Survival: How to Make a Durable, Waterproof Map for Your B.O.B/Go Bag

A waterproof map isn’t just for hikers — it’s a critical tool in any go bag or bug out bag. Electronics fail, GPS signals drop, batteries die, and paper maps can be destroyed by rain, sweat, or accidental dunking.

Having a physically durable, weatherproof map ensures you can still navigate when it matters most.

Step 1: Choose the Right Map

Source: Download topographic maps from the USGS, local government websites, or reliable hiking map sources.

Coverage: Include your immediate area, possible bug-out routes, water sources, alternate evacuation paths, and surrounding regions.

Scale: A 1:24,000 or 1:25,000 scale is ideal for detailed navigation.

Multiple Versions: Print more than one — one for your primary bag, one for a backup, and one for your home emergency kit.

Step 2: Print for Durability

Paper Choice: Use waterproof paper like Rite in the Rain or TerraSlate for the best results.

Ink: If printing at home, use pigment-based ink (dye-based inks can run when wet).

Color: Print in color for quick landmark recognition, but ensure it’s still readable in grayscale if the color fades.

Step 3: Waterproof the Map

If you don’t have waterproof paper, seal it manually:

Option 1: Lamination

Use a high-quality laminator with at least 5 mil thickness sheets.

Trim edges carefully and seal completely to prevent water entry.

Tip: If using thin paper, lower the heat setting to avoid bubbling or warping.

Option 2: Seal with Waterproofing Spray

Apply a product like MapSeal in thin, even coats.

Let dry completely before folding or rolling.

Option 3: Clear Packing Tape Method (Field-Ready DIY)

Lay overlapping strips of clear packing tape on both sides of the map.

Make sure seams overlap to avoid water entry.

Trim edges without cutting into the tape seal.

Step 4: Protect It in the Field

Even waterproof maps last longer with extra care:

Store in a heavy-duty zippered map case, resealable freezer bag, or military-grade Mylar map case for maximum durability.

Keep a backup in a separate compartment or dry bag.

Avoid excessive folding — instead, pre-fold along your planned route to reduce wear.

Step 5: Mark and Customize

Use permanent marker to note safe water sources, rally points, and hazard areas.

Use a fine-tip grease pencil or Staedtler Lumocolor non-permanent marker for notes that can be wiped clean later.

Highlight alternate routes in case your main path is blocked.

Step 6: Integrate Compass Skills

A map is only as good as your ability to use it:

Keep a baseplate compass in the same pouch.

Practice orienting the map with the compass before you need it.

Learn how to take and follow bearings using your map’s scale and grid.

Extra Tips for Preppers

Keep one map sealed and untouched as a backup, and one in use for marking notes.

Update your map yearly — routes, construction, and terrain can change.

Store an extra map in your vehicle emergency kit.

Extreme Temperature Caution: In very hot conditions, laminated maps may warp; in extreme cold, lamination can crack. Waterproof paper is more stable for long-term storage in harsh climates.

This setup ensures that if your phone dies, your GPS glitches, or your paper map gets drenched, you still have a reliable, readable navigation tool ready to go — because in an emergency, finding your way out can mean the difference between making it home or not.