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07/31/2019 06:09PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
Howdy,

I am thinking I need to start exploring some new waters. McKenzie and Chrismar Adventure still the best maps for the Q? I actually prefer Voyageur Maps for the BW but don't think that is an option.

I know Fisher Maps are an option; just not my go to.

Thanks kindly for your replies.

(I did run the a search on this topic. I paid much attention to Kanoes words on the topic. He, and others members, will never be gone!)


 
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billconner
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07/31/2019 07:09PM  
I rely on McKenzie but carry a Chrismar. I pull out the Chrismar when things font look like the McKenzie.
07/31/2019 07:13PM  
Chrismar.
GraniteCliffs
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07/31/2019 08:41PM  
I would say Chrismar is the gold standard
Jackfish
Moderator
  
07/31/2019 09:49PM  
As I see it, Chrismar is a very nice map for the overview of Quetico. I bring one on every one of our trips and also have one matted, framed and on the wall in my house. I think it's a great map.

With that said, I think McKenzie is the way to go when canoeing through Quetico and it's our main navigation map on every Quetico trip. It's all about the detail. The scale of McKenzie maps is larger than the others. The argument can be made about the occasional portage location being off a bit, but you can find that on any map. I don't see that as a big deal.

I'm a map guy so I might very well bring Fisher maps along, too, to compare landforms, portage locations, etc., but McKenzie is still our go-to for travel.

07/31/2019 10:57PM  
I've always found the Mckenzie color scheme poor for use. Fisher colors are easier for me to see but both McKenzie and Fisher contain numerous portage location errors and outright omissions. Nice thing about the Chrismar is you only need one map and it is much more accurate for portage location and portage changes and additions than either the McKenzie or Fisher.

My philosophy is to use maps as little as possible. Navigate by memory most of the time. If in new territory I'll pick my line and not refer to the map until I need a new line.
08/01/2019 08:03AM  
I keep McKenzies in my map case in the stern, let my bow use a set of Fishers, and have a Chrismar that we typically only have out in camp to get "35,000' views" of where we've been and where we're going.
08/01/2019 08:04AM  
I take a Chrismar but I rarely open it while tripping. Before my trips I make blow up sections of my Chrismar and mark all points of interest on the copies. I'll put a copy of my tripping area in my ditch kit also.
08/01/2019 08:48AM  
Thanks for the info and replies. Believe I know what to buy and study this fall/winter.

Cheers!

08/01/2019 12:11PM  
I match up portage locations from the Chrismar to the mckenzie before a trip and defer to the chrismar when there’s a discrepancy. I use McKenzie maps that have corrections on them when on the water.
ZaraSp00k
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08/01/2019 12:22PM  
being a cheapskate, I get a map from various sources on the internet, print on paper blown up to show my trip, carry numerous copies, one on person, one in each pack, etc. in case of mishap in plastic bags, the nice thing is I can always use them as fire starters
On my first trip to WCPP I had six sets of maps, blown up to my specific route
For a Wabakimi trip (that hasn't yet been taken) I even put a map on a canoe paddle and put poly over it
dentondoc
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08/01/2019 08:00PM  
I take a Chrismar map as backup (and on the off chance I will wonder off of my planned route), but use maps of my own creation for navigating. For each trip, I produce them at 1:35,000 scale and print them (both sides of every sheet) on 13" X 19" waterproof paper. Folded in half, they fit my map case very nicely.

Maps are planned in advance so that adjacent pages can be butted up against another page when it is necessary to see a "big picture" of the area. I also add personal "intel" to the maps. Of course I use software to manipulate and store the maps. And, while I started with downloaded base topo maps of Canada, I preferred something like the color choice on Fisher maps for landmass (making topo lines easier to see and producing better contrast between land and water). I've also created custom icons to mark things like pictograph locations and where I might have caught certain species of fish.

dd

This sample is from my most recent trip (portions of Cirrus and Quetico Lakes shown), but I've also produced them for other provincial parks. The only custom icon appearing on this sample is a thunderbird symbol used to mark pictographs. (Portage lengths are specified in rods ... fewer digits to occupy map space.)

08/01/2019 09:49PM  
Very nice DD. I'd like to order a complete set of Quetico please.

dentondoc
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08/01/2019 11:27PM  
TomT: "Very nice DD. I'd like to order a complete set of Quetico please."

Tom -

Because of the time intensive nature of doing this, I have opted to produce maps only for those I’m traveling with. This means that I only have to reproduce what has already been developed. I do have some detail of the entire park, but not to the same extent shown in the sample.

dd
08/02/2019 08:47AM  
I like DD. You trip with other Texans?
08/02/2019 08:58AM  
very nice DD!
dentondoc
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08/02/2019 09:26AM  
AmarilloJim: "I like DD. You trip with other Texans?"

Actually, the printed maps are sharper than the screen capture image. The sample shown is a bit fuzzy.

I've been known to do that, but mostly its been with my backcountry traveling partner of in excess of 40 years. We've done either a backpacking or a canoe trip (sometimes both) every year since we started, with a single exception. However, my partner may be retiring from this activity after this season.

That said, I've also canoed with folks from other parts of the country on occasion. But, I've yet to travel with someone that I haven't met personally or have someone I know well vouch for them. BTW: That is the principle reason I go to Canoecopia.

dd
indyquet95
  
08/02/2019 06:16PM  
have always used the mckenzie maps. However most times, i check it for landmasses and use compass to navigate. Just keep your bearings and no worries. Unless theres fog. In which case, keep shore on your off bearing side
mgraber
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08/03/2019 12:03AM  
Mckenzie or Fisher for detail and Chrismar for accuracy. When in doubt, trust the Chrismar, but even it has mistakes.
08/03/2019 08:32AM  
Thanks all.

Off to paddle in the Northwoods!

AussieShep
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01/24/2020 07:47PM  
Nice Doc!

I do the same thing with my Quetico topo maps using OziExplorer. All my waypoints (sites, portages, and various other marks) and comments are overlaid. I print them on 8.5 x 11 paper on both sides with adjacent maps and then have them laminated. They're nice and rigid that way and don't get blown around. But they won't fold. I'm going to consider your method.

Also the Fisher maps look nice too. I've never seen them before.

A couple of things I like to do differently is add the UTM grid in case I want to add a destination on the fly (I don't bring any other maps). Plus I label my waypoints.

Jackfish
Moderator
  
01/25/2020 12:20AM  
^^^ Nice one, Aussie. :) ^^^
 
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