Waterproof bag

TristanP

Looking towards the July trip, I think having a waterproof bag to store the camera + lens would be a great idea while canoeing. Assume a 20D + 400/5.6. Nothing like a Pelican, just a bag I can easily and quickly open/close. Floating would be a bonus, otherwise, I'll tie it to the canoe somehow. Ideas?

lightyear

Waterproof bag
When I did this sort of thing (going down the Colorado- Grand Canyon- from Lee's Ferry to Lake Mead) and quite a few other raft, rowing trips, I used a steel ammunition can sized for the camera body and lens I wanted handy. The ammocan is absolutely waterproof, floats( with air trapped inside) and I attatched it to the with a nylon rope very securely tied to can handle, and held with a carabiner to the raft/boat. If you don't know what I'm referring to: the cans are rectangular, have a hinged top, sized for the type of ammunition used. Mine came from military surplus stores ,cost $4-7 each. They are usually painted olive drab and I repainted mine (still in the garage if I ever need it)white tomake it easier to spot and reflect the hot sun (keeping interior cooler). I lined the ammo can (technically I think it is called an ammunition container)with soft foam used some nylon coverd velcro dividers from an old bag to protect the contents. If you get one buy the one that seals perfectly; slight rust comes off easily with steel wool or sandpaper, and you can then paint it. The secret is the seal where the lid hits the container. Good luck
Stan

sanaka

The drybags I'm familiar with are way more awkward/slow to open & close than a Pelican case, or the ammo boxes lightyear used. A soft bag would be nice, but I'm not sure it's practical for something waterproof but also fairly easy to get your gear in and out of.

Peace,
Sanaka

Manfr3d

Have you heard of the LowePro DryZone series?

http://www.f-8andbethere.com/tips/dryzone.htm
http://www.naturephotographers.net/bb0702-1.html

henryp

Ortlieb

petepics

I have a DryZone 200 and would recommend it for transporting your gear in a small watercraft. As for using your gear from a small watercraft, not so much. Advantages: Well made, well padded, good harness system that is comfortable when the bag is fully loaded, the bag floats fully loaded and is truly water proof. (I tested it). Disadvantages: Expensive, heavy, and it takes two hands and a reasonably stable platform to open and close the sealing zipper system.

The Ortlieb bags are essentially padded dry bags, that is, the closure system is essentially the same. You'll need to decide if the padding is worth the extra cost. If I want to take a camera with me in a canoe or kayak, I'll bring my backup body and a walk around lens (D70 and 18-200). Put these in a standard drybag just big enough to hold them. I also attach a neck strap to the camera with enough padding to float the camera. Mine came from Fijinon. I know the camera won't survive the dip, bit the lense and media card might. (I haven't tested this - yet).

I would stay away from surplus goods and heavy metal containers.

Bottom line for me; the DryZone was worth the investment. It's a good all around backpack with the added benefit of being waterproof. The weight isn't an issue for me and I'm on the water a lot. Bottom line for you, (I think). An appropriate sized dry bag with a towel or two for padding will serve you very well on this trip.

raptorcaptor

I have a dryzone backpack, but while kayaking I use a regular drybag for my camera and lens. I can get my camera out easily, and when you close it you can leave enough air in it so it floats.

http://www.rei.com/product/722815

The come in all sizes so you can find one to suit your camera. Also having the see-through window is handy for finding stuff.

cmason

I also use a dry bag. I use the Seattle Sports Super Lattitude, which opens laterally, allowing me to put my small camera bag inside, and allowing easy access to it. Hard to tell from this picture:

http://www.seattlesportsco.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=11&idproduct=19#details

I bought it at REI.

A dry bag should not be confused with one that is waterproof in all conditions. They can be splashed on, rained on, and can sit in the bottom of the kayak with water sloshing around. But they can not be submerged. I have rolled my kayak with the bag in it, and had no problems, mostly because it floats (if you leave enoiugh air in it, highly recommended.) But if this weirds you out, and you decide you want a submersible waterproof bag, then your choices are more expensive and fewer. In this case I recommend the Watershed bags, which are very good bags (3x cost of dry bag)

http://www.rei.com/product/752786

In my kayak, I found I do not need such a bag, and the dry bag works perfectly.

jonh68

I use a waterproof fishing tackle bag and bungee cord it to the kayak. You can zip it up or leave unzipped but flapped over.