All Weather Notebook ~ From SNUGPAK

In our line of work we often need to takes notes outdoors in inclement weather under conditions where a conventional pen and notebook can be near useless, writes Bob Morrison.

 

With Exercise TRIDENT JUNCTURE 18 in Norway looming fast I am gradually checking, and updating where necessary, all the kit and clothing needed for a late autumn assignment in a part of Europe than can pretty much be guaranteed to be cold and damp. This year will be the 30th anniversary of my first of many visits to cover British and Norwegian Forces on exercise in the Scandinavian country and therefore I have a good idea of what conditions will be like in Trøndelag and Hedmark, where the bulk of the action should be, so a couple of water-resistant notebooks (and stubby pencils) are among the essentials going into my daysack.

 

I have used Snugpak’s All Weather Notebooks for many years and although I mostly use ordinary spiral notebooks bought from my local newsagent for the bulk of my work I almost always carry one of these handy water-resistant examples in one of the ‘concealed’ pockets of my 5.11 shirt for emergencies. Indeed the slightly more olive example to the left of the orange one in the triple notebook photo is the very one I had with me on my three most recent assignments – DVD18, GCC PES and TRJE18 Railhead – but as it was now getting a little thin it was definitely time to sort out a replacement or two.

 

Measuring 6×4” (roughly 150x100mm) with a spiral binder at the top, these 50-sheet notebooks have a square grid on one side and horizontal lines on the other meaning they are equally useful for notes and diagrams or graphs etc. On the inside of the rear plastic cover there are both inch and centimetre ruler edges and between these there are various length, weight and temperature conversion details. However it is the ability to write on the paper when it is wet, with either a soft (HB) pencil or a non-smearing pen, which makes these little notebooks so handy.

 

Available in either Tactical Green or Survival Orange, the All Weather Notebook can be purchased online through the Snugpak online shop or, subject to stock levels, over the counter at specialist outlets like The Kit Shop in Exeter or Trekitt of Hereford. Retailing at £2.95 or less this handy little accessory won’t bankrupt you but it could get you out of a tricky situation when ordinary paper turns soggy. Highly Recommended.

{ images © Bob Morrison }