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

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This video shows you a DIY method to waterproof topographic hiking maps for hiking and backpacking. A topographic map is useless if you cannot read it, it is essential that you waterproof your maps. You can purchase commercial waterproof maps or use services like CalTopo+Mountyn and MyTopo to purchase custom waterproof maps. If you print your own custom maps, I will show you two DIY methods to waterproof your maps and keep them from getting wet. The first method of map waterproofing is simply to put it in a ziplock bag. The other method looks nicer and lasts longer to laminate the map using contact paper.
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Опубликовано:

20 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 43

@RonBrennanBuffalo 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

@@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 3 года назад

@@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.

@TheAdventureHeads 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

@RDJim 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

@@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 3 года назад

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

@OutsideChronicles 3 года назад

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!

@cterrell1343 8 месяцев назад

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

@OutsideChronicles 8 месяцев назад

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.

@francoisbelangerboisclair 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@badjaeaux Год назад

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

@ricochetaz3846 Месяц назад

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

@OutsideChronicles Месяц назад

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

@BackcountryPaddler 3 года назад

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

@OutsideChronicles 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@PappaMike-vc1qv 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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

@OutsideChronicles 3 года назад

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.

@phillipg7315 3 года назад

Always used zip locks but really like this laminate method!

@OutsideChronicles 3 года назад

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.

@andyc3088 3 года назад

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 3 года назад

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.

@lbr38super71 Год назад

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

@SilhSe 2 года назад

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

@OutsideChronicles 2 года назад

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

@TXDude 10 месяцев назад

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 10 месяцев назад

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

@alerod21 2 года назад

Use a battle board and will be perfect!

@OutsideChronicles 2 года назад

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.

@billlaird7332 2 года назад

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 2 года назад

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

@blank-dr2kx 2 года назад

How to Waterproof maps - Laminate it.

@OutsideChronicles 2 года назад

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.