Do they make AT maps with larger print - easier to read? I enjoy using maps but these eyes are having a tougher time seeing the tiny print for elevation numbers, landmarks and stuff, and even the contour lines run together. I have a small magnifying glass plastic thingy, but it doesn't help enough to really be able to enjoy the map. Do they make them in "large print edition", or does anyone have other ideas? Thanks.
_CBiscuit_Maps for Tired Eyes
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#1
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#2
If you can't find a larger print map, when you get to the next library, use their copier and enlarge the pages yourself. The copier will probably have automatic settings to increase the maps to the size that you would want. The cost will be per page, but it should be worth it to make it more readable!
_Salt & Pepper_
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#3
I, too, have discovered this defect. It is time to purchase a small, pocket-sized, magnifying glass. Did wonders. I don't have to carry extra paper and can use it for other purposes, like lighting a fire and examining flowers, seeds, scat, etc.
_JDCool_
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#4
On the AT, just follow the big white rectangles on the trees!
Just kidding. Some cheap reading glasses might work, too. In recent years I’ve had to use them, but they’d probably work even if your eyes are good for normal reading. They’re less than $10 at drugstores and some grocery stores. The advantage is binocular vision and a larger field of view. I carry a cheap magnifying glass, too, which I sometimes use with the reading glasses to read really fine topo lines.
_Garlic_
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#5
Does one really need a map to hike the AT? I would think with the Blazes and all the hikers a map would not be necessary.
_PostalManiac_
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#6
I agree that maps are not necessary for hiking the AT. I'm just kind of a map guy, and really like looking at them while out there, or even at my desk at home. I still would like to find a source for AT maps with larger print, but it's unlikely that I will find one based on the response so far. I probably will not enlarge the existing ones on a copy machine either - sounds like alot of work. I did enlarge one just to try it, and the black and white copy did not come through so well. I may try another kind of magnifying glass, and the reading glasses idea could work if I can find some that are right. I already wear regular glasses, but could switch out to look at the map and then switch back. Thanks.
_CBiscuit_
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#7
You can try and go to a store that offers color copying. Get them to zoom it and then you can get them to laminate it.
_Betty_