Idle time in the backcountry

[lostlandscapes]

Just curious how everyone likes to spend their down-time in the backcountry. Whether it be due to inclement weather, mosquitoes, long winter nights, etc, we all find ourselves at times stuck in our tents earlier or for longer than maybe we would normally desire. Personally, since I began carrying my smartphone with me to serve as my GPS device, I've been taking advantage of one of my apps and practicing knots with the paracord that I always have with me. Definitely helps pass the time.

So how do you, fellow BCPer, pass the time? Cards? Games? Reading? Writing? Daydreaming? Sipping a special beverage? Let's hear it!

 

[HomerJ]

I have found audio books the most entertaining for me (usually Patrick McManus). I've taken a small deck of cards, but have never used them so I don't take them anymore.

 

[Nick]

That animated knots app looks awesome! Downloading!

I picked up a Kindle this past year and I have loved having it around for idle time. In fact, it's about the only time in my life where I feel I have enough time to sit down and read! I got the really basic 6" kindle so it's super light at 6 oz, lighter than most books, I think. And it is only $69 so not the end of the world if I destroy it. It's great to be able to load multiple books onto it too. I only wish that I could get a kindle format for all the guidebooks on my shelf.

I tried music and audio books but I find having my ears plugged to be a little uncomfortable when I'm outdoors. Not sure if it's a defense thing or the fact that I just like the natural sound of rain splattering on my tent or what.

 

[IntrepidXJ]

I tried music and audio books but I find having my ears plugged to be a little uncomfortable when I'm outdoors. Not sure if it's a defense thing or the fact that I just like the natural sound of rain splattering on my tent or what.

I feel the same way.

 

[Dave]

Read, sleep, listen. I don't usually use headphones on trail, but they're great during the dark hours.

Grog knots is awesome... I've had it on my phone for awhile.

 

[Jammer]

Just keep walking.

Ok... I've taken books, notepads, cards and music. After hardly ever using any of them, I stopped taking them. Actually... I mainly just look at maps and/or route notes for the next day... and sleep. But, now that I take a smartphone, I may start changing my habits. I do like listening to music in the tent (never while hiking!) But, in the past it was never worth taking a second device (or the energy requirement.) Now, the smartphone may change that and provide extra reading material as well -- maybe even a casual game or two if the battery reserves allow.

- Jamal

 

[HomerJ]

That Grog Knots is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing!:twothumbs:

 

[pixie1339]

I also bought a Kindle for backpacking last year. I bought the Kindle Touch for $99. It's about an ounce heavier than the basic version, but has longer battery life, double the memory, and you can store mp3's on there. I've mostly used it for reading or playing games while waiting out storms, but I've also enjoyed using it to play music around camp a couple times, sans headphones.

 

[Antlerking]

A big fire and good stories, shooting the bull with good Friends!

 

[gnwatts]

A flask of (beverage of your choice), logistically it is tough in a sleeping bag on real cold nights.

 

[DAA]

I can't stay awake with the sound of rain on my tent. It's like hypnotic to me or something, just puts me out cold every time. I'll listen to an audio book, smoke a cigar and drink some whiskey if I want to stay awake though.

- DAA

 

[Yellowstone 1]

When I've had to go to the tent, I've usually taken a quick nap if its during the day. I don't take reading material and I didn't have a smart phone up until recently. The only other things for me to do would be A. Listen to my ipod B. Inventory my pack C. Consume beverage or D. Go out and do a sun dance in the rain. I love that app that lostlandscapes shared the link to. It's always helpful to know knots. And of course if it's good weather and fires are allowed I think we all love hangin by the fire like Antlerking said.

 

[Aldaron]

I read a lot...either in regular books or on my phone depending on the length of the trip. This weekend, in the long dark nights, we played some Trivial Pursuit on my phone

 

[Yvonne]

I usually read a lot because that is one of the rare moments I really have to time to read. I usually bring a book or maybe two smaller ones and sit back and relax.
Earlier I brought my Ipod, but somehow I never used it. I need to hear the sounds and noises of nature, I really enjoy it and it gives me a feeling of finally being part of it and I do not want to have any disturbance.
Just reading and relaxing, that's my kind of enjoyment. Sometimes I bring a small bottle of red wine, depends on the length of my trip

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