I usually carry my maps in a ziplock to protect them from any wet weather. The ziplock goes into a mesh pocket of my pack. However, I find this solution suboptimal because I need to toss the pack on and off every time I need to use the maps. I have used map cases in a neck lanyard and attached to my pack, but they tend to flap dangerously in high winds. I have also printed maps on waterproof paper and carry them in a pocket, but they end up very creased.

What I want is a solution to carry maps that leaves me hands free, but is easily accessible… in a lightweight manner. How do you carry your maps?

I stick my maps into a ziplock bag and then tuck them into my hipbelt strap. They rest against my stomach so they are always handy. I have never had them fall out or anything, even if I loosen my hipbelt to shift weight throughout the day. It just came to me one day while I was walking, but I think I have read about others doing the same thing.

Edited by arichardson6 on 09/14/2009 09:13:45 MDT.

either in my pant pocket, or the accessible while wearing pocket on my mariposa. My of my maps are waterproof, so I don't normally use any type of map case.

1 gallon Ziplock freezwe bags have always worked for me, but you can get a lot fancier.

See the Splashsak at http://www.loksak.com/products/splashsak

It depends on what type of maps I'm using. If I'm using big folded maps, then I put them in a gallon ziploc in my easily accessible side pocket (don't have to take my pack off). If I'm using maps I printed out from a CD then I fold the ones that are pertinent to that day's hike and keep them either in my shirt pocket or in my hipbelt pocket.

I would think that the GG shoulder strap or hipbelt pockets would work for you--but you would have to fold your maps (not that big of a deal).