Map sizes and scales, what to take?
 

If I'm travelling Pan America, I was planning to take a map of North America, another of Central America and one of South America, as general maps.

Then I was going to take larger scales maps of each country to enable me to see smaller back country tracks and roads. What scale do people recommend to pick out the details?

Obviously I want to travel as light as possible, so any map advice on scales and what to take for pan America would be most appreciated.

Thanks,

Iain.

In Canada and the U.S. you will have no problem finding maps. In Mexico and Central and South America it can be unbelievably difficult and aggravating.

My suggestion is to buy Berndtson & Berndtson maps over the Web before you go for each Central and South American country. $10-$12 USD each and scale of 1 : 1000000 & 1750000 depending on country. Look elsewhere to reduce weight ... good maps pay for themselves time and again IMHO.

The best thing about B&B maps is they are plastic laminated and take a beating that would leave a paper map in shreds. I used them thru C. & S.A. and give them two thumbs up. Virtually all roads are accounted for. Enjoy~~


[This message has been edited by Ride Far (edited 05 November 2005).]