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cameront120 · 02-11-2016, 10:29 PM

And they've been around since forever. I'm amazed that people aren't aware of them as a resource for travel information.

Lily&Me · 02-12-2016, 05:11 AM

There are AAA endorsed campgrounds, and I believe they actually offer campground books.

It is good to always ask if a AAA discount is available, too, as frequently there is one for campgrounds, museums, event tickets, etc...10%-20% is the norm, in my experience.

Magge

Ted S. · 02-12-2016, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cameront120

And they've been around since forever. I'm amazed that people aren't aware of them as a resource for travel information.

I have always been aware of them and a member, its just that technology, GPS, etc. all these other things have obscured them, at least in my mind.

It's like I had to "remember" them, the fact they have a physical office and people to talk to is quite refreshing these days.

paiceman · 02-12-2016, 07:29 AM

I get maps from AAA. Good back up to phone apps and GPS in the truck.

AtomicNo13 · 02-12-2016, 07:52 AM

Michelin IMHO prints a totally awesome set of road atlasas....
Available at better book stores. $25

urnmor · 02-12-2016, 10:37 AM

IMO the challenge with paper maps is keeping up with all of the new roads etc. that is why I rely on the gps, mapquest etc. I just like the options they give

Glenritas · 02-12-2016, 01:47 PM

Check out http://www.benchmarkmaps.com you can buy them from them or cheaper at Amazon.com

They cover the western states WA OR CA NV AZ NM CO ID WY MT and show all the roads.

That also have apps for the iPhone and iPad.

dazwelding · 02-12-2016, 04:28 PM

Often times when I plan backpacking trips I cannot find the exact maps that I want. So, I make the specific maps I want on the computer by zooming in on key areas, getting an over all view, and even alternate trails. I then print them out on waterproof paper. You could do the same thing, but save the maps with the paper size you want on a thumb drive. Then you can take the files to a printing center (staples, office max, ect) and have them print the maps on their plotter. You could get as creative as you want then. You could add campgrounds, restaurants, stores, landmarks, ect.

batman · 02-12-2016, 06:24 PM

dazwelding,
Thanks for the great tip on google maps. I do two or three backpacking trips a year, mostly California National Forest and Wilderness areas. They both have detailed maps that are quite good. USGS also has very detailed topographical maps.
If I am going into a Wilderness area, like Golden Trout or Ansel Adams Wilderness, etc. I will get those wilderness or National Forrest maps and the corresponding USGS topo. Then I will go to Google earth and do a comparison. Being a map geek, I have quite a collection of maps and books to chose from for my travels.
Thanks, Ted S., great thread.

-Dennis

Ted S. · 02-12-2016, 07:22 PM

For the backcountry, I use Gaia GPS, I have the Pro. It is app you can download maps from various sources, USGS, etc, and it has GPS capabilies. I still use paper maps for route planning, must be the way I was raised...

https://www.gaiagps.com

batman · 02-13-2016, 10:33 AM

Ted S.
I like the apps for the smart phones. However when I go I usually am out for at lease a week some times 2+. If I use the tracking feature, my phone runs out of battery in 2 days, max. I have a few Garmin GPS units, I prefer the etrex vista c for packing. It is light and the lithium AA battery's last a long time. The etrex and an extra set of AA's is lighter than my Samsung Galaxy s5 with protective case and multiple external charging devices. Plus the Garmin just works better as a dedicated GPS. Where I go there is never a cellular signal so there is really no need to bring the phone. I know you are going to say the camera feature on the phone is a good combo. True, however I find a good dedicated camera is better for the same reasons. Panasonic Lumix TS20.

-Dennis

ModernVista · 02-13-2016, 11:34 AM

I second Glenritas- i love the benchmark maps, or rather my wife loves them in the car. great size, good detail and worked great on our grand circle route.
just ordered CA, OR, WA, MO, WY for our next route, just a shame they dont have them for Canada. For those, i ordered these

http://www.backroadmapbooks.com/back...-backroad-maps

i'll report back once i get them.

chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenritas

Check out http://www.benchmarkmaps.com you can buy them from them or cheaper at Amazon.com

They cover the western states WA OR CA NV AZ NM CO ID WY MT and show all the roads.

That also have apps for the iPhone and iPad.