Orienteering Map Holders & Cases

Orienteering Map Holders & Cases: Navigate Faster with Your Map Always Ready

In orienteering, your map is everything. It is the single most important piece of equipment on the course — the source of every decision, every route choice, and every second gained or lost between controls. But a map that is difficult to hold, impossible to read in the rain, or constantly flapping in the wind is worse than useless. The right map holder or case transforms your map from a liability into a precision navigation tool, keeping it flat, readable, protected, and perfectly positioned for fast, fluid navigation at race pace. At Elanique, we have curated a comprehensive collection of premium orienteering map holders and cases, designed for every discipline, every terrain type, and every level of orienteer.

Why a Dedicated Map Holder Makes a Real Difference

Many orienteers — particularly those new to the sport — underestimate the impact that map handling has on their performance. Fumbling with a wet, folded map while trying to run at speed through technical terrain costs time, breaks concentration, and increases the risk of navigation errors. A well-designed map holder solves all of these problems simultaneously:

• Keeps the map flat and readable — no more wrestling with a folded map that springs back into shape at the worst possible moment
• Protects against rain, mud, and sweat — waterproof materials and sealed edges keep your map legible even in the worst British weather
• Frees your hands for running — wrist and forearm holders allow you to read your map without gripping it, improving your running form and reducing fatigue
• Keeps compass and map aligned — thumb holders designed to work with thumb compasses maintain perfect map-compass alignment at all times, enabling faster and more intuitive navigation
• Reduces the risk of map loss — secure attachment systems prevent your map from being snatched away by branches or dropped during a stumble

Wrist Map Holders: The Most Popular Choice for Competitive Orienteers

Wrist map holders are worn on the forearm, typically on the non-dominant hand, and hold the map flat against the arm for easy reading while running. They are the most widely used map-carrying solution in competitive orienteering, offering an excellent balance of accessibility, protection, and hands-free convenience. Our wrist map holder range includes:

• Clear PVC wrist holders — the classic orienteering map holder, featuring a transparent PVC window that protects the map from rain and mud while maintaining full readability. Adjustable Velcro straps provide a secure, comfortable fit on any wrist size. Available in A4, A5, and custom orienteering map sizes.
• Laminated wrist holders — more durable than standard PVC, with reinforced edges and stronger attachment systems for use in dense terrain where standard holders may snag or tear
• Neoprene-backed wrist holders — a soft neoprene backing provides additional comfort during long races and prevents the holder from sliding on the arm during fast running
• Folding wrist holders — designed to fold in half for easy storage in a race pack or pocket, then open flat for use on the course. Ideal for multi-day events where map sizes vary between races.

Thumb Map Holders: Precision Navigation at Race Pace

Thumb map holders are worn on the thumb of the map-holding hand and are designed to work in conjunction with a thumb compass, keeping the map and compass in perfect alignment at all times. This integrated system allows orienteers to navigate by feel as much as by sight — maintaining their thumb position on the map as they run, so they always know exactly where they are without needing to stop and reorient. Our thumb map holder range includes:

• Standard thumb holders — simple, lightweight elastic or Velcro loops that hold the map against the thumb with minimal bulk. Compatible with all standard thumb compasses.
• Integrated thumb compass holders — combined holders that secure both the map and the thumb compass in a single unit, eliminating any relative movement between the two and enabling the fastest possible navigation

Waterproof Map Cases & Pouches

For training runs, multi-day events, and situations where a wrist holder is impractical, waterproof map cases and pouches provide essential protection for your map. Our range includes:

• Zip-seal map cases — fully waterproof cases with a zip or roll-top closure that keeps maps completely dry even in heavy rain and stream crossings. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate different map formats.
• Clear-front map pouches — pouches with a transparent front panel that allows map reading without removing the map from the case. Ideal for training and navigation exercises where the map needs to be consulted frequently.
• Neck-cord map cases — lightweight cases worn around the neck on an adjustable cord, keeping the map accessible and protected during hiking, trekking, and mountain navigation
• Map bags for transport — larger format bags for transporting and storing maps flat between events, preventing creasing and damage to printed maps

Choosing the Right Map Holder for Your Discipline

The ideal map holder depends on your primary orienteering discipline and personal navigation style. For forest orienteering, a wrist holder or thumb holder is the optimal choice, keeping the map accessible and protected throughout the race. For sprint orienteering on urban terrain, a smaller, lighter holder that minimises bulk and wind resistance is preferable. For mountain marathon and multi-day events, a combination of a wrist holder for racing and a waterproof map case for navigation between legs provides the best of both worlds. For training and coaching, clear-front map cases that allow repeated use of the same map across multiple sessions offer excellent value and convenience.

Why Buy Orienteering Map Holders & Cases from Elanique?

At Elanique, we understand that the smallest details make the biggest difference in orienteering performance. Our map holder and case collection is curated by orienteers who use these products in competition and training, and every item is selected for its practicality, durability, and value. Whether you are buying your first map holder as a new orienteer or upgrading to a more advanced system for elite competition, our team is here to help you find the perfect solution. Explore our full range of orienteering map holders and cases today and keep your most important navigation tool exactly where it needs to be — flat, readable, and always to hand.