Hiking BooksEvery hiker needs credible, concise, current information, and hiking books are one way to get it. You should turn to trusted authors when you need factual information such as how to prepare for a hike, and also for when you want an insider's view of the outdoors. I admit it: I'm addicted to books. I can never pass by the door of a bookstore without "just a quick peek" for hiking books. If I'm not careful, hours go by and I emerge onto the sidewalk in a daze, dreaming of new destinations.Hiking books come in so many "flavors": stripped down how-tos, bells-and-whistles WOW books, encyclopedic volumes geared toward bringing you into the ranks of experts.....where to start? Well, since you asked... Here's a highly opinionated attempt to give you what I consider THE essential hiking books to begin building a reference library. As time permits, I'll add to the list and throw in a few personal favorites for very personal reasons (heads up: they might not resonate with you, but I'll do my best to explain why I think they're worth a look). Diane's Highly Opinionated List of Hiking Books Let's get started with a classic: Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, 8th edition.Why I recommend it: There's a brand new edition of this classic (been around since 1960!!), and it's one of the first books I recommend to hikers because it covers a lot of ground (if you pardon the hiking pun). What if you only hike where there's not a mountain in sight? Or if you have no intention of doing more than a day hike? I STILL recommend it!What I like about this book: Basic survival skills are emphasized, beginning with gear, food, navigation. If you're not into climbing, skip through to the last parts on emergency preparation and weather. Currently I'm doing a home study course on weather so I'll be a better prepared hiker, so I know that this book gives you what you need to stay out of nasty temperature or precipitation related tight spots.Another good feature: it's not just one outdoor expert, it's dozens pooling their collective wisdom for your benefit. And it's not just anybody doing the writing, it's hearty, seasoned folks (sadly, not many women). Checking out the Mountaineers website might be a good idea - there's so many hiking books to choose from! One more plug: it's from my very own corner of the world, the Pacific Northwest. Cautions: You might be turned off by the focus on climbing. I admit that the parts on tying specific knots or rappelling are wasted on me. Also, it's huge (close to 600 pages) so it will take up a lot of room on your hiking shelf. Since it's a brand new edition (2010), you won't be able to find used copies, either. Reader's Digest North American Wildlife Why I recommend it: If you ever have one of those gray winter days when you're longing to be outdoors but the weather or your schedule will not permit it, here's a strong dose of virtual outdoor time. I usually snuggle into a blanket on "my" end of the couch and crack open this book, allowing my mind to wander through descriptions, color drawings, and range maps of 2,000 plants, animals, and birds. I usually start with my own neck of the woods (Pacific NW), re-visit my childhood stomping grounds (upper MidWest), then turn to areas of current interest (Northwest Territories, New Mexico). The hours roll by quite pleasantly, and my immersion in wildlife facts will pay off later when I'm actually on the trail. What I like about this book: It's concise, giving enough detail on animals, birds and plants so that I feel confident that I could easily make an identification out in the field. My fact-hungry left brain appreciates the little factoids about each species. The color drawings are beautiful, which pleases my right brain. I like how easy it is to compare what I see in my usual hiking areas with what's found across the North American continent. Sometimes I'm surprised and impressed by the wide range a plant or animal has. Example: hazels are widely distributed across the upper part of the continent - a huge distance, and testimony to the successful strategies of this life form which produces tasty nuts. Cautions: A thick book, definitely not a field guide. It will take up some space on your bookshelf. You might get frustrated by lack of detail - or you could consider it motivation for further research :)One more thing: it's not much help if you don't live on this continent! Hiking Field Guides: There's too much to say about hiking field guides here, so check out my Top Ten List of recommended field guides
here.
Stay tuned as I add to my book list. I'm a voracious reader, and I promise to share only the best ones with you! And meanwhile, you can chew through this list of books about outdoor women. Happy Book worming! |