View Full Version : Kindle on a thru-hike?
Hi;
I'm planning a thru-hike this year, and wondering whether or not to take my Kindle (7th gen touch screen) on my hike. I have various AT related documents which I have scanned and prepared loaded onto the Kindle, as well as many books I would like to read. Since the Kindle has really great battery life, I figure I can recharge it (takes the same charger my phone uses) at motel stops. I am buying a protective cover/case for the Kindle, so I can put it into the top pocket of my pack without worry of it getting damaged.
I do have a few concerns though:
Humidity. I know that there will be days when the humidity is 100%, and I don't think the Kindle is designed to be exposed to such high humidity. I could keep it in a ziplock bag, which I close when the humidity is normal, and don't unzip if the humidity is too high.
Cold: I know that the Kindle won't work if the temp is below 0C, and starting a thru-hike in March, there are going to be lots of days when it's colder than that at night.
General handling: The Kindle will get jostled around in my pack as I hike, but hopefully the cover I buy will protect it.
BTW: The same charger/cable that fits my Moto E fits the Kindle, and the Li-Ion battery pack I will carry for extra power for my phone, so I can charge all devices in one night in a motel (providing I wake myself up after a few hours to switch devices on the charger). I use the phone for listening to audio books and music, besides an emergency phone call or to contact home.
So what do you think?
Arden
ChrisJackson
01-03-2016, 21:35
I wouldn't think of going without my kindle. I've a "red pepper" case for mine that seems to be indestructible. Even so, I still drop it in a 1 liter S2S dry bag.
I won't leave home without it!! I have a paperwhite Kindle It lasts a week on a charge, reading an hour or so per night. I usually stop at a hostel or motel each week to resupply. I don't know how long the bright lit backlit models batteries last between charging. One hike I used my phone for reading and it was marginally satisfactory, but not as good as the paperwhite. I carried two extra batteries for the phone.
Slo-go'en
01-03-2016, 22:31
Not a problem. Keep it in a zip lock and padded case and you'll be fine. The paper white screen does gets sluggish in cold temps. But I kind of doubt you'll be doing much reading when its that cold. You'll just be trying to stay warm.
You might also try putting some of those little desiccant packets in the ziplock along with the Kindle.
Sent from my SM-T800 using Tapatalk
Thanks guys;
I have been working on getting the AT Data book perfected for the Kindle (there is none available for purchase), but because of the way the tables are laid out, it is somewhat of a problem. That said, I am doing pretty well - albeit waiting for my 2016 edition while I practice with the 2014 edition.
My Kindle doesn't have a backlight. It's the "electronic ink" type, so I will need to use a separate reading light. I am trying to find a suitable lamp, so I won't have to use up the batteries in my headlamp, and the smaller light can double for general use in the tent.
The desiccant sounds like a good idea. I'll check out the "red pepper" case. I have been looking at different ones on Amazon, but haven't made a purchase.
Turk6177
01-03-2016, 23:39
Whether it is a kindle or a book you bring, I have found myself "bored" sometimes once I set up camp and wishing I had some form of entertainment if no one is around to talk to.
I have a Kindle in the backpack since I have switched from real books, but already cracked two Kindles of the older e-ink type (display broken).
Obviousely this type of display is way more fragile than a typical smartphone would be.
Also, I encountered mysterious too-fast power drain sometimes, maybe due to cold or damp environment.
Its mandatory to have a decent cover, additional Ziplock welcome, and still good advice to thread the Kindle as nice as possible during the hike.
This kind of stuff is not really built to endure rough threatment like, throw it into the pack and forget about it.
Too bad when you have most of your hiking documents on this device, and then it fails.
Another topic is the charging:
With smartphone, digicam, powerbank, headlamp, shaver and kindle to beg for a recharge during townstop you soon run out of wall sockets and charging devices.
