Benchmark vs Delorme? Delorme wall maps? Gaia vs CalTopo vs OnX vs ??

[rando]

Which gazetteer do folks perfer, Benchmark or Delorme? I have used both in the past and am in the process of replacing my map collection, and am trying to decide which to buy. I previously had all the Delorme's of the western states (they were clearancing them at one point for about $10 each), and like the level of detail in the Delorme maps and the topo lines. However the cartography in the Benchmark maps is easier to read and seems better. What do you all think?

Also, any ideas on how to display the Benchmark wall maps? It seems like there are lots of options, laminated, printed on canvas (and presumably stretched on a frame), block mounted on foam? This would be for display/planning in a 'nice' part of the house?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I’m a Benchmark fan (have Delorme also), but don’t have any input for wall mounts.

 

[AWG_Pics]

We generally carry both, but find we use the Benchmarks nearly all the time. Have worn out and had to replace benchmarks for Utah, Nevada, Oregon a couple of times, but not the Delormes, they get so little use.

In the past I have mounted state size wall maps on foamboard. About a quarter inch thick. That way you can put various color push pins in points of interest.

 

[rando]

We generally carry both, but find we use the Benchmarks nearly all the time. Have worn out and had to replace benchmarks for Utah, Nevada, Oregon a couple of times, but not the Delormes, they get so little use.

In the past I have mounted state size wall maps on foamboard. About a quarter inch thick. That way you can put various color push pins in points of interest.

That is the same for us. I am replacing my tattered Utah and Colorado Benchmark as well as all the other ones I lost.

On that note, I tried using an Adventure Tools atlas case, but it is not very practical, changing the page is a pain so we don't end up using it as designed (they also smell funny). Anyone have ideas for carrying/storing/protecting your maps?

 

[Taku]

I wish someone would copy the Backroads Mapbooks that cover Canada. Find them much better than the ones we have for the states.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

<snip> Anyone have ideas for carrying/storing/protecting your maps?

A large photo portfolio will keep a few (maybe 3) safe on the road. At home I keep them in a file drawer

 

[nikonron]

I have both for some states but also prefer BenchMark.

 

[rando]

Related question - my Gaia subscription is also up for renewal, what are folks thoughts on the various digital mapping options? Gaia, CalTopo, OnX, others? This would be for iOS.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Rando, I use OnX Hunt and CalTopo.

 

[Vic Harder]

The digital version on Backroads Mapbooks are excellent.

 

[AWG_Pics]

We use Avenza maps and download the digital versions of Benchmark maps for navigating on my GPS capable Samsung tablet. I also managed to get my Garmin handheld saved GPS points to download and display on the Samsung tablet on the digital benchmark maps. Very handy.

We carry our paper copies in an old carry bag I got as bling in the 1990's at an Association of Washington Cities conference:

 

[goinoregon]

i am a benchmark fan. took the more commonly used ones in, and had them spiral bound.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

i am a benchmark fan. took the more commonly used ones in, and had them spiral bound.

Great idea!

 

[Taku]

Have switched to OnX maps but still use Gaia occassionally. My wife has been using the new Goat Maps and likes it but it is under development (I believe Goat Maps is being done by the folks who developed Gaia then sold it. )

 

[Dadocut]

We use Gaia on a tablet as well as on our cell phones. Each device can hold a tremendous amount of detailed offline topo maps. We've downloaded several states worth of maps and always have detailed maps for wherever we end up.

I mounted the tablet into one of the cup holders on my F250 and it makes a great realtime mapping device. The tablet is offline, but has GPS and previously loaded topo maps. This gives me quick access to seamless maps.

I tried avenza, the inreach (delorme?) maps, and caltopo but gaia was the easiest and in many ways the best for us.

I also use offline google maps and the builtin F250 nav system. At various times any one of the three mapping options has been the best. But typically Gaia is our goto.

 

[Foy]

I've always carried both, but my Benchmarks are used much more frequently. For one, I find the topo contour line definition on the DeLormes to be lacking, meaning that the topography doesn't jump out at me in the way that the shaded relief on the Benchmarks does. I also find the sometimes large font and boldface used to identify cultural features to be "too busy" and a visual distraction from the terrain analysis.

 

[rubberlegs]

I used to use Gaia, but switched to CalTopo a few years ago, and haven't kept up with Gaia since. Let's just say we love CalTopo for planning at home, backcountry roads, hiking on and off trails. We have multiple devices in case of dropping and breaking a phone, and don't use paper maps any more. That's a big switch -- I used to teach navigation courses using map, compass (and altimeter), and insisted "I don't need no dang GPS device!" Then I made the mistake of borrowing one.

Maybe Gaia is as easy now for planning at home as CalTopo? I let a 5 year Gaia subscription lay dormant for the last 2-3 years I had it.

Any map is cheating, compared to the pioneers!

 

[rando]

I ended up renewing Gaia for another year, specifically for the Trails Illustrated maps. These are the paper maps we use for walking, so it is really nice to have the same format in the app, and I like their cartography. That said I have also installed cal topo app and may buy a subscription for that to try it out for a year.

 

[Old Crow]

Being an Easterner, I've accumulated a lot more Delorme map books (16) than Benchmark ones (5). I also bought a Mapsco one of New Mexico when I couldn't immediately get the others. I can't recommend that one (and now I have two map books for New Mexico).

I'm very happy with both Delorme and Benchmark. I will take the Benchmark over the Delorme if both are available for that state. But if Delorme is the only one available, I'm still very happy to get it.

I will admit that I don't use them nearly as much as I used to given the electronic alternatives now available. Still, I always have 1-5 map books with us on a trip.

Also- I have very fond memories of visiting Eartha and buying map books for my 'someday trips' at (what was then) Delorme Headquarters in Yarmouth, Maine. I still stop there whenever I go through the area.

 

[CraggyMan]

My wife and I spend lots of time in the back-country and the "more maps the better" is my go to. Gaia and Benchmark seem to get the most use but Avenza can be extremely useful with the ability to download geo-located paper maps specific to locations like Wildlife Refuges, Nat. Monuments/Parks, etc...
Plus I have an extensive collection of hard copy i.e. real maps that fill up the messenger bag for any given location/trip.