How to Buy Books to Read While Backpacking

Backpacking trips offer ample time for reading and reflection, but choosing which books to bring can be daunting when trying to pack light. Consider the following when purchasing books for your backcountry adventure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ghost Story Anthologies
• Short Story Anthologies
• Wilderness Adventure Novels
• Miniature Reading Lights
• Matches

1. Look for books you know you're interested in reading, not books you "should" read because they're classics or have been sitting on your shelf for a long time.
2. Look for paperbacks, not hardcover books - they're a lot lighter and pack more compactly.
3. Shop around at used bookstores. The books you bring on the trail will take a beating, and you can always buy a nice copy for home if it turns out you love the book.
4. Read book reviews in newspapers or magazines before shopping if you're looking for something contemporary but don't really know what's out there right now. These include good descriptions of books and some context for making your reading more meaningful.
5. Consult with your backpacking companions about the books they'll be bringing or are interested in reading. That way you'll avoid duplicates, and you may even choose books everyone would like to hear read aloud while cooking or sitting around a fire.
6. Read the first couple of pages before you purchase the book, imagining reading it aloud (or go ahead and read aloud if you don't mind stares from other shoppers). Look for beautiful prose and good dialogue - something you'll want to read aloud alone or with others.
7. Look for books by authors you know to be good storytellers - you want something that will hold your attention for a long time and keep you entertained.
8. Consider bringing ghost stories or a few short mystery novels to read to others at night.
9. Consider bringing at least one novel that can be enjoyed by all ages. Ask a librarian for assistance in choosing something compelling for everyone - or better yet, if there's a child coming along, let her choose a favorite novel to read to others.
10. Consider buying a self-improvement book on a topic you anticipate may be occupying your thoughts while you have reflective time. Some topics might include relationships, parenting, writing, career changes, dream work or spirituality.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be daunted by long, weighty novels if you're looking for something epic and consuming. You can always tear the pages and burn them as you go - the author will love the royalties if you buy a replacement copy for home, and your companions (and children) will love the naughty thrill.
• Don't bring library books or borrowed books you expect to return to others. Any book brought backpacking is likely to get pretty roughed up.