Best Mountain Climbing Books of 2025

The SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition by John "Lofty" Wiseman is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from basic campcraft and navigation to fear management and strategies for coping with any type of disaster. This updated version includes additional material, such as a new chapter on urban survival, and covers new topics like terrorism. Written by a former survival instructor for Britain's elite Special Air Service, the book addresses every conceivable disaster scenario. It is a must-have resource for all campers, hikers, and outdoor adventurers. Overall, this step-by-step survival bible is an essential resource that prepares readers for anything, making it a unique and valuable addition to any safety and first aid book collection.

"Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer is a gripping account of the disastrous storm on the summit of Mt. Everest that claimed five lives, including the author's. Krakauer provides a balanced picture of the events and people involved, giving credit to the tireless Sherpas and avoiding easy targets. However, he also delves deeply into his own perceived failures and haunting guilt. The updated trade paperback edition includes a postscript that sheds light on the acrimonious debate between Krakauer and Everest guide Anatoli Boukreev. Overall, "Into Thin Air" is a harrowing and insightful read that offers a unique perspective on the perils of high-altitude climbing."

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge is a collection of stunning adventure photography by filmmaker, photographer, and mountaineer Jimmy Chin. With over 200 extraordinary photographs captured over two decades of cutting-edge expeditions on all seven continents, Chin shares behind-the-scenes details of how he captured such astounding images in impossible conditions. The book also features stories of legendary adventurers and remarkable athletes he has photographed, including Alex Honnold and Conrad Anker. The book is an extraordinary work of art that will inspire wonder and awe in anyone who reads it.

Pro-Knot Outdoor Knots is a must-have for anyone who loves outdoor activities. This waterproof knot book is the perfect reference for all-purpose rope knots, with clear illustrations and step-by-step instructions for joining ropes together, tying rope to objects, and making loops. The set includes 23 essential rope knots, including the Bowline, Square Knot, and Trucker's Hitch, which are universal for survival, boating, climbing, prepping, search and rescue, home and ranch, scouts, camping, paddle sports, and any outdoor activity involving rope. The book's solid plastic cards are durable and lightweight, and come with a bonus mini carabiner to attach the cards to your backpack.

Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks 6 (National Parks Guide) is an essential travel guide for exploring the Canadian national parks. With up-to-date information, insider tips, and user-friendly itineraries, this guidebook helps travelers tailor their trips to their personal interests and needs. The book covers various topics, including history, geology, wildlife, and conservation, and provides honest reviews for all budgets. With over 52 full-color trail and park maps and images throughout, it is a comprehensive guide for exploring top sights and taking roads less traveled.

The High Sierra: A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson is a beautiful tribute to the Sierra Nevada mountains. Robinson’s love for this place is evident in his vivid descriptions of the geological forces that shaped the Sierras, the history of its exploration, and the uniquely beautiful hikes. The book is packed with maps, gear advice, and breathtaking photos that will inspire both seasoned hikers and casual walkers to embark on a magnificent adventure. Robinson’s personal experiences and relationships add depth to the narrative, making it a must-read for anyone who loves the outdoors. Overall, The High Sierra is a sublime and radical tribute to one of the most compelling places on Earth.

The Ultimate Book of Everyday Knots is an essential guide for anyone who wants to learn how to tie a variety of knots. Authored by Geoffrey Budworth, the co-founder of the International Guide of Knot Tyers, this book boasts over 80 knots and is perfect for sailors, campers, fishermen, climbers, and anyone who wants to learn the art of knotting. With clear photographs and diagrams, this full-color guide makes it easy for readers to master knots for fishing, boating, climbing, crafts, and household uses. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced knot-tying enthusiast, this book is a great place to start. Overall, a must-have for anyone wishing to learn advanced knotting techniques for practical use or just for fun.

The Catch Me If You Can is an inspiring travelogue by Jessica Nabongo, the first Black woman to visit all 195 countries in the world. In this memoir, Nabongo shares her top 100 destinations from her global adventure, including tales from seldom visited destinations like North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. She offers bucket-list experiences for other travel-lovers looking to follow in her footsteps. Beautifully illustrated with her own photographs, this book is a love letter to diversity, beauty, and culture. For armchair travelers or readers planning a trip around the globe, this arresting collection will awe and inspire!

The book "Training for the Uphill Athlete" presents a rigorous and individualized approach to training and coaching for mountain sport endurance athletes and coaches. Written by Steve House, Scott Johnston, and Kilian Jornet, the book translates theory into methodology, providing scientifically backed and athlete-tested wisdom for distance running, ski mountaineering, skimo, and skyrunning. The book features a mix of theory, application, and experiential essays, making it accessible for beginners and competitive athletes alike. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about uphill training and offers a unique perspective on endurance sports in the mountains.

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills is a must-have guide for new and intermediate climbers. This best-selling book has been the standard for climbing education worldwide for over 60 years and has been translated into 12 languages. The 9th edition includes updated techniques, new illustrations, and contributions from expert climbers and climbing educators. The book covers everything from gear selection to safety, making it the most comprehensive and thoroughly vetted training manual for climbing. The new edition also features expanded avalanche safety information and revamped chapters on clothing and camping. Overall, this book is an essential guide for anyone interested in mountaineering and climbing.