Lost my map in a downpour on the Smoky Mountains trail last month

I was hiking the Appalachian Trail section near Clingmans Dome when a sudden storm hit. A gust of wind ripped my paper map right out of my hand and sent it down a ravine. I was soaking wet for 2 hours with no cell service. Has anyone else had luck with waterproof map cases or do you just memorize the route?

2 comments

2 Comments

milap3520d ago

Grabbed an Opsak waterproof case after my map got soaked in Washington and it held up through three days of rain. Started taking photos of the key turns and elevations on my phone as backup too, just in case. Memorizing the whole route sounds nice but I always miss something once the fog rolls in.

veramartin20d ago

Wait, you actually used it for three days straight in the rain and it held up? I always thought those Opsak cases were just overpriced zip locks or something. Sounds like I was wrong about that. The photo backup trick is smart too, I used to just rely on my memory but you're right, fog messes everything up. Might have to try that myself next time I'm out in the PNW.