Wildflower season is coming up and I live in the NC Mountains....this poses a problem: RAIN!!
What would you all recommend to keep my equipment dry?
Do I need a waterproof backpack when I'm hiking in somewhere??
What should I do about this?
I'm going to be carrying three lenses (Canon 100-400 being the big boy) and a Canon Rebel XT along with a tripod. I'd also like to have some room for a snack and some water if this is at all possible.
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Thanks!
Posted by Dan Borzynski on January 25, 2008 at 9:39 PM
I don't think you need waterproof, just water resistant. There are backpacks designed specifically for being around and in water and boats that are watertight, but this is probably overkill and overbudget, unless you plan to be in a boat. In that case, they are cheap, or at least cheaper than a 100-400 that has decided it needs to learn how to swim.
I have several Lowepro backpacks. For general use in the rain, they are generally water resistant. For a longer (half-hour+) walk in hard rain, some water will get in, but nothing to be concerned about. The inside near the zipper is damp, but that is about all. These packs, at least the higher end models, also come with their own rain cover so the only water that does get in with is from opening the back. With the cover on, I haven't seen them get damp even with 90 minutes in the rain.
I also carry a large, cheap, plastic poncho for rain in the bag. It serves a couple of purposes. I can use it as ground cover to lay on that, use it as a windbreak and finally, actually use it for protection from the rain. With that on and no raincover on the bag, water on the inside of the bag is a non-issue. I get a bit wet, especially on the legs, but that is not a big deal.
The two backpacks I own are older models of the NatureTrecker and ProTrecker, so just check the specs beforehand. The rain covers are on the bottom of the bag in a hidden pouch.
I have two top-end hiking backpacks...an Osprey Aether 70 and a Arcteryx RT55.
Do you think it would be better for me to just convert one to a camera bag?
Posted by Bret Edge on January 25, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I just use my regular hiking backpack and cover it with a raincover when it starts to pour. The LowePro Topload Zoom I carry the camera and one lens in has a built-in raincover. I've never had a problem keeping my gear dry with this configuration.
The problem with waterproof packs--- They aren't. Waterproof zippers such as those used on dry suits would basically double the price of a pack made with waterproof fabric. Bret's solution is the same one we use here in rain country. If you don't like that, you could also get a dedicated rain cover for a pack. Tamrac makes them for their packs, and I assume other bag mfr's do the same. I've also seen them for conventional packs. Check the REI site, and I bet you'll find them. I carry one all the time for my Tamrac 787, but for the life of me I can't remember using it. Just too easy to drape a raincoat over it, which gives better access to gear in any case.
Ashutosh...I have a micro trekker. It works well right now but I need something that can carry some cargo as well as my camera gear. I can't eat a lens if I get hungry while in the woods...well I could but that would be a rather expensive lunch!
If you looking for a functional daypack rather than a full backpack Kyle, check out Tamrac's Adventure 9. My wife and I have both settled on that model for the best crossover between camera pack, daypack and comfort. And it's surprisingly compact for all it's room. Right now mine lives with a D2X, three lenses, a strobe, a light meter and a 15" laptop in it, along with the usual cast of cords and accessories, while having plenty of room for dayhiking needs. There is an external mesh pouch plus cargo straps on the bottom. Best of all for us and travel, it's still plenty small enough to meet airline carryon regs.
Kyle, I have a small daypack from Vaude that allows me to carry enough food and water for a day along with my photography equipment. It's been discontinued, but looks a bit like this: http://tinyurl.com/2ufjrm
My photography equipment is rather limited to a 5D with the 17-40 on it, and a 24-105 that sits in the back with my food. Two filter sit in long pant pockets, tripod always hung across.
I can carry water in one of the pockets, but if extra is needed, I can always hang a jerry can on the outside.
Posted by Bret Edge on January 26, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I've been using a MacPac daypack for all my hiking and photography needs. They're made with a coated material that provides exceptional water resistance and they're very durable. Unlike many pack makers these days, they haven't opted for the stupid "ultra-light" craze with flimsy materials and suspensions that can't carry more than 10 pounds. I ran out of the San Juans during a thuderstorm and the gear inside didn't get so much as a drop of water on it, even without my raincover. The packs carry very comfortably, too.
Strap it horizontally across the bottom using nylon web cargo straps. The pack isn't shipped with them, but the slots are there. My wife tried suspending hers vertically up the face of the pack, but hated the shift in balance. Down on the bottom of the pack you hardly notice it.
