Registered: 01/22/05
Posts: 86
Loc: Eastern Washington
Old paperback books are not too heavy--if you use the recently read pages as your fuel source. This soon-to-be-available ultralight KK (about 6 oz.) can be fueled by paper.
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
Here is a follow-on to my remarks upthread about experimenting with taking audio books on a tiny MP3 player with an external speaker. I found that it didn't work as well as I wished and I am back to regular old paperbacks in the 4 oz to 6 oz range.
The problem was that if my attention strayed for more than an instant, I would miss some words, and I never felt right about these lacunae. Rewinding was possible, but a pain, compared to just glancing a bit higher on the page.
I would guess that an MP3 player would work much better for listening to radio-type material, where a brief lapse of attention is less critical than with literature.
Some here don't like to hear it, but backpacking is about more than just the weight of your pack. An extra pound or two of highly prized items more than make up for a bit of extra effort on the trail.
Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6800
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
Quote:
I dont think I could cut up a bible though.
I talked to my pastor about slicing up the old Bible (the binding was already defunct) before I did the slicing. He thought that it was a wonderful idea. He said he really hates going to someone's home and seeing a Bible on the coffee table that has obviously never been used. A Bible is meant to have notes taken in it, to be dog-eared, to have a raggedy binding, even to be sliced up so you can take it on a backpacking trip! It's not the physical book that's sacred but the Word in it!
Edited by OregonMouse (06/02/1012:13 AM)
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May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey
When I don't take something to read, I want something to read. When I bring something to read, I don't even take it out of the pack. I wish I had an answer to this. It does little more than cause frustration. I've even tried taking a very small notebook and pencil, so I could do some writing. Same deal. I want it when it isn't there, and I don't care that I have it when it is.
Yep, I hear ya. For many years I carried a book that I never read. Then I converted to hammock. Now I take the first good camp site so I can lay in my hammock and read.
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"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not." Yogi Berra
Registered: 02/05/03
Posts: 3293
Loc: Portland, OR
For those of us who like to read and do it frequently, I find that the peace and quiet of the outdoors is ideal for reading in camp, before or after supper. I can read with closer attention and with less effort. I follow the line of narrative or reasoning more easily, and I retain more. And any time I want to stop a moment and reflect, my eyes can rest on a scene of contemplative beauty.
I would love for them to bring back mini books like were shipped overseas in WWII! Talk about ultra light.
I don't often bring a book, since my itinerary doesn't often call for much rest. But if I'm planning on staying in an area for a few days relaxing, then definitely. I love reading about evolution when I'm camping since I can witness it occurring all around me.
Yes, I definitely carry some form of reading material. It is usually magazines and/or light paperback books as well as maps. I have yet to see it as much of a space-taker or weight issue.
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“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” -- Frank A. Clark
Right on. Plus, with a trip to alaska this summer, I could read well into the "night" if I chose - or "early in the morning". Kinda nice never needing a flashlight and being able to lounge in a hammock (the bug netting also added to the awesome factor) and read to my heart's content.
I know what you mean, gregphoto. I'm the same, only different -- I like reading about Creation since I can witness it occurring all around me. (Not starting a fight, just poking ya a bit!)
I actually usually take a book about spirituality or something like that with me. I have also been known to take a Louis L'Amour western with me as well. But I almost always do take a book.
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"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."
Interestingly I've actually *changed* what I do on hikes this year.
I do like to read at night in my hammock.
I took a paperback book on one trip this year, my first one in Tasmania in january. Since then I have ended up with kindle for iPhone on my iPhone - and started getting books for that to read on the plane. After figuring out my phone's battery would last a relatively long time in "airplane mode" with all the reception turned off, I have actually been taking my iPhone with the kindle software and a bunch of books on it instead of my traditional paperback novel. the Iphone has other uses, like being a backup camera when I've done something stupid with my camera batteries (like flattening them or forgetting the extra) which it has done yeoman's service on two of my trips this year, so I'm kind of ok with it. the phone is lighter than a paperback and does have some multi use properties (although I can't tear pages out of it to light fires or wipe my butt )
Typically before a trip I will head down to the local library and pick up a paperback. Only problem is that I typically don't reserve the books in advance and have ended up with fairly uninspiring fiction....
Anyway, usually a sci fi or fantasy paperback along with a very tiny 'gideon' size bible. Nothing like sitting down for a break on the trail and have a very angry squirrel bark at you for 30 minutes.
I usually get a paper back from the used book store and cut the spine to take just the number of pages I think i'll have time to read. Pages I've read become tinder. Or the time I had 2 days of the "Trots" the extra "TP" was greatly appreciated!
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Omnia mea mecum porto. - I carry with me all my things
I cannot bring myself to treat a book that way... even a cheap, used one. Every book has a story to tell, a lesson to teach. Some teach it well, while others do not. Some bring positive lessons (do this), while others bring negative ones (Do not do this). But all have something to say, or else the author would not have taken the time to put pen to paper.
If I were in an emergency situation, I would try to use other things as tender or TP before using the pages of a book.
But then, I am an unabashed bibliophile.
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"Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls."
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