4 ms·
The main use for my printer is maps for trail running. A custom map produced using OSMaps, some copy+paste magic, with some added notes (navigation hints, check
by dspillett 6y ago
The main use for my printer is maps for trail running. A custom map produced using OSMaps, some copy+paste magic, with some added notes (navigation hints, checkpoint cut-offs & other pacing notes, emergency numbers), printed on a couple of A4 or A5 sheets of "indestructible" paper, is much more convenient than carrying the full map of the area, or two maps if your route falls over a boundary.
Yes, most of us use GPS watches and have detailed maps on our phones too, but tech can & will fail and when it does while you are a little off course you'll be glad you have the paper map (and, of course, the ability to read it).
There is no need for everyone to have one though: I'm happy to print copies of my maps for others, I know a few people who don't have a printer of their own (they tend to use one at work if needed, or like your suggestion a local library).
I also like printing some things to read and scribble notes on away from the screen. e-ink implementations of this sort of thing are either expensive, so I've not tried them, or smaller than I'd like, or don't work well (big, inexpensive, works well, pick at most two).
- happysadpanda2 6y agoWhat is this "indestructible" paper? (Or was it rather that a phone is anything but in comparison?)
- gilrain 6y agoCheck out Rite in the Rain, for example. It's impressive stuff; you can write ink on paper while scuba diving, even. https://www.riteintherain.com https://www.riteintherain.com
- secstate 6y agoI think the quotes are meant to suggest that while paper is not really indestructible, it's failure mode in poor weather is much more graceful than an electronic device. Put the paper in a plastic bag and I know from experience that it will out last your touchscreen device in a down pour in the middle of the woods :) Plus you've eliminated battery anxiety when the last thing you need is more things to be anxious about.
- ghaff 6y agoYou also can buy Tyvek-like paper if you're so inclined. If I'm doing any serious hiking, I'd never depend solely on electronics.
- dspillett 6y agoI currently use Xerox "NeverTear" (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JWLSZY6/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JWLSZY6/) though there are several other brands readily available that I assume are pretty much the same thing. I might try Rite in the Rain next time I need to restock (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rite-Rain-Unisex-Waterproof-Copier/dp/B003SYOFMY/ https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rite-Rain-Unisex-Waterproof-Copier/...) as it looks about 50% the price-per-sheet and is thinner (75gsm vs 95gsm) which may be better for the maps-folded -into-pocket use case. I am amused/confused that one of the keywords in the URL is "unisex". Though at only a few sheets per run and most organised runs being cancelled right now, I won't be needing to restock for a while...