Suggestions for protecting my new Zero on the trail?

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

I recently picked up a Zero 2000. I have quite a few backpacking trips lined up for this season and am worried about it getting banged up no the trail. Anyone have any case suggestions for protecting it my pack? The box it came in will work fine for now, but cardboard will only last for so long. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 18, 2016

I keep mine in a small case or pouch - these were sold everywhere in the 1990's when point-and-shoots became very popular. I'm sure they can still be found today in many stores - most have belt loops, too.

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

Thanks Theo. I had looked into some cases, but couldn't find any quite big enough. Will do some more digging and see if I can find one. Thanks again

DWThomas · Feb 18, 2016

I'm not sure of the size or shape of that camera, but I'm thinking there are small to mid-sized insulated bags for carrying sandwiches and the like that might work, with the insulation supplying a bit of padding.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 18, 2016

Here you go - the little blue case is what I use:

My mini tripod fits in there with the Zero 2000 also.

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

Thanks Dave. That could work as well if I can find one rigid enough. I'm just used to taking cameras that are either built like a tank (i.e. Nikon F2), which I just throw in my pack or smaller P&S's (i.e. mjuII) which will fit in the pouch on the waist belt. After carrying veritable tanks out for so long, the Zero seems downright fragile and I'm having visions of tossing my pack down and breaking it...eek!

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

Thanks again Theo. Who makes that case? Any chance you know the model? Doing some digging now on the big auction site.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 18, 2016

Xia_Ke said:
Thanks again Theo. Who makes that case? Any chance you know the model? Doing some digging now on the big auction site.

I'm not home at the moment (which is why I was lucky to find a photo that included a shot of my case).

Later this evening I will get you the info and also show you how nicely the camera fits inside.

The wood is so nice on the camera, I had to get a mini tripod to keep it off rough surfaces.

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

Much appreciated Theo. I've also found some small rigid cases meant for a GoPro which could work well with some modifying of the internal foam. I hear you about the wood. I got one of the Back to Nature versions with all the add-ons and the pics online just don't do it justice, hence my search for a good case. As for tripods, I've got that covered between a small Joby GorillaPod and a 3 Legged Thing VYV

DWThomas · Feb 18, 2016

I have seen in some of the big box stores some cases/bags for video cameras which are pretty simple and rectangular. (Gone are the days when a "camcorder" was an over-the-shoulder beast!) Don't know if there could be something there. My last foray into camera bags was quite recent, and the number of shapes sizes and colors is absolutely staggering -- but yet finding the "perfect" one is very difficult. Years ago someone on APUG posted a picture of a guy who had something like 250 camera bags and packs arrayed in a barn -- he too still hadn't found quite what he wanted!

TheTrailTog · Feb 18, 2016

Took me a while to find the right "everyday" bag. Ended up getting a used Billingham Hadley Pro ~5 years ago and have had no desire to look elsewhere since. It has worked perfectly for every system I have owned since. Unfortunately, not exactly the right fit for backpacking. Just need something for protection in my pack.

Theo Sulphate · Feb 19, 2016

Ok... it's a Lowe-Pro pouch, see photos below. Width is about 4".

mgb74 · Feb 19, 2016

I assume you don't want it wrapped in your sleeping bag - not very accessible.

I would put it in a well washed fleece bag, then in a bubble wrap mailer (or even 2), and put it in the top flap pocket of my pack. I tend not to have anything hard or sharp there.

TheTrailTog · Feb 20, 2016

Thanks Theo and mgb!

mgb, I prefer not to roll it up into clothing, a sleeping bag, etc. My pack is a roll top, which means no top flap storage to keep it separate. Also, the roll top needs to be cinched down a bit, which means if I want the camera to be easily accessible in the top, it will have some pressure put on it.

After lots of looking around, I ended up going with a Lowepro Dashpoint AVC 1, which I ended up finding NWT for only $12.99 on the big auction site with free shipping. Hopefully it works out well!

summicron1 · Mar 9, 2016

Xia_Ke said:
Thanks Theo. I had looked into some cases, but couldn't find any quite big enough. Will do some more digging and see if I can find one. Thanks again

go to your local thrift store -- they usually have a section of pouches/purses/packs and so-forth --- you will find many there that will fit, and usually even have a pocket in front for spare film. I always carry a Minox tripod with mine -- pencil-sized tripod that works great with that camera.

paul ron · Mar 9, 2016

as a backpacker, id look for a tupaware container. waterproof is always my number one priority.

Poisson Du Jour · Mar 9, 2016

When I embarked on a 5-day walk iin 2012 I stuffed my Zero Image 6x9 multiformat in my sleeping bag, and this worked very well, with no problems getting the camera in or out. The L758D meter was carried in the top compartment. The arrangement of storing the Zero in a down sleeping bag certainly protected the the camera from a fall off a granite rock mid-way through the walk (the impact broke my stove burner, creating a hole in the pack!). A later summer walk (no sleeping bag) had me roll up the Zero in a T-shirt and placed near the top. Just as effective. For everyday use the camera is stored in a LowePro Impulse 130 shoulder bag that is a very snug fit, with a side pocket for notebook and a single internal divider for 3-4 rolls of 120 film. The best feature is the magnetic flap closure: no strings to pull, to buckles to clip... but it does have secondary runaround zips for extra security. BTW, ZI cameras are very easily damaged by dropping or banging them, so take care.

TheTrailTog · Mar 9, 2016

Thanks for the continued input everyone

Just wanted to follow up on the case I got. As mentioned a few posts ago I ended up going with the Lowepro Dashpoint AVC 1. It's a fantastic little case. The main compartment works well for the camera and a roll or 2 of film. The top compartment works well for a couple filters, a short cable release, and the viewfinder. Kind of wish I still had the Digisix I sold here a while ago as it would fit perfectly in there as well. The case is semi rigid and lightly padded, providing a good amount of protection. While not completely waterproof, I do have a waterproof pack cover or I can put it in a shopping bag if need be. Anyway, very happy with my purchase. Just need to get out and shoot more now!http://store.lowepro.com/pouches/dashpoint-avc-1

Theo Sulphate · Mar 9, 2016

Ahhh... you've got the "Back to Nature" version (beautiful wood), plus filter ring, cable release, and spirit level. It doesn't get any better than that!

TheTrailTog · Mar 9, 2016

Thanks Theo. It really is a beautiful camera. Ended up getting all of the add-ons, including the edge protectors and the engraved nameplate. Hats off to Zero Image for this one! I'm training for a few ultramarathons this year though, so haven't had too much of a chance to really take it out yet. Heading up into the mountains for some backpacking in a couple of weekends though and will make sure to bring a few rolls along to really put it through its paces.

Suggestions for protecting my new Zero on the trail?

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