Dry bags ..

[Mtn Breeze]

Hi all,

I'm off to Fiordland (New Zealand) for a 14 day trip. Fiordland has the countries' highest rainfall at around 8000mm/year. We'll be fly camping (back packing) the whole time and I'm after some sort of dry bag to keep my 7D and 1-4 in. I'm currently using a standard, roll-down top and buckle dry bag (same as what kayakers etc use) but wondering if there's other or better options out there. I did hear mention you can get dry bags with a 'breather' to stop build up of moisture while closed up ??

Can anyone help out with some ideas ??

Many thanks,

Matt.

[rvdw98]

How about the Lowepro DryZone series (http://products.lowepro.com/Catalog/ProductSearch.aspx?filter=1&search=&Name=WTRPRF)?

[Mtn Breeze]

Thanks for the reply Roy .... but I was after something to put it in which then will be going into the top of my pack. Sorry, should have been more specific.

Matt.

[rvdw98]

I suspected you might, but I thought I'd mention the DryZone anyway. :D

[plasticmotif]

Use the same drybag you've been using. Get some lens pouches to keep your stuff safe inside the pouch.

http://www.amazon.com/Domke-F-34M-15-Inch-Protective-Wrap/dp/B00009R88P/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1300282791&sr=1-1

[tvphotog]

I use two 15L Overboard drybags from B&H, with a Tenba Messenger Wrap padding in each, when I go out with two cameras. I use the Lowepro Utility belt with a Utility 100 pouch shown below. The pouch easily holds the two folded up bags and wraps when the cameras are out.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b87/maxselma/utility_bag_100aw_011.jpg

[cacawcacaw]

The fjords are insane! One of the most visually striking places I've ever seen. Your post caught my eye because I just purchased a Patagonia dry pack.

You're right to be worried about condensation, which seems worst when the waterproof container is tight fitting. Having damp equipment inside a plastic drybag with no lining would be almost as bad as leaving it in the rain. I'd be concerned about having plenty of insulation and some absorptive material in between the waterproof barrier (where the condensation would occur) and your equipment.

How about using a water-resistant camera insert that goes inside the waterproof top of your pack? I like my Mountainsmith Kit Cube because it has a drawstring top collar. Also, it has a couple of loops that would let you clip it to a sling for use as a day bag.

http://www.mountainsmith.com/images/products/KitCubeXL.jpg

[Mtn Breeze]

Thanks for all the replies everyone.

Yeh, the condensation is my biggest concern.

No one heard of the dry bags with a 'breather' I mentioned ??

Matt.

[Nightdiver13]

I have some dry bags with 1-way purge valves that are intended to help you further compress your load after rolling. Haven't seen anything that allows moisture to escape full-time while the bag is rolled up.

[Whitepalm]

Before I bought a DSLR I would carry my HD camcorder in a small roll top pouch clipped on my shoulder strap. I would drop a couple silica packets in the bottom in the event I had to slide the camera back in with any slight moisture accompanying it. I did this for years without any function issues with the camera. Might not hurt to drop a few in your roll top setup.

[A5forfighting]

I hiked the zion narrows (river hike) with my 7D And I used the same type of roll up dry bag as you. offered no impact protection, but sure offered a piece of mind =) If your backpacking, weight will be a bad thing for you, so keep the dry bag, and stay light

[gremlin75]

I have some dry bags with 1-way purge valves that are intended to help you further compress your load after rolling. Haven't seen anything that allows moisture to escape full-time while the bag is rolled up.

Same here. I have some dry bags for kayaking that have purge valves (like These (http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/dry-bags/kodiak-window-dry-bag/product))but I haven't seen any that have moisture valves.

Before I bought a DSLR I would carry my HD camcorder in a small roll top pouch clipped on my shoulder strap. I would drop a couple silica packets in the bottom in the event I had to slide the camera back in with any slight moisture accompanying it. I did this for years without any function issues with the camera. Might not hurt to drop a few in your roll top setup.

I'm with whitepalm, I'd just suggest finding some moisture absorbing packets and throwing them into the dry bags. Something like This (http://www.silicagelpackets.com/dry-packs-moisture-absorber-packs/dry-packs-moisture-absorbing-silica-gel-desiccant-indicating-packets-5-pack.html)

later
gremlin