The Best Mountaineering Books

Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills

Freedom of the Hills (FOTH) has become what you could call the mountaineering bible. FOTH includes information on just about every type of climbing one could do, and will give you a good basic overview of how mountaineering is done. That said, the style of mountaineering taught in FOTH is older and heavier than the newer styles practiced today. If you’re new to the sport though, this is the place to start.

The Mountaineering Handbook

Craig Connally wrote what I consider to be the best mountaineering book in print today. Craig covers all the latest science in mountaineering and has a robust appendix for you to look up anything else you care to. If FOTH teaches the old style of mountaineering, Craigh Connally teaches the new-school way to go mountaineering. An emphasis is put on light weight and fast ascents with the science to back it up. My favorite section covers why you should use a bowline instead of the standard figure eight knot to tie in. Read this book after you read FOTH. You won’t be disappointed.

Extreme Alpinism: Climbing Light, Fast, and High

Once could easily say that Mark Twight is nuts. If you ever wanted to understand what a world class mountaineer does and thinks, this is the book for you. Twight takes you through his thought process and his climbing mantra. His style is bare bones and is not for all but the most advanced mountaineers. While I’m not about to go climbing the way Twight does, it’s a very interesting read and I recommend it for every climber.

Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take You Higher

Alpine Climbing is an introductory text on any of the mountaineering you would see in the lower 48 states or Western Europe. While I like the Mountaineering Handbook a bit better, Alpine Climbing is a solid book with advice on how to get over rock and ice.