Topo maps??

steve-in-kville

steve-in-kville

Joined
Dec 25, 2001
Messages
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Does anyone keep a collection of topo maps of their favorite hiking locations? Or does everyone use a GPS now??

I always thought topo maps were kinda cool... and failproof! (provided you know how to use a compass!!)
 
I do a lot f patrolling on trail bikes and unfortunately the toppo's don't get a lot of use although I still train the guys to use them due to communicating locations and using grid referances. We mostly use GPS
 
I've kept a collection of topos from every area that I've hiked from my first backpacking trip in the Smokies (1976). They make a great trip momento if you highlight your routes, not to mention a good reference source fo planning future trips. I've always been a map & compass person.

Jeff
 
Topo maps and compass for me. I had a GPS and ended up selling it...just didn't feel comfortable relying on it.
 
Topo and compass for me too. I've used GPS, but have not yet developed the same confidence level that I have with the map and compass and they don't need batteries (yea). GPS is a nice addition to, but not a substitute for, a map and compass IMO...call me old fashion, but some things just don't need push buttons
 
I'll be working on my map reading and orienteering this year. What size and scale topo map is best in your opinion?

Thanks.
 
Rupestris said:
I'll be working on my map reading and orienteering this year. What size and scale topo map is best in your opinion?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Depends on your mode of transportation. If you're in a kayak, canoe, or bike, 1:50,000 is good. Hiking, you may want more detail but it isn't absolutely necessary. Having less detail than 1:50,000 is not a good idea for any mode of wilderness transportation.
 
Does anyone have a online goto source for topo maps? All the websites I've seen that sell them seem a little unkept.
 
There was a site where you could order topographic maps of whatever area you wanted and they were printed on DuPont Tyvek. If anyone still has the link to that, please post it here. There are places that sell them but they are only for specific areas. Before the last two computer crashes, I had the other site saved...don't have it anymore.

U.S. E & E Maps are now printed on Tyvek, here is a link, enjoy: Just checked, that link is deceased, here is another interesting mention of them.

http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16532
 
I would always want a map. I need something to study the area before the trip. Hard to see the big picture on a little GPS screen. Once in the field the topo map can be a backup to the GPS if that is what you want to use.
 
KILLAFORNIA said:
Does anyone have a online goto source for topo maps? All the websites I've seen that sell them seem a little unkept.
Click to expand...

Multiple times in the past I've ordered custom topo maps in 1:24,000 scale from Offroute.com. For some reason their site is not coming up at the moment, but it would be: www.offroute.com
 
I wouldn't dream of heading out with out a map and a sighting compass, and a small back-up compass.

I own a couple GPS units and I think they are great tools and a lot of fun. But if you are in a canyon or under heavy foliage, drop it, run out of batteries, or otherwise have it malfunction, y'all better have a map and compass. Learning to use a compass, triangulate your position and reverse bearings for your return trip are basic skills for foot travel.

I like to do a fly over of my hike with Google Earth and I have a National Geographic topo collection of my home state. Having some basic knowledge of the area can really help you stay oriented.

And that is the whole point. If you check your map as you go, the chances of getting lost are reduced. I enjoy the whole process anyway.

Most of the maps I use for Washington state trails are from Green Trails maps (http://www.greentrailsmaps.com) and the scale on most is 1:69500. They make laminated ones that are they only way to fly. You can make notes on them with a grease pencil and they don't turn into mush on a long rainy hike. I do have maps cases and they are a pain compared to the laminated maps.

It's interesting to note that there are many threads hear on bushcraft skills and cutting tools, but this is one of the few asking about navigation. The first rule of survival is not getting in a survival situation and not getting lost is on the top of my list.
 
Topo maps rule in my book.




"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike
 
I have electronic versions of the entire state and print out copies of proposed routes before I head into the woods. I always carry maps and a compass. But, I will freely admit that I also really like my GPS. I use a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx and it has a 1:24000 base map of the entire state. For marking a waypoint, or conducting a quick check of my perceived location, it can't be beat. An additional benefit is that my 12 year old son is into geocaching and this is a great way for the two of us to get outdoors and bond doing something we both enjoy.
 
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