Gambit McCrae
01-04-2016, 10:23
I have an Iphone 6 plus(big big screen), and then have the nook app. I love it and it saves me from carrying 2 devices
colorado_rob
01-04-2016, 11:09
I have an Iphone 6 plus(big big screen), and then have the nook app. I love it and it saves me from carrying 2 devicesSame with me. I use my Kindle app on my phone all the time now, I prefer it to my paperwhite Kindle. My phone (Motorola Droid Turbo Max) screen is a tad smaller than the Iphone 6 plus, but much larger than the older Iphones. If you have an older Iphone, that screen is pretty small, and if I had one, I'd carry my kindle while hiking. I read at least an hour a night on the trail, sometimes more. I even occasionally take a mid-day break and read then as well.
At least check out a Kindle (or nook) app on your phone to see if you like it (free app). Some like it, others don't. As I said, even though I own a perfectly good Kindle paperwhite, I now prefer my phone, even at home around the house. I only use the kindle when I read in the tub because I'm afraid of dropping my (more expensive) phone in the water, which I did one time (I managed to dry it out though...). the phone and the kindle stay synched all the time to where I'm at in a particular book.
Make sure you get the settings right before judging the phone/kindle app though. Lots of adjustments possible; I use a small-medium size font and white letters on a black background. when reading at night you can dim this way, way down and use very little battery power. Black letters on a white background uses way more battery power.
ChrisJackson
01-04-2016, 11:40
Same with me. I use my Kindle app on my phone all the time now, I prefer it to my paperwhite Kindle. My phone (Motorola Droid Turbo Max) screen is a tad smaller than the Iphone 6 plus, but much larger than the older Iphones. If you have an older Iphone, that screen is pretty small, and if I had one, I'd carry my kindle while hiking. I read at least an hour a night on the trail, sometimes more. I even occasionally take a mid-day break and read then as well.
At least check out a Kindle (or nook) app on your phone to see if you like it (free app). Some like it, others don't. As I said, even though I own a perfectly good Kindle paperwhite, I now prefer my phone, even at home around the house. I only use the kindle when I read in the tub because I'm afraid of dropping my (more expensive) phone in the water, which I did one time (I managed to dry it out though...). the phone and the kindle stay synched all the time to where I'm at in a particular book.
Make sure you get the settings right before judging the phone/kindle app though. Lots of adjustments possible; I use a small-medium size font and white letters on a black background. when reading at night you can dim this way, way down and use very little battery power. Black letters on a white background uses way more battery power.
Gonna give this a try! Just installed the app on the phone and pulled down one of my books. Thanks!
Leo L said "Also, I encountered mysterious too-fast power drain sometimes, maybe due to cold or damp environment."
Could that be due to the wi-fi being on when there is no wi-fi signal? Radios like wifi and 3/4g cell/data & GPS will consume most power when they are searching for a signal. Put the Kindle in airplane mode to prevent this.
I do same with my Moto E smartphone when there isn't wifi or a cell/data signal. Otherwise, I just turn off the wi-fi and GPS to save battery.
I am looking for a hard case for my Kindle. If I can't find that, I'll go for a nice padded soft case. Either way, my Kindle will be slipped into the top pocket of my Osprey Atmos 65 pack, and handled with loving care. I am very good with my electronics, as with everything else. I have been known to keep devices for a very long time for this reason. While some of my friends and family have to replace their smartphones, ipods, Kindles, and whatever portable devices every few years, I still have an iPod click wheel that is more than 10 years old, and it still works! Had to replace the battery once, but other than that, it is doing fine.
I wouldn't want to use my Moto E for reading, as its screen is far too small for my eyes. Besides that, I want to keep the phone for making phone calls/texts, and for listening to audiobooks. Nice thing about audiobooks is that I can listen to them while zipped up cozy in my bag.
Maybe I could get a manufacturer to send me a Kindle cover for testing... if it survives the 2185 miles of the AT, the manufacturer could claim "thru-hiker tested" for the product.:)
If I remember right the unexpected battery drain had happened in a camp right at the beach, chilly night with quite high humidity. And it happened after a long evening reading in bed - who knows what I've forgotten to switch off then.
When I got my new Paperwhite for Christmas two weeks back, it came with a carpenter handmade hard wooden case.
Doesn't solve any humidity issue though.
For the smartphone instead of a Kindle, ist hard to imagine how to come through with battery life?
