokes, Bryson weaves in trail history, ecology and the story of America’s forests. It was later made into a 2015 film with Robert Redford. For many people, it’s the book that first put the Appalachian Trail on their bucket list.
- Genuinely laugh-out-loud funny.
- Easy to read, no hiking knowledge needed.
- Mixes adventure with history and nature.
- Great gift for almost anyone.
- Not a how-to or planning guide.
- Some trail details are now out of date.
- The pair don’t hike the whole trail, which some readers find disappointing.
2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Best for: Readers who love emotional, personal stories, and anyone thinking about a solo hike.
After her mother’s death and the end of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed decided, with almost no backpacking experience, to hike more than 1,000 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone in 1995. Wild (2012) is the story of that walk.
Her pack is famously too heavy and her boots are too small. But this is really a book about grief, healing and getting your life back, one step at a time. It became a huge bestseller and a 2014 film starring Reese Witherspoon.
- Powerful, honest storytelling.
- Strong female perspective.
- Shows the real mental side of a long hike.
- A modern classic.
- More about life than about hiking skills.
- Her mistakes are not a model to copy.
- Heavy themes may not suit every reader.
3. Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery
Best for: Trail history fans and anyone who thinks they’re “too old” to start hiking.
In 1955, Emma Gatewood, a 67-year-old grandmother from Ohio, told her family she was going for a walk. She became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, wearing canvas sneakers and carrying a homemade bag. Ben Montgomery’s 2014 biography tells her remarkable story and how her fame helped save the trail.
See it on Amazon4. AWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller
Best for: Readers seriously thinking about a thru-hike who want a realistic, day-to-day picture.
David Miller left his software engineering job to hike the whole Appalachian Trail. His 2010 book is less about drama and more about what a long trail is really like: weather, resupply, sore feet, trail towns and the people you meet. Miller later created one of the best-known A.T. guidebooks, so he knows the trail inside out.
See it on Amazon5. The Unlikely Thru-Hiker by Derick Lugo
Best for: First-timers who don’t think they “look like a hiker.”
Derick Lugo, a New Yorker with no backpacking background, hiked the Appalachian Trail and earned the trail name “Mr. Fabulous.” His 2019 memoir is upbeat and funny, and it’s a refreshing reminder that the trail is for everyone.
See it on Amazon6. Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart by Carrot Quinn
Best for: Readers curious about modern thru-hiking culture on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Carrot Quinn’s 2016 account of hiking the PCT in 2013 is raw and detailed: hunger, heat, snow, trail friendships and the strange sadness of finishing. If Wild made you curious about the PCT, this shows what a full, modern thru-hike looks like.
See it on Amazon7. A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf by John Muir
Best for: Nature lovers and fans of national park history.
In 1867, a young John Muir walked from Kentucky to Florida’s Gulf Coast. His journal, published after his death, shows the curiosity that later made him the “father of the national parks.” It’s short, beautiful and free of modern gear talk.
See it on Amazon8. Tracks by Robyn Davidson
Best for: Readers who loved Wild and want another bold solo journey.
In 1977, Robyn Davidson walked about 1,700 miles across the Australian outback with four camels and her dog. Tracks is fierce, funny and honest about wanting to be alone. It’s an older book that still feels fresh.
See it on Amazon9. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Best for: Readers who like true stories that make you think.
Jon Krakauer investigates the life and death of Christopher McCandless, who walked into the Alaskan wilderness in 1992 and never came back. It’s not a hiking guide, but it’s a gripping, important read about freedom, risk and why preparation matters.
See it on AmazonBest How-To Hiking and Backpacking Books
These books teach real skills: what to pack, how to choose gear and how to stay comfortable on the trail. They pair well with our ultralight backpacking gear list.
10. How to Suffer Outside by Diana Helmuth
Best for: New hikers and first-time backpackers.
Most gear books are written by experts for experts. How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking (Mountaineers Books, 2021) is written for people who are just starting and feel a little lost.
