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Fixation Friday: Outdoor Adventures

Explore our New Shop-By-Interest Pages

By Ashly Moore Sheldon • November 30, 2023

Fixation Friday is what has our customers ticking this week! In this new blog series, we explore a trending topic and the different forms it takes in our lives. This week, we're breaking down the topic of Outdoor Adventures and following the paths (and trails) this theme leads us down. To get us started, here are a few great reads focused on general outdoor adventuring:

For women who could use a little guidance for adventuring on your own or in groups, try A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook or Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel. For inspiration, check out Wild, Cheryl Strayed's thrilling memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail.

Camping

Even if you think it's too cold for camping at the moment, now is a perfect time to start planning your fair weather adventures. Get some ideas about where you want to go with Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50-State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations. If you're new to camping, get a handle on the basics with Sleeping Bags to S'Mores or The Camping Life

Get your young'uns excited (and knowledgeable) with these guides for kids. Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids is designed for ages 9 to 12 years, while Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping is geared to kids a little older (ages 10–14).

Finally, for camp cooks, here are a few guides for keeping all your campers sated and well nourished:

Hiking Trails

There is, of course, some overlap between the topics of Hiking & Camping, but if you're looking for some inspiration to hit the trails, we've got a range (get it?) of ideas to get you started. How to Suffer Outside is a funny and approachable beginner's guide to hiking and backpacking. If the weather is getting in your way, consider The Joy of Winter Hiking offering insights into the many benefits of outdoor adventures during the colder months.

America's Best Day Hikes has the power to propel readers beyond their own backyard to experience some of the most spectacular day hikes from across the country. America's Great Hiking Trails is another guide with a broad scope across the US.

If you're struggling to find hikes for young adventurers, Wendy Gorton's terrific series, 50 Hikes with Kids, identifies kid-friendly hikes for specific regions from across the country. So far, she's covered Oregon & Washington, California, New England, New York, Pennsylvania & New Jersey, Texas, Colorado, and Utah. Coming in 2024: Virginia & Maryland and Illinois, Indiana & Ohio.

Another way to get motivated is to read hiking memoirs. Here are some that we love:

  • The Living MountainNan Shepherd describes her many journeys—both breathtaking and harsh—into the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland
  • A Walk in the WoodsBill Bryson tells the funny, fascinating, and moving story of his adventures hiking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.
  • Leave Only Footprints—CBS correspondent Conor Knighton shares a behind-the-scenery look at his year visiting all of America's National Parks.
  • On Trails—In this exploration of the paths that lie under our feet, Robert Moor interweaves his hiking adventures with science, history, and philosophy.
  • Wanderlust—From essayist Rebecca Solnit, a thought-provoking look at the history of walking as a political and cultural activity.

Natural Beauty

If you enjoy Nature Writing—either as a complement or alternative to time spent outdoors—here's a list of classic and contemporary books exploring and extolling wilderness and nature.

  • Braiding Sweetgrass—Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together the Indigenous wisdom of her heritage with the scientific knowledge of her field in this gorgeous essay collection.
  • Waterlog—Nature writer Roger Deakin shares his personal journey of swimming through the British Isles in this fascinating celebration of the magic of water.
  • The Sun is a Compass—This lyrical account of ornithologist Caroline Van Hemert's 4,000-mile self-propelled journey from the Pacific rainforest to the Alaskan Arctic takes on the form of a love letter to nature.
  • My First Summer in the Sierra—Legendary naturalist John Muir's journal of his first foray into Yosemite, the breathtaking wilderness he later helped to preserve.
  • Arctic Dreams—Nature writer Barry Lopez explores the many-faceted wonders of the Far North: its strangely stunted forest, its mesmerizing aurora borealis, its frozen seas.
  • Upstream—Revered poet Mary Oliver reflects on her tendencies to lose herself within the beauty and mysteries of both the natural world and the world of literature.
  • The Overstory—This Pulitzer-winning novel by Richard Powers is a sweeping, impassioned paean to trees and the natural world.

Childhood Wonder

One of the best things about outdoor adventures with kids is getting to see the natural world through fresh eyes and remember our own youthful encounters with the wild. These picture books are a great way to experience that childhood wonder and get your young adventurers excited to get outdoors.

That's it for this week's Fixation Friday. You can also check out last week's post on Holiday Traditions, if you missed it.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Any reflections on Outdoor Adventures you'd like to share?

