AMC Outdoors, March 1999

By Michael Lanza

The West Branch of the Pleasant River flowed knee-deep as I forded its cool waters one late-August afternoon, on a nine-day backpacking trip through Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness. Reaching the opposite bank, I turned to watch my girlfriend crossing — she was backlit by sunlight sparkling off the water, her face locked in concentration. Anxious to seize the photographic moment before it passed, I flipped up the lid of my camera chest pack, pulled out my 35mm SLR with telephoto lens, then whipped off the pack to set it aside — without closing the lid.

As I put the pack down, my 28mm lens flew out, seeming to float in slow motion as it described a beautiful arc over the river. The lens struck one dry rock in the river, bounced in a smaller arc over the water again, then came to rest on another rock, high and dry in midstream. My heart in my throat, I waded out to retrieve it, and found it dinged but otherwise undamaged, a testament to Nikon lenses — and good luck.

Nothing can protect your camera from carelessness. But for avid shutterbugs, there are packs that beat back the rain and waterproof boxes that keep your camera dry on an unexpected swim. Some manufacturers' numbers are provided below or look for these products in camera shops, outdoor-gear stores, or mail-order services like B&H Photo and Video (800-947-6650; www.bhphotovideo.com).

Waterproof Boxes
Portable waterproof boxes are the only truly secure option for boaters, especially in whitewater. Waterproof boxes keep out dust and water, some to 30 feet under water. Their shells are typically injection-molded plastic that will not dent, crack, or corrode. Lids are sealed with O-rings and multiple latches that won't release accidentally — their obvious drawback is that you can't get the camera out quickly. Valves can adjust the inside air pressure to compensate for altitude or temperature changes. Interior foam padding can usually be customized to fit any cameras and lenses.

Waterproof boxes can be tucked inside a kayak or canoe and come in a wide range of sizes for cameras from a point-and-shoot automatic to professional equipment. Prices range from $28 to $60. Check Pelican Products Inc. (800-473-5422; www.pelican.com), Doskocil Seal-Tight cases, or Tundra Sea King cases.

Water-Resistant Packs
Water-resistant packs are the carrier of choice for hikers. Paddlers venturing onto water where they feel confident of staying upright could also use these or dry bags. For even more protection, seal your camera into two heavy-duty zip-lock bags inside either a pack or dry bag; or stuff the camera pack into a dry bag.

Many chest, hip, and other camera packs are made with closed-cell foam and durable, urethane-coated nylon, making them water resistant even in a steady rain — but not waterproof. Water resistance diminishes over time from exposure to ultraviolet rays and dirt. Packs come in a variety of sizes, designs, and prices; look for a lid that opens away from your body and thus remains out of the way while your hands are in the pack. Today's dry bags are less bulky than their ancestors, and some are clear so you can see the contents; they range from $10 to more than $100. There even are packs with dry-bag-style, roll-down-and-clip closures, which are highly waterproof but may not withstand sustained immersion.

Some Trail- and Seaworthy, Water-Resistant Packs:

• Sundog's River Runner Telezoom medium chest pack fits an SLR with a mounted zoom lens and has a roll-down-and-clip closure ($52; 800-450-7220).
  
  
• The Seal Line Deck Bag from Cascade Designs attaches with elastic shock cords to a kayak deck. Made of vinyl, with zipper guards, it protects against splashing and rain but not complete immersion. It's about the size of a day pack ($62; 800-299-0378). For hikers, the slightly smaller Seal Pak hip pack ($31) holds an SLR with a long lens and features urethane-coated nylon and roll-down-and-clip closure.
  
  
• The Photo Explorer 2 convertible shoulder and hip pack from Tamrac fits an SLR with a six-inch lens and has a rain-flap top ($60; 818-407-9500). Tamrac's Lite Moon Hip Pack ($90) has a rain flap and adjustable hip straps, converts to a shoulder bag, and fits an SLR and two or three lenses.
  
  
• The Topload Zoom AW from LowePro holds the largest SLRs with a large lens, and features a removable chest harness, a retractable rain cover, and breathable mesh on the back for comfort on long hikes ($50; 800-800-5693).
  
  
• Mountaineer-photographer Galen Rowell's line of packs includes the lightweight Chestpouch 2 ($30), which can be worn as a hip or chest pack, fits a camera with a lens up to 105mm, closes with Velcro and a zipper, and has adjustable compression straps.

Rain Covers
Tenba Rain Covers ($32.50) offer a seamless, urethane-coated nylon pack cloth which attaches with Velcro to the lens hood and the camera base. The nylon is thin enough to use the camera controls and change film without removing. They come in various sizes and with a belt pouch.

With the right protection, you can bring home killer shots without worrying about your camera taking a bath. Just be careful at river crossings.

— Writer-photographer Michael Lanza's photos have appeared in several publications, including this one. He is the author of The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Travel, from AMC Books.