I have two Kindles received as gifts--an e-ink model and 1st gen Fire. I've experimented with loading topo map pdfs, converted to monochrome, to the e-ink model and I'm convinced they're a legitimate way to tote more maps. I haven't done the equivalent with the Fire because I don't think the weight, battery life and daylight readability make it suited to backpacking. General travel, sure.

The monochrome model is only eight ounces (as much as a small paperback) and can be loaded with a limitless library, including first aid info, owners manuals (camera, gps, etc.) and of course, book books.

Somebody's going to stuff a gps chip in one, and suddenly they're going to get a lot more interesting.

Originally Posted By finallyME

Another thing that I have been thinking about. If I could save BIG map files on the fire, and if the resolution is great when I zoom in, then it would be a good option for backpacking. I would still carry a paper map, but I could cut down on how many I print off.
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--Rick