You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily book recommendations, literary tidbits, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon

Books mentioned in this article
The Wilderness Idiot: Lessons from an Accidental Adventurer
The Wilderness Idiot: Lessons from an Accidental Adventurer
Ted Alvarez

from: $6.69

A Year in the Woods: Twelve Small Journeys into Nature
A Year in the Woods: Twelve Small Journeys into Nature
Torbjørn Ekelund

from: $14.67

Classic Krakauer: Essays on Wilderness and Risk
Classic Krakauer: Essays on Wilderness and Risk
Jon Krakauer

from: $6.09

A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook
A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook
Ruby McConnell

from: $8.69

Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel
Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel
Susan Joy Paul

from: $6.29

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed

from: $4.79

Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations
Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations
Jeremy Puglisi

from: $5.79

Camping Basics: Everything You Need to Know from S’mores to Sleeping Bags
Camping Basics: Everything You Need to Know from S’mores to Sleeping Bags
William Rochfort

from: $4.49

Camp Life: Essential Skills for Endless Adventure
Camp Life: Essential Skills for Endless Adventure
Brendan Leonard

from: $7.79

Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids
Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids
Frank Grindrod

from: $11.99

Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide
Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide
Jennifer Pharr Davis

from: $6.09

Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures
Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures
Blake Hoena

from: $5.39

The Campout: Recipes to Enjoy by the Fire
The Campout: Recipes to Enjoy by the Fire
Marnie Hanel

from: $7.79

How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking
How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking
Diana Helmuth

from: $14.69

The Joy of Winter Hiking: Inspiration and Guidance for Cold Weather Adventures
The Joy of Winter Hiking: Inspiration and Guidance for Cold Weather Adventures
Derek Dellinger

from: $7.19

America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States
America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States
Derek Dellinger

from: $22.96

America's Great Hiking Trails
America's Great Hiking Trails
Karen Berger

from: $8.99

50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington
50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington
Wendy Gorton

from: $5.39

50 Hikes with Kids California
50 Hikes with Kids California
Wendy Gorton

from: $5.49

50 Hikes with Kids New England
50 Hikes with Kids New England
Wendy Gorton

from: $13.29

50 Hikes with Kids: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
50 Hikes with Kids: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
Wendy Gorton

from: $16.62

50 Hikes with Kids Texas
50 Hikes with Kids Texas
Wendy Gorton

from: $18.95

50 Hikes with Kids Colorado
50 Hikes with Kids Colorado
Kristin Tillack

from: $19.23

50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada
50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada
Wendy Gorton

from: $19.80

50 Hikes with Kids
50 Hikes with Kids
Alison Humphreys

from: $19.23

50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
Sharon Dewar

from: $19.23

The Living Mountain
The Living Mountain
Nan Shepherd

from: $15.12

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Bill Bryson

from: $4.29

Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park
Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park
Conor Knighton

from: $6.69

On Trails: An Exploration
On Trails: An Exploration
Robert Moor

from: $3.99

Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Rebecca Solnit

from: $15.13

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer

from: $11.49

Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain
Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain
Roger Deakin

from: $6.69

The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds
The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds
Caroline Van Hemert

from: $7.89

My First Summer in the Sierra
My First Summer in the Sierra
John Muir

from: $5.39

Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams
Barry Lopez

from: $4.19

Upstream: Selected Essays
Upstream: Selected Essays
Mary Oliver

from: $15.12

The Overstory
The Overstory
Richard Powers

from: $8.49

C Is for Camping
C Is for Camping
Greg Paprocki

from: $4.69

Look What I Found in the Woods
Look What I Found in the Woods
Moira Butterfield

from: $9.99

The Wonder Walkers
The Wonder Walkers
Micha Archer

from: $5.79

This Moose Belongs To Me
This Moose Belongs To Me
Oliver Jeffers

from: $4.19

Climb On!
Climb On!
Baptiste Paul

from: $6.79

Hike
Hike
Pete Oswald

from: $5.39

The Maggie B.
The Maggie B.
Irene Haas

from: $8.29

A Walk Through the Woods
A Walk Through the Woods
Louise Greig

from: $9.39

Leave a Comment

Books Mentioned in this Post

The Wilderness Idiot: Lessons from an Accidental Adventurer
The Wilderness Idiot: Lessons from an Accidental Adventurer
Ted Alvarez

from: $6.69

A Year in the Woods: Twelve Small Journeys into Nature
A Year in the Woods: Twelve Small Journeys into Nature
Torbjørn Ekelund