Tried typing my diary on the smartphone, but skipped this after some days due to battery capacity limitations. It just ate up too much.
colorado_rob
01-04-2016, 12:30
...
For the smartphone instead of a Kindle, ist hard to imagine how to come through with battery life?
Tried typing my diary on the smartphone, but skipped this after some days due to battery capacity limitations. It just ate up too much.Reading a kindle app on my phone for hours and hours, with white letters on a black background, dimmed down when I read at night, barely touches the battery (the phone is nearly always in airplane mode, of course). An anker external battery, the 10,000 mAh version I have weighs about the same as my kindle (with soft case), and I get 3 full recharges out of my anker external battery. So, one device (my droid phone), plus Anker battery, about 15 ounces total, serves well as communication, kindle reader and pretty decent camera and easily lasts over a week, more like 10 days, reading a ton, taking lots of pictures and calling/texting my wife once a day or so, plus (grudgingly) keeping up with any important emails.
Thanks for the hint! I'll give it a try.
squeezebox
01-04-2016, 13:25
So what's the wt. of a kindle paperwhite and charger? I'm sure it's a stupid question but can a kindle do video?
atraildreamer
01-04-2016, 13:28
I have a Kindle in the backpack since I have switched from real books, but already cracked two Kindles of the older e-ink type (display broken).
Obviousely this type of display is way more fragile than a typical smartphone would be.
Also, I encountered mysterious too-fast power drain sometimes, maybe due to cold or damp environment. ...
Go to EBAy and search for a screen protector for your model of Kindle. I got one for $5 that makes the screen pretty much indestructible. I bought a case for $11. You can also find chargers there at a considerable price reduction from the Amazon site. I got a car charger and a home charger for ~$8 on EBay. The chargers are rated at 2,000 ma and can charge the unit from ~50% to full charge in less than an hour.
I always switch off the wi-fi and put the Kindle into airplane mode when not downloading new reading material. It saves the battery.
In both cases, the screen just went defect, without a scratch or visible outer crack. Obviousely some inner layer of the display cracked. Can this screen protector avoid "inner" cracks?
Just had a look at some screen protective items on Amazon.
There are hundreds of foil-type things, which I'm afraid would not help that much.
And then there are some glass-type protectors. Wonder if these would allow the touch screen to work then? The description is auto-translated from Chinese to German and is, aside of inducing belly-shaking laughter, of not much help.
I had a decent cover, but thats heavy and clumsy, so first decided to skip that. Stupid me.
Some days in the trip I just forgot that I have the Kindle in my daypack and sat full-weight on it. Stupid me.
Second time (second Kindle), I was so much in a hurry for leaving home that I didn't find the the cover, but intended to take extra-super care of my Kindle.
Again, the display went defect in the handluggage out of unknown reason during the first leg of the flights.
Was some hard time, 6 weeks trip without any of my favorite readings.
On the positive side, I was much more open to people.
For my next trip I will bring a multi-output USB charger for sure.
Just read on your phone. If you use your phone a lot, get a battery pack for a few oz. extra. There's no need to carry an extra device that just does 1 thing when you are already carrying a device that duplicates its function.
Remember, injury is the #1 reason AT hikers get off the trail. Less weight in your pack means less strain on your joints. Don't carry that half pound of extra weight.
squeezebox
01-04-2016, 14:05
Not a hiking comment, but the current bicycle generator hubs don't have quite enough umph to keep up with charging current electronics. Just a side comment.
I too am a big fan of reading on a smartphone. For those that might find the screen size to be a big issue, try getting a set of drug store reading glasses, just the little half-height ones. The weight of glasses will be a lot less than that of a kindle, a lot cheaper and less of an issue in general if lost or broken, and ... one less device to worry about, to recharge, etc.
W.r.t. recharging, I enjoyed this comment above:
"With smartphone, digicam, powerbank, headlamp, shaver and kindle to beg for a recharge during townstop you soon run out of wall sockets and charging devices."
We're all definitely different in these regards. I guess that if you wanted to go hog wild here, you could also include a rechargeable MP3 player, some sort of fitness tracker (fitbit et al), perhaps the person with this collection of devices might also be carrying a small battery powered inflatable air pump. I'm sure there are (a lot) more potential battery powered devices.
