As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to find gifts that inspire adventure and fuel the spirit of exploration in those we care about. When we are recovering at home, or enjoying a quiet weekend, books hold the power to transport us to wild places, teach us new skills, and ignite a sense of wonder. In other words... books are awesome. Snacking on Trail Butter while consuming good literature is uber awesome. (Yes, that was a shameless plug.)
Our holiday book guide brings together ten incredible reads across a range of outdoor interests, from visually stunning coffee table books that celebrate our natural world to quick reads that add humor and insight. We’ve chosen titles that resonate with adventurers of all kinds, including memoirs of record-breaking journeys, in-depth guides for ultra-running, and essential survival skills.
Explore the list below to discover books that will inspire, entertain, and empower the outdoor enthusiasts in your life this season. And yes, we even included a few written by our very own Trail Butter Pros!
Holiday Book Guide
1. For the Adventurous Home: The National Parks: An American Legacy by Ian Shive
- Category: Photography
- Overview: A breathtaking photographic journey through America’s national parks, capturing awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife.
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Perfect For: Nature lovers who appreciate the vast beauty of America’s wild spaces.
2. For the Trail Runner’s Coffee Table: Sierra Trail Runs: A Guide to the Eastside by Dan Patitucci *TB Pro, Janine Patitucci, Hjördis Rickert, Kim Strom
- Category: Photography/Trail Running Guide
- Overview: A visually stunning guide to trail running on the Eastside of the Sierra Nevada, complete with gorgeous photography, detailed route descriptions, and maps.
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Perfect For: Trail runners and nature lovers who want a beautiful, inspiring look at California’s iconic trails.
3. For the Road Wanderer: Van Life Diaries: Finding Freedom on the Open Road by Kathleen Morton, Jonny Dustow, and Jared Melrose
- Category: Lifestyle/Travel
- Overview: Featuring gorgeous images and personal stories, this book dives into the nomadic lifestyle of van-dwellers.
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Perfect For: Adventurers, minimalists, and dreamers who love the idea of life on the open road.
- Category: Nature/Ecology
- Overview: Wohlleben offers a fascinating glimpse into the social lives of trees, exploring the unseen ways they interact and thrive.
- Perfect For: Nature enthusiasts, hikers, and readers who are curious about the deep connections within forests.
5. Trail-Side Read: How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art by Kathleen Meyer
- Category: Backpacking/Skills
- Overview: A humorous and essential guide to backcountry hygiene, addressing a sometimes-taboo topic with insight and wit.
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Perfect For: Hikers, campers, and anyone who wants a lighthearted yet practical take on outdoor living.
6. Quick Nature Reflection: On Trails: An Exploration by Robert Moor
- Category: Nature/Philosophy
- Overview: A reflective and insightful exploration of trails and the stories they tell about nature and human history.
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Perfect For: Thoughtful readers who enjoy the interplay of philosophy and nature.
7. Climber’s Memoir: A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains by Graham Zimmerman *TB Pro
- Category: Climbing/Memoir
- Overview: Zimmerman delves into the thrill and risk of high-altitude climbing, examining the personal toll and rewards of his craft.
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Perfect For: Climbers and thrill-seekers interested in the drive and courage behind extreme alpinism.
8. Record-Setting Journey: Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather "Anish" Anderson *TB Pro
- Category: Hiking/Memoir
- Overview: Anderson recounts her record-setting journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, facing physical and mental challenges on every mile.
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Perfect For: Hikers, trail runners, and fans of inspiring stories about grit and perseverance.
9. Endurance Classic: Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance by Alex Hutchinson
- Category: Endurance/Adventure Psychology
- Overview: A fascinating look into the physiological and psychological limits of human endurance, exploring the science behind pushing boundaries.
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Perfect For: Athletes, endurance enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the psychology of resilience.
10. Trail Running Guide: Running Your First Ultra: Customizable Training Plans for Your First 50K to 100-Mile Race by Krissy Moehl *TB Pro
- Category: Trail Running/Training
- Overview: Moehl, a champion ultrarunner, provides step-by-step training plans, practical advice, and motivation for aspiring ultra-distance runners.
- Perfect For: Runners ready to tackle ultra distances or improve their trail running performance.
