The Building of an Adventure Racing Map Case
Understanding that most of the map cases used by adventure racers were actually never intended for the sport of AR, in November of 2003 the Southern Michigan Adventure Club (SMAC) contacted SEARSPORTS about developing an AR-specific map case.
Before the designing even started SMAC polled its membership on what features are the most important aspects of an AR map case. The results of this survey were used to define a list of requirements that drove the design. However, these specifications required specialized tooling and materials to produce. After working through 9 months of manufacturing obstacles, a limited number of prototypes were produced. Design validation was achieved through field-testing by selected adventure racers. This testing drove refinements to the design, including the optimization of the thickness (gauge) selected for the plastic: stiff enough so that the case will holds its shape but flexible enough to not get in the way when running or biking. The total project timing was over a year but the good news is that it did yield a map case which is ideal for the sport of AR
SPECIFICATIONS:
- Inside dimensions 11.5" x 17.5" (ideal for two 11x17 or four 8.5 x 11 maps)
- 8mil crystal clear material resistant to scratches and tearing - thick enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to conform to your body.
- Viewable from both sides
- Ends of case are reinforced with webbing for durability and to help to hold the cases shape for viewing
- Soft fabric piping has been added to the top and bottom edges for durability and to avoid chaffing
- Easy-to-open zip-lock closure that lies flat to prevent accidental opening
- Seal remains pliable at colder temperatures
- Removable, adjustable carrying strap
- Attachment D-rings at all for corners for portrait or landscape viewing HELPFUL HINTS & CARE:
- Like almost all clear plastics this map case can be clouded if it comes in contact with DEET, so do not allow the case to come in contact with insect repellent.
- The plastic that was chosen for this case was selected to work in a wide range of temperatures however in cold conditions special care needs to be used as not to damage the case at the seal. In cold field conditions place next to your body to warm the case before opening.
- The transferring of ink from maps onto the inside of the case is not unusable in any map case, so please do not use the case for long term storage. If transfer accusers use rubbing alcohol with a soft cloth for removal and wash immediately with a mild liquid dish soap.
- Try to keep the interior of the case as dry as possible even a small amount of water will turn into vapor fogging the interior of the case
- For maximum sealing we recommend the removal of all of the air from the case, the case needs to be laying flat on both sides of the seal to achieve a optimal seal, no bunched up maps allowed. In addition the seal needs to be free of dirt. DISCLAIMERS & LIMITATION:
Extreme conditions are the norm in AR we have made every effort to provide the best case that we could however there is no warrantee on this case. Please examine your new case carefully before puting it to use. Upon your initial inspection if you see a defect please contact us. Note that for important events we encourage racers to have a backup case at the TA it are not unusual for map cases to become damaged in the field.
