Reviews > Books > Trail Guides > AT Guides > Mapdana 2005 > Kathryn Doiron > Field Report

AntiGravityGear AT Mapdana #4

May 25th, 2005

Personal Information:
Name: Kathryn Doiron
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Height: 1.7 m (5' 8")
Weight: 77 kg (170 lb)
Email: kdoiron 'at' gmail 'dot' com
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Brief Background: I started backpacking and hiking seriously almost three years ago. Most of my miles have been logged in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. I have recently been looking at Vermont and the Long Trail as a new source of miles. My style is to be as light as possible while not spending a fortune. My pack weight tends to hover around 30 lbs. I discovered the Hennessy Hammock last year and have been using it as a two person hammock. I recently had the chance to use it solo and was quite pleased but a little cold.

AntiGravityGear Mapdana AT4 v.0404

Size (measured): 27.5" x 27" (70.5 cm x 69 cm)
Weight (measured): 1.7 oz (50 g)

Field Conditions:

The conditions under which I used the Mapdana generally consisted of overcast, drizzly days that gradually developed into sunny afternoons. The testing locations where in the Berkshire's in Western Massachusetts and the Adirondack's in New York State. The trips varied from overnight trips to simple day hikes.

Field Report:

I have used the Mapdana in both planning hikes and while on hikes. It has been helpful in the planning stages when used in conjunction with more detailed topological maps. I liked having the detailed location panel and knowing the distance between shelters. While the Mapdana does not give the distance between all shelters, it gives a majority of the distances and it is easy to figure out the distance between any two points as the total mileage is also listed. As a map, I have found the Mapdana lacking in detail. I like the detail of topological maps and I also like knowing what mountain I am looking at when I am on a summit. I understand that only so much detail can be shown in the space given and I am trying to work with this limitation instead of fighting it.

Given only the Mapdana and a road map as a planning aid, I have found the Mapdana hard to use as a planning aid. It was hard to determine where on the map I had started and that left the distance to the next shelter an unknown until a known point was passed. I felt better planning a trip in conjunction with both books and topological maps. I have had some trouble reading the Mapdana. The map is drawn mostly North-South but the town listings are read bottom-to-top. I found it goes against the flow of the map. I have to remember that the when reading the map North to South, I read the listings South to North.

As a bandana, this is one big piece of fabric. I have used it on non-AT hikes as a bandana and have been delighted by its size. It is large enough to easily tie around my head or neck. It does create a sizable wad in my pocket but it is easily draped over the chest strap for easy access or nose wiping. I have sent it on at least one trip though the washer. The colours are still vibrant and the print is still crisp. I did notice a little shrinkage upon measuring the Mapdana. It was not noticeable by eye and hadn't caused any distortion. I have also observed that the Mapdana seems large enough to use as a triangle bandage. I hope to not be presented with a chance to use it as such but I feel comfortable knowing that it can double as an emergency arm sling.

Further Testing Plan:

I will be further testing the Mapdana on an extended trip to get the full benefit of the town information listed. I will be using the Mapdana as part of a section hike that will require town stops. I feel this will test the Mapdana in a thru-hike type situation. I will also continue to test the colour-fastness and readability of the printing after washes.

Mistakes Noticed:

I have noticed only one typo on the Mapdana at this point. Safford Notch Campsite is listed as being located at 1939.9 miles. This does not line up with the before and after mileages so it must be 1993.9 miles. I have sent off an email to Tinman as suggested on the site.

Pros:

Distance to next shelter

Easy to understand colour coding

Large size

Cons:

Bottom-up listing of towns does not follow North-South map

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Reviews > Books > Trail Guides > AT Guides > Mapdana 2005 > Kathryn Doiron > Field Report