HOW TO WATERPROOF MAPS // DIY Waterproof Maps for Hiking and Backpacking

[@RonBrennanBuffalo]

I use the plastic sheet protectors used in 3 ring binders. They work great and then you can easily keep your maps organized in a 3 ring binder for future use. I got 100 sheets from Office Max for $20-ish.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Are they waterproof? The ones I used in school were always open on the top. Surprisingly, I am not that organized. I have one big over stuffed folder of maps.

[@stevezelazny9946]

@@OutsideChronicles I use packing tape to seal up the top edge. As long as I'm careful makes for a water tight seal. A bit faster, lighter and more flexible than my attempts to laminate. Another option I haven't explored yet is using a laser printer to print onto waterproof paper (I think write-as-rain brand sells a 20 pack for about $20).

[@OutsideChronicles]

@@stevezelazny9946 Another great solution! Thanks for sharing. I have not tried the waterproof paper option either. You will have to let me know how that works out.

[@ricochetaz3846]

I believe during WW2 some maps were printed on silk. This eliminated the need for water proofing, crease lines from folding etc.

[@OutsideChronicles]

That’s cool, would love to get my hands on one.

[@TheAdventureHeads]

Clever WMS theme. Contact paper laminate reminds me of old Adventure Racing map prep. One tip we learned if it gets tough to separate corner. Simply tear the corner slightly with fingers to make uneven edge and separation is super easy. For large maps 2 separate pieces of contact paper and starting from a a corner seem to work better than the seam method to eliminate bubbles. Another option which seals significantly better than zip lock bags are Alosak bags. Military grade zip lock are incredible. Happy Adventuring.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

[@francoisbelangerboisclair]

You have another option. You can buff your map with Renaissance wax. It's a museum wax. And yes, it's made for paper... I won't say I would use that for a map intended for scuba diving. But it can be a solution to protect your map form light rain.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Good tip, I have never heard of that. I will have to look into it.

[@RDJim]

I can still remember the dread I felt when my first flight instructor folded and drew lines on my brand new sectional. That's before I accepted maps as tools to be used and used up. Now I just take my topo, fold it so just my day's activity shows on one or both sides. I draw permanent highlights on the trails I want, then stick it in a ziplock bag. Because I use a GPS for navigation, I rarely need to take my map out during a hike anyway so in the pack it goes and usually stays there until the next hike.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Sacrilege! But you are right, they are tools to keep you found. Anything you need to do to make that happen. It’s also important to know that maps expire. I remember hiking out from doing the Santanoni Range, met a guy that had a 1984 map. He is was a bit confused. Thanks for the comment

[@RDJim]

@@OutsideChronicles LOL, tell me about expired maps. Spent 3 hours one night trying to navigate the north end of the NPT before we gave up and later realized they moved it years earlier!

[@markcummings6856]

Great video. Many people underestimate the importance of having a map waterproofed in some kind of fashion.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you! I love the contact paper method for my custom maps I make in Caltopo. It is great that most if not all commercial maps are both tear resistant and waterproof. It's amazing how wet the maps get in winter too. Thanks for the comment and watching!

[@BackcountryPaddler]

Similar to what I do. My WMS was cured last year and hasn't come back! Great job sharing this important cure!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Nice, I loved having a set of laminated maps for my Allegheny River trip. I had several pages I could flip through held together by a ring.

[@BackcountryPaddler]

@@OutsideChronicles haha yep! It's a great idea. I've done that too with a ring!

[@badjaeaux]

you can use a roll of clear tape too if that is all you have, to secure the edges of a clear folder leaf double it for durability and better proofing the advantage u can switch maps

[@aleksiiprohorov89]

Also U can use clear cargo tape. Thank U 4 video. Good wishes from Russia!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Thank you, see you outside!

[@cterrell1343]

good video, ideas and demonstration, thanks. I use a hot laminator but this is a method I'll try too.

[@OutsideChronicles]

A laminator is a great solution if you have access to one. I will often send a map and laminator sheet to work with my wife where they have a laminator machine.

[@SilhSe]

My God I 💚 nature; Adirondack is always a great hike to appreciate the beauty of real natural surroundings.

[@OutsideChronicles]

ADK is a very special place. It’s 6 hours away for me, but I am blessed it is in NYS.

[@phillipg7315]

Always used zip locks but really like this laminate method!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Ziplock bags definitely work really well. The laminate last longer. I find that the ziplock gets harder and harder to read through after some crinkling. But you can just get a new one. For the price of the contact paper, it’s worth taking the time for a map you use often. Thanks for the comment.

[@lbr38super71]

You can get Rite in the Rain copier paper and a color lazer printer and just print them.

[@andyc3088]

Here in the UK OS Maps which covers the whole of England, Scotland and Wales in both 25:000 and 50:000 scales, they come in both Paper and Waterproofed.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Nice, most of our local mountain clubs and NatGeo are waterproof. But I like making custom maps with Caltopo, so I am always looking for better ways to preserve them. Happy hiking across the pond! Thanks for watching and the comment.

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

Thanks for the tip Mike. I am always folding my map to fit into my back pocket and it’s never folded to the right spot or easy to grab so by the end of the hike it’s either wet or mangled or both. I’m thinking that hanging a laminated map on the back of another hiker’s pack might be a handy way to keep it accessible (assuming I can keep up with them). What do you think, where do you keep your map when hiking? - Pete

[@OutsideChronicles]

Pete, I usually fold my maps into about a 4"x4" square to fit in my pocket. If have my hiking pants on, I will put in the lower side pocket (cargo style). I will always fold in a manner that the current section of the trail is exposed. If I am in a tricky area, I hold the map, putting my thumb on my last known location, and will orient the map in the direction of travel, still in about a 4"x4" square.

[@stevenhoskins9879]

Thanks for the time and information have you ever used Mapseal, Thompson waterproofing or even a commercial map case?

[@OutsideChronicles]

I have not used any of those products. Do you have experience with them? Worth reviewing? I have used a commercial case on kayak trips. I find them too bulky and stuff, I like to fold my map into my pocket.

[@TXDude]

I've always used carnauba wax out of the tin, spread it thin over the back of the map, then use a hair dryer to get the wax to soak into the fibers. Let's me fold the map as it was shipped, cost is next to nothing if you already have a clear carnauba car wax.

[@OutsideChronicles]

I have never tried wax. I have some carnauba wax for my car. I’ll give it a try. See you outside!

[@billlaird7332]

Hot laminate the maps. Walmart has a hot laminator with 30 plastic laminate pouches for less than $ 20. Easy to use, insert map pouches, run through hot laminator, done. Handles normal letter size paper.

[@OutsideChronicles]

That's an option. You can also get your maps laminated at a copy store.

[@alerod21]

Use a battle board and will be perfect!

[@OutsideChronicles]

Those battle boards are cool, I have never seen them before. Is there a model you use for hiking? I like to fold my maps and put them in my pocket.

[@blank-dr2kx]

How to Waterproof maps - Laminate it.

[@OutsideChronicles]

Laminating is a great method if you have access to a laminating machine. I would have to go to my local print shop. So for me, the contact paper is more convenient. Thanks for the comment.

[@michellehatch5074]

WMS, lol!!!!

[@OutsideChronicles]

I cannot take credit for that, it was all Mrs. Outside Chronicles idea.

[@dana780]

WMS😂😂😂