Anti-Gravity Gear

Mapdana

Field Report

May 23, 2005

Personal Information:

Leesa Joiner
leesaj@gmail.com
Southwestern Maine
44 years old
Female
5'7" (1.7 M)
150 lb. (68 kg)

Background:
    My camping, hiking and backpacking experience has included trips varying in length from one-day hikes to two-week trips. My experience hiking began with my father when I was about six years old. We hiked along the river pathways in northeastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. While enjoying the outdoors with friends and family, I spend time hiking, geocaching, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and camping. Although I am not a lightweight backpacker, I am trying to 'lighten up' and primarily use hammock for sleeping.


Product Information:
AntiGravityGear Mapdana
AT4 Falls Village, CT through Katahdin, ME
Manufacturer: AntiGravityGear

Website: http://www.AntiGravityGear.com/
MSRP: $12.95 USD
Material: 100% cotton
Size (as advertised): 27" x 27" (69 cm x 69 cm)
Weight (as advertised): 1.6oz (45 g)

Size (measured): 27" x 27" (69 cm x 69 cm)
Weight (measured): 1.5 oz (45 g)

Test Conditions:
    The majority of my testing is done in northern New England, where current day temperatures are in the 40 to 60 F (4  to 15 C) range, with night temperatures falling to around freezing. The last few months saw the temperatures drop to -20 F (-29 C) at times.  It is not unusual to have 30 in (76 cm) of snow on the ground by February. Most of my hiking is done below 3000 ft (900 m). There is a wide range of types of terrain on these hikes; everything from well maintained trails to hiking through heavily wooded areas. Some trips involve backpacking into campsites and at other times I set up camp and hike out from there.  

Test Plan:
    My plan was to carry the Mapdana along on my AT hiking trips, to use as both as a map and as a headband (my usual use for a bandana). I have been and will continue to hike in sections from Massachusetts north, through Vermont, New Hampshire and into Maine.  So far, I have been able to hike about 17 miles (k) along the AT in Massachusetts. 

Test Findings:
     I was curious as to how accurate the Mapdana would be, both as a map topographically and as far as trail services, etc.  I have found that is not only very easy to read, it is also very accurate.  I used the Mapdana on three day hikes, two that were six miles in length and one that was five.   Because the weather is still pretty rough at northern elevations, we didn't try for any long distances. I spent quite a bit of time off-trail, checking the accuracy of various services.  I found that the sources listed were really were they were shown on the trail guide.   I used my GPS to record distances, and found that the Mapdana was never off by more than 1/10th of a mile (161 m) and then it was only off once.  
    My children and I would pick out a place to hike, look at the map and trail services and plan our day.   My 16 year old had control of the GPS, the 12 year old held on to the Mapdana and the 10 year old said 'Are we there yet' every half hour.  We decided to give her the Mapdana to hold - then she could track how far we were from 'there'.  I was impressed that it was so easy to follow the map.  I compared the map to trail guides and topographical maps.  It was difficult to discern topography from the Mapdana.  The map proved useful on the trail in that it showed how much progress we were making, it is not really detailed enough to count on if I got lost off trail.  I wore the Mapdana on the last hike and found it comfortable and it didn't slide back on my head, which is a common problem with bandanas.   I folded it so that it was about two inches wide and then tie the ends behind my neck.  It works to keep my hair out of my face.  I can also lower it to my forehead to keep the black flies away from my hairline.  Why do they all seem to land there?

     I didn't think I'd have a problem giving the Mapdana a workout - a bandana is an incredibly useful item, the question was whether the Mapdana is a better bandana? So far, I've found that not only does the Mapdana provide good logistical information, it also serves its purpose as a bandana.  The colors have held, with minimal fading.  It's been wet many times (whether intentional or not) and dries quickly and is almost wrinkle free.   I usually use the Mapdana to find the start of the trail we are looking for, and then either use it as a head band to keep my hair out of my face, or I tie it around my  neck (or let my daughter carry it to answer her every time she asks 'Are we there yet?').  

    I'm enjoying the Mapdana, its an easy to carry source of necessary information.  I will be able to test it more on upcoming hikes throughout the summer.   Our weather has been very rainy for the last month, it's rained 17 out of the last 20 days.  On the positive side, it is staying above freezing!   If this continues, I will put on my rain suit and head out anyway.  It will give me incentive to check the accuracy of the placement of the shelters!   I also want to do more comparing of the map with the actual trail.  I am apprehensive about leaving my regular maps and GPS at home and relying on just the Mapdana.  It would be great to be able to though!

Positives:
It is holding up well, information is still clear
Accuracy of information
Comfortable to wear

Negatives:
Nothing major, but I'm not sure I'm ready to place complete trust in the map.