How to Choose the Right Map

• Step #1: Consider the Kinds of Trips You Have Planned
• Step #2: Consider Your Options
• Step #3: Choose the Right Scale
• Step #4: Ask the Experts for Help
• Step #5: Learn How to Navigate
• Step #6: Be Sure to Check the Date
• Note on map storage

Step #1: Consider the Kinds of Trips You Have Planned

The map (or maps) you bring with you on a backpacking trip should match the route you have planned. The longer and more complex that route is, the more detail you'll need to keep track of where you are.

On short trips over popular, well-marked trails, you'll need a map that helps you find basic features like campsites, water supplies and points of interest. But on longer, more complex journeys, you'll need details about the lay of the land so that you can make it from point A to point B even if you lose the trail.

Step #2: Consider Your Options

• Planimetric maps: Planimetric maps describe the world as if it were a flat surface. They typically show basic details like main trails, lakes and campsites. But they do not provide any elevation information. Use a planimetric map only when traveling short distances along well-established trails.
• Topographic maps: Topographic maps describe the physical features of the land. They show elevation gains and losses, the steepness of hills and valleys, and the location of natural features. This topographic information is essential for navigating using a map and compass. Some topographic maps (but not all) combine topographic information with basic information about trails, campsites and natural attractions. The main supplier of topographic maps in the US is the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
• Special interest maps: These special topographic maps cater specifically to outdoor enthusiasts. They combine basic topographic information with detailed information about backpacking trails, established campsites, interesting side trips, and recreational opportunities. Most are produced by private companies rather than the US government. REI carries a wide selection of special interest maps covering popular backpacking spots (state parks, national parks, national forests) all over the country.

Quadrangles vs. specialty maps

Topographic maps sold by the USGS cover rectangular areas of land called quadrangles. The borders of these maps are determined by latitude lines, longitude lines and the smaller divisions between them (minutes and seconds). The benefit of this system is that every square inch of the United States is covered by a USGS quadrangle map, and that each map lines up exactly flush with the ones around it. The down-side is that backpacking trails often wander across these predetermined borders, so you may have to carry more than one map.

Some private map companies address this situation by offering topographic maps that are drawn specifically to cover popular backpacking trails. These maps offer the same basic information as USGS maps. But they have irregularly-shaped borders so they cover an entire route or area with a single map.

Step #3: Choose the Right Scale

The scale of a topographic map determines how much land the map covers and how much detail it provides. Scales are described in ratios (1:24,000, for example, means that one inch on the map is equal to 24,000 inches -or 2,000 feet- on the ground). The scale of a map is usually displayed along the bottom edge of the map.

• Small-scale maps (maps with scales smaller than 1:62,500) cover a lot of area, but they provide less detail as a result. They tend to be a poor choice for beginning backpackers.
• Large-scale maps (1:62,500 or larger) focus on more specific areas and provide more detail. You may have to carry more than one to cover your route. But they provide much more useful information for basic backpacking.

The most popular map scale choice for basic backpacking trips is 1:24,000 (also known as 7.5 minutes of longitude wide). 1:62,500 scale maps (also known as 15 minutes maps) are also popular, though they are no longer produced by the USGS and are becoming more difficult to find.

Step #4: Ask the Experts for Help

As a beginning backpacker, it may be hard for you to know ahead of time what kind of map you'll need for a given trip. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Talk to friends who are experienced backpackers, stop by your local REI or contact the local park rangers who manage the lands you'll be visiting. These experts can help you get prepared for you first few trips. After that, experience will guide you.

Step #5: Learn How to Navigate

Simply having the right map in your backpack won't protect you from getting lost. You still have to learn how to use a map and compass to navigate in the wilderness. Stop by your local REI and pick up an introductory book on map and compass navigation. Or take a class from an experienced teacher. It's never too early to learn the basics of navigating in the backcountry. And the sooner you understand the basics, the safer you'll be.

Step #6: Be Sure to Check the Date

Before you take any map into the wilderness, be sure to check the publication date. Road, trail and land information can go out of date over time. Make sure you have the latest maps available for the area you want to explore.

Note on map storage

Be sure to protect your maps from water, fuel and other liquids during your backpacking trips. Either apply a special water-repellent coating to the maps or store them in a durable, clear plastic map case. Some maps are now printed on tear-proof, waterproof plastic paper, eliminating the need for special cases.