|
|
| Post Number: 1
|
scouthiker 
Group: Members
Posts: 50
Joined: Nov. 2008
|
 |
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 8:35 am |
|
   |
Here's my question -
You're on the trail with your pack is on your back and your trekking poles in your hands, you want to check your map, but don't want to have to stop to do it, where do you store your map, and in what, that enables you to do this?
I have tried several different things myself, but thought I would reach out to the community in hopes that I might be able to find a better way.
Thanks for your help should you decide to post a reply.
|
 |
|
|
| Post Number: 2
|
rayestrella
Group: Members
Posts: 6420
Joined: Nov. 2004
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 8:51 am |
|
 |
I keep my map in my cargo pocket of my pants. (The big one on the thigh.)
--------------
I measure happiness with an altimeter
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 3
|
nogods
Group: Members
Posts: 5488
Joined: Sep. 2007
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 9:22 am |
|
|
I keep my maps in the hipbelt pocket of my pack. If I'm wearing a pack without a hipbelt pocket then I have the maps in the wet rib or the sporran.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 4
|
waterdog
Group: Members
Posts: 466
Joined: Sep. 2002
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 11:50 am |
|
|
(scouthiker @ Mar. 10 2013, 8:35 am)
QUOTE You're on the trail with your pack is on your back and your trekking poles in your hands (see #1)
you want to check your map, but don't want to have to stop to do it (see #2)
where do you store your map, and in what, that enables you to do this? (see #3)
#1. Lose one of the walking sticks. This will free up one of your hands for a map, a camera, a water bottle, picking your nose, etc. I usually won't carry a map in my hand, but if I find I'm having to check it frequently, I will.
#2. Free your mind so that stopping becomes part of the journey. Usually it's not possible to actually read a map carefully enough while bouncing along the trail, so take a moment to take a break, or see #1 above.
#3. Unless I'm hiking solo, I just keep it in a pocket on the back of my pack and stop (see #2 above) and ask my companion to dig it out for me. If it's wet weather, it goes into a gallon ziplock bag inside the pack pocket.
I guess it also depends a lot on the type of country you're traversing. In much of the West, you can look ahead for miles and see exactly where you want to be by evening.
--------------
I'm more comfortable with unanswered questions than I am with unquestioned answers.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 5
|
TigerFan
Group: Members
Posts: 2096
Joined: May 2010
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 11:55 am |
|
|
I'll be honest... you're more coordinated than me if you can read a map without breaking stride. I'm OK with stopping. 
I use my pants and hipbelt pockets for things I want to be able to access without taking my pack off. Map, camera, sunglasses, knife, watch, are almost always in one of those pockets.
--------------
Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
|
 |
|
|
| Post Number: 6
|
CenAZwalker
Group: Members
Posts: 106
Joined: Jul. 2012
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 12:24 pm |
|
|
Usually in a Ziploc in one of my pants pockets or hip belt pocket. I would recommend stopping when you check your map, otherwise you might create an ideal situation for a trip or fall. But, as always, do whatever you are comfortable with.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 7
|
big_load
Group: Members
Posts: 21963
Joined: Jun. 2004
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 2:36 pm |
|
|
I always stop to check the map, which is usually something I do at breaks or at places where it's worth the time to really concentrate on the relation of the map to the landscape.
Anyway, when I expect to consult the map frequently, I hang it from my neck. Otherwise, I keep it in a pants pocket or more often tethered to the back of my pack.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 8
|
High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39802
Joined: Aug. 2005
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 2:41 pm |
|
|
Pocket on my pack harness but I hardly ever am walking where I would take my eyes off the route that long to study a map. I stop, that way I don't fall off the terrain as the accident reports so blandly put it.
Just never in all that much of a hurry, ymmv.
Advantage of a map display GPS, with my 60csx I can just take a glance and see what I need to as the cursor has my location marked and the immediate surrounding terrain displayed so there's far less distraction than a map that needs to be oriented.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 9
|
|
|
| Post Number: 10
|
BTall
Group: Members
Posts: 63
Joined: Mar. 2011
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 3:09 pm |
|
|
There are lots and lots of options depending on where you are and how often you want/need to check the map, as has been stated above.
You can keep it in the pack itself, or an outside pocket, or in the lid pocket if you have a lid and just stop to pull it out and check it. Don't like this option? Ok, keep it in your thigh cargo pocket in a ziploc bag to keep it from getting wet from rain or sweat. You could also do the same in a shirt pocket if you wear a hiking shirt that has pockets on the chest.
