How do I protect my book(s) while backpacking?
I recently started backpacking in the Olympic Mountains. While camping, I usually bring along a trade paperback for light reading before bed or during a lunch break on a day-long hike. Up until now, the only protection my books have had has been a ziplock bag, for moisture, and being wrapped up inside clothing, to insulate from the cold/heat.
Is this all I can do for them? Are there any solutions for protecting books from the humidity and the day-night temperature swings associated with backpacking in the mountains? I'm not incredibly worried about pests taking chunks of paper from them, but any suggestions that cover this would be appreciated.
Please let me know if I need to clarify any of the above statements or add additional information.
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If there is a scuba diving store nearby, check to see what they have. I know there is a wide variety of bags and boxes that people use to keep items dry on a boat or underwater. While you may pay a little bit more, you will get something that will last. I have a small Scuba Pro dry bag that I use for canoeing.
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I'm not sure if there is something you know about temperature's affect on books that I do not? I would not have thought temperature would be a problem. That aside, I think the ziplock solution is pretty good. It obviously doesn't provide any rigid support, but if you aren't concerned about that, there are a myriad of dry bags / pouches, map cases & floating dry boxes.
Two examples are this, and this. There are also more similar items on the Coghlans site.
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It might sound a bit odd and not-so-related to the question, but have you considered carrying a Kindle? I got used to carry mine along, wherever I go (bagpacking included).
Advantages
- it doesn't get bent corners and broken spine; if you pack it in a good place, it doesn't break at all
- a fully charged battery lasts several weeks
- it is quite lightweight
- can store many books in case you get bored
- mine has a case with lantern included, which is useful (I fall asleep pretty fast in the evening, I don't have to use my lantern's batteries for reading, and it turns off on its own as the Kindle goes to sleep mode)
- a ziplock bag is usually enough to keep it safe from moisture
Drawback:
- if it does break eventually, then it is a shame (although personally I am more sorry for "deadtree" books)
- you cannot put a wild flower in it :)
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