Hi all,

What do you use to protect your point and shoot camera while backpacking? A commercial nylon case, or something else?

I'm thinking about making something out of Tyvek...

Though its not a super duper high end camera (Canon SX210 IS), I'd rather have a bit more protective case than a UL one, especially while hiking. I carry a Lowepro case that is semi-rigid. I have a ziploc in case it rains.

But, that's just me!

Lots of options. I personally would just go with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2. Then you wouldn't have to worry. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's .46lbs so around 7oz.

For my Canon s90 I have different set-ups as it is pocket-able. A thin sunglasses sheath is what I use when it is in a zippered jacket pocket. I have canvas and neoprene cases that mount to a hipbelt. For situations over or in water I have a pelican clone plastic case with an O ring seal. My first line of defense is a paracord wrist strap which I use every time I take the camera out. If you like Tyvek many mailing envelopes are now made from it.You can add bubble wrap for a little more protection.

I wouldn't trust them for total immersion, but for rain-soaked packs and such, lock & lock containers are great. Good for dust and bumps too.

http://www.organize.com/locknlockrec.html

Or get a Pentax Optio W90 and dunk away :)

Edited by dwambaugh on 07/13/2010 22:19:44 MDT.

Right,

I understand a sheet of tyvek won't protect it against dings but it should protect against scratches.

Ultimately, a (non-waterproof) solution would be as protective as those nylon cases, without the weight and extras.

Maybe I'm looking for a bare bones nylon case - like the equivalent of a laptop sleve - ever seen one?

Got a Sigma DP1 in the mail coming tomorrow (thank you ebay seller who who was getting rid of stuff), and I'm super stoked.

Lens wraps work great for protecting from bumps when stored in another container. With a wrap and an Aloksak, you have about as light and water resistant as you can get (I don't care much for Aloksaks with heavier stuff).

Shipping mini-bubble wrap is good too, or a bubble wrap envelope.


Wraps:
http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/gear/more-gear/gadget-bag/thats-a-wrap.html

When I'm backpacking I just put my camera in the pocket of my cargo pants and hope for the best. I did break the screen on one of my cameras by doing this but I figure it's still better to have the camera readily available. I use a Pentax Optio waterproof camera so I don't have to worry about water. I find that if my camera is easily accessible I will use it. If it's in a bag or case I tend to leave it in the bag and don't use it as much.

When I'm at home I use a neoprene wrap like these:

http://www.pedcopods.com/wrap.shtml

They work very well but are a bit bulky in my pocket so I leave the wrap behind on my trips.

Edited by skopeo on 07/13/2010 23:45:19 MDT.

I just line my pack's hipbelt pocket with a piece of plastic bubble wrap shaped into a "U".

I did the same as Ben except I used closed-cell foam wrapped in silnylon. The sil made everything nice and slick so it was easy to remove and return the camera into the hipbelt pocket. I cut the CCF to the shape of my hipbelt pocket and it stays in place very well.

I add a ziplock bag when needed for moisture protection.

I carry my camera in a small Eagle Creek waist pack, where it's always available even when not wearing my pack. The waist pack carries a lot of other tiny useful things.

Sam Haraldson has a myog article on a camera case.

Edited by jshann on 07/14/2010 07:29:02 MDT.

I use a small aloksak lined w/ thin bubble wrap for my little olympus-

8 grams

Edited by mtwarden on 07/14/2010 08:45:35 MDT.

I just got a Pentax w80 this summer. I think it's a few models old so it was only $80. I have taken many underwater pictures in the pool and in the ocean. I have droped it a few times on dirt, and its been covered in sand. Still works great. I don't have to worry about being too careful with it since it was on the cheap. I just try not to scratch it up.

Downside is that it takes grainy pictures in low light, way worse than any point-n-shoot I've had previously. In decent light it does OK.

I use a LowePro Apex 30AW for my Panasonic DMC-ZS3. It is very sturdy, has a built in rain cover, and enough room for an extra card, two extra proprietary batteries and the battery charger. I usually wear my camera on the outside ready for action, so I need a weather resistant bag, and the LowePro was the most weather resistant little nylon bag I could find that fit my camera. It works in the Northern California Sierra where I hike. It might leak eventually in really heavy rain like Washington State or the tropics, so in that case I would keep the camera in my pack in a Ziplock freezer bag or a Loksak OPsac.

I still have bubble bags available. I use them for my Canon SD1000. They are, light, simple, waterproof (within reason), and similar to what BPL used to sell. See Gear Deals: http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/xdpy/forum_thread/33948/index.html?skip_to_post=295214#295214
Tim

^ BPL being out of them what prompted me to make my own- glad to see you were able to find them :)

You can buy bubble wraps at Wally World and equivalent. Just cut a piece to size and tape and velcro as appropriate.

I think the solution for me will be bubble wrap lined with something softer to protect the screen - got the DP1 in the mail today and forgot that, like the Canon G series, it doesn't have any screen protection. Looks like I'll need to get a screen protector too.

That SH MYOG is great - I'll definitely use it. Thanks SH!

Man, for $200 this thing takes nice pictures. I can't wait to bring it on my next trip.

Edited by ChrisMorgan on 07/14/2010 17:03:46 MDT.

Tough to beat bubble wrap. I made a case with Bubble wrap and packing tape (5.9g). Watch out for duct tape. It's way heavier than packing tape and gets gross over time from shoving in and out of your pocket.