I used to destroy a lot of my maps. They get crumpled, wet, and become unusable in time. Mostly because they get squished inside my backpack. However, ever since I got a map case, this never happens anymore. A map case can protect the map from the weather, water, and from getting crumpled. I am recommending a couple of amazing map cases that I know that are very good. I am certain that they are very durable and very well made also.
Best Hiking Map Cases – Quick Chart
Hiking Map Cases | Weight | Dimensions | Material | Water Repellent |
1. Aqua Quest TRAIL Map Case | 3.7 oz | 17.7 x 11.8 x 0.8 in | Nylon 66 fabric | Yes |
2. Hefty Slider Jumbo Storage Bags | 1.05 oz | 14.375″ x 16″ | Plastic | Yes |
3. Adir Corp. PS2436 Foldable Waterproof Plans Shield | 1 lbs | 24 x 36 | PVC Plastic | Yes |
4. Sea To Summit TPU Waterproof Guide Map Case | 1 lbs | Multiple Sizes | Nylon | Yes |
5. Rothco Map & Document Case | 5.6 oz | 13.5 X 13.5in. | Nylon | Yes |
6. WILD FINDING Waterproof Map Case Holder | 2.4 oz | 14.9 x 5.7 x 0.6in. | Plastic | Yes |
7. Cellophane Plastic Bags | 0.016 lbs | 12 x 16 inches | Plastic | Yes |
8. NRS HydroLock Map Case | 1 lb | Multiple sizes | Plastic | Yes |
9. KOSIBATE Map Case | 3.74 ounces | 12.1″ x 8.9″ x 0.79″ | PVC Plastic | Yes |
10. AceCamp Waterproof Map Case Holder | 2.08 ounces | 12.5″ x 11″ | Plastic | Yes |
Things To Consider
Short list of things you should think about before acquiring your own hiking map case. This is just a brief summary meant for newbies. Even if you do not acquire one of my recommendations, I hope you make certain that you think about these factors before acquiring one. You can read my other blog posts for an in depth guide.
Waterproof
Waterproof is a nice feature to have. It is great especially when it is raining while on the trail. If the map case is not waterproof, the map is going to get wet and high chance it will break apart. A lot of maps maybe water resistant but I find the wrinkled parts to be very susceptible to water. Finding an item that is waterproof is a good idea.
Durability
You need to make sure that the item that you are getting is actually durable. It makes no sense to get a map case when it is really not going to protect the map. I get a map case because I keep on tearing up the map that I have. It is important that the map case is actually durable so that it can protect the maps that I have. So make sure that the item will last for a long time.
Weight
The weight of the map case is an important factor we need to consider. The more weight we carry, the more fatigue we are going to get. A map case can also be treated as a luxury. It is not really needed. If the item is going to be heavy, then we might as well not get it because it is just going to make us more tired. The more tired we get, the less fun that we are going to have.
Ease Of Use
The item has to be easy to use. We should be able to take it out of the backpack, unfold it easily and be able to look at the map in just a few seconds. If the item is going to be very complicated, and will require a few minutes to unfold then it is going to be really annoying to look at the map all the time.
Price
The price of the map case is also something we need to consider. This is not really a necessity. We do not need to spend lots of money on this. Something that works well, very durable and easy to use would suffice. We don’t need a very stylish item made out of leather with intricate designs. We don’t need anything expensive. Something affordable that works well should be good enough.
Best Hiking Map Cases
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1. Aqua Quest TRAIL Map Case
Weight: 3.7 oz
Dimensions: 17.7 x 11.8 x 0.8in.
Material: Nylon 66 fabric
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: 100% waterproof, durable, lightweight, versatile, multi-purpose that is also very useful
Short Review: This weatherproof map case not only will perform extremely well, but the effective capacity or capabilities of this item is extraordinary. This is a very multipurpose item that has a removable strap for ease of storing or carrying, and multiple clips for carrying and attachment options. The durability of this item is outstanding and you can easily see this by looking at the features. Keeps maps dry and protects them. This map case has resilient nylon 66 fabric that is very durable. TPU lamination, welded seams, and double ziplock seal that closes easily.
