Most hikers spend a lot of time looking at maps when we’re on the trail – one of the Ten Essentials, they let us know where we’re going, put us into perspective, and occasionally give us a glimpse into the history of the area we’re in.

For those same reasons, some of us even like to have maps around us when we’re not outside.

I’m a big cartography junkie. Always have been. Which is why I was thrilled to learn the venerable National Geographic Society has joined up with Maps.com to reprint a huge collection of their trademark maps, dating all the way back to 1891.

Even if you’re not buying, most of the maps are zoom-able on their website, and they’re still great to look at. Consider it your one-stop-birthday present-shop for map nerds with extra wall-space.

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by Casey Schreiner

Founder and Editor of Modern Hiker, Author of "Day Hiking Los Angeles." "Discovering Griffith Park," and "Cloud Spotting." Walking Meditator, Native Plant Enthusiast.