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Boondocker · 09-29-2007, 09:57 AM

I am a map guy, I can't get enough. I pour over them all winter dreaming of comming travel, and when on the road its a rare meal that there isnt a map on the table. I love maps. My road atlas is getting a couple years old now, so some time this fall or winter I expect to replace it with a new one. For the Last 10 years or so I have favored the Rand McNally versions with the spiral binding, they really hold up on the go. The current one I have is the truckers version, which I dont like so much because all of the approved truck routes are highlighted leaving it muddled up in my opinion. Two versions ago, the atlas had, in addition to the state maps, regional maps which I really liked. I also prefer the laminated over non-laminated versions, as my atlases tend to live hard lives in the wind of the bench seat and stains of coffee... Of course on the the other hand it is nice to be able to write notes and highlight routes........

Here are the current contenders:

The National Geographic which I have not seen. Has anyone used this one?

The Rand McNally travel version

And the Rand McNAlly Motor Carriers version like I am currently using.

Comments and suggestions from other map lovers are welcome and encouraged

. I always hate to retire an old atlas, but new ones are so much fun too.

pmclemore · 09-29-2007, 01:31 PM

One that I don't think I'll buy again is the Good Sam version. That went from a middle-stapled binding (think centerfold) and went to a glued-edge binding. As you can imagine, that atlas had a life of about 3 months, as we are pretty hard travelers.

It's a shame, because it showed campgrounds very plainly and made cross-referencing with the Trailer Life book pretty easy.

I would vote for a spiral bound.

Pat

Mac1 · 09-30-2007, 05:03 AM

Rodney,
I love the GPS but found my Garmin Street Pilot not to be 100% accurate so we have an atlas for back up and to plan with. Check out the American Map road atlas. We used it on our lap around America this summer and found it to be quite good. It has some good features like a National Park locator and a spiral binding. Maps are very good. American Map -- Maps, Travel Guides, Language Learning Products, and Dictionaries . Check it out.
Mac and Linda

juel · 09-30-2007, 09:07 AM

I can tell you what my husband uses. He leaves the new Atlas (and there have been many purchased for him) in the back seat and calls his wife at work to look on Mapquest to tell him where he needs to go. His wife has even printed him the entire route off of Mapquest, putting the pages in the order he will need to view them, but he still calls. I myself like the regular Rand Atlas, but they don't get much use around here.

Foureagles · 09-30-2007, 10:14 AM

General:

Now that good ol' Randy Mac has stepped up with a large print version for those of us chronolgically challenged, I think that'll be my choice for covering large swaths of territory. For the nitty-gritty, nothing beats the DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer by state. When I need to pull out the USGS topos, it's time to park the trailer and strap on boots.

pienjim · 09-30-2007, 10:31 AM

Rodney,

I picked up a large print US Atlas by American Map. I find it easier to use than the standard ones that most stores carry. We used it on two two trips in the southwest this year. You still need to pick up good regional maps when you find them to keep things in perspective.

Jim

thecatsandi · 09-30-2007, 10:56 AM

Atlas! We don't need no Stinking atlas!

After several cross country trips with a map or GPS...
I purchased a Rand-McNallay (sp?) Wal-mart version. It has all the wal-mart in it. Great for the overnight stop when you don't want or need a campground. It was around $5.

Alumatube · 09-30-2007, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmclemore

One that I don't think I'll buy again is the Good Sam version. That went from a middle-stapled binding (think centerfold) and went to a glued-edge binding. As you can imagine, that atlas had a life of about 3 months, as we are pretty hard travelers.

It's a shame, because it showed campgrounds very plainly and made cross-referencing with the Trailer Life book pretty easy.

I would vote for a spiral bound.

Pat

You can pull out all the pages and take them to Kinko's and have them spiral-bind it, if you really, really like their atlas.

Susan

crazylev · 09-30-2007, 12:53 PM

I really like the DeLorme state by state maps. And I love to pore over maps too, so much so that I usually end up memorizing an entire route for a trip before leaving. I like to plan things out.

Jonathan

Goin camping · 09-30-2007, 12:55 PM

Try the Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer. It's the same size as the Rand but is much more detailed. California is broken into to two books. I use the Rand to get in the area and then Delorme to find my boondock spot.

pilgrim · 09-30-2007, 01:11 PM

To all those Mapquest People: I don't know why folks keep using Mapquest and finding they lead them wrong. I hear it happening over and over. I suggest you use RandMcNally.com - after all, they are the map people! I've used them for years and have yet to find them making an error. Give them a try.

I agree.......I can spend hours with a map. Looking, digesting, finding and thinking about tomorrow's travels. I LOVE 'EM TOO.

See you on the road.......

juel · 09-30-2007, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the info. Next time my husband calls I'll go to that site. We'll be driving to Michigan from North Carolina to get our new trailer together, soooooo he'll have the benefit of my help all the way. Oh Boy!

RIstream'n · 09-30-2007, 06:08 PM

Picked up the American Map Atlas today. We love the spiral binding and the National Park map. I think we'll start planning next year tonight!!

Boondocker · 09-30-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ristream'n

Picked up the American Map Atlas today. We love the spiral binding and the National Park map. I think we'll start planning next year tonight!!

Looking at the web page, the maps are elevation coded. Is that right? I like that feature! Anyone know if they have a laminated version?

tamis · 09-30-2007, 06:40 PM

I've said it before, and I'll say it again............

T

Mac1 · 10-02-2007, 03:41 AM

Rodney,
They do have regional maps (eastern US and western US) that are laminated but I don't see any of the other products that are laminated.
Good luck, let us all know what you found to be the best.
They do have elevations for highest points marked on the maps.

Mac