Top Hiking Podcasts, Books, and Documentaries to Fuel Your Wanderlust - Trailblaze Shirts

Top Hiking Podcasts, Books, and Documentaries to Fuel Your Wanderlust

Sometimes you can’t be on the trail every day. Life happens — work, weather, or just needing a good rest day. But the good news? You can still feed your adventurous spirit from your couch, commute, or coffee break.

We’ve rounded up some of the best podcasts, books, and documentaries to inspire your next hike, teach you new skills, and keep the trail magic alive until you lace up your boots again.

🎧 Hiking & Outdoor Podcasts

Podcasts are perfect for road trips to trailheads or background listening while packing your gear.

  1. The Dirtbag Diaries
    One of the most beloved outdoor podcasts, telling true stories from real adventurers. Episodes range from heartfelt to hilarious, and they’ll remind you why you hike in the first place.
  2. Backpacker Radio
    Hosted by Zach “Badger” Davis and Juliana “Chaunce” Chauncey, this show dives deep into long-distance hiking culture, gear talk, and trail stories. A must-listen if the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail is on your bucket list.
  3. She Explores
    Highlighting the voices of women on the trail, this podcast blends personal storytelling with practical advice for hikers, campers, and travelers.

📚 Must-Read Hiking Books

Books take you further into trail life, offering rich detail you can’t always get from quick media.

  1. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
    A witty and engaging account of Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail. Equal parts travelogue and comedy, it’s a classic for a reason.
  2. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
    Strayed’s memoir of hiking over 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail is raw, emotional, and inspiring. Perfect for anyone looking for a reminder that the trail can transform you.
  3. Grandma Gatewood’s Walk by Ben Montgomery
    The inspiring true story of Emma Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail — at age 67! Proof that it’s never too late to start walking.
Flat lay of a hiking journal, book, and map to inspire trip planning.

🎥 Documentaries to Get You Off the Couch

Visual storytelling has a way of making you feel like you’re right there on the trail.

  1. Mile… Mile & a Half
    Follow a group of friends as they tackle the John Muir Trail with humor and heart. A love letter to both friendship and hiking.
  2. The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (Ken Burns)
    This sweeping series takes you through the history and beauty of U.S. National Parks. It’s a perfect binge-watch that will leave you planning your next trip.
  3. Made to Be Broken
    An inspiring look at ultrarunner Karl Meltzer’s record-breaking attempt on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a reminder of human endurance and passion.
aptop screen showing a mountain documentary, inspiring viewers to plan a hike.

✨ The Takeaway

Even when you’re not on the trail, you can keep your hiking spirit alive with the right stories, voices, and visuals. Podcasts, books, and documentaries can transport you to mountains, forests, and wild places — and keep your wanderlust burning bright.

So next time you need a little inspiration, grab your headphones, pick up a good read, or stream one of these documentaries. Then start planning your next adventure — and maybe pick out a new shirt to wear when you get there.

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