Answer: We started printing our maps on paper because that is what maps should be printed on. Keep reading below for some background on why I say this. You might find some new ways to use a paper map.

When we started printing maps the cost of synthetic paper was cost prohibitive for a small startup company like Rocky Mountain Huntin' Maps. So we printed on paper. Good paper. Over the years I have been asked why hundreds of times, so in defense of my decision I have come up with a number of good reasons to make you smile or at least think.

1. Environmental - Paper is biodegradable and after a few seasons in the elements it will compost naturally to nothing.
2. Convenience - Paper is easier to write on in the field with a pencil or pen. With synthetic paper the pencil lead doesn't show and the ink smudges.
3. The smear factor - When doubling for toilet paper (we've all been there) the anti smear properties of paper are superior to that of any synthetic product, and also playing in to this is the biodegradable properties of paper.
4. Fire Starter - When needing to start an emergency fire in the woods it is possible to tear parts of your paper map you won't need any time soon into shreds and use it for fire starter.
5. Popularity - we did one series of maps on a synthetic paper but we found the best use for them was ponchos in the rain for the kids, the printers had trouble with the ink smearing and they were hard to sell.