Map Coverings

[Allchin09]

Hey,

I was just wondering if anyone could recommend the way in which they prevent their maps from damage whilst using them out in the field.
I was looking into lamination but it seemed expensive and too thick to allow the map to be folded correctly.

Does anyone have any suggestions or could someone post what method they used to protect their maps?

Kind regards,

Allchin09

[Maelgwn]

My preferred method when I have the time and patience is to contact them. Sometimes I will cut out the useful bit on a large sheet or contact them folded in half. Contacting is a bit diddly and can be bulky but quite durable.

My number two option is to put in a zip lock bag ( lighter than a map case) . You have the remember to retold the right bit in your tent in the morning/evening to reduce the chance of damaging or getting the map wet when using the zip lock bag.

[Ent]

Has anyone had any luck with the waterproofing sprays? I am a fan of the waterproof maps but only one I know of is Overland Track.

I use Alsolock bags as the large neatly hold 1:25,000 maps. Makes map folding bulky.

Cheers.

[stepbystep]

I simply print on a4 paper relevant portions so it doesn't bother me if they are damaged throughout a walk. I keep them together with track notes in a map case. This is particularly helpful on walks that cross multiple maps like the Western Arthurs. You do of course need the data series of maps or a scanner for your paper maps. I will arrange the relevant notes and map sections to be visible in the case at the start of the day. I have a foldable map case that allows space for viewing of 25k, 100k and notes without needing to open it.

Inevitably I rarely consult them after all this prep as a quick glance at the GPS tells me what I need to know.
The maps are generally used for reviewing the day past and prepping for the day ahead.

[doogs]

I simply print on a4 paper relevant portions so it doesn't bother me if they are damaged throughout a walk

+1. When you crop them they are easier to read too

[Son of a Beach]

I bought some waterproof paper to print to, and it was outstanding. Very difficult to tear, and completely waterproof. Quite expensive though. It was great for rafting.

For large folded maps, I usually use a large zip-lock bag, with the relevant portion of the map folded visible.

[sthughes]

I print double sided on A3 and laminate. Works fine as I rarely actually use them so just insert them in my main pack between the liner and outer to avoid folding.

Waterproof paper is the ducks guts, but at about $2/sheet for A4.

[Maelgwn]

We use waterproof (teslin) paper for rogaines in SA. It is great, very durable and easier to use than a case/zip lock bag. It is professionally printed for $3 per a3 sheet.

I can never copy / print the map with sufficient quality to be happy with the result for use in the bush. The contour lines alway comes out blurry and hard to read, and the colour contrast is always poor.

[Boomer]

Like the idea of waterproof paper, will have to look into that one.

Like others I just do a colour photocopy, but when you are doing this remember to make copies for your walking partners.

[stepbystep]

I can never copy / print the map with sufficient quality to be happy with the result for use in the bush. The contour lines alway comes out blurry and hard to read, and the colour contrast is always poor.

Color photocopy rarely works, a high res scanner and a decent printer are the go.

[Nuts]

Do you have a vac sealer allchin, only good for one side but you can just reuse the same bags. Cut them long and put a cord through the overlap, slide them under the pack harness. The plastic is tough and cheaper to replace than scratched map cases. You do need to include or scribe at least some co-ordinates to be useful with compass.

Iv'e been just making A4 copies for a while now and it seems to work well. Using the maps as back up I find these copies are good enough.

(ent.. the parks covered maps don't seem to last long. A cm or so either side of the folds quickly becomes unreadable. Maybe just quarter some maps and get them hard laminated? Wouldn't cost much at (say).. Nova )

[Ent]

(ent.. the parks covered maps don't seem to last long. A cm or so either side of the folds quickly becomes unreadable. Maybe just quarter some maps and get them hard laminated? Wouldn't cost much at (say).. Nova )

As yet have not stuck any issue with my map but then it generally sits in the pack. Amazing how much thought and money goes into navigation equipment when most of the time you are following your nose. But the Tasmap paper maps are a disaster failing along the folds just doing the armchair walking type planning on the kitchen table.

