How do I use this map bag?

[Maz]

Hi

I got this map bag with my Altura handlebar bag...

http://i38.tinypic.com/2hzsvmc.jpg

How do I use it?

The sleeve is double-thickness. I assumed you put the map between the sheets, but there's no way to get acess between the sleeves. It is effectively a closed pocket of air. Are you meant to cut a slit in it to put the map in, then turn the velcro over to lock it in?

You can tell I'm new to this game...

 

[snorri]

Don't do any cutting!

An airtight seal has formed between the two plastic sheets forming the map pocket. You should feel a small ridge betwen the two velcro bands on the left of your photo. Get a table knife, not a sharp penknife or sheath knife, and try to introduce the knife between the two plastic sheets. It should slide in easily and will permit air to get in and break the seal. This problem is unlikely to recur as the plastic soon distorts with usage making it unlikely that the airtight seal will reform.

 

[Maz]

Don't do any cutting!

An airtight seal has formed between the two plastic sheets forming the map pocket. You should feel a small ridge betwen the two velcro bands on the left of your photo. Get a table knife, not a sharp penknife or sheath knife, and try to introduce the knife between the two plastic sheets. It should slide in easily and will permit air to get in and break the seal. This problem is unlikely to recur as the plastic soon distorts with usage making it unlikely that the airtight seal will reform.

Hm, there's nothing that resembles a ridge between the 2 velcro strips on the left. It's just completely smooth plastic.
Should I still do what you said above?

 

[snorri]

Hm, there's nothing that resembles a ridge between the 2 velcro strips on the left. It's just completely smooth plastic.
Should I still do what you said above?

The map pocket should consist of two plastic sheets welded down the edges and bottom. One sheet will be slightly longer in order to provide the flap that turns down to keep your maps in place. If you cannot see the ridge formed by the edge of the smaller sheet, then perhaps it is not there, and you have been sold a defective product.
I suggest you speak to the supplier.

 

[Maz]

I don't think there's a fault with it. Proabably you just make the slit somewhere between the 2 velcro strips on the left.

 

[rich p]

I don't think there's a fault with it. Proabably you just make the slit somewhere between the 2 velcro strips on the left.

no! You shouldn't have to do that. As has been said - it's either defective or you're unable to find the opening.

 

[Brains]

Assuming it's not defective (ie, it's only one sheet of plastic, not two as it should be) the best place to try to find the opening is where the weld ends. This will be about half way between the two Velcro strips on the left of the picture, at the top and bottom edge.

If your finger nails are not up to the job something like a cocktail stick or a pin may be an option, but don't make holes in the plastic or your waterproof map case wont be a waterproof map case

 

[Headgardener]

I think the hole is right at the top of the envelope as it looks like the weld seam goes right to the top and stops just before the angled edge.

 

[sgw]

Oooh c'mon Maz...the suspense is killing.

Let me have a go.

 

[RedBike]

No, don't cut it. The opening is right at the bottom of the casing / (At the far left of your photo). Imagine you're opening a bin bag. Sort of rub the end and eventually you'll see the opening. Once you've put the map in there you fold the plastic back on its self like a dry bag.

 

[andrew_s]

It looks like an Ortlieb case from a handlebar bag.
The two sheets are the same length, which makes separating them more fiddly. There should be a small semicircular cutout in one of them to help, half way up the left edge.
As stated it gets much easier to open once you've used it a couple of times.

 

[Maz]

It looks like an Ortlieb case from a handlebar bag.
The two sheets are the same length, which makes separating them more fiddly. There should be a small semicircular cutout in one of them to help, half way up the left edge.
As stated it gets much easier to open once you've used it a couple of times.

The front face of the fastening studs have "Altura" printed on them, so not from an Ortleib.
You are right about the sheets being the same length. There is no semicircular cut-out or anything like that.

I think I'm going to have to make my own slit between the 2 velcro strips.

 

[snorri]

You are right about the sheets being the same length. There is no semicircular cut-out or anything like that.

I think I'm going to have to make my own slit between the 2 velcro strips.

No,no! With both sheets stuck tightly together it will be almost impossible to cut one sheet without damaging the other. Speak to your supplier or an Altura stockist.

 

[andrew_s]

I think I'm going to have to make my own slit between the 2 velcro strips.

It won't be reliably waterproof if you do that, even assuming you can cut just one layer

 

[Maz]

No,no! With both sheets stuck tightly together it will be almost impossible to cut one sheet without damaging the other. Speak to your supplier or an Altura stockist.

I took it back to the shop and got a replacement. A proper one, this time.
Thank you, all.