2. Hefty Slider Jumbo Storage Bags
Weight: 1.05 oz
Dimensions: 14.375 x 16 inches
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Multi-purpose item, extra-strong seal on these plastic storage bags, unique design makes it easy to open & close these BPA-free plastic
Short Review: This is not really a map case but a plastic bag with zipper. Most people know this as a ziploc bag. Why am I recommending a plastic bag? The simple answer is that it works and extremely affordable. You get 12 bags for around four dollars which is a really great deal. The item is very strong, clear and transparent. It suitable for a map case. This is a very multipurpose item also. I can put my hiking clothes, gadgets, batteries and other items that I do not want to get wet due to the weather or rain. This is an amazing item that is great for hiking and can be used in a lot of ways.
3. Adir Corp. PS2436 Foldable Waterproof Plans Shield
Weight: 1 lb
Dimensions: 24 x 36 x 1 inches
Material: PVC Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Sturdy yet flexible, this translucent blueprint plans shield is expertly crafted using PVC plastic material, can be folded, protect you blueprints, maps, floor plans, maps and other large documents
Short Review: This is another very multipurpose item designed to carry maps, blueprints and other important documents. It protects the document from the weather or from the rain rather well. This is great for traveling when you have to protect a very important document from the weather or from getting ruined. Works well as a map case because it protects the map from abrasion, weather and accidents that could happen. The item itself is very durable and foldable. The only drawback is that the price is a little bit expensive. If you want an item that will lasts for a long time and willing to pay the price then this is a great choice.
4. Sea To Summit Tpu Waterproof Guide Map Case
Weight: 1 lbs
Dimensions: Multiple Sizes
Material: Nylon
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Soft & supple UV-stable, crease and cold-proof TPU material that wont yellow over time, waterproof, welded press lock closure provides a positive, leak proof seal, press-lock closure map case that is great for water and land use
Short Review: You will need to look at this outdoor map case before this is sold out. This item came from an exceptionally popular company and their popularity keeps rising simply because of amazing items like this one. I just really like the usefulness and classiness of this item. I am rather happy with the functionality and capabilities of this item. Resilience should be a standard feature of all items in this category. The price is absolutely worth it. This is incredibly resilient which indicates buying one will often mean many years of usefulness.
5. Rothco Map & Document Case
Weight: 5.6 oz
Dimensions: 13.5 X 13.5in.
Material: Nylon
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Quality tested and ensured for maximum durability, designed with only the toughest, roughest users in mind, comfort and Performance come hand in hand with Rothco
Short Review: This case for the map is pretty wonderful. This arrived far sooner than expected and this is everything I hoped it would be. One of the greatest ways to save is to obtain a really inexpensive item like this. I am exceptionally satisfied with this item so far. This is very durable and I haven’t had any problems with it. This item is stated that it can protect the map from the weather and elements. The reviews are accurate. I propose that you to check out this high quality item considering that this works well and I like it. The weight of this is very light so we will have more energy to enjoy in the outdoors.
Check Out My Other Reviews – packable backpack – winter hiking jacket – pocket blanket – hiking backpacks – blister creams |
6. WILD FINDING Waterproof Map Case Holder
Weight: 2.4 Ounces
Dimensions: 32 * 28 cm
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: This strong and durable map carrier is a perfect addition to your camping or hiking gear, keep your maps, documents and electronics safe from water, foldable, lightweight and compact design
Short Review: This hiking map case by wild findings is pretty good. This is an amazing item that can protect maps and other items. The only drawback is that it is pretty small. Not as big as I wanted it to be but it is because it is small that it is also very light in weight. The price is just right. This item is marvelous, looks awesome and this has a versatile design. The case is very durable and very transparent also. Easy to see and read maps that are inside of it. Overall, a very good item to have.
