I did a search on the forum and didn’t find any thing on tape recorders used as a journal device. I’ve looked at the pocketmail devices and they look good but it also looks like they can be a problem to get fixed if they have a problem. I’ve used paper and pin on my other hikes(trouble free as long as I or transcriber can read what I right later). I was wondering about these smale tape recorders that are available now. Anyone had any experience with one and are the pros & cons.
Cookie
haven’t used one to hike with yet, but I’m taking a recorder on my thru-hike in 05. I think it’d be great to have, provided I can keep it dry. Not overly heavy vs. a journal and you can find 90-minute tapes which are all very light.
0101
A dictophone can be very useful when writing becomes mundane or if you are inspired by a thought while you are hiking. I can’t tell you how many times I had a good thought while hiking but didn’t want to stop, cool down and write my thought out. It would have been real nice to just slow the pace and speak into the little box. As far as the weight, it’s a personal call…
traildawg
I knew a guy that used one in '01. Said it was weird talking to himself and even worse when played back. Some things have no words. Like mixing peanut butter with beef Ramen water.:cheers
Bushwhack
Cookie. I have used a Sony Microcassette-Corder (M-527V)on several hikes. It has different speeds that you can record in. It can use 30, 60 or 90 minute microcassettes. It is very light weight, and can fit in the palm of your hand. It runs on two AA batteries. It will pick up the sound of leaves under your feet as you are hiking. It will pick up the sound of rain on the roof of a shelter or the water running over rocks. It will pick up the strain of your voice as you are hiking up high elevations. I enjoy listening to the tapes when I get back home. I never listen while on the trail. You can even make some recordings before leaving of music if you like music on the trail. I keep it close by and it helps me remember names, trail crossings etc. I keep it in a small baggie and take the batteries out when not using them. This keeps them fresh longer. It does take some time to write down from listening to the tapes, but it is enjoyable to listen to sounds on the trail. You can close your eyes, listen to the tapes and be back on the trail.
Bilko
Just seeing if you were lurking, X.
So, a recorder would be cool-if you were interviewed everyday. Say, by your partner. In that “how does that trail make you feel” kind of way. Could be interesting. Like NPR’s Radio Journals. Or the Lake Wobegone (sp) series. The sounds would rock.
BW
I’ve used a sony microcassette recorder on some trips out west, camping and archeaological type stuff. It’s great for capturing the momentary emotions and sounds of a trip and a more accurate record of specifics that tend to get lost later when you take the time to journal. The major advantage for me was the immediacy…the ability to just whip it out and make an entry at any important moment in the journey. The transcribing takes time, but like Bilko says, you go back to where you were. I’m sure that would be priceless in years to come. Also, the microcassette recorders are cheap enough now that you can replace a broken one at any wally world department store along the trail. I’m thinking about using one on my thru hike this spring.
Tyger
I used a digital tape recorder during part of my hike this past year. It worked out pretty well, and weighed almost nothing. The con would be that you have to eventually erase most of what you record, because the one I had only had internal storage capabilities.
If you are using it to transcribe your thoughts at night, however, it could be the best thing for you. You can get one at Wal-Mart for 30-40 bucks.
bearbait
William Schuette, “Mountain Slayer '00,” used a tape recorder to record his data and thoughts for his Trailplace journal, which has now been edited to produce a decent book, “White Blaze Fever.”
Skyline
Thanks Skyline, that is one book I haven’t read yet. I’ll have to have, just ordered it.:happy
Cookie
We took a digital camera with us (Canon S400). We kept a photo / voice record. With every picture, we put a voice memo with it. The camera has the feature to add a voice memo to each picture. This has worked out awesome! 900 pictures and voice memos to describe each one. A photo-audio journal. Worked well for us.
Dave and Miranda
