How to take my gear to the duck blind

[eaphotos]

Ok, heres the question, I'm a crazy waterfowler and I want to start bringing my camera to the duck blind. What would you guys use to store my equipment for the ride to the blind. Most of the time we are using a boat to get to the blind, sometimes we hunt dry field pits or layout blinds. Any photos of your set up would be appreciated. I would be taking out a 40D with grip, 70-200L, and a 28-75.

Thanks
Eric

[jimboh]

I use an Over Board backpack. Roll top and 100% waterproof. Spent two weeks in AK fishing this summer and it was around rain, water, in inflatable raft, and a drift boat. Carried onboard boats fishing when I got home as well. I place the gear in a small camera bag (for cushioning) and put this in the pack. Cheaper than $350 waterproof camera packs.

[MCAsan]

check out the Lowepro Vertex line of backpacks.

[Sidnye]

I use a pelican box. go light, leave the short lens and grip at home. The longer the lens the better.

If you are just looking for 'tail gate' shots then the short lens is ok, otherwise you'll need as much reach as you can get.

I'm also a goose hunting fool. you will find that taking photos of BIF is extremely hard---that is you have to reach for you camera instead of you gun. Your buddies will have to be understanding when you say: "let em make one more pass"

Many times when I go by myself I leave the shotgun at home or at least unloaded and to the side of the pit.

It takes a lot of discipline to not pick up the shotgun when you have a flock back peddling with landing gear down. but that is the only way you'll get decent shots.

good luck and post 'em up.

[eaphotos]

Thats my biggest fear is that I wont want to put my gun down to take pictures!!! We will see....

[huntersdad]

Originally Posted by eaphotos

Thats my biggest fear is that I wont want to put my gun down to take pictures!!! We will see....

Actually, you'll find yourself reaching more for your camera than the gun after awhile. And that's from a fellow hard core.

As for the transporting part, Pelican for the boat. That one's pretty easy. For field and swamp stuff, God gave you 2 hands - pick what you want to take. I generally walk my 500 in with body attached and both fully attached to my tripod with the legs fully extended. Never had a problem and the legs make a pretty sturdy walking stick.

[davtackett]

I use an old tackle box without the fold out trays, which broke years ago. It is water proof and sturdy. I put bubvle wrap and plastic bags for the bnottom, and I can put things like sd cards, batteries etc underneath. I put a strap on the top to hold 3 pair of sunglasses and one pair of reading glasses. It holds 2 cameras, one with a 250 lens. I take this case in the boat year round.

[Chris Newberry]

Originally Posted by huntersdad

Actually, you'll find yourself reaching more for your camera than the gun after awhile. And that's from a fellow hard core.

As for the transporting part, Pelican for the boat. That one's pretty easy. For field and swamp stuff, God gave you 2 hands - pick what you want to take. I generally walk my 500 in with body attached and both fully attached to my tripod with the legs fully extended. Never had a problem and the legs make a pretty sturdy walking stick.

That's what happened to me. I lived for hunting until I started
taking pictures, haven't hunted with a weapon since. It's much
more exciting with the camera.

[rick_reno]

Backpack with the stuff inside in a plastic bag (just in case). Or...Pelican cases.

[HuskyKMA]

Pelican is the first thing that came to mind for me. There can be lots of mud and water in a duck blind.

[davtackett]

I wouldn't discount my tackle box idea, I keep mine in the boat and truck everywhere I go. While fishing it sits next to me, when I need it I flip the lid and grab one of the cameras in a couple seconds (one 250 lens and one smaller one). It is water proof and everything sits on padding so it can take a rough boat ride. There is nothing else that gives you such quick access with lots of storage for the price and convenience that I know of. It also has a strap under the lid to hold 4 pair of sunglasses, velcro to hold memory cards, caps etc. and batteries etc can be kept on the bottom under the padding. It won't tip over. It just can't be dropped but even if it did I doubt it would hurt too much. There is no dirt or lint and if a speck of dirt gets inside I can see it clearly on the plastic cushion. I use one layer of bubble wrap and 2 large clear plastic bags rolled up to get the right thickness and the cameras sit in it perfectly never touching each other.

[BirdBoy]

If you intend on repeatedly taking your camera out to shoot on water, i highly suggest you check out Sealline bags. I have this one, and I use it for everything from photo gear to clothing. The most durable and waterproof bag that I have ever owned (i have tried more than six brands), looks just like new even after tons of use. For padding I just take some extra jackets with me and stuff them in there with the camera gear. The extra rain jackets have worked out great for the rain squalls that I never see coming.

For camera gear I suggest you get a duffle instead of a sack because the zipper type is more waterproof for longer amounts of time.

[ducklabdad]

I use an Avery Floating Blind bag. I believe the one that I have is called the guide model that comes with a Zip out liner/cooler.

I used the waterproof liner for a while but found that I liked it better without it. I use the shell loops to hold my extra cards and batteries and I have added some foam to the bottom of the bag and I know use this not just as a blind bag for my camera, but as my everyday bag as well.

The Bag holds my 150-500 Sigma, attached to the camera, a second body with landscape lense and a second lense in the main bag and I put my flash, cords teleconverter and a bunch of other gear in all the assorted pockets. I use it all the time. If I am in Kayak or Canoe and am really really worried about it getting wet I will put the entire bag in a large plastic bag.(Which I always keep as in one of the pockets) Is it foolproof "NO" but I found a pelican case was just too much hassle to get in and out of and I want to have quick access to my equipment. I also make sure that the rider on my Insurance is paid in full.

It is not 100