Trucker's Atlas, Headsets, etc recommendations?

I use mine less and less now - almost all planning is Google Maps and street view. They're a good tool to have, and learn to use though.

Blue parrot for the win - nothing worse than trying to have a conversation with terrible audio quality. I only wear it whilst yakking.

 

I have never once in 12 years actually opened an atlas.

 

No surprises. It's not a pop up book

 

That would be awesome if it was

 

I do like the 3d views on my gps. But, I only see them in big cities, which I'm never really in.

I delivered some rock to the Temple in SLC, and happened to have my GPS on. Otherwise I'd have never known.

 

The electronic mapping software, satellite view etc is great for each end of the route. But for route planning, I found the RM atlas to be much better. The GPS is going to route you along the major routes by default. Usually creating a longer route, right through cities and conjested areas you don't need to deal with.
It's a beautiful country and choosing US and / or State highways usually provides for a shorter, less stressful, and more scenic route.
Just an opinion from an old school driver. YMMV.

 

Rand McNally Motor Carrier Road Atlas is the only atlas to buy. If it doesn't say Rand McNally Motor Carrier it's not for trucking. It costs about $30 & it's sold in almost every truckstop. It is often cheaper in a truck stop than online. End of year they are on sale.

 

Being able to read and comprehend road signs while driving is a dying art form.

 

Why would I need to open the atlas when I've never gotten into a situation that would require it? Modern tools far eclipse an atlas for usefulness.