[Schroder]

I use cheap paper + cheap ink + a laminator

[mike]

[ofuros]

If it's a map I need printed, its usually done on tyvek...rip & water resistant. For jotting down notes...Field Notes Expedition, small, durable & waterproof.

[DIYSteve]

I laminated for years and used plastic bags for years. Waterproof map paper is better.

[Pyrites]

Rites in the Rain is the local favorite. It’s made in Tacoma.

[DIYSteve]

[Jaberwock]

They make it for laser printers and ink jet printers, you just have to get the right stuff…

[DIYSteve]

[Brian Curtis]

This thread inspired me to order a pack of Rite-in-the-Rain paper. Fortunately, I have a color laser printer so they are just what I need. Color laser printers are not all that expensive these days. I've been using plain paper maps for the better part of 50 years and I've never had any trouble keeping them dry, even under the worst conditions. But I think adding another layer of safety is definitely a good idea.

[Navy salad]

FYI, this site (waterproofpaper.com) (just to be clear, although already linked above) sells iGage, Rite in the Rain, and Puffin paper -- all three of the papers discussed. Of these, this seller says that Puffin is their best-seller and the paper they use themselves and they say it works in laser or ink-jet printers. Note the prices I mention below are all for 8.5x11 paper in the 10 mil thickness, which is more or less equivalent to 24# paper (8 mil is more like 20#). I like the 10 mil stuff because it's a bit sturdier and has zero show-through when printing double-sided. Not sure how the 8 mil stuff would compare. Based on the slightly lower price, the fact they explicitly say it works with laser or ink-jet, and it is the seller's favorite, I ordered the Puffin paper and printed some color topo maps on it (using a big Canon color laser printer at FedEx/Kinkco's) and they turned out great! I tried scratching the printing off with a fingernail and it didn't budge. The laser-printing also appears to be waterproof. The paper sells 50 sheets for $34 [<--corrected]. I compared it to some Adventure paper I still have and can't tell a difference except the old Adventure paper is slowly turning a little bit yellow. Also, you can write on it with a plain ball-point pen just fine. Pencil doesn't work so well, although you can make a faint pencil mark. They claim the iGage paper is also both laser and ink-jet compatible. It sells 50 sheets for $36, so it's only a couple dollars more than Puffin. Lastly, their Rite in the Rain paper is described as a regular paper (I took this as meaning wood-based) with a water-resistant coating. Although the above link doesn't comment on this, the Rite in the Rain website specifically says it is NOT for ink jet printers and I could not find any of their other papers where it says they are ink jet-compatible. However, if you're printing on a commercial quality printer (like at Kinko's), chances are they're using a color laser so it's probably only an issue for home ink-jet printers. The above link says it is NOT tear resistant and not as water resistant as Puffin or iGage paper. BUT, it is cheaper, selling 50 sheets for $15. For me, tear-resistance is a big deal, so that alone is enough for me to rule this stuff out. (I have maps printed on the old plastic-based Adventure paper that are years old that have been folded and refolded and still in perfect shape).

[mike]

Near as I can tell the inkjet printers are not recommended because most use dye-based, i.e. water soluble inks. Pigment inks probably work just fine. I have retired my pigment ink printer but maybe I should try to clean the nozzles and see what happens.

[DIYSteve]

Thanks for the beta, Navy Salad. I can vouch for iGage with HP ink-jet printers. It's great stuff. I've printed hundreds of double sided maps on it, never a problem, maps last indefinitely without fading IME, 100% waterproof.

[hatchetation]

[ofuros]

Yes it's a commercial service, not sure of the details though...I'll ask next time I'm in there, but don't hold your breath for a answer. You can actually place a rock in all 4 corners, hold your breath & read the map underwater if you wish ...makes no difference to the print medium or tyvek.