Light-color and water-resistant camera packs?

Steve Goldstein · Jul 16, 2016

In a few months I'll be visiting islands in an equatorial region, some of which involve wet landings (i.e. hop out of the Zodiac into shallow surf). I'd love to find a modestly sized, not too expensive, white (ideally) and somewhat waterproof backpack in which I can carry my camera gear. I can manage without water resistance by putting everything in zip-loc bags (not preferred, but it'll work) but I'd really like a light color because of the intense sun. My camera choice is still undecided, either Mamiya 7 with 3 lenses or Nikon FM2n with two or three hand-holdable lenses.

Any suggestions?

Alan Klein · Jul 16, 2016

I found this on the web. Looks like they have nice products but I have no experience with them. Let us know how it works out whatever you buy. Good luck.
http://www.hpaus.com/HPAUS.com/Products/Pages/HPA_Camera_Protection.html#11

Steve Goldstein · Jul 16, 2016

Thanks, Alan, these folks have some interesting products. Their web pages aren't much more than pictures but I've sent them a note requesting more detailed info.

bdial · Jul 16, 2016

Finding stuff that isn't black is challenging, I've nearly given up.
If mere water-resistance is ok, Domke has waxed cotton bags that would likely do ok with some splashing but not a dunking. Not sure if they have backpacks in that fabric though.
If you need the bag to be good against partial dunking, make sure the seams have been sealed, either by you, or from the manufacturer.

benjiboy · Jul 16, 2016

White camera bags are rare but it stuck in my mind I had seen some recently then I remembered, Manfrotto make a range of white wate resistant bags Steve https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=srs=2529845011&search-alias=specialty-aps&field-keywords=white+bags

John Koehrer · Jul 16, 2016

Check out "dry bags" waterproof,etc. camping stores & some motorcycle sites have them.
Depending on size & weight of the camera/bag combination they will float.

paul ron · Jul 16, 2016

dry bags also come in backpack style.

http://www.backcountry.com/sealline...QIENhdDpEcnkgQmFnczoxOjI3OmJjc0NhdDkxMTAwMDEz

https://www.rei.com/c/dry-bags?r=c&ir=category:dry-bags&page=1

http://search.nrs.com/search/?p=Q&w=waterproof cases

Poisson Du Jour · Jul 16, 2016

If you are going anywhere near surf which means saltwater, you don't need something "water-resistant", but waterproof! Absolutely. And ziplock bags won't keep water out when submerged. Have a look at Ortlieb bags, though by the description of what you think you will take, you may need two or three, lashed together with a karabiner for the splashdown. I have Ortlieb panniers for bike touring and have ridden through rivers with them, with nothing to speak of as far as water penetration goes. They're pretty much the standard go-to item for extreme conditions. But your requirement for a light-colour could be quite challenging.

http://tinyurl.com/jhqdna7

Light-color and water-resistant camera packs?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency