Hilaker photo chair Bob Burnell reviews three special paper products that can be used at home to print waterproof maps.

Many of us have purchased home topo software programs for the convenience of printing maps on our home printers. Until recently, the trouble was that maps printed on home printers would fall apart and the ink would run when exposed to our tropical (or is that typical) NW climate.

I am writing to let you know there is hope for us "do it yourself home map printers." There are several manufacturers of printer (and copier) paper designed for extended use in a wet environment. Read on for product descriptions from three of the leading manufacturers along with user reviews.

If you do an internet search for "waterproof printer paper" or any of the products named in blue you should find manufacturers and retailer websites. (Note: since links change often I prefer not to have hot links).

1. National Geographic Adventure Paper (for inkjet printers, sample price - 25 sheets 8 1/2 x 11 - $19.00)

Print durable custom maps, outdoor signs and banners using National Geographic Adventure Paper. Designed especially for printing topo maps, this durable, tear-resistant, waterproof paper can withstand the rigors of the great outdoors. Adventure Paper is environmentally safe, easily foldable, can be written on, printable on both sides and withstands a wide range of temperatures. Each package contains waterproof Adventure Paper designed for inkjet printers. Available in two different sizes. Use with waterproof pens for best results. This is the same paper used in National Geographic Map Kiosks and for sale at REI.

REVIEWS:

"I have personally used the 8.5" x 11" National Geographic Adventure Paper. I found the maps printed on my home Canon I960 inkjet to be durable and indeed waterproof. I really appreciate being able to print on both sides. I generally will print a large area view on one side and a more detailed version on the other. Pencil does not work well on the maps so you will need some type of permanent ink pen in order to make notes on them. These maps tolerate folding and general field abuse pretty well." - Bob Burnell

"I don't know how it works but I know it does. I always print maps on the Nat Geo paper and on my last hike I was bushwhacking for about 3 miles in wet ferns. My legs were soaked and the mints I had in my pocket disintegrated. However the map, with water actually dripping from it, was totally fine. I have also seen the paper at REI in a bottle full of water with the printed map having no problems." - Backpacker.com forum

2. iGage Weatherproof Paper (for inkjet and laser printers, sample price - 50 sheets 8 1/2 x 11 - $26.00)

Weatherproof Paper is excellent for extreme outdoor, marine and field use. Use it when you need a durable waterproof map paper or sign paper. Designed especially for printing topo maps, this durable, tear-resistant, Weatherproof Paper has excellent ink absorption, can be folded, glued, embossed or laminated. Printable on both sides and puncture resistant. You can even write on Weatherproof Paper underwater with a standard ink pen (does not accept pencil). Each package contains 50 sheets of Weatherproof Paper designed for both inkjet and laser printers. Available in two different sizes. Use with waterproof pens for optimum results.

REVIEWS:

"We run a land surveying company on the rainy Oregon coast. This paper allow us to print maps from either inkjet or laser printers and take it into the field no matter what the conditions. No more soggy, muddy copies." - Amazon.com user review

"I purchased this product due to the fact that I needed to make 'bibs' for our athletes in our shooting program. The same type as they use in other sporting events, Tour de Tucson and such. This paper is so durable and almost impossible to tear. It ran through a standard printer and has held up great in the rain. I would use it again for anything I needed to use in the outdoors or for something that I did not want to get damage from the elements. Awesome product!" -Amazon.com user review.

"After reading about the durability and price of iGage paper I plan to try it when my Adventure supply runs out." - Bob Burnell

3. Rite in the Rain all weather paper (laser printer or plain paper copier, sSample price 200 Sheets 8 1/2" x 11" $25.95)

Use it when you need multiple copies of forms, maps and signs for outdoor use. It is also a great choice for outdoor note-taking situations - especially when combined with the waterproof pens. Rite in the Rain paper can also be used with your laser printer or copier to print topo maps. Printable on both sides, resists puncture. Available in two different size packages.

REVIEWS:

"You can also buy waterproof paper for inkjet and laser printers. The laser prints are completely waterproof. The inkjet prints need to dry for about a day or so, and may still bleed a bit if immersed in water, or kept in close proximity to something wet for a prolonged period. Still, this is a useful way to make maps, forms, signs or any documents that will be outside exposed to the elements. As a bonus, the paper is also stronger and more tear-resistant, making it ideal for print-outs that you'll be using over and over (like maps). -Leszek Pawlowicz - KK.com

"The Rite in the rain product sounds pretty good also. The price is hard to beat but I tend to print maps at the last minute and the review above advocates letting them "dry for about a day or so" to avoid bleeding. - Bob Burnell

I hope you found this article interesting and informative. If you have feedback or experiences that differ significantly please let me know via email by clicking .

Thanks! R. C. (Bob) Burnell
Hi - Laker Photo Chairman