Carrying maps when hiking

[skammer]

It is a challenge for me. On SAR ops I am out in the worst weather that destroys paper.

I have a neat little map case from a Canadian military after market company that has room for pens and a rite in rain pad. The map case is zip with plastic window. The rest is balistic nylon. It works but can still get damp after hrs in driving rain or wet snow.

I have seen operators use backpacking zip lock map cases from REI they clip to each pack shoulder straps and let it hang down front. I prefer to have my note pad and markers handy. I only use sharpie's as they are permanent. I like the black one with the fine tip on the same pen. Works perfect with rite in rain paper in a monsoon.

I have 8 topos of my SAR AO that I trimmed down to only the map itself and aqua sealed them. I pull the one from the area I am in and go. Works perfect in rain.

Aqua seal is the answer to permanent ink but I am still looking for the injet solution.

Skam

 

[forestnomad]

My map is in my pocket if I've been glancing at it while hiking, but usually it goes along with my guidebook in a small ziplock bag in the top of my pack.

 

[jca21]

I use a map case or a Zip Loc but I really like the idea of those chest bags (Bushman5 showed one in a thread on vests) where the front flops down and the map is supported right in front of you. You can use a compass/GPS without having to hold the map in your hands. Very handy.

DancesWithKnives

i believe its called an "admin panel" or "admins pouch"

 

[Brian Andrews]

I have seen operators use backpacking zip lock map cases from REI they clip to each pack shoulder straps and let it hang down front.

Hey Skammer,

I have a couple of those map cases. Both have cracked at a crease that is lower than the zip closer, creating a way for water to get in. I guess if you keep on eye and make sure it is okay before going out, it will work. But I figure, if they have failed, you might not ever know when.

As much as I would like to like them, I don't think I really trust them.

Yours sounds like a decent setup. It is always a fine line between finding something good and something that is convenient enough to use. I know personally that if it is a PITA to use, I won't Kind of defeating the purpose

B

 

[Bushman5]

in muypack they go into an ALOKSAK and into the middle pocket of the pack. Normally though i wear my chest rig and they go into the fold down map pocket of the Admin panel.

 

[Bushman5]

It is a challenge for me. On SAR ops I am out in the worst weather that destroys paper.

I have a neat little map case from a Canadian military after market company that has room for pens and a rite in rain pad. The map case is zip with plastic window. The rest is balistic nylon. It works but can still get damp after hrs in driving rain or wet snow.

I have seen operators use backpacking zip lock map cases from REI they clip to each pack shoulder straps and let it hang down front. I prefer to have my note pad and markers handy. I only use sharpie's as they are permanent. I like the black one with the fine tip on the same pen. Works perfect with rite in rain paper in a monsoon.

I have 8 topos of my SAR AO that I trimmed down to only the map itself and aqua sealed them. I pull the one from the area I am in and go. Works perfect in rain.

Aqua seal is the answer to permanent ink but I am still looking for the injet solution.

Skam

CP GEAR? :thumbup:

 

[skammer]

CP GEAR? :thumbup:

Ya thats them.

Just checked their site and they dont make that model anymore, shame it was a great little unit. They do have couple cases but not mulitfuncional.

Skam

 

[stieg]

Have any of you guys tried using the waterproof paper you get at REI and such?

When ever this comes up on other forums everyone always says to use Adventure Paper. I think it's sold by Nat Geo. You can ink jet onto it and it's completely waterproof.

I haven't used it but I've never heard anything bad about it. I think it's tyvek-based or something.

Sounds like it would solve most of the problems mentioned in this thread.

The second most common thing I've read is to keep the map in a gallon ziplock bag. I've done that plenty and it works fine.

 

[baldtaco-II]

I go with either an Ortlieb or a Jack Wolfskin.

The Ortlieb is simple. They've been around making dry bags for ages. My Ortlieb map case is just a simple transparent thing in rubbery plastic for keeping a map dry. Good for stuffing in a pocket. Kinda thing to use for orienteering.

My Jack Wolfskin Mapper is what I use for protracted trips. Habit I guess. Had it for ages. Takes compass, pens and whatever. I use that because on extended trips I carry paper for drawing and notes and so on. I also print out acetate overlays to put in that – the kind one used for old OHP presentations. On those could be all sorts of stuff from simple topo to where are the nearest veterinarians, cash points and whatever else. Could be anything on those I think I may need. I've been stuck down in Cornwall for an extra five days during a petrol strike. I might just fancy a bit of wardriving. Anyway, not as weatherproof as the Ortlieb but still fairly water resistant. Takes whatever office and nav stuff I need without recourse to the huge star wars trooper things that don't pack away. Empty weight aint bad.

Ideal solution for me would be that Wolfskin done in Ortlieb's material.

 

[Harayasu]

Thanks for your tips guys. I just ordered a map case at a local outdoor/military supplies shop, it seems to be brandless. I can hang it around my shoulder or attach it to my rucksack. It has several compartments in which a compass, notebook and pencils can be stored. I will experiment with some of the options that you provided, to find out which one works best for me.

 

[onebagnomad]

If the area you are hiking is small enough, I find it's more convenient for me to simply print them out on the old inkjet and get them laminated (leaving a good margin of plastic around the edges). Having several sheets for larger areas quickly becomes an exercise in frustration though.

 

[Zaner01]

I laminate them, and stick them in my pocket.

I've tried map cases, and find they just get in the way.