You are here

Gear » Packing Lists
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.
Katherine Donnelly | 07.01.2019

This list was published as part of Women in the Wild 2018. It has been updated for 2019 with additional titles.

Picture this: You've just returned to your camp after a long day of adventuring with some of your closest friends in the most incredible wilderness. You're covered in sweat, dirt, maybe a little bit of blood and tears, and you wolf down a well-deserved dinner before peeling off your filthy clothes and changing into your 'clean' outfit. Fresh blisters are raw on your feet and your hair has transitioned into that one-of-a-kind bird nest/dreadlocks hybrid of a mess, but all you can think about is the day's explorations, the boundaries pushed, the highs and lows, the camaraderie built, the empowering rush from navigating the outdoors and living to tell the tale, and of course those crazy companions who made the days successes that much sweeter.

While the sun is hanging low in the horizon as the moon and stars chase daylight out of view, your day isn't quite over; the campfire is crackling, and that fireside hammock beckons you closer and closer, offering a well-deserved reprieve from those long hours on your feet. Your friends have all posted up around the fire, a few rehashing the day's shenanigans in hushed tones so as not to disturb the others who have opted for a beer and a good book.

Hmmmm... a book sounds good right about now, doesn't it?

If you're like us, there's nothing quite like a book before bed—especially after an adventure-filled day of outdoor fun! Or maybe you enjoy waking up early and getting some pages in before heading out, throwing your favorite book in your pack to enjoy at the summit, waiting out that hail storm while curled up with a warm cup of tea and a copy of Wild, or decompressing after a long day in the office with your favorite adventure story. Regardless of where, when, how or why, there's no doubt about it: A good outdoor adventure book is the best! 

And since this June is all about #WomenInTheWild, we've compiled a long list (nearly 120 total!) of some of our favorite adventure reads—written by those very same women we want to celebrate! A daunting task due to the sheer amount of incredible stories by inspiring outdoor females in circulation today, we have broken the list into the following categories to hopefully make navigation a bit easier: 'The Classics,' Women and Water, Women in the Mountains, Women on Rocks, Women on the Run, Women on the Trail, Women on Wheels, Women Traveling the World, Women in the Wild, and Notables.

​So grab your favorite headlamp, get outside, and don't forget to pack one (or more) of these adventure reads for your next adventure!

The Classics

Women and Water

Women in the Mountains

Women on Rocks

Women on the Run

Women on the Trail

Women on Wheels

Women Traveling the World

Women in the Wild

Women in Nature

Notables

 

This is by no means a complete list, so feel free to comment below with any noteworthy books that you think should be added! Also note that the above categories are not necessarily mutually exclusive; instead, books have been included into the section that fits best.

#WomenInTheWild

Comments

Jaime Johnson
Awesome list. I'd add poet Mary Oliver as a must read for those who seek solace in the outdoors. Specifically, "American Primitive" (which won the Pulitzer Prize) is a collection that illuminates the power of the natural world on how we imagine and create our own understanding of self. In terms of fiction, Pam Houston's narratives offer a unique look at women in the outdoors, from raft guiding, to riding, to hunting; they do it all. Her short story, "Cataract" (from "Waltzing the Cat") is one of my all-time favorites. For any female boater out there, it is a must read; however, it is a great short story for any woman whose abilities have ever been second guessed, and as such, second guessed herself. Two non-fiction memoirs I'd also add are "Lab Girl" by Hope Jahren and "H is for Hawk" by Helen Macdonald. These memoirs also show the close and healing relationship the woods (and a hawk) can have on our souls.

This is in hopes of inspiring readers to pick up some Mary Oliver:
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"- Mary Oliver
Robin EH. Bagley
This is a great list, but I think there are a couple of notable authors missing. First of all, Margaret Murie. Her "Two in the Far North" is a mesmerizing account of what is now ANWR. Her love of Alaska is tangible. Also, I think Anne Labastille is a very overlooked women's outdoor author. Her series of books about building her own cabin in the New York wilderness is captivating.
  •  
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.

Women in the Wild is a movement that recognizes the amazing women who enrich the outdoor community with their passions, inspirations, and accomplishments. Outdoor Project is proud to grow this campaign in 2019 with the help of guest editor and 2018 #womaninthewild Georgina Miranda, adventurer, entrepreneur, mountaineer, and founder and CEO of She Ventures. We're proud to open our platform once again for the incredible stories and photography of women throughout our community. From in-depth interviews with outdoor advocates, influencers, and athletes to female-focused content from the community, Women in the Wild 2019 aims to amplify the voice of women in celebration of female fortitude, strength, and camaraderie in the outdoors.

For a complete list of content published in correlation with Women in the Wild 2019, visit Women in the Wild 2019: Amplifying Women in the Outdoors.

More content from Women in the Wild 2019

Login
Login

Share Via

Women in the Wild 2019: Amplifying Women in the Outdoors

#womeninthewild
Georgina Miranda
Play
Login
Login

Share Via

Monica Goes: The Killer Kern

#womeninthewild
monica ortega
Play
Login
Login

Share Via

Monica Goes: Billings, Montana

#womeninthewild
monica ortega
View More