If you’re wondering what a field notebook is exactly, please allow us to explain. As the name suggests, a field notebook allows you to record notes, research and observations accurately when out in the field. Designed for outdoor use, field notebooks are relied upon by a whole range of professionals who work outside. This may include the military, agriculturalists, geologists and many more. Of course, they can also be used for outdoor leisure purposes such as bird watching and orienteering.
Now that we’ve established exactly what a field notebook is, let’s take a look at how to choose the best one.
How do I choose the right field notebook for me?
When working outdoors, more often than not, it’s impossible to rely on the weather. With this in mind, we have created a range of field notebooks using Rite In The Rain (RITR) waterproof paper. 100% waterproof, our durable waterproof field books can be written in when wet, allowing you to carry on with the activity in hand in spite of the elements. The paper is also resistant to spillages such as mud and oil, leaving you with a clean, smooth surface for writing on, no matter how messy the outdoor environment is.
When discussing, ‘what is a field notebook’, the signature characteristic is that the notebook can be used easily outdoors when you’re doing fieldwork. That’s why, when thinking about the natural elements, a waterproof notebook is the best option for work and leisure. If you’re not quite convinced yet, let’s take a look at just a few of the reasons your next field notebook should be waterproof.
Why should I get a waterproof field book?
Record your notes, whatever the weather
As we’ve mentioned, the most important benefit of owning a waterproof field book is that you can rely on it come rain or shine. You don’t want fieldwork to be delayed or hampered because of poor weather conditions and with a waterproof notebook, it doesn’t have to be. Even when you’re accessing locations with little or no shelter in the rain, our waterproof paper will not tear and the ink will not smudge in the water. It’s a practical solution to soggy pages that quite literally allows you to “write in the rain”.
Durable and long-lasting
There’s a big difference between what is a field notebook and what is an effective field notebook. If you’re using a notebook that tears or disintegrates at the sight of rain, it’s not going to last you very long for outdoor work. Investing in a durable waterproof notebook instead will save you from investing in a new notebook every few weeks. This is better for your wallet, but also for the planet, and this brings us onto our next point.
More eco-friendly
Not only is Rite In The Rain waterproof paper longer lasting, it is also sustainably sourced from Forestry Stewardship Council-certified suppliers. The paper is then treated with a natural, water-based coating that can be recycled after use. This is a much more sustainable alternative to papers that are made using synthetic materials such as plastic and covered with polymeric coatings that prevent them from being recycled and meaning they end up in landfills.
Keep data protected
When discussing exactly what is a field notebook, we emphasised the importance of using them to collect accurate data and record important observations outdoors. The last thing you need when conducting important research or planning is for your notes to be smudged and made illegible by bad weather, or to tear and blow away. No matter what the weather, with a RITR notebook, you know you’ll be able to record your notes accurately and read them back later.
Easy to carry with you
RITR all-weather field notebooks are available in a range of sizes to suit individual requirements. For example, our tactical pocket notebook fits perfectly into a smock pocket, whilst the slightly larger side spiral notebook still fits easily into a daysack or medium-large sized pocket. The best part? You don’t need to worry about keeping the notebook protected from the rain as it does that all by itself.
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘what is a field notebook’ and why it’s best to choose a waterproof one, you should be on your way to easier and more accurate note-taking in the outdoor elements. In the meantime, if you have any questions about any of our Any Weather Paper products, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
