How do you carry/protect your maps

[geoskid]

I like to walk with my 1:25000 maps in my hand and follow my progress, relating what I am seeing to the map, and also reading ahead to what I should soon be seeing. I use a Sea to Summit map case but am finding it far from ideal. It is a fairly tight fit, and taking it out, refolding to current area, putting it back in damp contitions means I am only getting a couple of trips out of some of them. At $10 a pop, something needs to change.
I carry a GPS as backup (without onboard maps), and like to plot known coords onto the map, and also read Coords off the map and enter them into my GPS, so need easy access to the border of the map.
The best solution would be 1:25000 maps printed onto waterproof paper so I can still fold them to walk with easily - but dont think this is available?
Which leaves laminating.
Anyone know how laminated maps stand up to folding? Are there different thicknesses of laminating? How do people get on with walking with them rolled up? And where is the best place to get them laminated?
Thanks

[photohiker]

The best solution would be 1:25000 maps printed onto waterproof paper so I can still fold them to walk with easily - but dont think this is available?

If you have the maps, I know where to get the paper

[norts]

I use clear contact but only on one side. Keeps them fairly waterproof and also keeps them flexible. If u laminate they get abit stiff.

Roger

[Derringer]

I use clear contact on both sides and keep the map I am using in a map case around my neck.
The map is thicker but still easy to fold into the map case,
The cheapest contact is also the thinnest but still protects the map from wear and tear and rain damage

I am still using maps that I covered 20yrs ago.
The maps can be used in rain out of the map case if needed.

Kevin

[Lizzy]

I have taken to photocpying the relevant map bits and laminating these at say A4 size- making sure I keep in grid refs (or writing them on before laminating). If its only a small bit of map I need sometimes I will add in route description on the back. Then I can keep the whole map either waterproofed in the pack or left at home altogether depending on the trip. This is so much easier especially if the walk/paddle runs over say the top edges of the map. I just have a cheap laminator that does max A4 size. Works for me
When I used to work for an outdoor ed company they would laminate large maps which would get folded/ refolded heaps- eventually they would start falling to bits- but I think with an individual user they would last a lot longer. Good luck
Lizzy

[Ent]

As usual the name escapes me but I use the USA Navy diver approved (etc, etc, etc, etc, from the imaginative marketing minds) bags that look much the same as zip-locked Glad Bags. The Scout shop in Launceston got them in for me and they fold up well as very flexible, just hold the 1:25,000 maps without losing the GPS co-ordinate lines. In fact they so neatly fit the maps me think they are designed for that size map. Would not use anything else nowadays.

Cheers Brett

[jcr_au]

I, like Lizzy, colour photocopy the map(s) I'm going to use and then laminate them in a cheap unit.

I then put a hole in the bottom 2 corners and can tie it to my sternum strap, to make it easy to access, just flip it up to view

[Son of a Beach]

I noticed that Tasmap sell the Cradle/StClair map in a waterproof version. It's a shame they don't have this option for the entire range. A matter of having enough volume to make it worthwhile, I guess.

[Taurë-rana]

I've used NikWax Map Proof silicon wipe on stuff on some maps. It's a pain to put on, but seems to protect the maps from dampness. I also use a large zip lock bag.

[johnw]

I have several map cases and also use ordinary zip lock bags sometimes. As others have noted it's a nuisance to fold the map then insert it and worse if you then need to get it out again and re-fold it etc to match your new position.

As usual the name escapes me but I use the USA Navy diver approved (etc, etc, etc, etc, from the imaginative marketing minds) bags that look much the same as zip-locked Glad Bags. The Scout shop in Launceston got them in for me and they fold up well as very flexible, just hold the 1:25,000 maps without losing the GPS co-ordinate lines. In fact they so neatly fit the maps me think they are designed for that size map. Would not use anything else nowadays.

I have these too and also forget the name. They're not bad. Came in a pack of 4 different sizes.

My favourite thing is the waterproof maps they give you for rogaining comps. Essentially they're customised 1:25,000 topo maps covering the specified course area. Absolutely brilliant, just fold up and stick in your pocket. I'll have to find out how they get them done.

[Neil Grose]

I'm lucky enough to have all the 1:25 000 maps on a hard-drive (around 11 CD's, which are the print tiff files). I simply work out where I'm going, cut & paste the relevant bit/s and laminate them on a small A4 laminator. In a few places I've headed lately I've also printed out the Google Earth image and laminated that, although you do need to fiddle a bit with the brightness/contrast to get a good image.
I still carry the full printed maps, but only really refer to the laminated versions. They have stood up to rain and general tempest, but not snow - yet.
With this method I can write navigation notes on the sheet particular to an area without stuffing up the main map.
I also print of extras and leave them at home with my planned route on it and various spots/lakes where I will be.
Cheers
Neil.

[Ent]

As they say "seek and though shall find". Here is the link to website of the waterproof bags.

http://www.loksak.com/

If anyone is interested I will drag out mine to get the size that the Tasmap 1:25,000 neatly fold in half to fit in. They are not cheap and the zip needs to be done with care but if properly looked after they do a great job.

Cheers Brett

[wander]

I do a hard copy cut and paste for each trip then have them laminated by a tame laminator around the corner from my work (in Adelaide). I have them do it in the thinest film which I think is 42 microns. This is foldable and lasts well. At a max width of 1000mm for as long as you wnat you can do a very large map size. I also do not worry about having the map as a quaderlateral. Whatever shape best suits the wander and possible off wander areas (be generous) is the go. So the Western Arthurs is a kooky trapezoid. I think the Wilmot & Frankland Ranges ended up being 2 maps no matter what I tried.

Before laminating the mag deviation and other stuff is glued to the back of each relevent sheet and the grid lines are numbered by hand on the front sheet to suit the reference requirements.

[sirius Tas]

Hi Geoskid,
Like Neil Grose... I too have the 1:25000 mapping available on one file...535mb...so fits on one CD...and runs via your web browser.
I think I still have your email address....so will contact you?...Cheers sirius.

[geoskid]

Yes, thanks Sirius and everyone else for your ideas, much appreciated.