Bag for canoe trip

[tjburns]

Im looking for a bag for use on a canoe trip. I have the 350D and grip with kit lens, 50mm 1.8 and the 70-300, and a flash that i will prolly be leaving at home, but this will serve as my main walk around bag as well so i would like it all to fit. I had a crumpler 5 million dollar home, but it was short on space and wouldnt hold my camera with grip. also im not so sure on shoulder bags for hiking. Just wonderin what you guys would suggest.

[holland_patrick]

I have a kayak and have been thinking this over... I would STRONGLY suggest Dry bags.

Keep your gear dry and locate contents easily with this transparent dry bag.
Made from tinted, transparent 19-ounce PVC for superior water protection, durability and visibility; heavy-duty 34-ounce PVC bottom handles abrasion
Bag closes with Dry Seal® roll-down closure featuring new buckle components; D-ring attachment for easy retrieval, tie-down and security
Not recommended for cameras or sensitive electronic equipment. Made in USA.

http://images.rei.com/media/207011.jpg

Although they say not to use it for cammera.. I really don't see a better choice..

I'll be watching this thread

[DavidEB]

Seattle sports makes a variety of dry-bags with built in shoulder straps and waist bands for hiking. like >>>this<<< (http://www.rei.com/product/47900576.htm) -- but for now, I'm with patrick, I just put my regular camera bag inside a standard dry bag.

[tjburns]

thanks. i guess then im lookin for a dry bag, and a backpack camera bag or the like. im glad to see this topic is of interest.

[holland_patrick]

I just found this.. 200+ though I don't have that much equpiment that my drybags can't handle it.. so i'm sticking with them

Lowepro DryZone 200
http://www.digitaldingus.com/reviews/lowepro/lpdz200.php

http://www.digitaldingus.com/reviews/lowepro/dz200/dz200aa350.jpg

[tjburns]

that is spendy. Ive used drybags in the past, and dont mind stickin to that route

[Tapeman]

Lowepro also makes a smaller bag, the Dryzone 100. Spendy though.

[tjburns]

spendy is right.

[wonny]

I just got the Tamrac Expedition 5 (review at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142874). I spent an afternoon walking around the woods with all my gear and it was very comfortable. You should have no problem fitting your gear in the bag.

As others have suggested, you should look into a dry bag in case your canoe tips over.:D But you're going to need a pretty big dry bag for the Expedition 5.

[ScottE]

As an alternative to a dry bag you could also consider a waterproof Pelican case. That can be packed inside a pack for portaging and provides more mechanical protection that a dry bag if it gets dropped. The Pelican is also less likely to leak if you get dumped.

[BearLeeAlive]

As an alternative to a dry bag you could also consider a waterproof Pelican case. That can be packed inside a pack for portaging and provides more mechanical protection that a dry bag if it gets dropped. The Pelican is also less likely to leak if you get dumped.

I do lots of canoeing and for me a Pelican case is the only solution. Just last spring we dumped after getting caught in a keeper. I got my son and myslef safely to shore while ohter went after my canoe. The pelican case was tethered in but still got bounced around. Everything was safe, soun and dry when I got it back. Years back, I had my film SLR in a dry bag that someone overturned a canoe onto and cracked the body (was just an old Nikkormat). It also makes a good small flat surface, something often missing when camping on canoe trips.

[superdiver]

I live in a rainforest and also kayak so I got the lowepro drybag backpack. It has a dry suit type zipper. Is supposed to float if it goes in the drink....

[Double Negative]

I just picked up a Lowepro Dryzone 100 bag (yellow) on eBay. $74. :D

Seems way overkill for normal field use unless you really need the protection. The waterproof inner bag is quite stiff and doesn't quite open all the way (certainly doesn't open/fold flat like say, the Mini Trekker).

I usually take my gear into harsh environments off-roading and at the beach, so it's a good way to bring all your gear, and rest easy that it won't get trashed. It's waterproof and floats.

[BearLeeAlive]

I just picked up a Lowepro Dryzone 100 bag (yellow) on eBay. $74. :D

Seems way overkill for normal field use unless you really need the protection. The waterproof inner bag is quite stiff and doesn't quite open all the way (certainly doesn't open/fold flat like say, the Mini Trekker).

I usually take my gear into harsh environments off-roading and at the beach, so it's a good way to bring all your gear, and rest easy that it won't get trashed. It's waterproof and floats.

I did look at this pack but just could not bring myself to trust it with a couple grand worth of stuff in it, especially tumbling down a set of rapids.

Have you tried a dry run on it, maybe stuff it with rags and the plunge it and soak it in a tub for a while to see if any leaks occur. I would be very interested to see the results of this. I do think this pack would be great for rain, snow and mud for biking, hiking, or any real foul weather situation.

[Double Negative]

No, I haven't given it a stress test yet... I'm cautious as you are however. I don't forsee the bag going under, but there have been occasions where water gets into the truck(s) and there's always the chance of opening the hatch and having something drop out. This is more of a splash hazard than anything else though - so I'm not totally paranoid about leaks. I do see myself using it in foul weather also, and it seemed easier to deal with than the AW covers.

I'll give it a shot though and see how it holds up. I just have to get some zipper lube, as it didn't come with any (though it's lubed from the factory I believe).

[BearLeeAlive]

It sure sounds like a great choice for you application DN, just make sure it is in a padded spot as any offroading I have done has sure been a bit bone jarring. I looking forward to seeing your results of the stress test.