Australian Hiker

Rating

Sea to Summit Waterproof Map Case Large Review

Hard copy maps are being used less and less these days as electronic alternatives take their place and whatever your view on this ‘old school’ style of navigation, they still have their place. Unless you only ever hike in sunny conditions on well marked tracks there is a high likelihood when you are using paper maps you will need to access them in rainy wet conditions. This means that you will need some sort of protective covering to ensure they last the duration of your trip. Enter the Sea to Summit Waterproof Map Case Large.

This product is definitely unique and is one of those products that many people you may only ever use occasionally. But when you do use it, you will be glad that you did. While this product is called a ‘map case’ it will also hold other products such as mobile phones and other paperwork you need to keep dry when it’s out of the pack.

At just on AUD $43 RRP this is not a cheap option – a large ziplock bag is able to fulfil this function, at least in the short term. What ziplock bags won’t do is last for any extended period and if you are using them as a protective covering in heavy rains for more than a few days, you will need to handle gently. The Sea to Summit Waterproof Map Case Large is a robust, durable and long lasting option and my own has lasted in good condition for nearly six years.

In using this map case there isn’t anything complex involved. The waterproofing involves folding the plastic top over and then sealing the velcro connection. I fold the map to fit the case and given the scale of most maps, this will generally last for the day which means the only time I need to open it is at the end of the day when I’m safely in my shelter. I have never had this product leak on me and that’s even in some pretty wild and windy storms.

One feature I find a bit unnecessary is the neck strap. The idea with this feature is that you hang the map around your neck so you can access the map on a regular basis. While I have seen hikers use this map case in this way, it is not something I have ever done. I prefer to use the map and then stuff it back in a pocket or my pack and get it out as I need.

As mentioned many hikers may not need a map case but if you are planning an extended  hike that needs serious map usage then consider this product.

We Like

• Provides an excellent waterproof case for maps and other low profile items such as mobile phones
• Robust and durable
• Comes with a detachable neck strap
• Able to be folded to fit neatly into a pack or pocket if you need

We Don't Like

• I rarely use the neck strap finding it a bit redundant

Best Uses

• For those hikes when its going to be wet and a map is your main form of navigation

Buy One

You can purchase the Sea to Summit Waterproof Map Case Large from Snowys, Wild Earth, or from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $42.99 RRP

Other Versions

• Sea To Summit TPU Guide Waterproof Map Case Large
• Sea To Summit TPU Guide Waterproof Map Case Medium

 

Sea to Summit Map Case Large

Map case fully unrolled

 

Velcro loop strip – up close

Roll top – closed and sealed

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased by the Australian Hiker from a retail store

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