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Benchmark Atlas

grapeismurder

grapeismurder

Rank 0

Contributor I

Does anyone have any good storage ideas for about ten Benchmark Maps Atlas'? along with some map tools and other navi related gear? The atlas' are such an odd size, I'm having a hard time finding a box to keep them in.

*Edit: I should have included the size; the atlas' are 16"x12"

-Thanks for any advice
 
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Ubiety

Ubiety

Rank VI
Member

Explorer I

grapeismurder said:
Does anyone have any good storage ideas for about ten Benchmark Maps Atlas'? along with some map tools and other navi related gear? The atlas' are such an odd size, I'm having a hard time finding a box to keep them in.

-Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Have no idea what size you need but Pelican makes a lot of different sized cases.
 
grapeismurder

grapeismurder

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Contributor I

Man, if I can avoid spending the ~$60 for a pelican case, I'd really like that.

I've even tried fitting them into a 30mm ammo case, but they are just a tad too long.
 
Ubiety

Ubiety

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Member

Explorer I

I wonder if you could find appropriately sized Tupperware which would seal and keep things dry? Roll your own box with corrugated plastic sheet? Food storage aisle at Walmart/Target might yield something? Saw some plastic organization bins at Home Depot, wonder if they have one in correct size whose internal dividers could be removed? Toolbox kind of thing?
 
grapeismurder

grapeismurder

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Contributor I

Greg,

I think you are on to something. I have been looking to try and incorporate an actual tiered tool box into my build. Dedicating a drawer to map tools is not a stretch in my book. Thanks.
 
Ubiety

Ubiety

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Member

Explorer I

grapeismurder said:
Greg,

I think you are on to something. I have been looking to try and incorporate an actual tiered tool box into my build. Dedicating a drawer to map tools is not a stretch in my book. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Excellent! More minds are better! I have a (too) large wheeled toolbox that holds a deep cycle battery, charger, solar panels and a nest for device charging with usb/12v connections. This leaves an unused level in the box where I stuff all kinds of electrical doo-dads for use at camp; could put other things on that level but electrical bits are a good fit.

BTW - thanks for getting me interest in the Benchmark Atlas! Have a trip planned to Nevada later in the year; think I’ll pick on up for Nevada and for my home state of Washington.
 
justjohnthomas

justjohnthomas

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

I keep my benchmark size maps and other maps etc in a semisoft laptop carrying bag. Have some headrest hooks that fit the handle and hang on the back of my drivers seat. Allows easy access as i also make out some trips with a highlighter as we go.
 
1Louder

1Louder

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Member II

justjohnthomas said:
I keep my benchmark size maps and other maps etc in a semisoft laptop carrying bag. Have some headrest hooks that fit the handle and hang on the back of my drivers seat. Allows easy access as i also make out some trips with a highlighter as we go.
Click to expand...
Same here. Old laptop bag. Recycle, reuse.. done
 
_snakeskin_

_snakeskin_

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

try looking up seahorse cases if you're going for a hard case or even the harbor freight replica of the pelican cases if you have one in your area. same exact designs and functionality with 1/3 of the price tag :) i run both of those cases for my work equipment ( NVGs, laptops, rifles, pistols, etc etc)
 
xplorr

xplorr

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Enthusiast III

Try searching amazon for "17.3 laptop bag". You might find something suitable there for under $20.
 
Jim SoG

Jim SoG

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Educator I

I got my maps and deLorme and such in an expandable garment type bag, it has like 4 flaps that lay over the center (like an end of a box) and has adjustable clips, holds everything, easy to grab when i need it out of the jeep and cost me 3 bucks at the thrift store. I got the idea from @Michael watching one of his videos.....

Jim
 
The other Sean

The other Sean

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Pathfinder I

Jim SoG said:
I got my maps and deLorme and such in an expandable garment type bag, it has like 4 flaps that lay over the center (like an end of a box) and has adjustable clips, holds everything, easy to grab when i need it out of the jeep and cost me 3 bucks at the thrift store. I got the idea from @Michael watching one of his videos.....

Jim
Click to expand...
I did the same. I also ordered mine in green color so It stands out in all the gear in a fully packed cab. Easier to find.
 
GatorDoc

GatorDoc

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Enthusiast III

Blue Ridge Overland Gear makes a "Trip Planning Bag" for just such a purpose. Its not cheap, but they have a reputation for quality gear, so maybe it's worth it.

Hopefully the video link works in the app:

 
Jibs

Jibs

Rank V
Launch Member

Advocate I

I just duct tape the corners and edges of mine and keep them on my front seat as I'm always pulling them out and looking at them. I try not to take the same road twice unless I have to, so I'm always looking at them. I find that one fits in between the seat and the center console too on most cars I've driven.
 
flyfisher117

flyfisher117

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Enthusiast III

Not sure if this is deep enough but I really like these boxes. I have started using them for a lot of stuff because of their form factor, water proofness, and cost. The cheesy "ammo crate" sticker can quickly be peeled off and leaves no residue.

EDIT Looks like they may be just too small for your needs. I knew they were close...

MTM Dry Box
 
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Ubiety

Ubiety

Rank VI
Member

Explorer I

flyfisher117 said:
Not sure if this is deep enough but I really like these boxes. I have started using them for a lot of stuff because of their form factor, water proofness, and cost. The cheesy "ammo crate" sticker can quickly be peeled off and leaves no residue.

EDIT Looks like they may be just too small for your needs. I knew they were close...

MTM Dry Box
Click to expand...
Those are nice! Thanks for pointing them out. Hmmm, now to figure out what I need to get some for ;)
 
flyfisher117

flyfisher117

Rank IV
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

Greg Eigsti said:
Those are nice! Thanks for pointing them out. Hmmm, now to figure out what I need to get some for ;)
Click to expand...
Yeah I just saw it while browsing the local farm and ranch store and thought that it was neat for being under $20. Grabbed one to carry our personal hygiene supplies in and have fallen in love. Much easier to find what we need and they are still small enough that you could take them with you into a rest room, shower, etc. Ours spent 5 days in Oregon rain and everything was dry so I am happy.
 
RainGoat

RainGoat

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Pathfinder I

GatorDoc said:
Blue Ridge Overland Gear makes a "Trip Planning Bag" for just such a purpose. Its not cheap, but they have a reputation for quality gear, so maybe it's worth it.
Click to expand...
It's also worth noting that there are countless "messenger" bags that fit the paper atlases for $5 or so at Goodwill. My "trip planning bag" is just such a marketing item my wife had lying around the house. Fits my DeLorme & Benchmark Atlases, Roadside Geology Books, etc. plus pen and other things perfectly.
 
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