OUR FAVORITE CLASSIC ADVENTURE TALES

We asked Adventure 16’ers to tell us about their favorite first-person stories of true outdoor adventure – books that made their adrenaline surge, that provided inspiration for their own adventures, or epic tales that were downright great reads. Here’s our list. May it inspire your next great adventure.

A Walk in the Woods
by Bill Bryson is a witty and hilarious tale of his 2,100-mile backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. Possessing neither physical abilities, nor any substantial skills in particular, he nonetheless jumps into the outdoors with enthusiasm and a healthy dose of humor. – Heather Christianson

Dove
by Robin Lee Graham. In the summer of 1965, Graham was only 15 when he set off alone to sail around the world. Using only a sextant, charts and a chronograph for navigation, he endured loneliness and ferocious storms in an incredible journey that took five years to complete. – Kevin Lee

Goodbye To A River
by John Graves. An account of the farewell canoe voyage down the soon to be dammed Brazos River that cuts across the core of Texas. A vivid narrative flows form the experiences, and fifty years since its publication, it is still considered an American classic. – Reid Kinslow

Happy Isles Of Oceania, Paddling the Pacific
by Paul Theroux. An exhilarating account of an intrepid traveler paddling between 51 islands in a collapsible Kayak. Keen observations, pointed opinions and thrilling adventures alone on the Pacific. – Reid Kinslow

In the Shadow of Kilimanjaro
by Rick Ridgeway chronicles his amazing trek from the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, through the plains of Kenya, to the Indian Ocean, encountering magnificent animals, indigenous people and extraordinary landscapes. – Christo Kuzmich

Into Thin Air
by Jon Krakauer. While on assignment with Outside Magazine, Krakauer witnessed the 1996 Everest tragedy and assisted in the rescue of those caught in the storm. A story of triumph and tragedy, miracles and mystery, it’s a lesson in mountaineering that will stir ones soul. – John D. Mead

Kon-Tiki
by Thor Heyerdahl. The classic story of biologist Thor Heyerdahl’s 1947 voyage, by raft, across 4,000 miles of the Pacific Ocean. An inspiring tale of adventure, discovery and true courage, this quick-read is filled with harrowing experiences and spectacular discoveries. – Reid Kinslow

Seven Summits
Entrepreneur Dick Bass, Studio Executive Frank Wells and Professional Climber/Adventurer/Author Rick Ridgeway share their tales of adventure in being the first to climb the highest summits on all seven of the World’s Continents. – John D. Mead

Standing in a River Waving a Stick
by John Gierach. This witty and humorous account of memorable fishing spots and memorable fish explores such matters as why it takes only five minutes to prepare for a spur-of-the-moment fishing trip, when the same chore takes three hours when given more warning. Even non fly-fishers will relate to Gierach’s keen insights and wise observations about life. – Terri Embrey

The Climb
by Anatoli Boukreev is the “other side of the story” about the 1996 tragedy on Mt. Everest, told from the perspective of a lead mountain guide. A great accompaniment to Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. – Christo Kuzmich

The Journals of Lewis and Clark
Edited and interpreted by Bernard DeVoto. An interesting, yet difficult read, these extraordinary journals depict the ambitions, failures and triumphs of one of the most dramatic and significant achievements in the history the United States. – John D. Mead

Three Cups of Tea
by Greg Mortenson is the tale of a mountaineer’s remarkable attempt to promote peace through education and the empowerment of women in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time, you are an honored guest. The third time you become family.” – Christo Kuzmich

Touching the Void
by Joe Simpson. Simpson and climbing partner, Simon Yates, had just summited a 21,000-foot peak when Simpson plunged off the vertical face. Certain that Simpson was dead, Yates cut the rope. Miraculously, Simpson survived. His epic tale is a poignant testament to unshakable courage and friendship. – Kevin Lee

Two Years Before the Mast
Richard Henry Dana, Jr. In 1834, Dana, a young Harvard undergrad, drops out of school to serve as a common sailor, documenting his experiences and the settlements of early California in vivid detail. Revisiting California 24 years later, he finds a rough and tumble land radically changed. – John D. Mead