author: Bill Bryson asin: 0307279464 binding: Mass Market Paperback list price: $7.99 USD amazon price: $7.99 USD

The Appalachian Trail trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and covers some of the most breathtaking terrain in America–majestic mountains, silent forests, sparking lakes. If you’re going to take a hike, it’s probably the place to go. And Bill Bryson is surely the most entertaing guide you’ll find. He introduces us to the history and ecology of the trail and to some of the other hardy (or just foolhardy) folks he meets along the way–and a couple of bears.

author: Matt Burbach rating: asin: 0898867428 binding: Paperback list price: $19.95 USD amazon price: $13.57 USD

From the editor of Urban Climber magazine: solid, clear instruction that takes gym climbers from novice to master. *Indoor climbing is growing rapidly-significantly faster over the past five years than surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding and mountain climbing according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association *Author is a pioneering instructor and gym climbing course developer *Key exercises reinforce fundamental skills, illustrated in sequential photos Gym climbing has evolved into a sport in its own right and Matt Burbach has been there to spur it on.

author: Eric J. Horst rating: asin: 0762723130 binding: Paperback list price: $16.95 USD amazon price: $11.53 USD

This is the completely revised and updated edition of Flash Training, the fundamental manual for physical and mental training for rock climbers. Drawing on new research in sports medicine, nutrition, and fitness, the author has created a training program to help any climber achieve superior performance and better mental concentration on the rock, with less risk of injury. A necessary book for rock climbers everywhere.

author: Charles H. Houston Robert H. Bates asin: 1585740136 binding: Paperback list price: $16.95 USD amazon price: $11.53 USD

K2, the second highest peak in the world, is generally regarded as the most difficult and dangerous of all mountains. This is the dramatic story of the 1953 American expedition that was dealt a combination of terrible storms and illness, which stopped the climbers short of summit. It is the story, renowned in the annals of climbing, of how they made it back to safety after tragedy struck on the descent. K2, The Savage Mountain captures this sensational tale with an unmatched power that has earned this book its place as one of the classics of mountaineering literature.