Cozy Up With a Good Book This Winter
Winter is a great time for the outdoor adventurer to recharge the body, restock the gear, and plan for spring, summer, and fall adventures. A great book takes you to a different place while you’re stuck inside on a dreary day. This can give you inspiration for trips that require some planning. Planning for many of the hottest destinations such as National Parks or resorts should begin in the winter, when reservations are available and flights may be the cheapest. Check out our Travel Destinations Guides for inspiration and ready-made trip plans.
If you’re thinking of planning a new type of outdoor adventure, winter is a great time to start by reading a good book on the subject. You will find that this inspiration and education during the off-season prepares you to learn faster and have more fun when you get out there for the first time. Maybe this spring will be your first time fly fishing or rock climbing. There is no better time to start than this winter with a good book.
Best Hiking and Backpacking Book for Beginners
Diana Helmuth’s book How to Suffer Outside will set you up for success and give you all of the tips, tricks, and important checklists for safe outdoor adventures. This book is written for anybody, even if you’ve never slept in a tent or walked on a dirt trail.
What about that title? Is hiking and backpacking suffering? No, people enjoy hiking for the adventure, to reach places and see things that you could never experience from a car. With a lot of the right mindset and a little of the right gear, suffering will be minimal and an enjoyable part of the adventure. Enjoy this book for the mindset, and pay close attention to the checklists to prepare for your adventures with minimal “suffering”.
Best Gear Guide
Mike Clelland gets it right in his book Ultralight Backpackin’ Tips. You do not need a ton of special gear for successful backpacking. In fact, you need a light pack, with the bare necessities and the right mindset to enjoy the adventure. Nothing will weigh you down more than excess gear, and real mountain adventures and climbs are intensely physical, which is fine if you take your time to build up to it, and carry sensible gear.
This book is for slightly more advanced hikers who have completed treks over 5 miles and completed a couple of overnights. Without spoiling the fun, you will enjoy reading about “liberating yourself from toilet paper” and camping without a knife. Don’t believe it? While starting out with shorter hikes, keep track of how many times you actually use that handy knife. While you might have the coolest Swiss Army knife in the forest, you probably don’t use it that often.
Best Fiction
Add this page-turner to your reading list. If the best thing is being outdoors, the next best thing is staying warm and dry indoors while living vicariously through someone else’s adventures and misfortune. The Guide follows the story of a fishing guide assigned to help a famous musician catch fish, but he discovers that this beautiful mountain enclave is hiding a sinister secret.
Best Backcountry Cookbook
“The Hungry Spork Trail Recipes cookbook is a treasure trove of over 50 diverse and flavorful recipes specifically tailored for backcountry camping. What makes this cookbook truly unique is its inclusion of both vegan and meat alternatives, ensuring that it caters to a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. The emphasis on using whole ingredients with minimal additives sets this cookbook apart, as it allows outdoor enthusiasts to create nutritious and satisfying meals while exploring the wilderness.
Authored by the experienced California-based backpacker, Inga Aksamit, the cookbook is a reflection of her deep understanding of the needs of outdoor adventurers. Her expertise shines through in the thoughtful selection of recipes that are not only delicious but also practical for backcountry cooking. The availability of the cookbook in both print and ebook formats ensures that it is easily accessible to a wide audience, allowing individuals to carry this wealth of culinary knowledge into the heart of the wilderness.
Destination Guidebooks
Grand Canyon
“Hiking Grand Canyon National Park: A Guide to the Best Hiking Adventures on the North and South Rims” by Ben Adkison stands out as the best resource for outdoor enthusiasts and travelers seeking to explore the breathtaking landscapes and diverse hiking trails within the Grand Canyon National Park. The book not only offers detailed descriptions and maps for all of the park’s developed trails but also provides essential tips on safety, hiking with children, access, and services, catering to both novice and experienced hikers. For example, the author’s firsthand descriptions of the trails, combined with detailed maps, ensure that readers have a clear understanding of the terrain and can plan their hiking adventures with confidence, whether it’s their first visit to the Grand Canyon or a return trip to explore new trails.
