Books vs e-reader while backpacking

[GGervin]

I'm an avid reader, and always have a book with me. This makes packing without reading material unthinkable (for me, at least). I often want to carry 2 or 3 books, and lately have found myself choosing books for packing based as much on weight as on content - that's definitely not my ideal!

I like the tactile experience of page turning and the feel of books, and have to this point not used an e-reader. But in the quest to lighten gear, I have started to wonder...

They look fragile. Will packing with one kill it? Does anyone have experience/recommendations regarding e-readers in the wilderness? Do they work for you, literally and otherwise? They do look like they could lighten a load in some cases.

I think there is some debate re: books vs. e-readers generally, but I am not so interested in that. I am specifically interested in issues related to backcountry use.

[Grannyhiker]

I personally cannot do sustained reading from a computer screen--gives me a horrible headache. I do know that some are loading books onto iPhones and using them in "airplane" mode to prolong battery life.

[Ralph]

The advantage of an e-book is that you can bring an entire library if you wish. On the other hand a paperback in a ziploc isn't fragile and doesn't need batteries.

[Saberman]

I have a Kindle 3 and it is awesome. I have it loaded up with all types of books. Survival, first aid. shelter craft, fiction, humor, classic novels. It can hold 3500 books. A great addition to any gear list.

[AaronMB]

I've been fumbling with this question myself, until last night: there's a Kindle 3 on its way...

I too love to read and sometimes can't decide which text(s) to bring; I am also weight conscious though, so I'm looking forward to all the reading choices I'll have with the Kindle.
As a Graduate student I spend way too much time in front of a computer screen, especially after I add in my forum time. Like many, after a while I get the bug-eyes. So I'm looking forward to the easy-on-the-eyes e-ink of the Kindle. The battery life, too, will be appreciated, especially compared to a iPhone/Pod.
I'm careful with my delicate pieces of gear and will treat the Kindle as such.

[Grandpa]

I love to read but generally don't have time to do much when on the trail. The exception is I read the Bible daily, having done so for almost fifty years. I used to take a pocket Bible with me but now I have Watchtower Library loaded on my PDA phone and can do my Bible reading on it, as well as additional research. I do bring an extra battery and keep the phone in airline mode or off most of the time. Otherwise, it would drain the battery searching for a signal.

[Tipiwalter]

I get my books used for cheap, and I love burning my books as I read them on a backpacking trip. Can't exactly burn the Kindle.

[Sparticus]

Originally Posted by GGervin

I like the tactile experience of page turning and the feel of books, and have to this point not used an e-reader. But in the quest to lighten gear, I have started to wonder...

I started reading ebooks years ago on one of the first palms. I currently read ebooks on my iPhone when backpacking. It also serves me well as a camera, music player, GPS and ebook reader. It has survived just fine in the backcountry.

I just did the Great Glen Way in Scotland with my 12 year old son. This was his first high millage multi-day trip. He brought his iPod touch and a large paperback novel. Never touched the paperback, but read quite a bit of the Foundation Triligy on the iPod during the trip.

Having you whole library on hand (regardless of the device) is handy.

[Scrambler]

I have a Kindle 3 that I just started using this year. The weight of the Kindle and a sturdy cover (which I considered a must) is less than most paperbacks I used to take. Plus the battery last for nearly 4 weeks--just charge it up before you leave!

What I like about the Kindle is that I can have multiple books to read, and that it is not at all like reading on a computer screen. The ink technology they use is more like paper, but you'll need to use some sort of light when reading in low light.

[meatweaver]

I have a Kindle 3 (a recent purchase) and while I haven't used it on the trail, I fully intend to. It seems like it would do great, and as others have mentioned, it's lighter than many paperbacks. Also, I wouldn't necessarily characterize it as delicate. I would probably put it in a plastic bag, but I think you could shove it in your pack and not worry about it getting damaged.

[PBF Support]