Diana Helmuth covers gear, clothing, food, water, bathroom basics and the mental side of being outdoors, with humor and simple illustrations. It’s honest that backpacking can be uncomfortable, and shows you how to make it a lot less so.
- Friendly, plain-English explanations.
- Covers the questions beginners are shy to ask.
- Fun to read, not a dry manual.
- Recent, so advice is up to date.
- Too basic for experienced backpackers.
- Not a route or destination guide.
11. The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide by Andrew Skurka
Best for: Anyone about to spend real money on backpacking gear.
Andrew Skurka is a well-known long-distance hiker and guide who has covered tens of thousands of miles on foot. In this National Geographic book, he explains how to choose clothing, footwear, shelters, sleeping systems, stoves and packs.
What makes it great: it doesn’t just tell you what to buy. It teaches you how to think about gear for the conditions you’ll actually face, so you stop overspending on things you don’t need.
- Clear explanations of gear trade-offs.
- Helps you avoid expensive mistakes.
- Useful from first trip to thru-hike.
- Well organized, easy to dip into.
- Specific product names date over time.
- Not an adventure story.
12. Trail Tested by Justin Lichter
Best for: Hikers moving from weekend trips to longer, lighter adventures.
Justin Lichter (trail name “Trauma”) has hiked tens of thousands of miles. Trail Tested shares the systems he uses: lighter packing, foot care, food planning, layering and handling bad weather. It’s practical advice from someone who has made the mistakes so you don’t have to.
- Real-world, field-proven advice.
- Great for planning longer trips.
- Covers skills, not just gear.
- Some gear examples are dated.
- Lightweight methods don’t suit every trip or hiker.
13. The Backpacker’s Handbook by Chris Townsend
Best for: Readers who want one big, detailed reference book on the shelf.
British long-distance walker Chris Townsend covers almost everything: gear, camp skills, food, weather and planning. It’s longer and more detailed than most beginner books. Buy the newest edition you can find, since gear chapters age.
See it on Amazon14. Appalachian Trials by Zach Davis
Best for: Future thru-hikers who want to actually finish.
Most people who quit a long trail don’t quit because of gear. They quit because of boredom, loneliness or doubt. Zach Davis, who hiked the A.T. with no prior backpacking experience, focuses on the psychology of a thru-hike and how to stay motivated.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Books for Trail Planning
When it’s time to actually plan a route, you need up-to-date details: distances, water, shelters and towns. For trails, always buy the current year’s edition.
15. Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026
Best for: Thru-hikers and section hikers planning the Appalachian Trail.
Updated every year, the Thru-Hikers’ Companion is a compact trail reference made with long-distance hikers in mind. It covers shelters, water sources, road crossings, trail towns, resupply options and services along the A.T., which runs about 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Because it’s updated annually, it’s far more reliable for logistics than any memoir. Use it with the trail’s official updates, since closures and services can change during the season.
- Current-year information.
- Built for thru- and section hikers.
- Town and resupply details in one place.
- Compact enough to carry.
- Only useful for the Appalachian Trail.
- Reference book, not a fun read.
- Some details change during the year.
16. Hiking the Appalachian Trail Through Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee
Best for: Section hikers exploring the southern A.T., including the Great Smoky Mountains.
A regional guide with trail descriptions and planning details for the southern part of the A.T. It’s a good fit if you want to hike the Smokies or Georgia sections without committing to the full trail. Pair it with our Great Smoky Mountains guide.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Safety and Navigation Books
This is the category most “best hiking books” lists skip, and the one most likely to matter when something goes wrong. A book can’t replace a class, but it can teach you what to practice.
17. Surviving the Trail by Rob Scanlon
Best for: Hikers who want to think through what can go wrong before it does.
Surviving the Trail focuses on staying safe outdoors and handling problems calmly. It’s a good counterweight to inspiring adventure stories, which can make wilderness travel look easier than it is.
- Safety-first mindset.
- Good companion to a gear or beginner book.
