I bought a super detailed map for the Wind River Range and it was a total waste

I mean, I spent like $35 on this waterproof map from a big name brand before my trip last August. It had every little creek and contour line marked. But once I was out there, the scale was so small I couldn't read anything without my reading glasses, which I forgot. Ended up just using my phone with a downloaded map the whole time. Has anyone else had a map fail like that and found a better option?

2 comments

2 Comments

andrew9161mo ago

Honestly the bigger issue is that super detailed maps can actually be a safety problem. I got one for the Beartooths that showed so many tiny game trails I ended up on a sketchy route a ranger later said was basically gone. All that extra detail just adds clutter and confusion when you're tired. Sometimes a simpler map with just the main trails and big landmarks is way better for actually staying found.

richard_wells591mo ago

Totally agree, less detail can actually keep you safer.