Good Adventure Reads

photo credit: Celtic Trails

One of the best things to do on a hiking or camping trip is to read a good book. Few places are better to kick back and get lost in a nice story than in in the wilderness. Maybe it's at your campsite, or maybe it's during your halfway break on a day hike. One of my favorite ways is to take a load off and escape into some pages while lounging in my Eno. Wherever you like to read when exploring, check out some of these titles that will get your spirit for adventure lifted.

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. This trilogy makes for an excellent read on a long trip, because well, the characters take a very long trip. Hopefully you don't run into the same problems as the protagonists in this fantasy world, but you can still travel along side them while you read this one on your next walkabout.

The Call of the Wild by Jack London.A great adventure novel that follows the journey of a dog named Buck, this novel makes for a great bring-along book. It is an exhilarating trip for the main character, Buck, but it is also a short read, making it ideal for day hikes and weekend getaways.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer. This is tragic true story of a college student who drops everything and hitchhikes north to Alaska's wilderness.

Into thin Air by Jon Krakauer. This is also a true story. This time Krakauer retells the events of the Mt. Everest disaster.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Looking for something a little more playful but still a solid, traveling adventure? Try bringing along the American classic Huck Finn, one of the best travel buddies.

Also, check out some of these more realistic, modern hiking adventure novels. 

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