I am a firm believer in the saying "if you can see it, you can be it." Outdoor narratives written by women are still relatively uncommon amid a long history of men being given space to write about their adventures. Every time I discover and read (and recommend to everyone who might be remotely interested) a new title it feels precious — another step towards a future where marginalized genders have equitable space in the world of outdoor pursuits. If you're as hungry as I always am for books by women about dogsledding, multi-thousand-mile journeys, Arctic survival, climbing, and more, I hope you enjoy these books!
The Sun Is a Compass
by Caroline Van Hemert
In 2012, Caroline Van Hemert and her husband undertook a 4000-mile, human-powered journey from Bellingham, WA to the Alaskan Arctic. Their narrative is woven with stories of migrating birds, as well as the author's misgivings about her lab-based scientific research on chickadees. The journey is epic, but the best parts of this book are the smaller moments: spotting a particular bird, camping near a caribou migration, and fending off hungry bears.
This Much Country
by Kristin Knight Pace
Kristin Knight Pace is one of the few women to have completed both of the world-class, 1000-mile, dogsledding races: the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod. She chronicles her life and hard work to get to those races in This Much Country. This book will make you want to run away and live in a cabin in Alaska with sled dogs!
Thirst
by Heather Anderson
Heather "Anish" Anderson makes you feel like you are right there with her as she sets the FKT (Fastest Known Time) on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking 2,600 miles in 60 days. Along the way, you experience her journey to becoming an athlete, the internal pressure of the relentless pace needed to set a hiking record, and, yes — her thirst in the desert.
Valley of Giants
by Lauren DeLaunay Miller
In Valley of Giants, Lauren DeLaunay Miller collects stories from women throughout the history of rock climbing in Yosemite. From forging pitons to the first free ascent of El Capitan, women have been leading the way in the Yosemite climbing scene for decades. These stories will make you feel the depth of that history, often from women whose stories have not been told until now.
Unraveled
by Katie Brown
Katie Brown was a world champion climber until she abruptly disappeared from the climbing world. After battling an eating disorder and a toxic, religious home life, she has forged a new life for herself, a journey that she chronicles with honesty and bravery in this book. This intersection of mental health and climbing is a must read for climbers of all genders and ages.
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Can’t get enough? You’re in luck: this week’s Five Book Friday has two extra-credit titles.
Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube
by Blair Braverman
In one of the most powerful books out there about being a woman in the outdoors, Blair Braverman unflinchingly examines her past and the way women are treated by men in outdoor work. Come for the beautiful writing and love of dogs, stay for the incredible strength Braverman has in her pursuit of a life in the Arctic.
High Infatuation
by Steph Davis
A collection of essays that examines love and ambition through the lens of rock climbing. Iconic climber and first ascensionist Steph Davis tackles head-on the dangerous nature of climbing and how it intersects with women being encouraged to play it safe, while also writing honestly about her shifting relationship to climbing. Of course, there is also a dog — Fletcher, to whom the book is dedicated.