how to keep my stuff dry... in COSTA RICA ?

im looking for the bag that best fits my needs. I am planning to bring it with me when I go backpacking around Costa Rica this summer (3+ months) as well as other small trips I've planned.

My main concern is that I need some way of effectively waterproofing this bag, and I think that even the "all weather" or weather resistant bags do not offer the kind of protection I crave- so I have decided that whatever bag I choose must have enough room in it so that I may carry a "dry bag" inside it, so I can protect my equiptment if I'm cought in a monsoon (it's happened to me before BTW)

I need something small as I don't have a ton of equiptment (XTi, 70-300mm IS, 50mm1.8, items like memory cards & lens cleaning kit) but with enough room for the "dry bag" that I may need to cover the whole thing. It should be small enough that I may carry it (without hands) on a moderate hike of 2 or 4 miles. I'm liking the design of the lowepro toploader AW and the lowepro Slingshot because they seem like they could be carried easily and without hands.

I started this thread so people may suggest other systems for keeping my equiptment dry while backpacking through the tropics (during the rainy season)

Also, if there is some awesome bag that I am overlooking, that is COMPLETELY water tight, please tell me about it. It is very important that I have no possible way of moisture entering my bag, even if I have to walk a few miles in the rain (happens all the time in central america) or if I have to swim through the pounding shorebreak to catch a boat (i've had to do that once as well) or just to stay dry in the humid tropical environment (I usually stay in budget hostels or camp outside under a tarp, so the humidity is always a factor.)

basically, the bag I want must be able to be submerged in water without leaking. Is there a decent camera bag that can do this?

Check out backpacking and river rafting/kyaking sites and or stores. Here's an example. Check under Dry Bags/Storm Sack. Very light weight, comes in a variety of sizes, stronger and more secure than a ziplock or other plastic bag, perfect for inside a pack. Also, Google Dry Bags and see what else you come up with. Check REI and see what they have to offer.

http://www.seallinegea​r.com/

after google-ing "dry bag" and "dry camera bag" I've come up with quite a few results.

I would like to know if anyone on here is using any of these products and hear their feedback.

just to add to the bag...cheap ziplocks and garbage bags can do wonders and add additional security for you.

yes thank you - I've read that tip before - it's a good idea and i think i will be ziplocking all items in the bag, but I would really like to find a good waterproof bag still.

I think I will get the "slingshot" and use the top compartment to store a drybag.

When I went to Costa Rica in the summer I used a trash bag if caught away from shelter. In case you haven't been there before check everything real good for scorpions.

Yeah- i've been there a few times but never with expensive camera equiptment - it's a new hobby.

one morning I actually had a scorpoin in EACH of my shoes, they like to hide in anything they can find so a camera bag would fill up pretty quick (if left open and unattended)

Check out the LowePro DryZone series. I have the rover, and it has been soaked before without a drop of water entering the sealed compartment. There are 2 sizes of camera gear only backpacks (the 100 and 200), and the rover which has a waterproof bottom container for the gear, and a top section for other items. The waterproof/ padded section of the DryZone rover can be removed and placed in other bags as well, and will even float if dropped into the water. I havent heard a single person who hasnt been happy with the dryzone series.

The absolute, hands down best system for keeping your stuff dry, is to leave it home and take somebody else's equipment.

I hear Ronald, Petkal, DanteKing, and Belmondo loan their equipment to fellow POTNers for just this purpose. PM them right away.

mark

MDJAK wrote in post #2403477
The absolute, hands down best system for keeping your stuff dry, is to leave it home and take somebody else's equipment.

I hear Ronald, Petkal, DanteKing, and Belmondo loan their equipment to fellow POTNers for just this purpose. PM them right away.

mark

(this is like an underground trading in others goods Mark...way way too funny!)

MDJAK wrote in post #2403477
The absolute, hands down best system for keeping your stuff dry, is to leave it home and take somebody else's equipment.

I hear Ronald, Petkal, DanteKing, and Belmondo loan their equipment to fellow POTNers for just this purpose. PM them right away.

mark

Oh, now that's funny!

dude those lowepro dryzone bags look like they could be just right for me, I like the "rover" because it is small and it may fit inside my large backpacker's bag, and the waterproof camera case is removable (see image) Anyway thanks for the heads up, I had overlooked this series of backpack because I was looking at smaller bags.

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doubledragon wrote in post #2403521
dude those lowepro dryzone bags look like they could be just right for me, I like the "rover" because it is small and it may fit inside my large backpacker's bag, and the waterproof camera case is removable (see image) Anyway thanks for the heads up, I had overlooked this series of backpack because I was looking at smaller bags.

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I've heard really good things about these bags... I almost got one myself. I'd be interested in your assessment if/when you get one.

yes the dryzone series is definitly the bag for you.

The dryzone rover is really a great bag, get one and you wont be disappointed. The best part of the bag (imo) is the removable bottom portion. On long hiking trips, I will remove the waterproof section and put it at the bottom of my Lowe Contour IV bag. For stints around town, i can remove only the padded secion (leaving the waterproof part still attached to the main part), and slip that inside of my Chrome messenger bag for a stealthy camera bag that is perfect for biking. I really cant recommend the bag enough.