It's down by your butt, horizontally below the pack.
And that is the correct stud. The key is the 3/8" thread, rather than the 1/4x20 on the other one.
Looks like the clamp you linked has a different knob than the one I was talking about. It's also more expensive. Being called "quick action," I wonder if it's got faster threads or something so it doesn't take so many turns to open or close.
This is the one I was talking about. For $9 or 25% less, I'm happy happy with "slow" action, if that's the difference!
If the one that comes with a stud has the 3/8" threaded stud, you're all set without buying the stud separate, meanwhile saving a few more nickles, I bet. But if it comes with a 1/4x20 stud, you're still going to have to buy the accessory 3/8" stud, so you're out extra money. You'll also have that extra stud rattling around from now to eternity. We do use 1/4x20 studs, but to mount lighting equipment rather than tripod heads.
I shoulda bought Bogen stock years ago, we use so much of their stuff. At last count we had something over 20 super clamps! I sometimes have to light up industrial sites, so I use the clamps to mount lights on pipe railings and such. If you have and use both size studs though, mark the 3/8" conspicuously. It's a real drag to get into the field and discover you brought a 1/4" stud, so you can't mount the tripod head. Or conversely, to have 3/8" studs when you are trying to mount lights. Can't imagine how I would have that insight, can you?
Discussion
15 repliesWhat would you all recommend to keep my equipment dry?
Do I need a waterproof backpack when I'm hiking in somewhere??
What should I do about this?
I'm going to be carrying three lenses (Canon 100-400 being the big boy) and a Canon Rebel XT along with a tripod. I'd also like to have some room for a snack and some water if this is at all possible.
What would you do if you were in my situation?
Thanks!
I have several Lowepro backpacks. For general use in the rain, they are generally water resistant. For a longer (half-hour+) walk in hard rain, some water will get in, but nothing to be concerned about. The inside near the zipper is damp, but that is about all. These packs, at least the higher end models, also come with their own rain cover so the only water that does get in with is from opening the back. With the cover on, I haven't seen them get damp even with 90 minutes in the rain.
I also carry a large, cheap, plastic poncho for rain in the bag. It serves a couple of purposes. I can use it as ground cover to lay on that, use it as a windbreak and finally, actually use it for protection from the rain. With that on and no raincover on the bag, water on the inside of the bag is a non-issue. I get a bit wet, especially on the legs, but that is not a big deal.
The two backpacks I own are older models of the NatureTrecker and ProTrecker, so just check the specs beforehand. The rain covers are on the bottom of the bag in a hidden pouch.
Do you think it would be better for me to just convert one to a camera bag?
Incidentally (and apologize for the shameless plug), I'm selling off my LowePro MicroTrekker 200 that I won in a photography contest, if you're interested: http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=25270&b=um&st=0&la=18&ph=1&sid=405&u=405
Thanks though!
My photography equipment is rather limited to a 5D with the 17-40 on it, and a 24-105 that sits in the back with my food. Two filter sit in long pant pockets, tripod always hung across.
I can carry water in one of the pockets, but if extra is needed, I can always hang a jerry can on the outside.
Also...Hank, is this the same stud that you were talking to me about on my other thread??
http://www.adorama.com/BG2918.html
If it's not does Adorama have the stud that I'll need with the superclamp?
Also, what is the difference between the superclamp that you recommended and this one....
http://www.adorama.com/BG635.html
Which one would you recommend?
I'm just trying to order everything from one site so I can save on shipping.
Thanks Hank!
And that is the correct stud. The key is the 3/8" thread, rather than the 1/4x20 on the other one.
Looks like the clamp you linked has a different knob than the one I was talking about. It's also more expensive. Being called "quick action," I wonder if it's got faster threads or something so it doesn't take so many turns to open or close.
This is the one I was talking about. For $9 or 25% less, I'm happy happy with "slow" action, if that's the difference!
I shoulda bought Bogen stock years ago, we use so much of their stuff. At last count we had something over 20 super clamps! I sometimes have to light up industrial sites, so I use the clamps to mount lights on pipe railings and such. If you have and use both size studs though, mark the 3/8" conspicuously. It's a real drag to get into the field and discover you brought a 1/4" stud, so you can't mount the tripod head. Or conversely, to have 3/8" studs when you are trying to mount lights. Can't imagine how I would have that insight, can you?