Waterproof camera backpacks

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thedarkprince

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Russ
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Hi all,

I'm going to India for a few weeks in July for work and I'm going to be taking my 450D with me to capture some of the sights (mainly shoot portraits). The trouble is that its monsoon season so want to get myself a waterproof backpack which doesn't look obviously like a camera bag. Can't be too careful ;)

Most of the ones I've seen are hideously expensive and don't have anywhere for personal belongings so I'm a little stuck.

Does anybody have any ideas? :thinking:

Cheers,
tdp
 
If I was to go to India in the monsoon, then I would get one of these - lowepro dryzone rover

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/product/default.aspx?sku=1011587

Had a look at them in the past, made from really heavy duty waterproof material with a drysuit style zip so no water can get in through the zip. The zip is difficult to open even with two hands (like a dry suit zip should be - to keep the water out!), so thieves would be wanting to take the whole bag rather than just the contents!

I own a couple of regular bags with waterproof covers, and I don't trust them for prolonged use in UK rain, I really wouldn't trust them in a monsoon.

Alternatively, use some dry bags to ensure no water can get to your camera gear. If you use ziplock style bags, make sure they are sealed properly - just in case!
 
Just get any backpack you want then buy something like this to go with it... Millets also sell these I believe.
 
Burton Zoom Pro 28L; looks like a trekking rucksack and it has back access for better security. Took mine snowboarding and fell into powder a few times and it stayed dry throughout. The 30L is just a tad bigger.

B9BAZOOMPRBK.jpg


http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/_Burton+Zoom+Pro+Pack+30l+2009
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Burton-Zoom-P...hash=item310111302271&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
 
You''l find loads of fully waterproof rucksack covers on ebay for about £5.

Just choose whatever photo-rucksack that fits your gear/budget then buy a cover for it
 
Don't forget to take in to account the airline cabin size limitations, or else you'll end up having to check it in to the hold. This size limitation doesn't give you much room for both camera and personal stuff though.
 
if its just a 450 what about separate hard cases for body and lens my mate takes a g10 and flashguns caving in one, don't know what its called but its a peli's baby bro
 
lowepro slingshot 200aw awesome bag expensive though..
 
Have a feeling the slingshots aren't very waterproof :suspect:

The dryzone rover as mentioned above is very waterproof, but at a premium :suspect::gag:, but you get what you pay for...

Also, unless you're going across a ravine, then something like a Kata HB-205 with included rain cover should suffice, but again Katas are quite costly but extremely good quality..
 
My slingshot has a waterproof cover built on it, just pull it out from the back when needed. I've used it plenty of times while on the Motorbike in the rain and never had any water through the cover.
 
I have the Tamrac Aero 85, I don't know exactly how waterproof it is, but it doesn't look much like a camera bag, this model has a laptop pouch, so maybe the model down, it's the same size I think without the lappy pouch. The zips are coated and sealed though, and it has some space available above the camera gear. I found I had to pad the camera area to hold the 450d snugly though...
 
Tamrac Expedition 7x

This would suit for travelling, due to the support it offers as well as the storage - everything from laptops to water bottles (seperate). It also allows a hell of a lot of kit inside. I have 4 lenses, 2 bodies, two flashguns, filters etc.

It also allows a fair sized tripod to be attached.
 
jgs001 said:
I have the Tamrac Aero 85, I don't know exactly how waterproof it is, but it doesn't look much like a camera bag, this model has a laptop pouch, so maybe the model down, it's the same size I think without the lappy pouch. The zips are coated and sealed though, and it has some space available above the camera gear. I found I had to pad the camera area to hold the 450d snugly though...
Click to expand...

I have the same bag (bought on your recommendation John :thumbs:) which I plan on taking on holiday, but not into any monsoons I hope. All the aips seem well protected so I would hope the gear would stay dry. Not sure I'm willing to test it with the garden hose though. ;)
 
Slingshots have a waterproof cover built in as said by Red Cloud, so yeah they're very much waterproof and very strong too...
 
I have a Lowepro Primus AW with a rain cover. It has back opening for extra security and a rain cover.

I took mine to Brazil in April and walked around Rio with it. It looks like a normal backpack.

Edit: It also fits in standard airline carry on dimensions.
 
What about looking at fstop bags? They have some nice bags in their range and don't look like camera bags. As they are meant for the outoors they should be waterproof as well. cheap they are not...
 
Amp34, I now Craikeybaby was looking at these and reckons they're the dogs bits. Where seels them in the UK?
 
If money's a concern pick up something like this - link - it includes a free rain cover.
 
specialman said:
Amp34, I now Craikeybaby was looking at these and reckons they're the dogs bits. Where seels them in the UK?
Click to expand...

Unfortunately I don't know. I was looking at getting one and if I remember rightly that was one of the things that put me off (the other being the price).
 
TriggerHappy said:
If money's a concern pick up something like this - link - it includes a free rain cover.
Click to expand...

TBH at that sort of price I would go and look in Cotswold or even Blacks and find a nice weatherproof North face or Berghaus bag. Yes it's not a camera bag but it will probably be more weatherproof and more comfortable than most camera bags. As for padding just stick a jumper in there. It's what I do, especially if I'm walking around (especially in the "wilderness") all day. That also gives you the space for all your nrmal bits and pieces, and as a bonus it is low key, just another tourist bag.:)

As for stopping sticky fingers getting in, I stick a Caribina through both hoops and stick them to the side, should stop th opportunist. Maybe even a small unlocked (but looking locked) padlock may do the same trick as well.
 
Amp34 said:
As for stopping sticky fingers getting in, I stick a Caribina through both hoops and stick them to the side, should stop th opportunist. Maybe even a small unlocked (but looking locked) padlock may do the same trick as well.
Click to expand...

Second the carabina, preferably with a screw thread lock on it. Padlocks scream "I've got something in here I don't want anyone else to get their hands one"....a carabina is much less conspicuous. If you're worried about bag slashers then get some chicken wire and cut+bend it to fit the bottom of your pockets too.
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - keep them coming!!

I was looking at the DryZone series but frankly the price scares me! :eek: The Primus AW looks like a good option with a rain cover for added protection.

mid_gen said:
If you're worried about bag slashers then get some chicken wire and cut+bend it to fit the bottom of your pockets too.
Click to expand...

I wasn't worried til you mentioned it! :shrug:

Cheers,
tdp
 
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