Be nice if you could find a softer lamination material.

Interested with waterproof map paper but is it for ink jet or laser? Unless it is special ink or toner you are asking a lot from consumer grade stuff not designed to get wet.

Cheers

[Son of a Beach]

The waterproof paper comes in versions for ink and for laser. I used a colour laser printer and the results were brilliant.

I've no idea how it goes with ink jets, as in my experience they don't like water on their print outs. But the waterproof paper people claim its all good on their paper.

[corvus]

I can never copy / print the map with sufficient quality to be happy with the result for use in the bush. The contour lines alway comes out blurry and hard to read, and the colour contrast is always poor.

Color photocopy rarely works, a high res scanner and a decent printer are the go.

Good quality colour copier worked for me with no blurring of contours or colour contrast
corvus

[Ent]

Hi Nik

Where you get you paper from? And what is the cost? Sounds like colour printing (from scanned imagine) is the go.

Cheers

[corvus]

http://www.meter.com.au/waterproofpaperinformation/
This may help but I guess Office Works stock it.
But then again perhaps not ??
corvus

[Allchin09]

Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like making your own A4 maps seems to be the way to go. I just have to decided on lamination vs waterproof paper.

As a side note, I was printing off a copy of my old Gangerang sketch map at Officeworks yesterday seemed to be concerned about possible copyright infringements that she may have been committing by printing it off for me. It left me wondering if you are allowed to make copies of your purchased maps in other sizes or as backups, like you can with digital media such as DVD movies.

[photohiker]

Another vote for waterproof paper.

I use a high rag paper I found called Markrite BK130. Prints beautifully on laser or colour photocopy. Paper resists water and is hard to tear wet or dry. Cost was about $25 for 100 sheets bought online.

[sthughes]

Another vote for waterproof paper.

I use a high rag paper I found called Markrite BK130. Prints beautifully on laser or colour photocopy. Paper resists water and is hard to tear wet or dry. Cost was about $25 for 100 sheets bought online.

any idea where it can be purchased?

[photohiker]

Another vote for waterproof paper.

I use a high rag paper I found called Markrite BK130. Prints beautifully on laser or colour photocopy. Paper resists water and is hard to tear wet or dry. Cost was about $25 for 100 sheets bought online.

any idea where it can be purchased?

Ok, that took some searching, I bought a pack from a mob called justwrite. They're out of stock, but worth a ring, here is the link to the product: Weatherproof A4 Copy/Laser Paper

The other thing to do would be to contact Markrite: http://markrite.com.au/contact.html (they're SA Local, didn't know that!)

[Son of a Beach]

Hi Nik

Where you get you paper from? And what is the cost? Sounds like colour printing (from scanned imagine) is the go.

Cheers

I can't remember for sure, but I think this was the one I used: http://www.toughprint.com/ . I've only bought it once, and only taken it out bush once (on the Franklin River rafting for 14 days). It was unbelievably good. You could screw it up as much as you want, and dunk it in water as much as you want, and no problem at all.

It was very difficult to tear (although once a tear was started it was easy to keep it going). It was more likely to stretch than tear. It seams to be some sort of textured plastic rather than paper.

Print quality was excellent (although I was using a fancy colour laser printer).

[Ent]

Hi Nik

Just have to love to hate MemoryMaps. The link to their site for online sales is broken. But I assume it is the same paper that can be brought through them on their NZ/Australian site.

Cheers

[Nuts]

Perhaps Teslin is the same? Apparently its used for printing Triathalon numbers. How many boxes?

[kozevian]

Anyone with experience with the waterproof map cover? Do they end up being too bulky on the longer hikes?

As a relatively inexperienced backcountry "traverser" (and as of the last few tramps, solo), I find looking at my map every few minutes alongside my compass or so helps me pinpoint where I am, aids my skillset, and helps quell bubbling fears of being lost. Sick of pulling my map out of the map pocket in my rain jacket, I'm looking for an alternative.

Anyone with suggestions. Looking at something similar to this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Silva-Cryst ... 2574b75458

Thanks