The Best Outdoor Adventure Books
Whether you’re grounded at home and looking for a summit you can conquer in your mind or out on a real excursion with a little spare time, these books will inspire your adventurous spirit. Please note that this is a highly subjective list of the best outdoor adventure books. We’d love to hear about your favorite on-page adventures in the comments.
The most sustainable way to read these books would be via your local library, a borrowed version from a friend, or on your decade-old digital reading device. If you do want to purchase new, consider buying from Indiebound, which helps you support your local independent book store. *All of the links below are affiliate links that point to Indiebound, meaning we will receive credits at no additional cost to you. We would support Indiebound regardless of our affiliate relationship.
Arguably one of the best adventure tales of all time. This true account of a Mount Everest ascent that went terribly wrong by one of the most revered outdoor journalists is a must-read.
This memoir is a wonderful combination of jungle adventure and conservation awareness. Paul Rosolie’s travels through the Amazon are awe-inspiring and his loving and curious perspective on some of the most feared fauna in the world is refreshing.
Journalist Susan Casey tells a compelling story of the big wave phenomena. This well-written tale jumps between hangouts with Laird Hamilton and some of the most respected surfers on the planet and scientific insights about the ocean.
In 1914 Ernest Shackleton set out with his crew to cross Antartica. Their boat gets stuck, sinks and they spend two years in the Weddell Sea. Endurance is a true and incredible story of resilience and survival.
Captain Liz Clark has been sailing and surfing the world on Swell since 2006. The book captures the highlights of her solo voyage and her dedication to a more conscious world.
