One thing that I absolutely need to sort out before every hiking trip is what book(s) I’m going to read. I prefer hikes where I don’t drop dead in my tent after a 10-12 hour day of hiking (which almost doesn’t happen), thus my perfect evening consists of a warm sleeping bag and a book.
In general, I’d say any (good) book is great for a hiking trip, it’s not like you need a book about hiking when hiking, right? Weeeeeeell… Sometimes I want to have a book that sort of hikes with me. A book to which I can relate to one way or another. A book where I can find some of the joys or struggles I am experiencing as I hike.
So here are my top 5 books that I absolutely recommend if you’re looking for a book companion on your next trip:
- Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
- A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
- Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris
- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
Non-fiction, memoir
I read Cheryl’s story while hiking Walker’s Haute Route in Switzerland and honestly, I felt as if I had a hiking buddy. Cheryl was a complete newbie when she embarked on a massive hike across the United States. Her experiences on the trail were raw and intense, gripping from the first pages. Wild is one of the top hiking books on many lists and no wonder, it is a great book.
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
Non-fiction, memoir
As popular as Wild, A Walk in the Woods is also a hiker’s memoir. What sets it apart is the sense of humor of the author. Bill Bryson made me laugh out loud many times, which was exactly what I needed after some of the gruelling GR5 days. Jokes aside, the author also spends time researching the Appalachian Trail and its surroundings, giving a historical perspective to this famous trail.
Lands of Lost Borders: A Journey on the Silk Road by Kate Harris
Non-fiction, memoir
Alright, the last memoir is not from a hiker. Kate Harris cycled the Silk Road for over a year, a mind-boggling journey through some of the remotest places in Asia. The author delves into a complex and often violent history of the places and borders she passes. I was intrigued by her passion for exploration and determination to push forward, no matter how difficult the journey is. Lands of Lost Borders is truly a must-read for everyone who has an itch for exploration.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
Fiction, classics
Fiction books can be a good hiking companion as well, especially when the main character is stranded on a remote island! While Robinson Crusoe is a difficult character, often driven by the promise of wealth, I thought this book captured the journey of his own transformation quite well. Once on the island, he is challenged to be humble and appreciate the little things, which somewhat reminded me of the humbleness that long-distance hikes bring.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fiction, fantasy
I could not think of a better adventure book, where the main characters embark on a journey through tough and diverse landscapes. If you’re on a long-distance hike, The Lord of the Rings trilogy will keep you company for a while. As you’ll move through different terrains and conquer mountains, so will Frodo and Sam.