How do you carry maps?
- Thread starter Arne L.
- Start date
Whiteburn
Thru Hiker
I normally print A4 'day' maps, double sided, & then laminate them (have yet to try Tyvek); easily folded & stuffed into any pocket.
For long trips, >2 weeks, I'll not bother with laminating; 2 Aloksacs, 1 for day use & 1 for carrying the remaining maps.
I'll always have mapping on the phone as backup.
For long trips, >2 weeks, I'll not bother with laminating; 2 Aloksacs, 1 for day use & 1 for carrying the remaining maps.
I'll always have mapping on the phone as backup.
MikeinDorset
Ultralighter
Phone (OS mapping on Viewranger).
I only take a paper map as a backup, tucked in my pack. Usually a Harvey 1:40,000, which is already water resistant, so I don't put it in anything.
I only take a paper map as a backup, tucked in my pack. Usually a Harvey 1:40,000, which is already water resistant, so I don't put it in anything.
Mole
Thru Hiker
Depends what I'm doing.
Phone.
If the map is waterproof, it goes in a pocket (jacket/trousers/rucksack). Ditto laminated A4 sheets.
Non waterproof paper maps go in Ortlieb map case. Printed A4 go in A4 Ortlieb case.
Either stored as above in pockets, or
Rolled and poked through a bungee loop on right rucksack shoulder strap. In windy/bad weather the case lanyard gets larksfooted around the same shoulder strap , but down low on the webbing .
I never have stuff hanging around my neck or across my front ( like those OMM packs). Yuck!
Phone.
If the map is waterproof, it goes in a pocket (jacket/trousers/rucksack). Ditto laminated A4 sheets.
Non waterproof paper maps go in Ortlieb map case. Printed A4 go in A4 Ortlieb case.
Either stored as above in pockets, or
Rolled and poked through a bungee loop on right rucksack shoulder strap. In windy/bad weather the case lanyard gets larksfooted around the same shoulder strap , but down low on the webbing .
I never have stuff hanging around my neck or across my front ( like those OMM packs). Yuck!
Jim_Parkin
Ultralighter
Ortleib mapcase with only one side clipped in to the case. The other in a loop round the grab handle of my rucsac. (blue line)
I have a small loop of shockcord (red line) that I put on the front of one of my rucsac straps on the shoulder tied with a larks foot knot
Mapcase by jimmypippa, on Flickr
It doesn't blow around unless the wind is too strong to stand up in. If it does fall off, it's still tied to the rucsac, so I don't lose it.
I have my compas tied to a belt loop with a larks foot knot, or through a hole in a zip handle
I have a small loop of shockcord (red line) that I put on the front of one of my rucsac straps on the shoulder tied with a larks foot knot
Mapcase by jimmypippa, on FlickrIt doesn't blow around unless the wind is too strong to stand up in. If it does fall off, it's still tied to the rucsac, so I don't lose it.
I have my compas tied to a belt loop with a larks foot knot, or through a hole in a zip handle
tom
Thru Hiker
Paper maps for day walks or overnighters, in pant pocket or side pocket or inside pack in crap weather. Never used a map case - if it really rains I tend not to look at maps 
For section and through hikes always topographical maps on a large screen phone with sat positioning (if needed) and additional 1:50.000 paper maps for birds view orientation / alternative route planning / transport links/ resupply possibilities...
For section and through hikes always topographical maps on a large screen phone with sat positioning (if needed) and additional 1:50.000 paper maps for birds view orientation / alternative route planning / transport links/ resupply possibilities...
Rog Tallbloke
Thru Hiker
Rucksack top pocket. Usually need to look at one about half a dozen times in a day's walk.
Arne L.
Thru Hiker
Thanks everybody, exactly the information I was hoping to find here.
When going on shorter hikes & overnighters, I don't bring paper maps. My phone is all I need.
But for longer trips (especially abroad) I prefer A3-sized paper maps, in combination with the phone for when I'm in doubt.
I'll ditch the neck holder (you're right @Mole ... "Yuck!") and put the maps I need for the day in a A4 Loksak, which will fit in a hipbelt-pocket when folded.
Other maps go in the food bag.
Some experimenting to do over the coming weekend...
When going on shorter hikes & overnighters, I don't bring paper maps. My phone is all I need.
But for longer trips (especially abroad) I prefer A3-sized paper maps, in combination with the phone for when I'm in doubt.
I'll ditch the neck holder (you're right @Mole ... "Yuck!") and put the maps I need for the day in a A4 Loksak, which will fit in a hipbelt-pocket when folded.
Other maps go in the food bag.
Some experimenting to do over the coming weekend...
Steve Budge
Backpacker
I've modified my Ortlieb with a length of bungee and a cord lock at the bottom, which can be secured under my pack's waiste belt to eliminate flapping. The bungee is sufficiently stretchy to allow the case the be lifted up for map reading.
Teepee
Thru Hiker
I usually have a full size paper map in an Ortlieb.
It gets carried in different places depending on what I'm doing, but often ends up being carried in a pocket (got big pockets
) If the map isn't being used for a long time, it goes in a mesh pocket of my pack
If it's not in a pocket, it's in my hand.
It gets carried in different places depending on what I'm doing, but often ends up being carried in a pocket (got big pockets
) If the map isn't being used for a long time, it goes in a mesh pocket of my packIf it's not in a pocket, it's in my hand.
Jim_Parkin
Ultralighter
I've seen someone else do that, and it does look handy.
The pocket formed by the sides of the belt and the mesh panel is dead handy. At the bottom it measures 30cm wide x 14cm high so is ideal for a map.
Sometimes I store my sitmat as well, but it's a bit of a squeeze tucking the map in with the pad in place.