For me, the smartphone is the only rechargeable item that I find worth carrying.
kickatree
01-04-2016, 15:40
I just stuff my down sleeping bag into a trash compacter bag. Toss the kindle in with it. Stays warm and dry.
Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk
kickatree
01-04-2016, 15:44
Thanks guys;
I have been working on getting the AT Data book perfected for the Kindle (there is none available for purchase), but because of the way the tables are laid out, it is somewhat of a problem. That said, I am doing pretty well - albeit waiting for my 2016 edition while I practice with the 2014 edition.
My Kindle doesn't have a backlight. It's the "electronic ink" type, so I will need to use a separate reading light. I am trying to find a suitable lamp, so I won't have to use up the batteries in my headlamp, and the smaller light can double for general use in the tent.
The desiccant sounds like a good idea. I'll check out the "red pepper" case. I have been looking at different ones on Amazon, but haven't made a purchase.
There is guthook's android/Apple app. $60 gets all the maps and a good bit of guidence on towns and supply points. It's worth a look...
Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk
Well, I'm definitely not an ultralight hiker. I'm counting on building muscle mass/strength as I hike :D Maybe not such a great idea, but I'm sure I'll wind up carrying less weight after a few re-supply/PO stops.
Perhaps the problem with the Kindle screen cracking is the cold weather? Or maybe its just very thin plastic, and the fabrication of the display doesn't permit any flex at all, so it will crack if the whole thing gets flexed.
I won't try to hike with the Kindle unless I can get a suitable case for it. If I could get a case like the one I have for my Moto E, my Kindle would be well protected. It saved my phone, which was in one of the hip pockets on my Atmos 65 as I was getting squeezed through the Lemon Squeezer in Harriman Park NY, and had completely forgotten that it was on my belt. The case didn't even suffer a scratch, but even if it had been broken, I think the phone still would have been OK.
I am planning on at least one section hike of 50 miles before I start a thru-hike, and will test whatever system I have during that trek.
My pack has a large top pocket that will easily accommodate the Kindle, but there is the chance that it could get squeezed in there.
Reading white text on black isn't going to work too well for me. I have tried it on my Moto E before, and didn't like it. If I decide not to take the Kindle, I can put some audiobooks onto my phone instead. Then, if I stop in town where there is a free library with free (or pay) wi-fi, I might be able to download another audiobook through my home library account. If not, I could join Audible and buy them. Or, I could just listen to music.
kickatree; I have tried the free android app by guthook. I thought it was the entire AT, but kind of doubted it for free. The free version is only the Amicalola approach trail. Nice app though. Might be worth the $60.
ChrisJackson
01-04-2016, 16:25
I just stuff my down sleeping bag into a trash compacter bag. Toss the kindle in with it. Stays warm and dry.
Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk
Heck of a good idea.
kickatree
01-04-2016, 17:03
Well, I'm definitely not an ultralight hiker. I'm counting on building muscle mass/strength as I hike :D Maybe not such a great idea, but I'm sure I'll wind up carrying less weight after a few re-supply/PO stops.
Perhaps the problem with the Kindle screen cracking is the cold weather? Or maybe its just very thin plastic, and the fabrication of the display doesn't permit any flex at all, so it will crack if the whole thing gets flexed.
I won't try to hike with the Kindle unless I can get a suitable case for it. If I could get a case like the one I have for my Moto E, my Kindle would be well protected. It saved my phone, which was in one of the hip pockets on my Atmos 65 as I was getting squeezed through the Lemon Squeezer in Harriman Park NY, and had completely forgotten that it was on my belt. The case didn't even suffer a scratch, but even if it had been broken, I think the phone still would have been OK.
I am planning on at least one section hike of 50 miles before I start a thru-hike, and will test whatever system I have during that trek.
My pack has a large top pocket that will easily accommodate the Kindle, but there is the chance that it could get squeezed in there.
