UKH

Hope this is in the right forum...
Today I'm trying to replace a paper OL12 that got wet (I know, I know) with one of the tuff ones. I've seen what looks like 2 different types advertised, a "Tuffmap" and an "Active map".
Is there any difference?
Thanks in advance,
Stu

In reply to stujamo:

Tuffmap is printed under license from the OS.

Active maps are actually printed by the OS.

Only real difference is that tuffmap doesn't have the sleeve (cover) attached but comes in a pouch, where's active maps have the cover attached.

I also think Tuffmaps may be a little more difficult to fold, not sure if the laminating process is different (thicker perhaps) or not, and haven't compared them side by side, but did find my friends tuffmap a bit harder to fold last weekend than my active map (of a different area).

In reply to stujamo:

Dash4it have good deals and service.

In reply to stujamo:

Thanks to both of you guys, that's a big help, cheers!
Stu :0)

In reply to stujamo:

I've given up with the OS tuff/active map. They aren't as durable as the price would dictate. Paper ad a good map case is far lighter and cheaper in the long run.

In reply to Martin1978:

The Active Map laminate is a wee bit more malleable than than the Tuffmap, so easier to fold, but the Tuffmap doesn't have the cover, so neater when the map's folded back on itself. Swings and roundabouts...

In reply to stujamo:

Personally I have found the pre-leminated style maps too bulky. You can get decent map cases for under a tenner, fiver even, and that is my preferred option.

BMC maps also worth a look into as water resistant and light.

In reply to stujamo:

As others have said, paper map and Ortleb map case is the way forward.

In reply to stujamo:

Has to be Aqua 3 - best out there by a mile.

(I know as I work in the same building as Aqua 3!).

http://www.aqua3.com/

or

http://www.aqua3.com/mappages/mainmaps/mmap.asp?series=ex

In reply to Pepper:
In reply to Pepper:

>Personally I have found the pre-leminated style maps too bulky. You can get decent map cases for under a tenner, fiver even, and that is my preferred option.

Try the Aqua3 ones - very thin covering and very flexible.

In reply to Pepper:

"You can get decent map cases for under a tenner, fiver even, and that is my preferred option."

I agree, I've reverted to paper maps having had a brief flirtation with waterproof maps. The big advantage of a map case is that you can fold the paper map to the exact size you want and the map case holds it flat. As you say the waterproof maps are more bulky and they won't stay folded to the size you want them without restraint which tends to defeat the object.

In reply to stujamo:

I removed the covers on my active maps and that made them easier to fold.
as has been mentioned before dash4it are great for bargain maps.

In reply to butteredfrog:


Unless you need to write on the map itself, or want to see what is over the fold without getting it wet...

Horses for courses, but I am unlikely to buy another paper map again.

In reply to richprideaux:

A bit of prior planning and careful folding to minimise taking the map out.

+ Ortleb cases clear on both sides.
++ You can stuff the case under a rucksack strap, its always to hand
+++ You can sit on it to avoid a wet bum

What do you write on your maps while out?

Cheers Adam

In reply to ChrisJD:


I stumbled across Aqua 3 years ago and now get all my maps from them. They fold very well and have a nice matt finish. Perhaps not as bombproof as the thicker laminates but will last many years if treated nicely.

In reply to butteredfrog:

If you are walking any kind of distance in a straight line then there is a good chance you will cross over a crease and have to re-fold it.

In a previous 'life' in MR I had cause to write on maps every week, with notes, marking search areas etc. These had to be waterproof maps as paper ones slide around inside a case. I still have need to do this now when teaching nav etc.

Laminated maps last longer, can be sat on just as easily as an Ortlieb case, and can be stuffed under a strap as well.

The Aqua 3 ones are the dogs:

http://www.aqua3.com/

In reply to richprideaux:

You're still not convincing me, (Outdoor Instructor too).

If I'm teaching nav, I use photocopies anyway. Just bin em and start again.

Every Laminated map I have is water damaged at the creases.

The BMC/Harveys maps are pretty good but the print comes off over time.

In reply to butteredfrog:

I wasn't attempting to convince you, just showing why I disagreed!