Since the dawn of written word, humans have written about their experiences in the natural world. Outdoor Adventure books can transport you to thrilling places and times. Whether you are an avid hiker, bushcrafter, hunter, climber or angler, there are lessons to be learned from a myriad of fiction and non-fiction literature.
The below list highlights just a few of our favorite works that every outdoorsman should read! Check back for future book reviews and outdoor-themed reading lists!
Memoirs and Outdoor Adventure Journals
One Man’s Wilderness, Dick Proenneke and Sam Keith (1973)
A memoir based on the journals of Dick Proenneke, documenting his solitary life in the Alaskan wilderness. Keith edited and shaped Proenneke’s writings into a reflective and practical account of self-reliance, craftsmanship, and the rhythms of remote living at Twin Lakes. Proenneke’s writing transport the reader to the early days of Alaskan statehood, painting the pristine conditions of the landscape.
Woodswoman, Anne LaBastille (1976)
A personal and powerful memoir chronicling LaBastille’s decision to build a cabin and live alone in the Adirondack wilderness. The book explores her journey toward independence, connection with nature, and the challenges of being an indepenent woman in the backcountry of Upstate New York.
Canoeing the Adirondacks with Nessmuk: The Adirondack Letters of George Washington Sears, George W. Sears, edited by Dan Brenan (1991)
A curated collection of Nessmuk’s letters and dispatches from his famous 1883 solo canoe journey through the Adirondacks. Traveling in his custom-made 10.5-foot solo canoe, Sairy Gamp, these writings capture his experiences, observations of nature, and advocacy for lightweight, solitary travel in the wilderness—hallmarks of his enduring legacy in American outdoor writing. Writing for early sportsmans publications like Forest and Stream, Nessmuk’s writing form some of the earliest modern outdoor adventure works. Beyond captivating storytelling, Nessmuk posits important reflections pertaining to the future of outdoor recreation and conservation in his beloved Adirondack wilderness.
Outdoor Skills
Woodcraft and Camping, George W. Sears (“Nessmuk”) (1884)
One of the original outdoor adventure books, blending practical outdoor skills with philosophical reflections on simple wilderness living. Written by one of the pioneers of ultralight camping, it covers gear, canoe travel, campfire cooking, and the ethos of treading lightly in nature, drawn from Sears’ solo trips through the Adirondacks. Nessmuk writes in a time of profound transformation for the physical and cultural landscape. His work provides insight into the discussions that shaped the nodern outdoor recreation and conservation movements.
Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, Mors Kochanski (1987)
A foundational manual on wilderness survival and bushcraft, emphasizing skills for thriving in boreal forest environments. Kochanski, a renowned Canadian survival instructor, covers fire-making, shelter construction, tool use, edible plants, and more with a practical, no-nonsense approach. The book is widely respected for its depth, clarity, and focus on skills.
The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, Tom Rosenbauer (2017)
Tom Rosenbauer’s guide is the comprehensive work for experienced and noviced fly fishermen alike. Tom covers fly-fishing techniques, gear selection, and casting methods! He explores tactics for various species in both fresh and saltwater environments. Tom provides an easy-to-read foundation for anyone getting into the sport of fly fishing. I routinely return to this book to brush up on fundamentals and share knowledge with new anglers. Enhanced with over 400 full-color images, it serves as an invaluable resource for anglers at all levels.
Children’s Outdoor Adventure Books
Rascal, Sterling North (1963)
This charming memoir follows a young boy and avid angler named Sterling and his adventures with a raccoon named Rascal. Set in rural Wisconsin during World War I, the story explores a changing landscape. Furthermore, Rascal highlights themes of friendship, growing up, and the bond between humans and animals.
Farmer Boy, Laura Ingalls Wilder (1933)
Part of the “Little House” series, Farmer Boy focuses on the childhood of Almanzo Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s future husband. The book depicts his experiences growing up on a farm in Malone, New York during the 1860s. Farmer Boy is a coming of age story exploring hard work, family, and the joys of rural life.
Brian’s Winter, Gary Paulsen (1996)
A sequel and alternate ending to Hatchet, one of the most iconic coming-of-age outdoor adventure books. This survival story provides a continuation of Brian Robeson’s journey after he is stranded in the Canadian wilderness. Facing the brutal winter months, Brian must adapt to new challenges, learn essential survival skills, and cope with loneliness.
Love this! Definitely going to look for Woodcraft and Camping at my local bookstore.