A paper map won’t break when dropped, it never runs out of battery, and it weighs next to nothing. By reading contour lines and other map symbols, an experienced navigator can form a mental image of the terrain and always stay aware of their location and direction.
Calazo’s quality maps contain extensive data and contour lines generated through laser scanning. Most maps today are printed using waterproof techniques on water-resistant materials—so the ink won’t wash off even if your map case leaks or the map is otherwise exposed to moisture.
Overview maps of large fell areas may have a scale of, for example, 1:100,000—meaning each centimeter on the map represents one kilometer in the terrain. In broader landscapes, such maps are also useful for navigation, and larger-scale maps are always a good choice for route planning or for fast travel, such as by snowmobile. Maps at scales of 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 show significantly more detail and are especially useful when venturing off marked trails.
In some countries, hiking often means following a specific trail or a section of it. In the Nordic countries, however, it’s common to target a specific national park or wilderness area and create your own route based on the trail network. The choice is yours!
Navigating with a map allows you to engage with the landscape in a different way than following a guaranteed “you are here” symbol on a screen. While navigating, you interpret the terrain features and landmarks that should appear along your route, and as you move, you confirm those observations.
Maps delivered straight to your doorstep from a Finnish outdoor lifestyle specialty store, if needed!