Reading white text on black isn't going to work too well for me. I have tried it on my Moto E before, and didn't like it. If I decide not to take the Kindle, I can put some audiobooks onto my phone instead. Then, if I stop in town where there is a free library with free (or pay) wi-fi, I might be able to download another audiobook through my home library account. If not, I could join Audible and buy them. Or, I could just listen to music.
kickatree; I have tried the free android app by guthook. I thought it was the entire AT, but kind of doubted it for free. The free version is only the Amicalola approach trail. Nice app though. Might be worth the $60.
Yup. I get a good feeling about the app. It's worth the money if it's accurate. I've read about it on guthook's site. He updates with several sources. I need to take a harder look at it and compare to the other trail guide currently publishing yearly. All I really need is some basic info for hostels and towns. It seems to be included. Wingfoot had the best one at the time. That is pre 2005. Hard to choose.
Sent from my LGL41C using Tapatalk
Reading a kindle app on my phone for hours and hours, with white letters on a black background, dimmed down when I read at night...
Just tried out this app, works great.
Thanks again for the hint!
My wife is so happy that she will get back her Kindle now <G>
Reading white text on black isn't going to work too well for me. I have tried it on my Moto E before, and didn't like it.
Um, have you tried switching to the white or sepia backgrounds?
Um, have you tried switching to the white or sepia backgrounds?
Isn't the whole idea of white on black to save battery life? In any case, I really don't enjoy reading on such a small screen.
atraildreamer
01-05-2016, 12:29
In both cases, the screen just went defect, without a scratch or visible outer crack. Obviousely some inner layer of the display cracked. Can this screen protector avoid "inner" cracks?
Just had a look at some screen protective items on Amazon.
There are hundreds of foil-type things, which I'm afraid would not help that much.
And then there are some glass-type protectors. Wonder if these would allow the touch screen to work then? The description is auto-translated from Chinese to German and is, aside of inducing belly-shaking laughter, of not much help....
The screen protector I got for my Kindle Paperwhite is a glass-type protector and is about 1 MM thick. It came with a kit to clean the screen before applying the protector. The touch screen still works with the protector. The only thing different is that the protector is a shiny surface that reflects external light source, unlike the dull finish of the original screen, but it does not really matter when you use the Kindle. I suspect the normal tapping of the original Kindle screen may lead to failure due to normal wear and tear. The thicker protector may prevent, or slow this down.
When I said "indestructible" in a previous post, I meant in normal use, which does not include sitting on the unit! :eek: :)
Tennessee Viking
01-05-2016, 17:13
Your good. I have put my cell in a zipper pull plastic bag for linens and it survived a soaking wet pack. I find I can still swipe away through the plastic. Just turn the airplane mode on and get a battery pack.
pizzawizard
07-16-2016, 01:10
I use a bubble wrap mailing envelope to store my kindle when I go hiking. Actually I use 2 envelopes, one inside of the other, so there's 2 layers of bubble wrap in between the kindle and anything else in the pack.
I don't want to carry my iPhone, so I got the adapter for the Emprum GPS (Orange Gadgets) and a newer iPod Touch for the camera, then let the Kindle/Audible app read aloud to earbuds.
I have decided to go this way, because the iPod Touch carries well in my buttoned shirt pocket and I find the tiny print and tiny display not very enjoyable to read.
I am not willing to carry the larger display.
This read aloud feature takes down the battery, however not so much as you might think - I turn off the display, and it seems to run as efficiently as listening to music.
When I carried my e-ink Kindle on the AT in 2012, I sandwiched it with a small plastic clipboard (doubled as a cutting board for cheese, sausage etc) in a ziploc bag, stashed in a second water bladder sleeve against the back of my pack. Still works today. :)
eabyrd1506
07-20-2016, 12:32
On of my challenges is near sightedness so I rely on the paperwhite's ability to create larger text sizes. I'm currently awaiting my member packet from the ATC so I can order the PA section guide at member's rate. I'm concerned about my ability to read the maps once I get them. Are there e-pub alternatives available anywhere.
BTW my paperwhite has survived many weeks at various BoyScout camps from the Adirondacks to the Chesapeake with no problem and no special precautions.
Good idea and the battery lasts forever on those things.