7. Large Resealable Cellophane Bags
Weight: 0.016 lbs
Dimensions: Multiple Sizes
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Resealable plastic bags have self-adhesive resealing strip, material is eco-friendly and safest for kids who are more on the sensitive side, resealable cellophane bags are heavy-duty, resealing strips, which makes it super easy to seal and reseal
Short Review: This is not really a map case but large cellophane plastic bags that are very multi purpose. I have a lot of clothes that I don’t use. I have casual attire, fishing, hiking, and winter outdoor clothes and so on. I use these cellophane plastic bags to cheaply store my clothes since they get a lot of dust. Anyway, I find out that I can use these bags in many ways like a map case for example. Durable, see through and repels water easily. They are very multipurpose and can be used in a lot of ways. They are cheap too and come in a lot of pieces. This one is 12 x 16 inches but I can get 16 x 24 or bigger sizes for bigger maps.
8. NRS HydroLock Map Case, Extra Small
Weight: 1 lbs
Dimensions: Multiple Sizes
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Hydrolock seal, , versatile, durable and multi-purpose, accommodate most maps, charts or books, and more
Short Review: This map case stands out over a lots of other similar items. Another multi-purpose map case that can be used in a lot of ways. Features a hydrolock seal that provides a very sealed closure which is great for protecting maps from water. Comes with one hole in each corner which can be attached in a variety of ways. Can be attached to a backpack, a boat, a wall, and so on. This also comes in multiple sizes so you can choose the size that is suitable for you. One of the best items that I found and lots of other people feel the same way also just by looking at the customer reviews in Amazon.
9. KOSIBATE Map Case
Weight: 3.74 ounces
Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.9 x 0.79 inches
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Double ziplock seal protect your maps and stayed dry, don’t worry about getting lost in the woods because of poor preparation and a breakdown of navigational aids, removable strap, and clips for carrying and attachment options
Short Review: Another amazing map case but this one has a military feel to it. The item has a double ziplock seal that easily closes and serves to protect the maps from the weather and keep it dry. It has a removable strap that people can wear or can also be tied around a backpack. The item can be used in a lot of ways like hiking, biking, motorcycle touring, and a lot of other outdoor activities. It is waterproof and protects the map very well. A good item to have when you are on an adventure trip.
10. AceCamp Waterproof Map Case Holder
Weight: 2.08 ounces
Dimensions: 12.5″ long and 11″ wide
Material: Plastic
Water Repellent: Yes
Feature Summary: Transparent pouch features two-sided viewing from front and back, watertight map case keeps your map and belongings safe from water and the outside elements, strong and durable map carrier
Short Review: AceCamp map case is waterproof and very durable. This transparent pouch features two-sided viewing or that the front and back are transparent. This allows you to fold the map and be able to view them. Adds a lot of functionality with such a simple function. This map case is watertight which is great when it comes to protecting your map, phone or any valuables you may have from the rain, water or just the bad weather. One of the best items to have for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. A multipurpose item that can be used in a lot of ways.
Check Out My Other Reviews – hydration bladder bite valves – hiking flashlights – backpacking utensils – griddle kits – first aid kits |
Nice map cases. The map case I got was very useful
Good stuff. Will visit often. The information is better than most.
This website is great! Please keep updating. The map cases are good. Anymore cheap cases I can use?
Great mapcases. I love it.
This is a very beautiful website with very good information. Love the list!
The map cases were great! Awesome ideas. You really know what you are talking about!
Thanks for the information. The cases works well. Glad I found this site!
Thanks for the map cases. I forgot I have some ziploc bags at home, I will just use that.
I got the first one. Works well. Bought some large ziplocs as well just in case I need more map cases.
Great website. Found the information very useful!
Map cases were good. The information is phenomenal. Never thought of using plastic bags as map cases, going to try them now.
I found this by accident. Great suggestions.
I love the website. beautiful pictures and excellent recommendations
The map cases worked great for me. Highly recommend people to listen to this person.
Ok, got myself the first one. Seems good enough. Will update in one week.
I was excited to discover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every part of it and i also have you book-marked to look at new things on your website.
The map case I got was pretty good. The website did well. Thumbs up!
Why did I never thought of using plastic bags as map cases? Good info!
I love the map cases. Very simple but very good.
Good website. I like the list. Will visit again.
I love the pictures in your site. Are you a professional photographer? Thank you for helping me find a good map case for myself.
Two thumbs up for the map case I got. Thanks
This website is so beautiful! Got a good map case. Nice list of items!
I love the map cases. You are a genius!
This list is very good. I only got one. Thanks. Hope to see you in the trails!