S/how do you carry paper maps and books?

[genocache]

I'll be the first to admit my 109 is not weathertite, not like a new car at all. If I want to hit the trail for multiple State, long time travel I have to take into consideration potential damage to maps and books. Even if it was weathertite there is still a storage issue and daily wear-n-tear floating around in the Rover.



I found a couple of Nanuk cases are working for me. I have a 923 and a 925, the 925 is a 1/2" deeper.





Made in Canada, eh!

So what do you use?

 

[El-Dracho]

I keep the paper maps I have in use in a small luggage net right at hand near the front seats. Other maps - e.g. for longer tours - in a small textile folder. But your idea with the small cases is really great!

 

[lhoffm4]

Keep a road atlas in the pouch behind the passenger seat. GPS fails, Atlas doesn’t. Albeit my truck IS weatherproof. But I’m reasonably sure they make weather resistant sleeves for the atlas... hmmm.

 

[El-Dracho]

If I want robust and waterproof maps, I like to use maps from the German publisher "Reise Know-How Verlag". The map series "world mapping project" offers really durable maps for travel destinations in almost the entire world. The publisher uses a waterproof and durable special material for these robust maps. I have something similar as a first aid guide booklet (his lists the most important emergency situations in the outdoors). The little booklet is also printed on a water-resistant and rugged material, which I understand is also used by the military. Such maps may also be available in North America. You'll have to take a look.

 

[Dimitri_Raptis]

With me it’s quite simple. I don’t. Everything is digital and backed up in at least two devices. Maps are good to plan in advance but I do not take them with me. Offline GPS maps are in my opinion the best.

 

[Alanymarce]

Similarly, we carry maps and guides in our iPad and iPhones. Apart from being eaiser to protect, they take up less space and are a bit lighter.

When we do acquire paper maps it's on the road and when needed for local guidance - e.g., National Park maps. We keep them to a minimum, and if possible (e.g., when they are a singe page or two) we photograph them with the iPhone and leave the paper ones at the park entrance/wherever.

In addition to Reise maps, ITMB publishes many of their maps in waterproof form, if you do want paper maps.

 

[Kent R]

I still cary maps, map books, and trail books as backups to the electronics. I also keep a regional map near me so I can see the big picture than scrolling through a nav program.
I put them in a seat organizer that attaches to the back of the driver or passenger seat. If it is just me on a trip I can put it on the front of the passenger seat.
Not the best solution but it seems to work OK.

 

[KonzaLander]

I keep the Benchmark/Delorme Atlas in the seatback pockets. Folded paper maps (usually water/tear resistant) are put in the door pockets. It is very helpful to use these paper maps while planning a trip at home and I study them at camp after using digital maps throughout the day. I am a self admitted map nerd that should have become a cartographer.

 

[DevilDodge]

I keep all my smaller paper maps in my adventure bag. Along with measuring tools, compass, binoculars, knives, journals, note pads(graph paper), etc.

My larger atlases ride under the center console of the truck.

 

[Ebrinker]

I use a map folio from Blue Ridge Overland Gear and it works great!

 

[Ethan N]

When I'm visiting a particular place, I'll research ahead and if NFS maps are available I'll print them right here at home and just put them in a sheet protector during my trip. It's been a long time since I actually used a wide map that covers a large area, but back then I had huge yard rolls of laminate and I would laminate my own maps. Takes a calm hand and some great folding skills but they last forever.

 

[PCO6]

I generally rely on my GPS or Google maps while travelling but definitely carry paper maps as well as books and other resources for the areas I am going to. I often sit and read them at night both to see where I've been and for planning where I'm going.

One of the funniest things I've encountered on a trail was when I got lost. I parked my Jeep and spread a map out on the hood. Two 20 something couples pulled up on ATV's were excited to see real maps. They thought "old school" (their words) was pretty neat. They also helped me find my way.

I use a small ammo box for maps and a few other things and a contractors box for books, travel notes, etc.

 

[grubworm]

like several have already said on here, i also keep my paper maps/atlas in the pouch behind the seat. out of the way, well protected and very easy to access.
when we're actually on the road traveling, i quite often keep the atlas up on the dash open to the state i'm in. im sure it looks quite "touristy" doing that, but i like the quick access of having it there.

 

[ZombieCat]

I have electronics that use Google/Apple/Gaia maps and a Gamin satellite navigation device, which I use primarily for roads. But…I always have “old school” maps, too. The 50-state Rand McNally resides in the seat back pocket and I have trail maps for many National Parks, forests and wilderness areas. Understanding how to read a topographical map and navigate are essential backcountry skills. I study them before and during trips for inspiration: Can I reach that high alpine lake? How many miles and how much elevation gain? Apps only cover established routes, but paper maps have endless possibilities for exploration!

 

[MOAK]

We use a Rand McNally road atlas of North America for the big picture and keep it handy. Before a trip we pack topo/trail maps from Nat Geo, NF, NP, BLM or any other published maps for the locales we will be in. Sometimes we will have 9-12 local topo maps. While traveling the paper maps are stored in the big side pocket of our ARB fridge insulating cover. There’s enough room in that pocket for at least 12 maps. As we travel, individual maps are cycled to the navigators front door pocket, as needed. When done exploring a region, the map gets put back in the ARB pocket. When I was driving for a living before cell phones and such, it was necessary to drag around a briefcase full of maps. Making a delivery in Chicago’s south side? I had a map for that. LA/Orange county? Thomas guide. I learned to keep ‘em all organized a long time ago, same as I do now. I don’t care for digital maps, at all. I’ve been exposed to them and given them a try. As Kent stated, I like to see the big picture. I like opening up a map and immediately recognizing where we are in relationship to major landmarks, cities, towns, etc. having said all of this, I’m going out to my pickup truck now and will be using google maps to get me to an unfamiliar address right here in my county. It is handy.