Don't like those options either? Ok. You can add a pocket to the strap of your pack and put it in there--or a hipbelt pocket if you have one. If you wear a chest pack such as the Ribz, or just a fanny pack of some sort in front of you, then that would work as well. One thing I have taken to doing more recently is using a binder clip that you can get at any Staples or Office Max/Depot, or Walmart, etc. and clipping it to my sternum strap or a piece of webbing on the pack strap. Just be sure you don't lose it! I had to backtrack a quarter mile once to find my map after some light brush swiped it off my strap.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 11
|
bbobb169
Group: Members
Posts: 696
Joined: May 2009
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 3:16 pm |
|
|
In cargo pocket along with the GPSr. Hardly ever look at the GPSr as its just along for tracking or if really question something. Look at the map once in a while, I always study topos and Google earth before trip so its firmly in my mind where I'm going. Usually just look at the map during breaks.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 12
|
|
|
| Post Number: 13
|
AlmostThere
I must not be there yet, I keep hiking...
Group: Members
Posts: 4965
Joined: Apr. 2008
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 7:26 pm |
|
|
I keep the map in a side pocket of the pack, or if wearing a front pack, in the front. I've kept it in a cargo pocket but will only do that with a waterproofed map.
You should be stopping and paying attention when doing map checks, so feel free to ignore anti-trekking-pole assvice.
--------------
All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.
Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 14
|
|
|
| Post Number: 15
|
wildlifenate
Group: Members
Posts: 5848
Joined: Jul. 2004
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 10 2013, 10:08 pm |
|
|
I have started only using one trekking pole because I'd like to have a free hand to use. but not for map reading. I still stop to read my map.
It variously goes in my cargo pants pockets, my hipbelt pockets, my side pockets, or in a waterproof zipper map case depending on the map and the conditions.
--------------
The GPS Geek
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 16
|
EdD
Group: Members
Posts: 24
Joined: Feb. 2008
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 8:17 am |
|
|
(QCHIKER @ Mar. 10 2013, 7:12 pm)
QUOTE
(rayestrella @ Mar. 10 2013, 8:51 am)
QUOTE I keep my map in my cargo pocket of my pants. (The big one on the thigh.) +1 on doing this too.
+1 also on stopping to look. I hate tripping on stuff when looking at maps...
Hi Sarah!
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 17
|
AlmostThere
I must not be there yet, I keep hiking...
Group: Members
Posts: 4965
Joined: Apr. 2008
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 9:13 am |
|
|
(waterdog @ Mar. 10 2013, 8:59 pm)
QUOTE
(AlmostThere @ Mar. 10 2013, 7:26 pm)
QUOTE so feel free to ignore anti-trekking-pole assvice. Or maybe not . . .
Your failure to comprehend how useful trekking poles are is a statement about yourself, y'know. Also the failure to comprehend "hike your own hike" gets you nowhere.
Actually, your picture shows a valid use for them - I've used them to defend myself before.
--------------
All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.
Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 18
|
AlmostThere
I must not be there yet, I keep hiking...
Group: Members
Posts: 4965
Joined: Apr. 2008
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 9:20 am |
|
|
I've also used a map cover - they make them with lanyards. I have a Sea To Summit with a zip top. It's weatherproof. I hated having it dangle in front of me, though.
But, as I said, you should be paying more attention to maps when you look at them. The thing that would get me to put aside the poles would be the compass - if you're walking bearings, it has to be in front of you. The map is used to take bearings and the compass is used to walk on them - though, if you are using a landscape feature as a goal, then stopping to shoot/verify the bearing, you don't even need to that. And unlike the map the compass rides comfortably around the neck on a layard.
--------------
All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.
Friedrich Nietzsche
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 19
|
Dave Senesac
Group: Members
Posts: 3052
Joined: Jun. 2002
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 11:56 am |
|
|
On trails I may just take maps out at key points and during breaks. These days that is likely to be inside a small fanny pack I wear in front that has my compact digital camera and accessorties I always want ready to use at a moment's notice. Also will often wear that while carrying my heavy pack. My 7.5 minute USGS maps are always folded up 4x or 8x often in a Ziplock. And I am a map mutilator from way back.
