The Waterproof Bible uses YUPO synthetic paper, which Bobby estimates at 61-62 gsm, roughly twice the thickness of most of the editions I’ve written about recently, which tend to run in the 30s. In addition to being waterproof, it is smooth, tear-resistant, and tree-free. But how would it perform if you accidentally buried your Bible in a snowdrift and forgot about it? That remained to be seen.

Because of the paper, there are some trade-offs. One of them is minor, the other pretty significant. First, you won’t be able to use fountain pens, rollerballs, pretty much anything that lays down a nice wet line of ink. The paper won’t absorb it. So you’ll have to content yourself with ballpoints, pencils, and dry highlighters, assuming you write in your Bible at all.

The other downside is that the Waterproof Bible is large, thick, and heavy — at least, it feels that way relative to the type size. The type is this edition is approximately 7-8 pt., arranged in a traditional double-column setting. While sharp edges and a dark print impression make the words more readable than they otherwise would be, this is still small … especially given the proportions of the book. Compare the layout of the Cambridge Clarion. The type size is in the same range, but the single column setting and overall design make it more enjoyable and much more compact, even though the Clarion isn’t exactly tiny. Where the Clarion cannot compete, though, is page opacity and sharpness of print. And if you forget your Clarion in the snow, well, all bets are off.