What is the best way to have Map handy

Deep hip pocket is my preference.

…

"in the cargo pants pockets"

Yup.

–B.G.–

I have the ULA Ohm.

My Harrison maps for the day, in a ziplock, go into the side pocket along with the water bottle. I can extract and stow with no problems. (Your Range of Motion May Vary.)

Get the tablet zip pouch from zpacks.It will hold your map book 5×7, Your permit, a small notepad and pen along with your compass. Put a mini S-biner and hook it to your sternum strap or shoulder strap.

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/zip_pouches.shtml

My camera case is worn on my sternum strap. I put a loop of shock cord through the belt loop on the camera case. I then put my map on 8.5 x 11" in a gallon size freezer bag, rolled it up and put it inside the loop of shock cord. It sits on top of the camera and across my chest for easy access.

I usually scan/print copies of the section of my map that i'm hiking in. It can then be folded in a small zip lock bag and put in my pocket or waist belt pocket.

i don't know how the JMT map is but my Long Trail map fit by itself in my pants pocket.

Keith, I am starting my JMT at Aug. 18th-Monday SOBO, same day as you.

I will see you on the trail…

"Keith, I am starting my JMT at July 18th SOBO, same day as you."

Do you have a time machine?

–B.G.–

I keep mine in a zip lock bag in the water bottle pocket. You can reach it without removing the pack and have it open to the section you need and it wont get wet in the rain. The only drawback is that if it fell out you wouldnt notice however that has never happened to me.

I kept Erik's atlas in my front pocket in a gallon zip lock. more detailed and useful than Harrison maps. Only one I referred to for hiking. Map in right pocket, camera in left. Definitely keep camera accessible. Have fun

I use a small belly pack that holds my Steripen, lunch and a soft water bottle–although I've decided to keep the water bottle in a pack side pocket. So now there's plenty of room for a map, and anything else I might want to easily access. Weighs about 2 or 3 ounces.

Of course, if it wasn't for the steripen, I'd lose the belly pack and carry my map in my cargo pant pocket, like most others!

Thanks for all the great ideas.
I should have been a little more specific.
I am short and find that carrying things in my pockets becomes uncomfortable for me.
As I think about it. I always empty my pockets when ever I am active.

My range of motion makes it difficult for me to reach into side pockets.
I have punched a hole in the bottom left section of the maps and put a small shock cord through it, but not quite sure if I want it flopping around.
I have lost a map before when in the side pocket and a bit nervous about that.

Going solo, so no partner to help.

I will try several of the suggestions this week before I go and see which is best.

I have moved up my schedule. I am going to Yosemite this Thursday and hope to be on the JMT Saturday morning the 17th. I am meeting my daughter and her mother-in-law at Tuolemne Meadows and we hope to hike together to Red's Meadow. So I might be moving a little slow at first. So you will probably catch me, if you are leaving a day or two later.

Thanks again

"Saturday morning the 17th"

Uhhh, which month is that?

The 17th of August is a Sunday.

–B.G.–

Corrected the typo, I meant Aug. 18th-Monday. I will stay in the Yosemite valley on the 17th-Sunday and start hike SOBO 18th.

Bob, I wish that I had a time machine to go back and fix the regretting things in my life that I should have done.

Some "tactical" manufacturers make a passport holder that you wear around your neck that has a clear plastic front. They're usually over built so not very lightweight but you might be able to make your own lighter version pretty easily. There may also be lighter brands out there but I'm not sure. I pocket carry myself.