How to Fold and Care for a Topo Map

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Select a clear

   The larger the bag the better, because it'll leave more of the map visible through the bag's surface.
   
   You'll be able to read the topo map without taking it out of the bag, which protects it from wet conditions and also provides some protection against abrasion.
   
   Gallon-sized bags are ideal.
2. 2

   Step 2: zip-close plastic bag for storing your map.

   , Peek at where the fold sits before you run your thumb lightly along the crease.
   
   You can resituate the fold somewhat, if necessary, to avoid running the crease along any critical features you expect to use for navigation.
   
   Don't overdo the crease; the more you crease the paper at the fold, the faster the paper will break down and tear or become harder to read. ,,, If you struggle with using the plastic bag as a guide for folding, cut a piece of cardboard to about the same size as the plastic bag and use the cardboard as a guide instead.
   
   The folded layer in the middle should be a half-inch shorter than the length of the bag (or cardboard guide).
   
   This ensures that the map will fit easily into the bag once it's folded. ,,,,,, Once the entire map is accordion-folded lengthwise, repeat the accordion-fold process widthwise until the topo map folds down into a square that fits inside the plastic bag.
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   Step 3: Lay the map face down on a table or other flat surface.

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   Step 4: Fold the top edge of the map down to meet the bottom edge.

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   Step 5: Lay the plastic bag flat on the folded map

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   Step 6: one edge flush with the folded edge of the map.

7. 7

   Step 7: Move the plastic bag so that its edge extends a half-inch past the folded edge of the map.

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   Step 8: Hold the plastic bag in place with one hand as you fold the top layer of the map up

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   Step 9: creasing it along the near edge of the bag.

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    Step 10: Extract the bag from inside the fold and lay it on top of the new fold

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    Step 11: with the edge of the bag overlapping the uppermost fold by a half-inch.

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    Step 12: Fold the top layer of the map down toward you again

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    Step 13: creasing at the far edge of the plastic bag.

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    Step 14: Extract the plastic bag and set it aside.

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    Step 15: Fold the uppermost layer of the map up

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    Step 16: creasing in line with the crease of the layer directly below.

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    Step 17: Continue folding the uppermost layer of the map back and forth until it's completely accordion folded.

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    Step 18: Turn the map over and repeat the accordion-fold process on the other side

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    Step 19: using the plastic bag as a guide.

Detailed Guide

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