Book Transport Problem [Archive] - Wizards Community

Book Transport Problem [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Zerohawk
07-28-05, 04:16 PM My book collection, as I am sure most of you are familiar with, has long ago outgrown any backpack I can reasonably consider. While this is certainly not unusual, it does cause a problem because my group meets at one of my player's house. This means that I'm constantly having to drag an ever growing list of books back and forth.
Even when I prune out the books that I won't need, and that are already stocked in our game room, I'm left with a load that has just destroyed its 9th bag. Not to mention my books are starting to show signs of damage.

My current new solution is putting the books in files and using a plastic filing crate to transport them. This seems like it may work. But the idea is definitely not my own, and the crate is awkward to carry, at best. I vaguely remember the suggestion from several years ago when I really wasn't interested in it, because I gamed in house.

Does anyone know of the site or book that this idea is from? I may be able to find more suggestions there and hopefully perfect this method.

Also, are there any other suggestions on being able to transport a large quantity of RP books on a frequent basis?
Nyarlathotep
07-28-05, 04:22 PM I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk.
VirgilCaine
07-28-05, 04:36 PM I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk.

Sounds good to me.
Salla
07-28-05, 04:42 PM I have a bookbag/satchel like thing, and one of those big plastic storage-crate things I use (and a Wal-Mart bag for the battle map, frisbee, and shoebox full of counters).
Zerohawk
07-28-05, 04:47 PM I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk.

How do you keep the books from being banged up? When I tried to use a suitcase, the books kept moving around inside and banging against each other. Toyed with the idea of using Magazine files to keep them in groups, but had a hard time fitting enough of those in.
Nyarlathotep
07-28-05, 05:01 PM How do you keep the books from being banged up? When I tried to use a suitcase, the books kept moving around inside and banging against each other. Toyed with the idea of using Magazine files to keep them in groups, but had a hard time fitting enough of those in.

It's hard to explain, but I pack them in such a way that they don't have a lot of room to move around and so that layers are 'binding to binding'. and I make sure that the suitcase is full, throwing in a couple of old towels to occupy the rest of the space. The books can't bang together too much if they don't have room to move.
Moonflyer
07-28-05, 05:23 PM Laptop+PDF files... lol... but seriously a big gym bag or hockey equipment bag have worked for me.
Astinex
07-28-05, 05:31 PM Store them at the location.

If it is an option buy a foot locker or whatever. Make sure it's lockable, (don't want unwanted visitors to snoop through your store of material.). Store the books at the location you play at. Then you only have to transport a few books home between sessions to use when developing/researching additional game material. I have a pretty big collection but only transport the few books I need at any one time. The rest remain at the location we use to game at.

NOTE: I wouldn’t risk this unless you can really trust the person who lives at the location you play at.
kaeso
07-28-05, 08:15 PM how many books are you carrying around?! (want to know 1. cause im curious and 2. cause im scared of what the future holds since ive recently become a D&D impulse buyer : )
Arrowhen
07-28-05, 08:23 PM How many books do you "need" to run a game session?
WCH
07-28-05, 08:39 PM How many books do you "need" to run a game session?PHB for most rules stuff, DMG for magic items and the like, Monster Manual for double checking monsters and familiars/animal companions, etc and Complete Cycle, for sure. Vile Darkness comes in handy if one of your players decides to buy some drugs or something like that, and setting specific books are good if you use them.

Really, the only books I don't see coming in handy almost every session are supplemental monster books like Fiend Folio, Monster Manual II, etc.
allenchan
07-28-05, 08:44 PM I carry nine dnd books in my backpack without problem. Granted it's heavy as heck, but Ive never had a problem... :confused:
moustache guy
07-28-05, 08:52 PM Wow, all of you carry a lot of books. I know there is a site where you can "buy" the book and it comes to you as a download. But since you already have all those books, why not take them to a copy place and have them copy the entire book onto a CD for you. I think my place charges pennies a page. This solution would require a laptop or access to a computer though...
Fixxxer
07-28-05, 09:37 PM Simple. Go to Wal-Mart and pick up a folding luggage carry-all (it looks like a hand truck when unfolded). Stack your books on this and wrap them once with a rope or bungee cord. Then just roll your collection with you wherever you go.
UltimateReality
07-29-05, 01:46 AM Also, are there any other suggestions on being able to transport a large quantity of RP books on a frequent basis?Convince the player whose place you game at that s/he needs to buy books. :P

