Hey, I’ve kept a lot of records on my own. The first thing I learned is that a simple, dry notebook is the most reliable. Use a thin, weather‑proof one and write in a pencil that won’t smudge when you’re on the trail. I mark the page number in a small corner so I can find it later, and I keep a few quick notes in a small drawer of my pack—like the date, the weather, and any odd animal sighting. If you’re into digital, a small, rugged phone with a good case works. The trouble is the battery; you can never rely on it in the wild. A better idea is to use a tiny black‑out safe like a waterproof zip‑lock bag and write everything on a small sheet of paper, then seal it. When you’re back, you can type it up. For something a bit more creative, I keep a little log in a hollowed‑out log or a piece of bark. Write with a charcoal stick or a pen, and the natural material keeps the ink from bleeding. That way you’re using what you’re already around. The key is to keep it light, simple, and, most importantly, something you won’t need to lug a ton of gear for. Just a few pages, a pen, and the habit of jotting down a line or two whenever something worth remembering shows up. That’s the only way I keep a living record that won’t end up in the trash.

That’s the sort of neat, no‑frills approach I like. I’ll grab a water‑proof sheet, mark the top with a quick GPS tag, and write the rest of the note in the margin. If the paper turns to mush, I just start a new page—no fuss, no guilt. Keeps the log tight and the trail free.

Got it—no soggy logs, just clean pages and clear notes. Keep it moving.