from: $14.67

Classic Krakauer: Essays on Wilderness and Risk
Classic Krakauer: Essays on Wilderness and Risk
Jon Krakauer

from: $6.09

A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook
A Woman's Guide to the Wild: Your Complete Outdoor Handbook
Ruby McConnell

from: $8.69

Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel
Woman in the Wild: The Everywoman's Guide to Hiking, Camping, and Backcountry Travel
Susan Joy Paul

from: $6.29

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Cheryl Strayed

from: $4.79

Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations
Where Should We Camp Next?: A 50 State Guide to Amazing Campgrounds and Other Unique Outdoor Accommodations
Jeremy Puglisi

from: $5.79

Camping Basics: Everything You Need to Know from S’mores to Sleeping Bags
Camping Basics: Everything You Need to Know from S’mores to Sleeping Bags
William Rochfort

from: $4.49

Camp Life: Essential Skills for Endless Adventure
Camp Life: Essential Skills for Endless Adventure
Brendan Leonard

from: $7.79

Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids
Wilderness Adventure Camp: Essential Outdoor Survival Skills for Kids
Frank Grindrod

from: $11.99

Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide
Outdoor School: Hiking and Camping: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide
Jennifer Pharr Davis

from: $6.09

Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures
Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures
Blake Hoena

from: $5.39

The Campout: Recipes to Enjoy by the Fire
The Campout: Recipes to Enjoy by the Fire
Marnie Hanel

from: $7.79

How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking
How to Suffer Outside: A Beginner's Guide to Hiking and Backpacking
Diana Helmuth

from: $14.69

The Joy of Winter Hiking: Inspiration and Guidance for Cold Weather Adventures
The Joy of Winter Hiking: Inspiration and Guidance for Cold Weather Adventures
Derek Dellinger

from: $7.19

America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States
America's Best Day Hikes: Spectacular Single-Day Hikes Across the States
Derek Dellinger

from: $22.96

America's Great Hiking Trails
America's Great Hiking Trails
Karen Berger

from: $8.99

50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington
50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington
Wendy Gorton

from: $5.39

50 Hikes with Kids California
50 Hikes with Kids California
Wendy Gorton

from: $5.49

50 Hikes with Kids New England
50 Hikes with Kids New England
Wendy Gorton

from: $13.29

50 Hikes with Kids: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
50 Hikes with Kids: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
Wendy Gorton

from: $16.62

50 Hikes with Kids Texas
50 Hikes with Kids Texas
Wendy Gorton

from: $18.95

50 Hikes with Kids Colorado
50 Hikes with Kids Colorado
Kristin Tillack

from: $19.23

50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada
50 Hikes with Kids Utah and Nevada
Wendy Gorton

from: $19.80

50 Hikes with Kids
50 Hikes with Kids
Alison Humphreys

from: $19.23

50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
50 Hikes with Kids Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio
Sharon Dewar

from: $19.23

The Living Mountain
The Living Mountain
Nan Shepherd

from: $15.12

A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail
Bill Bryson

from: $4.29

Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park
Leave Only Footprints: My Acadia-to-Zion Journey Through Every National Park
Conor Knighton

from: $6.69

On Trails: An Exploration
On Trails: An Exploration
Robert Moor

from: $3.99

Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Wanderlust: A History of Walking
Rebecca Solnit

from: $15.13

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Robin Wall Kimmerer

from: $11.49

Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain
Waterlog: A Swimmer's Journey Through Britain
Roger Deakin

from: $6.69

The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds
The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds
Caroline Van Hemert

from: $7.89

My First Summer in the Sierra
My First Summer in the Sierra
John Muir

from: $5.39

Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams
Barry Lopez

from: $4.19

Upstream: Selected Essays
Upstream: Selected Essays
Mary Oliver

from: $15.12

The Overstory
The Overstory
Richard Powers

from: $8.49

C Is for Camping
C Is for Camping
Greg Paprocki

from: $4.69

Look What I Found in the Woods
Look What I Found in the Woods
Moira Butterfield

from: $9.99

The Wonder Walkers
The Wonder Walkers
Micha Archer

from: $5.79

This Moose Belongs To Me
This Moose Belongs To Me
Oliver Jeffers

from: $4.19

Climb On!
Climb On!
Baptiste Paul

from: $6.79

Hike
Hike
Pete Oswald

from: $5.39

The Maggie B.
The Maggie B.
Irene Haas

from: $8.29

A Walk Through the Woods
A Walk Through the Woods
Louise Greig

from: $9.39

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