Just wondering what everyone uses for a map case. Hoping there is something better than the “pinch the zipper together” which takes me several attempts to get right, or the “roll & Velcro “ type.

I currently have 1- a SeatoSummit - hard to zip, but I like the 4 corner attachment holes, and 2- a Texsport roll & Velcro- only has 1 corner hole and they printed their logo in the middle of the map area on 1 side.

For lightweight trips I like the NRS Hydrolock map case. It’s a pinch zipper, but I haven’t had any issues. For other trips, I use the CCS pathfinder thwart bag with map case. It closes by velcro with no rolling.

Ortlieb map case

I generally don't use the toggles on the side because I usually don't attach to a pack. It has a roll + velcro closure that has been bombproof. It is clear on both sides so I can just flip the map over as I move through my day.

I also added velcro to the top tab and to my thwart so I can just slap the case onto the thwart.

I had a Sealine. Now I use Sea to Summit. The pinch closure is sometimes a bit tough to close completely, but I manage to get it done. Mine has the four corner attachment rings. I put a BDB in two of the rings, opposite corners, and attach it to the thwart or the straps of the pack in front of me. I attach only one point at a time so I can move the map case and map to the direction I am moving. I like to attach it because I'm afraid I'll drop it or it will blow away.

Mike

I used a Sealline for many years and a Sea-to-Summit for several years now. Both are a zip-closure. You may find that a little silicone lube makes it easier to operate.

We have the medium or large Sealline cases. They are big enough that with careful folding, a day of paddling fits on the two sides. So we aren’t opening and closing on the water. Pretty much any waterproof closure is a bit of a pain. Even waterproof zippers are way stiffer and harder to pull than normal zippers. But it’s been very rare that any moisture gets into our cases. And the d rings on the corners are great for attaching the map cases to our seats for portages.

Switched to this Aquaquest case a couple of years ago just in time for my capsize event at Chatterton Falls. Found it floating two hours later about 1 km away. Not a drop got inside. I'm not sure we would have found it if it wasn't high-visibility orange. Way better than the my old, heavy plastic Sealine case and easier to pinch closed.

Priced in $Cdn so less than $30US. Sold on Amazon.

I use the Sea to Summit map case now, works great. I put some 303 protectant on it regularly to keep it soft and clear.

We base camp,so my method would not work for someone who covers a lot of miles every day. I photocopy our route in and the area where we will be based. I then use my wife's laminator to seal it up. Each canoe gets a copy. The full map goes in my pack.

I really like the Cooke Custom Sewing thwart bag/map case combo. The best part about it is how it holds the map perfectly in front of you while you're paddling. I wish the map case itself was bigger, but the design otherwise is great.

I lived in Pullman Washington, just a few miles from Moscow Idaho, the home of NRS, for just about 25 years so much of my stuff came from them. I have used the NRS Hydrolock case for many years but this last June when I headed up for a trip off the Gunflint I left it at home so I stopped along the way and bought a SeaToSummit case. They both seem good, but the NRS seems to be a bit more robust.

Kermit: "I really like the Cooke Custom Sewing thwart bag/map case combo. The best part about it is how it holds the map perfectly in front of you while you're paddling. I wish the map case itself was bigger, but the design otherwise is great. "

This ^^^^

I was surprised it took that many responses for it to show up. It's where I keep all my small "handy" stuff in the zippered pocket like....camera, BDB's, maps in the clear sleeve of course which takes no zipping or ziploc bag type closing. Stays in the canoe for portages.
https://www.shop.cookecustomsewing.com/product.sc?productId=14&categoryId=7

My map case died on my last trip; twas one with the velcro roll closure. I cannot recall if it was an NRS or a Sealine or a Sea to Summit, but I used a gallon ziplock for the remainder of the trip, and that is what I will use from now on.

We have used the large size SealLine for several years and like it. So far no issues getting the zip closure to close.

At Canoecopia this year we picked up the map case from Portage North

It's not waterproof like the Sea to Summit or the SealLine but I liked it. Only has 2 connection points and is similar to the CCS version but without the thwart bag.

I use the Sealine map case. It stays carabinered to one of my packs. I’ve never had any problem with the closure or water getting inside.

I’ve been using hefty brand jumbo 2 1/2 gallon freezer bags with a slider top. They’re large, double-sided, cheap, Simple, and I replace it Occasionally, when needed. good size and the slider top makes life very easy. I guess the only downside with them is there’s no attachment point for thwart or pack. I fold it and slide it into my pack when portaging. I’ve moved to slider-Top bags for all Ziploc type bags That I use for gear and food to avoid the Frustration of zip-lock closures!

I’ve been using hefty brand jumbo 2 1/2 gallon freezer bags with a slider top. They’re large, double-sided, cheap, Simple, and I replace it Occasionally, when needed. good size and the slider top makes life very easy. I guess the only downside with them is there’s no attachment point for thwart or pack. I fold it and slide it into my pack when portaging. I’ve moved to slider-Top bags for all Ziploc type bags That I use for gear and food to avoid the Frustration of zip-lock closures!

Maybe being a frugal old geezer, I would forego fancy map cases and use the money for other gear. To me fancy map cases are an unneeded luxury like hatchets and axes. Like the folks above I have been using zip locks for decades (always double bagged) and never had a problem. The newer slide ones are really nice. You can recycle zip locks for other purposes but a fancy map case just sits there until the next trip.

CCS thwart bag, no comparison.

Since I switched to TrueNorth Maps I haven’t had a need for a case. The wind never grabs them and they lay on anything and can be stuffed anywhere.

Favorite while paddling map ever.

check out "recreational barrel works"

OldGuide2: "Maybe being a frugal old geezer, I would forego fancy map cases and use the money for other gear. To me fancy map cases are an unneeded luxury like hatchets and axes. Like the folks above I have been using zip locks for decades (always double bagged) and never had a problem. The newer slide ones are really nice. You can recycle zip locks for other purposes but a fancy map case just sits there until the next trip. "

agreed. although if someone bought me a nice one for xmas, i wouldn't say no. lol

I've got the NRS case myself (which is a nice case), but am wishing I'd seen the Recreational Barrel Works model while I was shopping for one -- the RBW model looks like the best design I've seen. https://recreationalbarrelworks.com/product/paddlers-map-case/

I have the Pathfinder Thwart Bag by Cooke Custom Sewing. The combo thwart bag and detachable map case is nice. The map case sits at an angle so I can glance down at the map while I'm paddling without interruption. It's securely fastened while portaging and can easily be removed to look at the map in camp or pass around.

I'm with the ultralight crowd on this one, fold up my Voyager map and tuck it in my PFD, pants pocket for portage

Ahahn366: "I'm with the ultralight crowd on this one, fold up my Voyager map and tuck it in my PFD, pants pocket for portage


"

I was almost stranded mapless on the Louse River using the pants pocket method. Now it stays safely nestled in my PFD tucked between the "girls" LOL.

9" x 12" 4 mil clear plastic zip-lock bag

Sea to Summit