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Why Every Rider Should Carry a Map

Why Every Rider Should Carry a Map

Whether you're tearing through slickrock trails or cruising a scenic byway, having a map in your pack isn't old-fashioned - it's smart survival. We support riders who go remote: dirt roads, forest tracks, unknown passes, which is exactly the terrain a good map is built for. When we prep or outfit bikes for backcountry adventures, adding a map to the toolkit is one of the things we recommend.

What Is Butler Maps?

Butler Maps specializes in crafted, durable adventure maps for motorcyclists, off-roaders, and explorers, with a lineup that keeps growing to cover the best and latest rides around the country:

G1 Series

Best paved roads.

Adventure / Dirt Roads

For getting off the pavement without guessing.

Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR)

Long-distance off-pavement routes across entire regions.

Historical & Experience Routes

Rides built around a theme, not just a destination.

Custom Maps & Bundles

Build your own - see below.

Their maps are built waterproof, tear-resistant, and tough enough to survive being folded, crumpled, splashed, or slammed in a saddlebag. See the full lineup at butlermaps.com.

Why You Should Always Carry a Map

Electronic Devices Can Fail - Maps Usually Don't

Batteries die, signals drop, software crashes. A rugged physical map keeps working.

Better Situational Awareness

A map gives you the big picture - alternate routes, terrain context, and safe escape paths when you're deep in the wilderness.

Curated Routes, Not Just Lines on Paper

Butler's Adventure/Dirt Roads and BDR lines guide you where riders actually want to go, not just where roads happen to exist.

Durability When Things Get Messy

Splash, rain, mud, grease - a cheap paper map folds to nothing. Butler's maps are built for abuse, whether they're in a tank bag or out in the elements.

How to Use a Map Wisely (With Your Bike)

Trace Your Route First

Mark potential fuel and exit points before you ride. Fueling up along the way? Look for 91 ethanol-free where you can.

Carry a Highlighter or Waterproof Pen

Add notes, deviations, and hazards as you go.

Use It as a GPS Backup

Even if you ride with GPS, double-check turns and validate deviations against the map.

Match Terrain to the Map

In remote zones, line up elevation, water features, and terrain against the map to stay oriented.

Butler Maps' Custom Options

Butler also lets you design your own map:

Tailored Explorations

If you ride a certain region often, a custom map with your preferred camp spots, fuel stops, terrain transitions, and favorite side-roads means fewer surprises and better ride planning.

Great for Events & Community

Hosting a group ride, rally, or meetup? A custom map can show routes, check-ins, pit stops, and even branding.

Durability & Utility

Built just as rugged as their standard maps - waterproof, tear-resistant, and foldable to fit a tank or tail bag.

Even if you only ride one fixed loop, a map that marks your usual fuel stop and a scenic overlook can still add value. See the options at butlermaps.com/pages/custom-maps - or ask us about outfitting your bike for a backcountry trip.

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