The best 2 ways to carry camera gear in any watersports environment are with a Watershed bag or a Pelican case. Both of these products are used by media professionals around the world to protect sensitive gear from the elements.
(I have a “Team Watershed” bag because I bought a booth sample at a trade show. I am in no way affiliated with Watershed Drybags.)
Pelican 1300:
MSRP w/foam: $78.95/ $45.91 BUY NOW
Weight (as used with minimal foam): 3 lbs .5 oz
I used a Pelican 1300 case, with pick and pull foam, for water sports (ww kayaking, sea kayaking, sailing, & wakeboarding) photography for over 6 yrs. In that time I actually used the same case that I still have. It traveled to more than 7 different countries with me and across the US many times. I have dropped the case off cliffs, into rapids, and thrown it around in the back of vehicles countless times. My camera gear was always protected and came out unscathed, except that one time…
I loaned my camera setup to a fellow boater to shoot photos of myself and another friend running some waterfalls. When the camera was put away the camera neck strap was trapped in the seal of the box. The box also ended up in the water and the small gap in the seal of the box allowed the box to fill with water. Needless to say, the camera gear didn’t like sitting in a box full of water overnight 🙁
Pelican cases are durable, super easy to use, and protect your gear under extreme conditions. The Kryptonite to the Pelican case, as well as any waterproof storage solution, is debris in the case’s seal. This can be overcome with extreme diligence EVERY time the case is sealed.
The Pelican 1300 can accommodate my DSLR with a short zoom lens attached, a long zoom lens, extra battery, camera remote, and a camera cleaning kit. All of this gear fits very snuggly in the case with very little room for foam padding. The case fits snuggly between my legs in all of the Fluid Kayaks that I paddle. While I haven’t had any issues, I can imagine the case getting in the way when a quick exit from the boat is required.
Quick Tip: It is really easy to change a lens in the Pelican box using the lid as a shield against precip and wind. Digital camera sensors don’t like dust and moisture.
Watershed Ocoee Dry Duffel Bag:
MSRP: $84.95 duffel+$24.95 liner+$19.95 dividers=$129.85 total/$76.46+$21.95+$17.95=$116.36 (BUY Duffel NOW $78.30)
Weight (as used with padded liner and liner dividers): 1 lb 15.2 oz
I have used the Watershed Ocoee bag with padded liner and liner dividers for about 3 yrs now. I have had zero damage to any of my camera gear and have seen no wear issue of concern on the bag itself. The bag has mostly been used while creeking in OR, WA and WV, with a few playboat trips thrown in around the Pacific Northwest. I have to say that the bag hasn’t taken any big falls, but it has been thrown around on many a portage and riverside.
Once the Watershed bag did collect a LOT of condensation. This occurred when it was left open on a riverbank in the sun when the air was extremely moist. Normally not an issue, as you would just dry the bag out when you get home. On this occasion I was on day 1 of a 3-day river trip, and it rained for most of the rest of the trip. All of my gear survived, but I will admit that I was nervous about it for the rest of the trip.
The big disadvantage that I’ve experienced with the Watershed bag is that I find it extremely difficult to open and especially close when my hands are cold. Since I paddle in the Pacific Northwest my hands are almost always cold. I find that I actually don’t take the camera out as much because I worry about the time it will take to make sure that the bag is properly sealed before proceeding down river.
The Ocoee bag can accommodate my DSLR with a short or long lens attached, a second lens, extra battery, remote flash, camera remote, and a camera cleaning kit. The bag easily fits in my lap in any boat and doesn’t impede a quick exit if required.
Quick Tips: Great for protecting your gear while traveling and still being compact. Fits nicely inside a daypack with plenty of room to spare.
SUMMARY:
Pelican 1300
Pros:
-Durable -Price! -“Feels” like gear is safe -Quick and easy access to your gear
Cons:
-Seal can be compromised without your knowledge -Makes it harder to get out of your boat quickly -Bulky size
Watershed Ocoee
Pros:
-Compact -You “know” if the bag is properly sealed -Choice of leaving long or short lens on camera body -Light weight
Cons:
-Price! -Slow to open and close -Extremely difficult to seal with cold hands -Could puncture
In the end you need to make the choice based on your personal needs and preferences. For now my trusty Watershed bag has a home in my boat, but the allure of the quick and easy access of the Pelican might bring it back into duty soon.
See you on the water-
Bryon
-Help support more adventures on Exploring Elements by buying these items using the BUY NOW links above or the links here through Amazon.com: Pelican 1300 / Watershed Ocoee–