Our group generally just lugs them around, everyone bringing between 1-6 books, and we're good. One thing you can do to reduce need for the monster books is to copy out the stats into your campaign notes -- tedious by hand, but it you do it on computer it only needs to be done once.
gerald_toronto
07-29-05, 02:56 AM I just typed "wheeled case" into ebay.com and came up with a list of 93 items, at least some of which would be suitable.

http://i22.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/63/08/65_1_sbl.JPG
http://i23.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/63/82/29_1_sbl.JPG
This one is one of those airline pilot wheeled cases that you see them dragging behind them. It looks very suitable.

http://cgi.ebay.com/LRG-WHEELED-PILOT-FLIGHT-CATALOG-ATTACHE-CASE-ROLLING_W0QQitemZ8207421807QQcategoryZ52 363QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Gnome_Dragon_Disciple
07-29-05, 03:09 AM I got a wheeled duffel bag of about the exact right dimensions to fit D&D books, and I keep about 16 books in it. My Vampire: The Masquerade books add another 7 or so, and I use a 3" binder as a wedge to keep the books level (and not dented by the wheel housings of the bag). It works out fairly well for me, though I'm planning on getting a couple hard cases to put inside the duffel to keep the sides a little more... substantial.
Rathje
07-30-05, 03:30 AM Are you walking or driving? If you're within walking distance of a friend who's going with you, see if he could come by with a backpack of his own. You split the books into separate bags and walk together. If you're walking, see if you can work out a car-pool and do the same thing. How's that?
ccerose
07-30-05, 04:04 AM I used to carry 9-10 books with me to my sessions, but I've whittled it down to about 4-5. It's usually just my PHB, DMG, DMG2, ECS, and a note book.

I stat block out all the encounters, so I don't need a MM, and if something comes up, I know that at least one of the players will have it, along with Sharn:CoT, 5 Nations, the Complete series, and the Races of series.

I find it all fits in my mesenger bag quite nicely. Not too heavy.

One of the players keeps his books in a hanging folder case, minus the hanging folders. They seem to fit just right, so there's not a lot of sliding around or anything like that. He can fit about 8 or 9 books.
Zerohawk
07-30-05, 08:48 AM Well, I'm gonna need to carry with me: PHB, DMG, MM, MoF, Silver Marches, FRCS, Complete Series, Weapons of Legacy (not a must, but my players are interested in it) PGtF, Miniature Handbook, DMG2, Magic of Faerune, Waterdeep (for the next month or so) Code of the Harpers, Silverymoon fan book (just ripping ideas from it) and my little tri folder of useful stuff and notebook

So around 20 or so books, and I'm sure I'll tac on another few.
Malice Duskblade
07-30-05, 10:58 AM Putting them in 1-gallon ziplock bags will help keep the scuffs off them.
Nom
07-30-05, 11:03 AM I use a big plastic storage crate (about 20cm x 35cm x 60cm), big enough to holds books, minis, maps, pens, pencils, dice, tokens, and other miscellany. Of course, I have the advantage of either hosting or driving, so I don't have to tote it around all day.
Cantankerous
07-30-05, 11:16 AM I really HAVE finally switched to electronic media. All I have to carry is my laptop and a small file case for player hand outs and the like. It's made my transportation problems melt away like ice in the summer sun.

Isshia
DogOnWheels
07-30-05, 11:21 AM An old leather belt, fastened around the books (you may need 2 or 3 for your collection...) should keep them from bouncing about & becoming scuffed, then drop 'em into your carry all of choice. Rope & bungee is probably not a good idea because they roll & slide. Also, when you store the books between sessions, do not store them horizontally as they may warp & the binding tends to crack due to the weight. Always store them vertically like they do in the library...
Fading away
07-30-05, 11:46 AM Ouch. I know that problem. As I can't host the game at my house anymore (sisters, you know), I am forced to carry them a 15 minute walk, 3 times a week, maybe four soon.

An idea I heard (though it's not much legal), was to have a laptop with all the books in it. Very unpratical for me, as I can't really afford one.

