Handkerchief maps for the outdoors

Paper maps and plastic map cases are awkward in wind, rain and rough terrain. Mappachief explored a simpler idea: make the map itself wearable, washable and waterproof.

Waterproof · Wearable · Washable

The problem

Traditional paper maps need protecting and can be awkward to handle in poor weather.

The idea

Print the map on lightweight fabric so it can be worn, folded, washed and stuffed into a pocket.

The aim

Spend less time managing equipment and more time navigating, exploring and looking around.

Follow your nose

Mappachief was an experiment in using the right material for the job: turning the map itself into a piece of outdoor kit.