How Do You Keep Your Gear Dry?

[DonSmith]

 I am currently in the middle of Ron Modra and my Scottish Highlands workshop. Sadly we had a participant get Covid and I have been sidelined with a stomach flu bug. Ah - the joys of traveling. What we have been lucky with has been the weather... though here in Scotland, one minute it is dry and the next it is pouring rain. I try to maintain a simple approach to keeping my gear dry. I use a towel, shammy and microfiber clothes. I have tried every cover known to man and all are a pain. I also carry a compact Repel Umbrella - not to keep me dry but my gear, What are your methods? Could be a great discussion here... Here is an image of Sligachan Cascades  on the Isle of Skye prior to a cloudburst.

[kevinmcox]

I like the Think Tank Hydrophobia cover for long glass.

[DonSmith]

I like the Think Tank Hydrophobia cover for long glass.

That is a great one - I used something similar back in my NFL days Kevin. What about for shorter glass like a 24-70mm GM or a 12-24mm? Any recommendations?

[Drew_Geraci]

In a pinch, trashbags work great!! Otherwise, I use a variety of rain gear from Kata - surprisingly cheap and super effective. 

[dwfrederick]

I've used everything from an umbrella, JC Rain Coat Sleeve Protectors, to 2 gallon zip lock bags depending on the need.  I spend most of my time in the state of New Mexico, much of the year there isn't much of a need until the summer monsoon arrives.

[CarolineJensen]

I am in the trash bag camp and also using a plain umbrella. 🙂 

[CarolineJensen]

I am sorry you have been sick, Don! It's the worst when you are traveling! 

[kevinmcox]

That is a great one - I used something similar back in my NFL days Kevin. What about for shorter glass like a 24-70mm GM or a 12-24mm? Any recommendations?

Think Tank has some options for short glass, but honestly in the past I've always just left them uncovered.

I'm a recent Sony convert so I'm hoping my new gear holds up as well to the elements as my old Canon gear did.

[IraBlock]

I found a very simple rain cover that i bought many years ago online.. It has an opening at each end with a draw string and i always have it in my bag, it is made for the average zoom, not longer glass. The more expensive ones are too complicated. In a pinch i take a shower cap from the hotel and cut a hole in the other end .!!

[DonSmith]

In a pinch, trashbags work great!! Otherwise, I use a variety of rain gear from Kata - surprisingly cheap and super effective. 

Ah - a throwback for sure. In all honesty Drew - trashbags are still my go to for most rainy day shoots!

[DonSmith]

I've used everything from an umbrella, JC Rain Coat Sleeve Protectors, to 2 gallon zip lock bags depending on the need.  I spend most of my time in the state of New Mexico, much of the year there isn't much of a need until the summer monsoon arrives.

thanks for the input - I'm the same out here in California - we are in a 10 year draught

[DonSmith]

I am in the trash bag camp and also using a plain umbrella. 🙂 

Great add about the umbrella - I have one in my bag at all times - not to keep me dry; rather, to keep my gear dry

[DonSmith]

I am sorry you have been sick, Don! It's the worst when you are traveling! 

I'm back to feeling good again Caroline - thank you for your concern. Off to Patagonia this Sunday

[DonSmith]

I found a very simple rain cover that i bought many years ago online.. It has an opening at each end with a draw string and i always have it in my bag, it is made for the average zoom, not longer glass. The more expensive ones are too complicated. In a pinch i take a shower cap from the hotel and cut a hole in the other end .!!

I've used the ol shower caps also Ira - generally it is what I can get my hands on at the time - too much stuff to travel with!