But am a long time compulsive topographic map viewer while cross country hiking which I do a lot of both carrying a backpack and daypack. I doubt anyone on this board over the years has looked at topos as often as I do. Over several decades that has evolved a skill of interpreting maps in the Sierra on routes I doubt any others can match. In the past at times carrying a backpack I would put a map in a clear map carrier and dangle it by a string from a chest strap. Thus it was always right in front of me and visible. But last decade in this age of compact digital cameras, I just tend to plunk it inside the noted fanny pack or hand carry it. I never use trekking poles because a fair amount of the time am hand carrying a tripod with a camera atop in one hand. Thus always have at least one hand free to hand carry a map and often will do that for hours.
--------------
...David
http://davidsenesac.com
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 20
|
jdp
Group: Members
Posts: 804
Joined: Apr. 2007
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 1:47 pm |
|
|
Off topic - I wonder how long it will be before we have GPS enabled sunglasses with a heads up display showing us exactly where we are on the trail?
Back on topic - pants pocket. I use Nat Geo TOPO! to make a few copies so if one gets trashed it's no big deal. Are you going to Philmont? There I made a small map for each days' trek.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 21
|
|
|
| Post Number: 22
|
GottaGamble
Group: Members
Posts: 1322
Joined: Sep. 2009
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 2:50 pm |
|
|
my pocket...and if I need to look at my map, I stop for a minute or 2 and look at it...
--------------
www.mybackpacking.blog.com
"A government big enough to give you everything
you want is strong enough to take everything you have."
Gerald Ford
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 23
|
leadbelly2550
Group: Members
Posts: 1047
Joined: Apr. 2009
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 7:29 pm |
|
|
i make a color copy of my topo map, cut it down, and fold it in half, inside a ziplok sandwich bag. usually, i can fit it into a side pocket pretty easily.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 24
|
High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39802
Joined: Aug. 2005
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 9:25 pm |
|
|
(wildlifenate @ Mar. 11 2013, 11:10 am)
QUOTE
(jdp @ Mar. 11 2013, 12:47 pm)
QUOTE Off topic - I wonder how long it will be before we have GPS enabled sunglasses with a heads up display showing us exactly where we are on the trail?
Back on topic - pants pocket. I use Nat Geo TOPO! to make a few copies so if one gets trashed it's no big deal. Are you going to Philmont? There I made a small map for each days' trek. Google Glasses already do that IIRC.
There's also an app, Theodilite, that has similar features.
Though the glasses would not involve having an instrument in your hands like a smartphone app does.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 25
|
waterdog
Group: Members
Posts: 466
Joined: Sep. 2002
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 11 2013, 10:17 pm |
|
|
If given the choice between wearing "GPS enabled sunglasses with a heads up display showing us exactly where we are on the trail" and staying home to get really good on XBox, it would be a close call.
I, for one, might be caught dead on the side of a trail with them on my face, but not if I could help it.
--------------
I'm more comfortable with unanswered questions than I am with unquestioned answers.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 26
|
topshot
Group: Members
Posts: 344
Joined: Jun. 2009
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 12 2013, 8:34 am |
|
|
It's always in my pack. No need to look so often even off-trail that I can't take a short break and whip my pack off (I travel lightweight). The compass however I do keep in my hipbelt pocket. I typically survey the route ahead, pick out some landmarks and their orientation to my path, and what seems like the next good stopping point and take off. I'd never look at a map while moving - too easy to trip, roll an ankle, etc.
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 27
|
High_Sierra_Fan
Group: Members
Posts: 39802
Joined: Aug. 2005
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 12 2013, 12:07 pm |
|
|
Yes, the easiest access navigational item I will take a glance at while on the move is my analog altimeter. Knowing how "far", at least for me, isn't as much of an issue as how far down or up. So I'll make a mental note of the elevation of the pass I'm headed toward and check off my vertical progress by occassional glances at my altimeter (a Thommens I've had and used forever, I use my altimeter vastly more often than my compass...)
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 28
|
Tigger
Woods Pouncer
Group: Members
Posts: 10630
Joined: Apr. 2005
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 12 2013, 2:55 pm |
|
|
I keep two maps with me. One in my pack and one on my person. I keep them in gallon size ziplocks. Usually one is stored in a thigh pocket or jacket depending on the season. I stop to take mine out as I hike off-trail and I need to be aware of where I am while hiking to ensure a good route.
--------------
If I'm going to be lost, in the woods is where I want to be...
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 29
|
EastieTrekker
Group: Members
Posts: 1467
Joined: Mar. 2012
|
|
Posted on: Mar. 12 2013, 4:08 pm |
|
|
nevermind
--------------
I request all the possible consumer protection organizations, and fight with their injustice. 
|
|
|
|
| Post Number: 30
|
|
|
|
|
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
