mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

I recently went canoeing on the James River to get some photos of osprey (will post later), but I had to be extremely careful - canoe, splashing, a few rapids, near tip-overs.

I kept the camera in a drybag (borrowed) designed for whitewater, etc. and kept it in my regular backpack some as well. Backpack is anything other than waterproof.

I see the Lowepro Dryzone backpacks, but what do others of you use? Is there a better alternative to the Lowepros as far as other types of backpack? Or even "do-it-yourself" combinations of drybags, etc. that you have found helpful?

Thanks for your help! - Steve

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

If it helps, there are a variety of methods to waterproof a bag, at least temporarily if that's all you need.
- Additionally you can gather a supply large ziplock bags and use them as well. S-

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

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Decision making problems often arise because you aren’t clear whether you have a problem to solve or a decision to make.
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RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

So I am an avid canoeist, I too approached your very same issue. After a lot of going back and forth, my suggestion, which in not the lightest weight one (but there are strategies) is to look for a frame backpack and buy a pelican box... my $68 box paid for itself many times over the very first time I used it, as I fished the floating box out of a lake with 5g's worth of electronic equipment and lenses in it. First time in 20 years I had flipped, and had owned the box less then 2 weeks! Plus- its bomb proof and dust proof.

I have a D800e and a Zeiss 25mm Distagon and a 105 Nikon Micro and my phone arranged in a Pelican 1300- (the height is the issue in going smaller-they make all sorts of various height width length boxes)... but with all the middle "pick" foam removed and a custom one made from closed cell packing blocks I recycled, with brackets etc. cut and glued in place to support stuff, permanently affixed with a hot glue gun (the whole thing can be removed if i need to reconfigure) the camera and 105 ( packed vertical in a corner) jam into the non-removable egg crate top and bottom very securely- yet very acceptable- (Does not bottom out the foam against the sides). Have taken it on Snowmobile trips too, and shook the bejesus out of everything and nothing moved.

I then hang the box under the main part of the frame where the sleeping bag usually goes, and I'm off! With the frame pack (link below from Pro Bass - but there are others- for hunters packing game and heavy stuff) , you'd have to hang it underneath the platform, or just lay it on top, with another pack or dry bags for your other camp gear strapped on top etc.
http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-RH5000-External-Pack-Frame/product/1301160606328/

I can get into this supreme protection in a second to grab my camera to shoot- no unwrapping- I paddle with it between my legs.. ALWAYS LATCHED- ( make this a rule! stuff happens unexpectedly and its no good left open)

I will purchase a larger one soon to fit my 80-400 and other lenses and filters etc., its nice to be able to throw your camera anywhere, under any circumstances, and not worry if a car runs over it, or someone kicks it or sits on it, or it dunks... and did I mention... it floats!

gmichaelbeach Loc: Connecticut

I use a "Pelican U160 Urban Elite Half Case Camera Pack". It holds my D7100, five lenses (a 55-300mm attached) batteries, cards, a tripod externally. It is waterproof! (they say, although I really don't want to find out the hard way) and crush resistant. Very glad I got this thing. It seems bombproof!
Good Shooting!

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Pelican are good (and expensive) if you want something to secure to the boat for quick and easy access to the camera. I take a waterproof point and shoot (Nikon AW100) and my Canon G16 (+ phone, wallet, keys etc.) in a closed lunch box in a covered hatch on my Kayaks. If you just want to protect your kit from water whilst paddling then use roll top proofed nylon bags inside your rucsac. I use EXPED brand. Here's a link to the U.S. site, but the products are slightly different to our Euro ones.
http://www.exped.com/usa/en/product-category/packsacks

Quixdraw Loc: x

I also have a have a Nikon, AW 120 that I use on the water or when it is raining. I am certain there are more capable tough cameras now. Only things I don't like is lack of a finder and having to charge the battery in camera.
If I take my serious gear, digital or film, to a risky environment, I use my Pelican or Tundra as someone already mentioned. These can be found used and usually inexpensive at various charity shops, pawn shops, etc. I paid $30 for my smaller one, and $50 for the big one. They can be washed and the foam replaced as needed. Foam and gaskets available through manufacturer, B&H, Adorama and many others. In my case new foam cost more than the smaller case. I used the large case till I went digital since it was already set up for Nikons

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

Thank you all for the comments and ideas! I had not thought about the pelican cases...I knew about them, and what they are, just had not thought about 'em. And I liked the idea of the pelican on the backpack frame.
Ya'll have given me some great options to consider. Thanks again for all these great ideas!