- Encourages planning, not luck.
- Reading can’t replace hands-on practice.
- Compare advice with current official guidance.
18. Wilderness Navigation by Bob Burns and Mike Burns
Best for: Anyone who relies only on a phone app and wants a backup skill.
Phones die, and GPS can fail in deep canyons. This Mountaineers Books guide teaches map reading, compass use and route-finding step by step, with exercises you can practice at home.
See it on Amazon19. NOLS Wilderness Medicine by Tod Schimelpfenig
Best for: Hikers who go far from roads or lead groups.
From the National Outdoor Leadership School, this is a respected guide to handling injuries and illness when help is hours away. It’s a great companion to a Wilderness First Aid course.
See it on Amazon20. Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills
Best for: Experienced hikers moving toward scrambling, glaciers or climbing.
First published by The Mountaineers in 1960 and updated many times since, this is often called the bible of mountain travel. It covers navigation, camping, rope skills, snow and ice travel and more. It’s far more than most day hikers need, but it’s the reference serious mountain people keep coming back to. Get the latest edition, and take a real course for technical skills.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Books From Around the World
21. Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams
Best for: Anyone dreaming of Peru or the Inca Trail.
Magazine editor Mark Adams retraces explorer Hiram Bingham’s 1911 route to Machu Picchu, with a tough local guide leading the way. It’s funny, full of history and a great way to understand the Andes before you go.
See it on Amazon22. I’m Off Then by Hape Kerkeling
Best for: Anyone curious about walking the Camino de Santiago.
German comedian Hape Kerkeling walked the Camino across northern Spain in 2001. His light, self-mocking diary became a huge bestseller in Germany and inspired many people to walk the route themselves.
See it on Amazon23. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Best for: Readers who love long coastal walks and stories of starting over.
After losing their home, Raynor Winn and her husband walked England’s 630-mile South West Coast Path with very little money. The book became a bestseller and a film. Note: in 2025 a newspaper investigation questioned parts of the story, which the author disputes. Read it as one person’s account.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Gift and Coffee Table Books
24. 100 Hikes of a Lifetime (National Geographic)
Best for: Gifts, travel planning and anyone who loves big, beautiful photos.
Written by Kate Siber for National Geographic, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime gathers famous and lesser-known trails from every continent, from short day walks to multi-week treks. Each hike gets stunning photos plus practical notes to help you start planning.
It’s the kind of book people leave on the coffee table and keep picking up. That’s exactly why it makes such a good gift for the hiker in your life.
- Gorgeous photography and design.
- Trails from all over the world.
- Great bucket-list inspiration.
- Feels like a premium gift.
- Not detailed enough to replace a trail map.
- Too big to carry on a hike.
- Doesn’t teach hiking skills.
Bonus: Fifty Places to Hike Before You Die by Chris Santella
Best for: A smaller, cheaper bucket-list gift.
Part of a popular travel series, this book profiles 50 great hikes around the world, with tips from guides who know them well. Fewer photos than 100 Hikes of a Lifetime, but more stories from people on the ground.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Book for Kids
25. Hike by Pete Oswald
Best for: Young children (roughly ages 3–7) before a family hike.
This almost wordless 2020 picture book follows a parent and child on a mountain hike, from packing up at dawn to reaching the top. The art does the storytelling, so kids can “read” it themselves. A lovely way to get little ones excited before a trip. Planning one? See our guides to Zion with kids and Grand Teton with kids.
