Cree and I have been using waterproof backpacks on a lot of photo trips recently. They are great when you are carrying an extra lens and body in places where the weather gets nasty. Recently we were in Antarctica and the zodiac floor had 2 inches of water sloshing around on it. No normal photo backpack, even with a rain cover on, is going to keep standing water from soaking through your camera backpack. I also really like to bring a waterproof pack on bear photography trips where I might be sitting on wet tidal flats or on river banks. Since these backpacks don’t have padding, I stuff a puffy jacket in the pack or put lenses in padded cases to protect from bumps along the way. Here are three waterproof bags we use.
The first one (1.) is the Osprey Transporter WP 30. This pack is super lightweight, seals by rolling the fabric at the top, and has a 30L capacity. This was the main backpack I used in Antarctica. It sat in water many days and my gear was always dry inside. This bag easily fits in a duffel or suitcase to get it to your destination.
The second pack (2.) is the Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top backpack. This is the largest at 38L, and the heaviest of our waterproof backpacks. This pack has the best hip belt of the three packs, and carries heavy loads easily walking along rivers and on mudflats. This is my go-to waterproof backpack in Alaska.
The final pack we use (3.) is the Patagonia Guidewater 29L pack. This is the lightest of the bunch, barely takes up any space packed into a duffel. Unlike the others, this pack has a waterproof zipper closure. This makes getting your gear easier, just make sure to keep the zipper in good shape. This is Cree’s favorite waterproof backpack.
There you have it. Next time you are headed to wet climates, consider bringing a waterproof backpack to carry your gear in the field. I often use my roller to carry my gear to my destination, and then get out my waterproof back for shooting during the day.