5 Reasons Cloth Maps Belong in Your National Park Gear Kit

When planning your next national park adventure, it’s easy to rely on your phone for navigation. But experienced hikers, backpackers, and paddlers know: a good map is still one of the most important pieces of gear you can bring. At True North Map Co., we believe in the power of a well-designed map—and we’ve taken it one step further by printing ours on rugged, waterproof cloth.

Not convinced? Here are 5 reasons a cloth map deserves a spot in your gear kit—right alongside your water filter and headlamp.

 

1. They Won’t Tear, Rip, or Crumple

Unlike paper maps that degrade with use, cloth maps are built for the backcountry. Toss one in your pack, shove it in a side pocket, or sit on it at camp—it’ll still unfold clean and smooth. Our maps are made to be used, not babied.

 

 

2. They’re Waterproof and Weatherproof

Rain, snow, sweat, or spilled coffee—True North cloth maps can handle it all. While traditional maps dissolve in moisture and app screens become unreadable in the rain, our maps stay readable and ready in any conditions. No plastic sleeves required.

 

3. They Pack Light and Soft

Weighing next to nothing and folding down small, cloth maps are lighter than laminated options and way more comfortable to carry. They mold into your pack without the bulk, and you can even wrap them around fragile items for a little extra protection.

 

4. They’re Multi-Use in a Pinch

A cloth map isn’t just for navigation. In the wilderness, versatility matters—and our maps can serve as a bandana, towel, ground cloth, sun shade, scarf, or even a makeshift tourniquet in an emergency. It’s one of those rare pieces of gear that earns its place in your pack even when it’s not being used for its primary purpose.

 

5. They’re a Keepsake Worth Displaying

True North cloth maps aren’t just useful—they’re beautiful. With vintage-inspired design, clear topography, and hand-verified details, they’re as much a conversation piece as they are a navigation tool. Hang it on your wall, fold it into your gear bin, or pass it down to a fellow explorer.

 

Bonus: They Work When Your Phone Doesn’t

Let’s be honest—service is spotty at best in most national parks. Batteries die. Screens crack. A cloth map is immune to all of that. It’s always on, always accessible, and doesn’t depend on signal or software.

 

Whether you’re hiking in the Smokies, paddling Isle Royale, or exploring the backcountry of Zion, a True North cloth map gives you the confidence to explore—and the durability to do it again tomorrow.

Map your adventure. Bring a map that’s built for it.