Hiking long trails is a fine time to listen to audiobooks and podcasts. My method is to use a tiny Bluetooth earbud in one ear, a model that does not block outside noise, so I can still be aware of any sounds that indicate danger or people or nature.
My long-time favorite source for audiobooks is the public-domain recordings of LibriVox. Early in my planning stage for a long hike, I am selecting out-of-copyright literature that I should have already read if I were a more well-rounded individual who was not busy consuming the latest science fiction. In January when it is too early to do much else, I can search for and download books and experience that excitement that comes from taking those many small preparations necessary for a long trip.
If you ever read my hiking blog (or ebooks) on long trails, you will notice that I list each audiobook the day I finish it in my journal, along with a link for you to download if you might also like to experience that book.
I prefer not to purchase audiobooks from Audible.com, following my policy of not engaging with monopolies or DRM whenever practical. One recent series of speculative fiction that I do enjoy purchasing is the Martin Hench books from Cory Doctorow. First-up in my list of books to read this July on the Colorado Trail is Red Team Blues. The author has gone to great lengths to provide a way to purchase the audiobook without DRM. And the reality that the audiobook is read by Wil Wheaton– I can barely wait to start listening until I reach the trail!
