Hiking maps

Hiking maps are purpose-made for on-trail navigation, showing terrain with contour lines, paths and waymarks, surface types, and key facilities such as huts, water, campsites and access points. Good maps help with route choice, time estimates and identifying hazards.

Scale is a practical starting point. 1:25,000 offers high detail for complex terrain, off-trail detours and short routes. 1:50,000 covers larger areas with less weight and fewer sheets, suitable for long days and linking valleys. Choose the balance of detail and coverage that fits the plan.

Durability matters. Weatherproof and tear-resistant paper stands up to rain and repeated folding. Laminated or plastic maps are highly robust and can be used without a case, while lightweight coated papers save grams in a pack. Clear fold lines and index grids simplify handling.

Clarity improves safety. Look for legible contour intervals, hill shading, distinct trail classifications, and up-to-date symbols for closures, seasonal restrictions, protected areas and public transport. Coordinate grids (UTM or latitude/longitude) make it easy to take bearings with a compass or note a position for GPS and emergency services.

Coverage and edition are important. Check that trailheads, bailout options, huts and alternates all sit on the same sheet, and prefer the latest edition for new paths, reroutes or access changes. For multi-day routes, map series designed for long-distance trails keep numbering and legends consistent.

When selecting a hiking map, consider terrain type, expected weather, daylight, and the skills and tools carried. In forests and complex alpine areas, higher-detail scales and hill-shading aid interpretation. For coastal or moorland routes, broader coverage at 1:50,000 can be efficient.

At OutdoorXL you will find an extensive choice of hiking maps from trusted publishers covering local parks, national trails, mountain ranges and popular trekking regions. We stock both classic paper maps and weatherproof editions in a range of scales, with clear legends and reliable cartography. As a store and webshop, we focus on offering a broad assortment so you can select the map that matches the route.

Practical tips: carry a simple map case in persistent rain, pre-fold to the section in use, mark temporary notes with a soft pencil, and store maps flat to prolong life. Pair a hiking map with a basic compass to take bearings and confirm direction at junctions.