DIY Map Case

Years ago I learned an old trick or tip if you will for a cheap DIY map case.  The Dollar Store Map Case. 

I was at a school doing a Land Navigation course and a Recon buddy in my group had this plastic case with paracord and tape everywhere that he pulled out of his shirt and put his map and protractor etc in.  He showed me that it was just a make shift map case that he learned from some older Recon Marines. 

So here you go with the shopping list: 

-3 to 4 feet of paracord/550 cord or whatever cord you want to use.  

-100 MPH, Duct, Gorilla tape, any kind of thick tape of that nature.

-1 clear pencil case from the dollar store.

THAT’S IT!!!!

Simply wrap the tape around the case, you can do it above the zipper or as you can see in the pictures I did what appears to be upside down.  I did this because I flip the case up when I need to get things in/out from it while around my neck.  The tape reinforces the holes for the neck lanyard and/or case if you choose to use it.  You can just use the cordage through the holes that are already in the pencil case. 

 

What I love about this DIY map case is that you can store your compass, pace beads, protractor, map pens/pencils or other navigation equipment when not in use or while you are on the go.  You can tuck the map in your shirt if not trying to be seen, wear it outside if you don’t care, be able to have quick reference to see your points, since it is plastic you can do your route planning on the outside of the case if you set your map in it to use as a route planner. 

The best thing is; build it to your comfort/standards. Hope this helps if you are in the market for something like this on the cheap.  

 

Traditional vs. Modern

Let’s face it, we’re all gear junkies. I like anyone else enjoy looking at knives, guns, packs, clothes and the list goes on and on for outdoors gear. I’m a huge fan of older gear because it has been time tested and has a nostalgia about it. My go to for the most part have been ALICE packs because that’s what I’m used to and they have been reliable in their use with so many folks. So on my journey back into the outdoors, I've found myself often stuck between traditional maybe even retro as opposed to modern packs. Who doesn’t love good waxed canvas or oilskin?

Is this an age old debate or a struggle for most?  Personally, I have been back and forth with this for a while now.  Recently, I was in the market for a new pack, and I had been eyeing a very traditional looking pack with a fairly high dollar value and described as an “heirloom” quality pack.  I still have a desire to own this pack for sure, I have researched it, asked about it, had friends who own that brand attest to how well made their packs are.  I also have friends who attest to the quality and functionality of a newer style pack and how well it performs.  Both have great reviews and fanfare, so I know either would be a great purchase.  So now is it about price point, or durability, or functionality, or customization?  It’s just a back pack, how hard could this be.  

Well we’re gear junkies, we have to dissect the type of fabrics and stitching, so we’re looking at every facet to poke holes in our decisions!   

To be honest, what it came down to for me was functionality.  A more modern pack is a little more customizable, a little more modular.  It wasn’t about cost (I’m always looking to not spend so much), or look, or even brand.  It truly became about what was best to suit my needs for a “buy once, cry once” type of purchase, to allow me to have what I consider the four season pack for me.  

I started thinking about this, and realized I struggle with this for most of my purchases for gear and equipment.  Is this knife traditional looking enough for me, am I looking for an optic or how well it’s made?  Does it hold an edge, is it durable, or is it the next catch all tool?  Sometimes we go down the rabbit hole of ridiculousness.  Does this rifle have the look I want, does that even matter so long as it shoots true?  Crazy thoughts sometimes.  The first rule of being cool is looking cool right?

I think the look of things appeals to us, a lot of us strive to learn the old ways, but does that mean we have to carry traditional only?  Does it make your experiences in camp any better or worse if you use a oilskin trap, and use an air mattress to save your back?  I think the old timers would have loved some modern comforts they were not privileged to have, like instant flame.  Just some thoughts...how do you feel about Traditional vs. Modern?