Reviews > Books > Blank Journals and Writing Implements > RITR - Adventure Travel Journal > Jodi Cornelius > Long Term Report

E-mail: bpskids@charter.net
Name: Jodi Cornelius
Age: 41
Height: 5'4"/1.6 m
Weight: 160 lbs/73 kg
Gender: Female
City: Derrick City
State: PA
Country: USA
Date: February 9, 2004
My area of the country: Northwest Pennsylvania

My Background: Have been car camping since I was small. Started backpacking over 2 years ago and was a heavyweight hiker until I was introduced to the joys of lightweight hiking. I am not a lightweight hiker yet but have made giant strides to becoming one. I am usually a 3-season hiker but have decided to give a go at winter hikes.

I prefer overnight and longer hikes but do day hikes when I can't get away for longer periods of time. Weather makes no difference to me as I tend to usually get caught up in the rain every time I go out.

Product Information:

Manufacturer:  J. L. Darling Corporation – Rite in the Rain All Weather Writing Paper  http://www.riteintherain.com/
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Product: Rite in the Rain Adventure Travel Journal
MSRP:  $15.95

Features from the Website:

"This 4" x 6 1/2" pocket sized hard-bound book has 78 sheets of horizontal-line page pattern and 15 pages of handy travel reference material. It fits easily into your back pocket so you can travel anywhere protecting your memories and trip notes."

Field Experience:

For a more in-depth look at my field report, please go to http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Books/Blank%20Journals/RITR%20-%20Adventure%20Travel%20Journal/Jodi%20Cornelius/Field%20Report/

I used the journal throughout the fall and into winter.  We have had some severely cold days and I was able to test the journal during this time period.  The temperatures ranged from -25F (-14C) to 0F (32C) during that testing period with some snow.  The normal testing period temperatures ranged from the upper 30s F (0 C) to the mid 50s F (10 C) with rain just about every day.  The trails were wooded with easy to moderate climbs. The elevation was between 1350 to 2100 feet (411 to 640 meters).

What I discovered was the best writing utensil for this journal regardless of the season was the pencil.  Using a standard number 2 pencil, I was able to legibly write on the paper no matter how cold, damp, or wet the journal was.  If it was cold outside, the space pen didn't want to cooperate without first "starting" the ink by scribbling quickly somewhere to start the ink flowing.  The pencil works regardless.  I find I liked writing with the pencil best of all - it was comfortable to me. 

The binding has stayed tight.  You can write on the pages very easily no matter if it's cold, warm, wet, or dry.  I haven't had any peeling back of the lining due to moisture.  In fact, the journal has stayed very much in tact, which was something that had me worried due to another tester's problem. 

I had tested the ability to set fire to pages in the journal and that worked well.  It was difficult getting pages out of the book but that was to be expected.  I found that I much preferred using my Leatherman Micra® scissors to trim the pages out than just tearing them.  This allowed other pages connected to the page I removed to stay connected to the binding.

After carrying the journal in my back pocket, I noticed some normal wear, which is to be expected with carrying anything in a back pocket.  The journal is no longer flat, it is slightly curved.  The corners of the journal are blunted but no damage has been made that is noticeable.  I really like this product, far more than I do a regular spiral notebook and will probably purchase another Travel Journal when I fill this one up.

Things I like:

I like the color.  It is very easy to find in my pack.  I don’t need to locate a good writing surface for it to work.  The pages also repel blood, which is a plus in my life!  I really like being able to use a pencil on the paper without it fading.

Things I dislike:

I didn't have anything that I disliked enough to keep me from wanting to purchase another one of these journals when mine is filled up.  The only nit I did have was regarding information you COULD fill in but is not a necessity.  Therefore, I have decided that there is really nothing that I dislike about this journal.

I would like to thank J. L. Darling and BGT for the opportunity to participate in this test.  I have really enjoyed testing this product and will continue to use this journal.

Reviews > Books > Blank Journals and Writing Implements > RITR - Adventure Travel Journal > Jodi Cornelius > Long Term Report