Not the field book

This is the backcountry decision making guide not the original field book. I'm not sure bca and aiare make the field book anymore. This is meant for beginners in the backcountry, not high quality snow science

Ramon

Old one was better

I liked the old one a lot more, it emphasized more looking into the hazards of the day where as the new one focuses more on planing and sticking with the plan.

Cabot Steward

Old Book was Better

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This is the new blue book and I have to say I’™m disappointed. It leaves little space for documenting the most important information; like weather, avy problems, and observations. It provides no layout for recording the elevation or aspect of the problems. And, the observation table is completely gone. The old book was better, particularly for experienced backcountry travelers. I believe the intent is to provide a Guide Book (to guide your trip) versus a Field Book (to document expectations and observations). I’m happy I have an old book and will be stocking up for the future, as many people are. In the attached pic, the new inferior book is on the left, the old better book is on the right.

Colin S.

Different from old one, and worse.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

I bought a replacement for my old AIARE field notebook to continue recording my field obs in an organized way. I was disappointed to discover that the format has changed completely and is now nearly useless to the experienced backcountry traveler. While the old notebook had sections set up for forecast, weather forecast, trip plan, and a structured chart for weather obs, the new one has done away with these reasonable sections. It seems like it's supposed to promote communication throughout the trip, if you work through the tour page like a worksheet during each trip. Problem is, there's so much text on the page there's little room to write, and useful headings have disappeared in favor of infographics and reminders to communicate. Additionally, there's a huge stack of front and back matter taking up precious pages, little of which is useful. I found a shop selling old books and stocked up. If you're not a beginning ski tourer, then don't buy this book.

Patrick Fink

Keeps me organized!

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

This book is perfect recording observations on snowpack, and weather conditions in the backcounty. It keeps my observations organized so I can go back and review them whenever I want. If you spend a lot of time in the backcountry I'd highly recommend scooping this little booklet up or at least carrying a note pad.

Jeremy Collett

Great way to log snow conditions

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I picked this up to log snow conditions while touring, and it does that perfectly! It it organized incredibly well, and the pages are made of water resistant material. It's pretty perfect to be honest.

Zak Ricklefs