Bring A Book

When embarking on long hikes, consider bringing a book along for the journey. After a challenging day on the trail, there's nothing quite like unwinding by reading a few pages before drifting off to sleep. Books are also fantastic companions during breaks throughout the day. Just be careful—you might get so engrossed that you rest a bit longer than planned!

You have several options: a physical book, your phone, or a dedicated e-reader. If you're already carrying your phone, it adds no extra weight, allowing you to bring an entire library with you.

Physical books are an option too. You can find shops in towns or you might stumble upon books left by others in hiker boxes. However, some hikers tear books into smaller sections to reduce weight—a practice that feels a bit wasteful, don't you think? It'd be sad if you grabbed it, not knowing it's missing content. And it's added weight.

E-readers have the benefit of a long battery life and a backlight that's easy on the eyes. An option if you want to conserve your phone/headlamp batteries and comparable to paperback in weight, but you can have a massive amount of content.

Reading is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in a different world, providing a mental escape from the physical demands of your hike. It’s something to look forward to, especially on those particularly tough days. So, pack a book and let it be something you look forward to on a break or in camp. It'll offer moments of relaxation and adventure.