What I do is put them in a bag (It's a really HUGE one), and carry them, despite how it looks, and feels. But then again, I'm only using the core books, the expended psyonic handbook, and the draconomicon, along with the large pile of papers who are my adventure.
Hennet
07-30-05, 10:38 PM It is an easy solution. Put them in a Bag of Holding or a Heward's Handy Haversack. That is what I do.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Zerohawk 07-28-05, 04:16 PM	My book collection, as I am sure most of you are familiar with, has long ago outgrown any backpack I can reasonably consider. While this is certainly not unusual, it does cause a problem because my group meets at one of my player's house. This means that I'm constantly having to drag an ever growing list of books back and forth. Even when I prune out the books that I won't need, and that are already stocked in our game room, I'm left with a load that has just destroyed its 9th bag. Not to mention my books are starting to show signs of damage. My current new solution is putting the books in files and using a plastic filing crate to transport them. This seems like it may work. But the idea is definitely not my own, and the crate is awkward to carry, at best. I vaguely remember the suggestion from several years ago when I really wasn't interested in it, because I gamed in house. Does anyone know of the site or book that this idea is from? I may be able to find more suggestions there and hopefully perfect this method. Also, are there any other suggestions on being able to transport a large quantity of RP books on a frequent basis?
Nyarlathotep 07-28-05, 04:22 PM	I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk.
VirgilCaine 07-28-05, 04:36 PM	I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk. Sounds good to me.
Salla 07-28-05, 04:42 PM	I have a bookbag/satchel like thing, and one of those big plastic storage-crate things I use (and a Wal-Mart bag for the battle map, frisbee, and shoebox full of counters).
Zerohawk 07-28-05, 04:47 PM	I use large rolling suitcase. I cn fit a lot of books in it and the only time I have to lift it is getting into and out of my trunk. How do you keep the books from being banged up? When I tried to use a suitcase, the books kept moving around inside and banging against each other. Toyed with the idea of using Magazine files to keep them in groups, but had a hard time fitting enough of those in.
Nyarlathotep 07-28-05, 05:01 PM	How do you keep the books from being banged up? When I tried to use a suitcase, the books kept moving around inside and banging against each other. Toyed with the idea of using Magazine files to keep them in groups, but had a hard time fitting enough of those in. It's hard to explain, but I pack them in such a way that they don't have a lot of room to move around and so that layers are 'binding to binding'. and I make sure that the suitcase is full, throwing in a couple of old towels to occupy the rest of the space. The books can't bang together too much if they don't have room to move.
Moonflyer 07-28-05, 05:23 PM	Laptop+PDF files... lol... but seriously a big gym bag or hockey equipment bag have worked for me.
Astinex 07-28-05, 05:31 PM	Store them at the location. If it is an option buy a foot locker or whatever. Make sure it's lockable, (don't want unwanted visitors to snoop through your store of material.). Store the books at the location you play at. Then you only have to transport a few books home between sessions to use when developing/researching additional game material. I have a pretty big collection but only transport the few books I need at any one time. The rest remain at the location we use to game at. NOTE: I wouldn’t risk this unless you can really trust the person who lives at the location you play at.
kaeso 07-28-05, 08:15 PM	how many books are you carrying around?! (want to know 1. cause im curious and 2. cause im scared of what the future holds since ive recently become a D&D impulse buyer : )
Arrowhen 07-28-05, 08:23 PM	How many books do you "need" to run a game session?
WCH 07-28-05, 08:39 PM	How many books do you "need" to run a game session?PHB for most rules stuff, DMG for magic items and the like, Monster Manual for double checking monsters and familiars/animal companions, etc and Complete Cycle, for sure. Vile Darkness comes in handy if one of your players decides to buy some drugs or something like that, and setting specific books are good if you use them. Really, the only books I don't see coming in handy almost every session are supplemental monster books like Fiend Folio, Monster Manual II, etc.
allenchan 07-28-05, 08:44 PM	I carry nine dnd books in my backpack without problem. Granted it's heavy as heck, but Ive never had a problem... :confused:
moustache guy 07-28-05, 08:52 PM	Wow, all of you carry a lot of books. I know there is a site where you can "buy" the book and it comes to you as a download. But since you already have all those books, why not take them to a copy place and have them copy the entire book onto a CD for you. I think my place charges pennies a page. This solution would require a laptop or access to a computer though...