Reno and Lake Tahoe
The “Insiders’ Guide to Reno and Lake Tahoe” written by Jeanne Walpole is the best guide for travelers seeking an in-depth understanding of activities in the Reno and Lake Tahoe area. This comprehensive regional guide goes beyond typical tourist spots and delves into the lesser-known gems, offering an authentic and immersive experience for visitors. The book provides insider recommendations for exploring the extensive outdoor recreational opportunities, including lesser-known camping spots and hiking trails.
Yosemite
“Yosemite: The Complete Guide” by James Kaiser is an invaluable resource that provides comprehensive information to help travelers plan and make the most of their visit to Yosemite National Park. The book is filled with stunning color photographs capturing the park’s beauty and includes detailed maps, travel tips, and practical advice to enhance the visitor’s experience. James Kaiser goes beyond just the usual tourist information and delves into the park’s geological formations, ecological systems, and the area’s rich history. The book’s detailed information on lodging, camping, dining, and transportation aims to assist travelers in making the most suitable arrangements for their trip, whether they prefer the comfort of a lodge or the adventure of camping in the wilderness.
How To Guides
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing has seen a surge in interest as a recreational activity, attracting both beginners and experienced anglers. The book “Fly Fishing for Dummies” is a valuable resource that caters to individuals seeking comprehensive guidance in this popular sport. Written by Peter Kaminsky, a seasoned angler with extensive knowledge and experience in fly fishing, the book offers a wealth of information for those looking to learn and refine their fly fishing skills.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including tying flies, reeling in catches, selecting the right gear, and understanding fishing techniques. It also delves into essential details such as knot tying and provides insights into North American trout rivers, making it an indispensable guide for both novices and seasoned anglers. With over 150 illustrations, “Fly Fishing for Dummies” presents information in a friendly and humorous tone, making the learning experience enjoyable and accessible for readers.
Rock Climbing
“Rock Climbing for the Absolute Beginner” delves deep into the philosophy of the climbing journey, placing a strong emphasis on the transformative nature of the sport. The book beautifully captures the essence of rock climbing, highlighting that it is not just about reaching the summit but also about the personal growth, self-discovery, and learning experiences along the way. This resonates with the sentiment shared by many climbers, as it is often the journey and the challenges faced that leave a lasting impact.
History
Lewis and Clark
Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage is the definitive historical account of Lewis and Clark’s adventure across the American West. As you plan your adventures, you may cross some of the same trails they trekked from St. Louis to the Pacific Northwest. Many of the fieldcraft and survival skills practiced by Lewis and Clark are still relevant today. The natural wonders that Lewis and Clark encountered for the first time may be familiar today, but it is also striking how much has changed, as the buffalo are no longer as plentiful as they were in 1804.
History of the Appalachian Trail
From Dream to Reality: Unveiling the History of the Appalachian Trail by Thomas Johnson
Discover the historical origins, evolution, and transformation of the Appalachian Trail in the book From Dream to Reality, offering insights into the dedicated volunteers, challenges faced, and the trail’s role as a federally protected national scenic trail.
The book provides detailed insights into the trail’s origins and the significant role played by volunteers in its establishment. For example, it discusses how the trail was first put on the ground by dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to create a path for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.
Yosemite
John Muir’s profound influence on American nature literature and conservation efforts is evident in his timeless work, “The Yosemite.” This book serves as a testament to Muir’s dedication to preserving the natural world and his ability to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the Yosemite Valley. Muir’s writing style is characterized by a deep reverence for the natural world, and his vivid descriptions of the changing phases of the Yosemite year, from flood-time to Indian summer, transport readers to the heart of this magnificent landscape, allowing them to experience its splendor through his eyes.