See it on AmazonBest Hiking Book by Type of Reader
| If you are… | Read this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new to hiking | How to Suffer Outside | Friendly, simple, practical |
| Buying gear soon | The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide | Helps you spend wisely |
| Looking for a fun read | A Walk in the Woods | Funniest hiking book |
| Thinking about solo hiking | Wild | Honest, emotional solo story |
| Planning the Appalachian Trail | Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2026 | Current logistics |
| Dreaming of a thru-hike | Trail Tested + Appalachian Trials | Skills plus mindset |
| Buying a gift | 100 Hikes of a Lifetime | Beautiful and inspiring |
| A woman looking for role models | Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, Tracks | Two fearless trailblazers |
| Heading into remote areas | Wilderness Navigation + NOLS Wilderness Medicine | Skills that matter in emergencies |
| Hiking with young kids | Hike | Builds excitement |
| Ready for big mountains | Freedom of the Hills | The standard reference |
How to Choose the Right Hiking Book
1. Decide what you want
Inspiration? Pick a memoir. Skills? Pick a how-to book. A specific trip? Pick a trail guide.
2. Match your level
Beginners get the most from friendly guides. Experts may find them too basic.
3. Check the edition
For trail guides and gear books, newer is better. Memoirs don’t go out of date.
4. Think about format
Hardcover for gifts, paperback for reading, ebook or audiobook for long drives and trail evenings.
5. Weight on the trail
Taking a book backpacking? A paperback or an ebook on your phone saves real weight.
6. Don’t skip safety
Add one navigation or first aid book to your list, even if it’s not exciting.
Hiking Books vs Hiking Apps: Do You Still Need a Book?
Apps are great for live trail maps, recent conditions and GPS tracking. Books are better for learning skills, planning ahead and understanding why, and they never run out of battery.
The best plan is to use both: learn from books at home, then carry an offline map, a paper map and a compass on the trail. Phones die, especially in the cold. If you rely on your phone, carry a compact power bank.
Best Hiking Books for Reading on the Trail
Want something to read in your tent? Choose short, light books. A small paperback like A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf barely adds weight. For longer trips, most thru-hikers just use an ebook app on their phone. Leave heavy hardcovers like 100 Hikes of a Lifetime at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hiking book of all time?
There’s no single answer, but A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is the most widely loved hiking book. For a deeper, more emotional read, Wild by Cheryl Strayed is the other top classic.
What are the best hiking books for beginners?
How to Suffer Outside by Diana Helmuth is the friendliest start. Follow it with The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide when you’re ready to buy gear.
What is the best book about the Appalachian Trail?
For a story, A Walk in the Woods or Grandma Gatewood’s Walk. For planning, the current-year Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion.
What is the best book about the Pacific Crest Trail?
Wild is the best known. Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart gives a more complete picture of a modern full PCT thru-hike.
What are the best hiking books for women?
Wild, Grandma Gatewood’s Walk, Tracks, Thru-Hiking Will Break Your Heart and How to Suffer Outside are all written by or about women and are great picks.
What is a good hiking book for kids?
Hike by Pete Oswald is a beautiful, nearly wordless picture book for young kids. Older kids often enjoy the funny parts of A Walk in the Woods.
What hiking book makes the best gift?
100 Hikes of a Lifetime from National Geographic. It’s beautiful, inspiring and works for both new and experienced hikers.
Is Wild a true story?
Yes. Wild is Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her real solo hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995.
Is A Walk in the Woods a true story?
Yes, it’s based on Bill Bryson’s real attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail, though he tells it with plenty of humor.
Are old hiking books still worth reading?
Memoirs and history books, yes. For gear advice and trail logistics, always choose the newest edition, because gear, rules and trail services change.
Should I bring a book on a backpacking trip?
Many hikers enjoy reading in camp. Bring a small paperback or use an ebook on your phone to keep weight down.
Final Verdict: Which Hiking Book Should You Read First?
Want to be entertained? Start with A Walk in the Woods. Want to be moved? Read Wild. Ready to learn? Get How to Suffer Outside, then The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide.
And if you’re buying for someone else, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime is the gift almost every hiker will love. A great hiking book won’t replace time on the trail, but it can make you more excited and better prepared for your next one.
Our top pick: Check 100 Hikes of a Lifetime on AmazonPlan Your Next Hike
Editorial disclosure: This list is based on book content, publisher information, reader reviews and expert reading lists. Book details, editions and prices can change. Always check the latest edition before buying a trail guide.