Fixxxer 07-28-05, 09:37 PM	Simple. Go to Wal-Mart and pick up a folding luggage carry-all (it looks like a hand truck when unfolded). Stack your books on this and wrap them once with a rope or bungee cord. Then just roll your collection with you wherever you go.
UltimateReality 07-29-05, 01:46 AM	Also, are there any other suggestions on being able to transport a large quantity of RP books on a frequent basis?Convince the player whose place you game at that s/he needs to buy books. :P Our group generally just lugs them around, everyone bringing between 1-6 books, and we're good. One thing you can do to reduce need for the monster books is to copy out the stats into your campaign notes -- tedious by hand, but it you do it on computer it only needs to be done once.
gerald_toronto 07-29-05, 02:56 AM	I just typed "wheeled case" into ebay.com and came up with a list of 93 items, at least some of which would be suitable. http://i22.ebayimg.com/02/i/03/63/08/65_1_sbl.JPG http://i23.ebayimg.com/03/i/03/63/82/29_1_sbl.JPG This one is one of those airline pilot wheeled cases that you see them dragging behind them. It looks very suitable. http://cgi.ebay.com/LRG-WHEELED-PILOT-FLIGHT-CATALOG-ATTACHE-CASE-ROLLING_W0QQitemZ8207421807QQcategoryZ52 363QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Gnome_Dragon_Disciple 07-29-05, 03:09 AM	I got a wheeled duffel bag of about the exact right dimensions to fit D&D books, and I keep about 16 books in it. My Vampire: The Masquerade books add another 7 or so, and I use a 3" binder as a wedge to keep the books level (and not dented by the wheel housings of the bag). It works out fairly well for me, though I'm planning on getting a couple hard cases to put inside the duffel to keep the sides a little more... substantial.
Rathje 07-30-05, 03:30 AM	Are you walking or driving? If you're within walking distance of a friend who's going with you, see if he could come by with a backpack of his own. You split the books into separate bags and walk together. If you're walking, see if you can work out a car-pool and do the same thing. How's that?
ccerose 07-30-05, 04:04 AM	I used to carry 9-10 books with me to my sessions, but I've whittled it down to about 4-5. It's usually just my PHB, DMG, DMG2, ECS, and a note book. I stat block out all the encounters, so I don't need a MM, and if something comes up, I know that at least one of the players will have it, along with Sharn:CoT, 5 Nations, the Complete series, and the Races of series. I find it all fits in my mesenger bag quite nicely. Not too heavy. One of the players keeps his books in a hanging folder case, minus the hanging folders. They seem to fit just right, so there's not a lot of sliding around or anything like that. He can fit about 8 or 9 books.
Zerohawk 07-30-05, 08:48 AM	Well, I'm gonna need to carry with me: PHB, DMG, MM, MoF, Silver Marches, FRCS, Complete Series, Weapons of Legacy (not a must, but my players are interested in it) PGtF, Miniature Handbook, DMG2, Magic of Faerune, Waterdeep (for the next month or so) Code of the Harpers, Silverymoon fan book (just ripping ideas from it) and my little tri folder of useful stuff and notebook So around 20 or so books, and I'm sure I'll tac on another few.
Malice Duskblade 07-30-05, 10:58 AM	Putting them in 1-gallon ziplock bags will help keep the scuffs off them.
Nom 07-30-05, 11:03 AM	I use a big plastic storage crate (about 20cm x 35cm x 60cm), big enough to holds books, minis, maps, pens, pencils, dice, tokens, and other miscellany. Of course, I have the advantage of either hosting or driving, so I don't have to tote it around all day.
Cantankerous 07-30-05, 11:16 AM	I really HAVE finally switched to electronic media. All I have to carry is my laptop and a small file case for player hand outs and the like. It's made my transportation problems melt away like ice in the summer sun. Isshia
DogOnWheels 07-30-05, 11:21 AM	An old leather belt, fastened around the books (you may need 2 or 3 for your collection...) should keep them from bouncing about & becoming scuffed, then drop 'em into your carry all of choice. Rope & bungee is probably not a good idea because they roll & slide. Also, when you store the books between sessions, do not store them horizontally as they may warp & the binding tends to crack due to the weight. Always store them vertically like they do in the library...
Fading away 07-30-05, 11:46 AM	Ouch. I know that problem. As I can't host the game at my house anymore (sisters, you know), I am forced to carry them a 15 minute walk, 3 times a week, maybe four soon. An idea I heard (though it's not much legal), was to have a laptop with all the books in it. Very unpratical for me, as I can't really afford one. What I do is put them in a bag (It's a really HUGE one), and carry them, despite how it looks, and feels. But then again, I'm only using the core books, the expended psyonic handbook, and the draconomicon, along with the large pile of papers who are my adventure.
Hennet 07-30-05, 10:38 PM	It is an easy solution. Put them in a Bag of Holding or a Heward's Handy Haversack. That is what I do.