Backpacking Journal - UltraLight Modification

One of my favorite things to do at the end of a long day of backpacking is to write about my experiences. This really helps me remember the feeling of being there when I'm back to my over stimulated "normal life". Rite in the Rain makes many different types of all weather paper products which are perfect for those of us who like to record our journeys along the way. Pictured below is their top spiral bound 3 x 5 inch journal which includes 50 pages of lined waterproof paper sandwiched in between hard plastic covers. Weighing in at 2.0oz, it's a bit on the heavy side for my use because I like to keep it in my shirt pocket, but I don't want to feel it bouncing around.

In my typical fashion, I decided I could make an easy modification to make it much lighter. I started by cutting away at the metal binding...

Next I removed the front and back plastic covers because the protection is unnecessary and only adds weight. I decided that 25 pages (both sides) would be more than enough to record my thoughts and experiences for a couple of weeks, so I made it into 2 journals. Lastly I bound the paper back together using the thin cord that I use on my MYOG stuff sacks.

The finished product, a waterproof journal that now weighs only 0.80oz - less than half of what it started out at. Combine it with my UltraLight Pen to make the perfect backcountry journaling solution. In fact, you can slip both of them in your shirt pocket and forget they're even there. Focusing on these details makes trail life that much more enjoyable, which is what UltraLight Backpacking is all about!

The Rite in the Rain Pocket Journal is available at the Mountain UltraLight Store.