I started backpacking as a kid in the Boy Scouts doing overnighters. In the last few months, I have caught a bug that wants me to go out and see things that a relatively few people have seen. This has drawn me back to backpacking. I have found it to be the most enjoyable thing I know. I have gotten my wife involved and we get out and hike at least once a month. I generally carry about 40 lbs. (18 kg) and am in the process of decreasing that weight.

The book arrived well packaged and in excellent condition. It arrived as I would have expected. It is a large book that measures 11 in (28 cm) by 15.5 in (37.5 cm). The cover is red with a sample map on the cover. It is a collection of topographic maps and claims to have information for outdoor recreation, places to go, and things to do. It claims to be an all-purpose reference. It states that it has " back roads", BLM and state lands, and GPS grids.

Inside the front cover is a legend for the maps. This is a great place to put a quick- reference item like a legend. It makes it handy to flip to when using the atlas. By putting the legend in the front cover, the maps are larger than would be available if it was put on each page. It also reduces redundancy. Also inside the front cover is information relating to the design of the atlas, how to use map grids and coordinates, orientation, estimating mileage, and information for GPS users. It also has a guide for commonly used abbreviations.

The scales on the maps are 1: 150,000 and 1: 300,000. This makes an inch ( 2.54 cm) on the map equal to 2.4 ( 3.86 km)or 4.8 miles ( 7.72 km). This is great for looking at the big picture, but hard to use when walking. The topographical contours are 300 feet ( 91 m)of elevation. These scales are useful for finding elevation of the start and end of a hike, but not real useful while hiking.

The first page is a map of the whole state of Oregon. It is divided up with a grid that is marked with page numbers to quickly find the section of the state that I am looking for. I looked up the map in the area where I live and found it easily. The pages are laid out so that if you lay the book flat open I get two pages of map information that flows into each other without a margin area in between.

Pages 2-4 are an index of locations across the state. This will be useful in finding a location that I am told about or have heard of but didn’t know where it was exactly. Pages 4-5 have unique natural features. It lists many volcanic features and mountains in Oregon. Page 5 also has a listing of campgrounds and whether they are RV or tent campgrounds. I find this useful in the winter as many of my high-altitude hiking trails are snowed in. Pages 6-8 have parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Hooray, this will be right up my alley for backpacking. It also has paddle trips, bicycle routes, and hiking trails. Page 11 is hunting areas. Page 12 is historic sites, and page 13 is scenic drives. Pages 14-16 are boat ramps and fishing locations.

Initially, I see this book as a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts of all walks of life. My biggest concern is that as a tool for backpacking itself, I think there are better options due to size and weight. As a planning tool and for getting to a trail or hiking area, this will be fantastic.

I plan to use this atlas in the Western Oregon area in altitudes from sea level to about 5000 ft (1500 m). I plan to use the book in wet, rainy conditions as well as sandy, beach conditions. It will be used on trails and on open beaches. I will use the map book for any hiking that I do in order to assess the carrying ability and ruggedness of the maps. I will also use it for planning any outdoor activities that I do to help determine usefulness for finding things such as sledding areas, ski areas, and snowshoe trails. Temperatures should be between 10 F (-12 C) and 50 F (10 C). The conditions will include lots of rain, snow, and wind. I want to find out how usable the maps are and whether the weight of them is ideal for the hiking and backpacking that I do. These observations will be important in developing an opinion on the book’s usefulness in the cold, wet weather here in Oregon.

1. How accurate are the maps?
2. Are they carryable?
3. Do they allow for GPS use?
4. Is this book suitable for trip planning only or can I make color copies to carry with me?
5. Is there information that will make getting outside easier to plan?
6. How do they do in wind and rain?