Best book to take with me on the OLT?

[Onestepmore]

I'm planning a solo trip on the OLT in Feb ( maybe March) 2014. Not booked yet, confirming dates to stay with relos in Hobart and teeing up a bit of locum vet work. If I take one book with me, which one should it be? I see one at least is available in a Kindle version, so that's OK as a double as long as I take a solar charger. Also, if I take a book is it still recommended to take a full set of topo maps? Or is it so well marked Blind Freddy could follow it? I don't want to lug around a whole lot of unnecessary stuff, esp as I'll not be able to share tent and cooking gear. I don't plan on staying in huts if I can help it (hate snorers and other people's damp smelly socks) Still debating hammock vs cuben tent, tent I think easier. Breaking in my first pair of ankle boots (Zamberlans) as I've been told I'm foolish to wear my normal shorties.

[Onestepmore]

Hmmm, by book I mean about the OLT, not War and Peace or Trainspotting etc

[MrWalker]

Hmmm, by book I mean about the OLT, not War and Peace or Trainspotting etc

Yes, I suppose in a tent, with limited weight you don't want to sit up late reading, or the batteries get a bit heavy.

You should not get lost even without any maps. But maps and notes can help you keep track of how far you are along the way and whether you should look out for something interesting coming up.Are you taking any side trips? Do you need a book to identify the wildlife, plants, fungi or whatever?

I normally make a copy of any maps or relevant notes rather than take a whole book, but Chapmans' book on the Overland track is not bad value for weight.

[icefest]

I took Chapman's not really as necessary as a map in my opinion. The plastic 50k topo is enough if you are not planning on going off off track.
I have the 25k topo as laminated maps if you want to borrow them.
The book is nice to have but not as useful as a map and the included maps are not what I would trust for navigational purposes

[MickyB]

I only know of two books.

The Overland Track by Warwick Sprawson. It has lots of great info about the track including plants and animals.

The Overland Track by John and Monica Chapman. It is another great book which includes maps and gradient profiles.

I personally prefer Warwick Sprawson's book however it is a bit thicker and heavier and therfore better to read at home. John and Monica Chapman's book will have all the info you will need for the OLT. As for taking a topo map, I took one when I did it a few years ago but can't remember taking it out of my bag. However IMO you should always take one with you, especially if you are doing some of the side trips.

I really enjoyed myself when I did it and no doubt you will as well. The scenery is stunning and I can't wait to do it again in the future.

Last edited by MickyB on Sat 19 Oct, 2013 3:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[stepbystep]

I've got a copy of Chapmans OLT book, mint condition, you can have if you want it. It has basic maps.

It was given to me but I have the book that covers the whole park.

[Nuts]

Sounds like a good option.
There is Warwick Sprawson's(?) book and Frank/Sue's e-book, I haven't read them personally.

Here's a photo though

Screen Shot 2013-08-03 at 3.38.37 PM.png (633.16 KiB) Viewed 9155 times

Have fun!

[bumpingbill]

Take a Kindle. Then you can take as many books as you'd like.

You also shouldn't need a solar charger. I can finish at least 2.5 of the Game of Thrones books (2400 pages) on a full charge. Kindles use bugger all power. They last for months.

Also lighter than a book too. Mostly.

[joshman]

I second the kindle. Mine seems to last forever on a single charge, and i can get through some pretty hefty books on a single charge. I'm doing the OLT solo in April (across the easter break).

[Onestepmore]

Stepbystep and Icefest, I'm keen to take you up on your offers. I'll PM you later today when I'm at home with my desktop.
Kindle sounds good. My phone is pretty small and hard to read especially at night and it chews through batteries.
Cheers guys

[Onestepmore]

OK super embarrassed , it seems that I already own the Chapman OLT book and the Cradle Mt book.

[stepbystep]

OK super embarrassed , it seems that I already own the Chapman OLT book and the Cradle Mt book.

Haha, so are you going to answer your own question then???

Kindle is awesome btw you won't need a solar charger for that.

[Old Fart]

Hmmm, by book I mean about the OLT, not War and Peace or Trainspotting etc

Good that was explained as I was going to recommend Hell on Earth or the Tale of piemen pearce a real good read when your out there alone.......