Archive 2022 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

jedibrain
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

I'm looking for a rainproof backpack recommendation for carrying some camera gear. Anybody have anything they like?

I recognize nothing is truly waterproof, but we'll be doing some day hikes in Alaska (cruise) and its says to be prepared for mist and light rain at that time of year.

-Brian

Apr 02, 2022 at 09:02 AM

OregonSun
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

There are truly waterproof (submersible) packs out there if that's what you need. Check out the Ortleib Atrack or any number of roll top style packs. These will all need a separate camera insert.

A good option for lighter rain/day hikes is to just get an appropriately sized pack cover for whatever pack you already have. I use a Sea to Summit cover for this kind of thing, but there are plenty of other good options out there.

Heron

Apr 02, 2022 at 09:36 AM

JohnSil
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

Jedi, I've never owned a waterproof pack.
Most of the waterproof packs I've seen look more like a whitewater bag with straps than camera packs.
I have always used Lowpro and in the kinds of rain, not torrential, that I've been in the Lowpro AW model packs have worked fine. They have the built-in rain fly that is attached(you can't lose it or leave it home!) and does a decent job of keeping things dry but you have to remove the fly to get into the pack. I've not used one but their DryZone pack has always looked like a good compromise to me for orthodox usability and weatherizing.
Good luck, the choices are infinite!
John

Apr 02, 2022 at 11:48 AM

jharter
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

I agree with the pack cover. If you want to plan for the worst, you could by a large sylnylon stuff sack which compresses to nothing and use that as a backup plan.

Apr 02, 2022 at 12:11 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

In light to moderate, short rain I would use a pack cover. In heavy rain it's better to use a poncho because water will eventually get into the backside of the bag even with a cover. The drybag/backpacks are not ideal for general use hiking, but more for small boats.

EBH

Apr 02, 2022 at 07:14 PM

jcolwell
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

EB-1 wrote:
...The drybag/backpacks are not ideal for general use hiking, but more for small boats.

EBH

+1

I have two roll-top dry-bag backpacks, with capacities of 17L and 70L. I use them mostly when going in and out of boats, but they're fine for a few km of hiking, as they have 'real' straps and belts. They're very easy to use, especially to "shoot out of", in comparison to the DryZone series, which have good toughness and packability, but their WP zippers are a pain to open.

Whenever I'm out with a 'normal' pack (even when I have a raincover for the pack), I always bring a roll-top pack-liner, for just in case. The roll-top pack liners are similar to roll-top dry bags (i.e. they're waterproof), but they're thin material that will not stand up to much abrasion, while dry-bags are very tough. OTOH, the pack liners take almost no space to store.

Here's some old threads on the topic, that show many of the options.

Best Dry Bag for hiking,
- https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1496459/0#14082539
- https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1496459/0#14082838
Rain Covers: TT, LensCoat, AquaTech, etc. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1362682
Shooting at sea "Any Manfrotto Magic arm experience on Cruise Ship ?"
Shooting from a Kayak, https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1310303/1#12511502
water protection & water proof https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1305343/0#12454063
bags & packs https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1188692/0#11335838
Camera case for small boat (waterproof) https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1195187/0#11398407
kayak camera-clamp dry bag, https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1195187/0#11585641
waterproof WP bags https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1178248/0#11232380
weather tolerance https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1188602/0&year=2013#11334857

Apr 03, 2022 at 06:31 AM

jedibrain
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

Thank you all for the replies. I've got a lot to look through. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

I guess what I need isn't waterproof, as in for use on a boat. But more 'rain proof' for hiking. A poncho is a good cheap idea. RIght now I have a nylon camera backpack from Canon, which has been really nice but isn't water resistant to speak of. I also have a lowepro backpack that has a camera compartment. It is pretty good for water resistance, but not great.

-Brian

Apr 04, 2022 at 10:43 AM

mdude85
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

Check out a company called Rains. They specialize in water resistant clothing, jackets and bags. I have one of their duffel bags and really like it. They sell a number of different backpacks, rucksacks, and shoulder bags. But they are minimal inside so you will have to get a camera insert.

Apr 04, 2022 at 01:27 PM

PIOK
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Rain proof camera backpack recommendation?

I alway use rain cover - something like F-Stop Rain Cover or any other brand ... BUT
If I really need Extra Protection from rain I use also what I think is the best rain cover for Photography backpack
-- ---- Jack Wolfskin RAINCOVER HOODY___

https://www.exxpozed.com/jack-wolfskin-raincover-hoody-4565l

This looks good as well

https://www.mysteryranch.com/hooded-pack-fly

1m 17 sec

Apr 04, 2022 at 01:54 PM


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