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You won't be able to put down these adventure books for adults. These are sure to keep you up late at night and inspire your next great outdoor adventure.
Whether you're a runner, hiker, trekker or explorer, we've got something for every type of adventurer. From classic adventure books, to memoirs, to epic poems, to tales of survival and deadly adventures, our list of the best adventure books has it all. I love having the opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes.
It's kinda like Indiana Jones exploring some of the most beautiful trails in the world. Traveling back to the 10th century for a good sword fight. While knowing that I have a warm place to sleep at night that is.
Adventure books also make a great gift for the outdoorsy person or adventurer in your life.
They're especially thoughtful if the outdoorsy person is injured and suddenly has a lot of time on their hands.
I've experienced this on numerous occasions and reading adventure books has been a lifesaver, and they were by far the best gift I received.
Not only that, but reading adventure books has other benefits too. According to a study by George Mason University, reading recreational books can: relieve stress, increase your enjoyment and relaxation, improve your concentration and memory, and even help you to become more empathetic.
We've curated the best adventure novels into an Amazon list that you're sure to love!
You'll find:
Extreme Adventure Books
Our recommend extreme adventure books will have you on the edge of your seat with excitement. Travel to remote islands, base camps, and into white whales as you read through the pages. Enjoy some of the most gripping and exciting stories about hiking and the outdoors below. See our recommended extreme adventure books here.
Ultramarathons are the ultimate test of endurance and ability. They are classified as any running distance over 50 kilometers and in many cases are set in wild and difficult terrain.
These ultramarathon adventure books follow some of the greatest ultra-trail and endurance runners and the amazing feats they have accomplished. Reading these adventure books about unyielding ability and adventure will have you re-thinking your own abilities. See our recommended endurance and ultra trail adventure books here.
The Appalachian Trail is one of the most exciting and memorable trails in the world. The trail is known for its intense hiking, nature and epic experiences. This trail is more than just a hike though, for many people, it's a life-changing inner journey. Reading about the adventures on the Appalachian Trails will help you experience this trail from anywhere. See our recommended adventures on the Appalachian Trail books here.
Exploring one of the most beautiful trails in America has never been this exciting. These adventure books about the John Muir Trail will inspire and educate you about the famous hike that passes through some of the most iconic national parks in America. See our recommended adventures on the John Muir Trail books here.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a beautiful trail that is packed with adventure and the opportunity to find what nature has to offer. These adventure books about the Pacific Crest Trail show you what it has to offer, from learning curves to self-realization and character building. See our recommended adventures on the Pacific Crest Trail books here.
Raw Wilderness Books
These are stories from people who faced, experienced and studied the wilderness in its purest form. These are adventurers who spent long periods outdoors without the technology and comforts, mos of us are used to. Reading these adventure books about how they managed to survive and what they learned at the edge of civilization will have you appreciating the creature comforts you probably take for granted. See our recommended raw wilderness adventure books here.
The Camino de Santiago is one of the most walked trails in the world. It's so much more than just a walk, it's a spiritual journey. These adventure books about the Camino de Santiago take a look into what it's really is and what this trail brings to a hiker's life. See our recommended adventures on the Camino de Santiago books here.
Hiking Memoirs Books
There is nothing better than a hiker's memoir to give you the motivation and inspiration for your own adventure. They're also a great way to prepare if you're planning on doing the trail in the book. See our recommended hiking memoirs books here.
And check out our recommended hiking books with even more suggestions.
The Andes is a diverse landscape with everything from volcanoes to remote unexplored areas to discover. These good adventure books about the Andes give you an inside view into what hiking and exploring the Andes is really like. See our recommended adventures in the Andes books here.
The Himalayas are home to some of the most dangerous mountains in the world, not to mention the tallest mountain, Everest. With its many cultural icons and some of the most remote and unexplored places in the world, these adventure books about the Himalayas are a gripping read. These books will shed light on one of the most unique, dangerous and beautiful places in the world. See our recommended adventures in the Himalayas books here.