Plastic National Forest Maps?
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: DonVathome
18-May-23
Never saw this but the National Forest map I am looking to order comes in paper form or plastic? Is plastic foldable? Seems like plastic maps would be better?
From: JohnMC
18-May-23
Get the plastic. Will hold up a lot better. Especially if it gets wet.
From: HDE
18-May-23
You can't write on the plastic. Get the paper and then apply contact paper to the back. Lasts longer than just paper, and you can write notes on the map as you use it over time.
From: BoggsBowhunts
18-May-23
HDE, on plastic maps you can write on them with map pens is what we called them in the military. Can clean them off with hand sanitizer and you have a brand new map again. I’d go plastic, but if there’s a big price difference you could get paper and laminate them.
From: Cheesehead Mike
18-May-23
I used to download and print my own USGS topo maps on heavyweight paper on a big map plotter. I had good luck sealing/waterproofing them with Aquaseal map sealer. It comes with a foam brush but I have a mini paint roller that works better.
From: HDE
18-May-23
Boggs - but when you lose your map pen...
From: JohnMC
18-May-23
What if you lost your map or mind
From: Cheesehead Mike
18-May-23
I'm not sure if many people are aware but all USGS 7.5' quad maps are available free to download and print from the USGS map store if you have access to a large format plotter. I've plotted dozens of them for free.
Also, National Geographic has a very nice program that allows you to print USGS 7.5' quads on a regular color printer. It breaks them down into a mosaic and several regular size prints make up one quad map to scale and then you just lay them out and tape them together or keep them separate and just carry the page you need.
From: cnelk
18-May-23
I’ve had good luck with Trails Illustrated maps. They have contour lines, blm, NF, trails and roads and best part…. Waterproof paper.
From: Cheesehead Mike
18-May-23
I have a few Trails Illustrated maps too and I agree they're good maps.
From: Whocares
18-May-23
Anybody else ever have the problem where areas I've hunted over the years is the corners where 4 maps are needed to cover your area? Never seem to pick a spot that's in the middle of one map!
From: DonVathome
18-May-23
Good info, I do know about the free ones but I like the ease of using a large on with all info. I do not have access to a large printer. Worth the $14, both costs the same. Thanks guys, this was a new one on me. I have ordered probably 20 NF maps and never had this option before.
From: Bow Bullet
18-May-23
Cheesehead - are you referring to National Geographic "Topo!"? If so, it's not made anymore. I bought it about 10 years ago but haven't used it in several years.
I make my own custom maps using caltopo.com. They're just on 8.5x11 paper so I put them in a ziplock.
From: KSflatlander
18-May-23
KSflatlander's Link
National Geographic still makes the maps. They are waterproof and tear proof. See link. They don’t have as much detail like USGS Quads but they are good to look at a broader area. Nice to carry in a pack.
From: Scrappy
18-May-23
This thread is like a blast from the past. Young guys on here are asking what a paper map is:)
From: Cheesehead Mike
18-May-23
Cheesehead Mike's Link
Bow Bullet, no this is what I'm talking about.
From: cnelk
18-May-23
Again. If I wanted some sort of folded map in my pack, it will be a Trails Illustrated map.
From: DonVathome
18-May-23
Thanks guys I'm starting to wonder if they actually don't make the maps anymore and I have to admit I'm feeling pretty old. I tried to order several maps and all said they were available until I tried to put them in my cart and then they said out of stock?
From: Bow Bullet
18-May-23
Thanks Cheese
From: DonVathome
19-May-23
There is no Trails Illustrated Map for Kootenai?
From: Lawdog
19-May-23
I order paper maps from USGS. They seem to be somewhat waterproof as a little bit of moisture doesn't seem to hurt them. And, I can write on them, if necessary. They should have them of the Kootenai National Forest. I fold mine to the area that I'm hunting and put it in a ziplock bag. Website usgs.gov. An additional benefit of the USGS maps is using it with my InReach. Paired with my phone, I can download the same USGS map that I have in paper form in my pack. For the youngsters, if you're going into remote areas, you really should have a paper map and learn how to use it with a compass. Anything electronic can and will fail you when you most need it.
