What do other dSLR users do to manage camera gear and tackle at the same time?

It's all about how to pack everything you need for a day afloat, tackle and camera-wise, and keep it all protected, and dry when the heavens open...

I had been using one of the smaller seat boxes for years and years and was struggling more and more to get everything in, but reasonably accessible.

I liked Rob's big Snowbee bag and decided to try a switch. The bag (XS2 Large) is no longer available, but I managed to get a brand new one off eBay for 1/3rd the rrp.

Next problem was what to to put the camera in that would give it a wee bit more protection in a bag, rather than a box. After a lot of searching - all the Lowepros, Pelis and the likes just do not cater for something that is going inside something else - I bought one of the 'Really Useful Box' models, the 5L XL (the XL has the necessary extra headroom).

I lined it with 2 layers of foam. The finished article takes the SLR body with any one lens, up to and including my largest (100-400 mm). It is so snug a fit, I had to make cut aways for the eye-cup and the left hand strap lug . There is room down the side for polariser, spare battery and spare card.

It sits across the middle of the Snowbee, on top of another 5L box that holds all my reels. Everything else fits in the other compartments (including the wide lens) or in the pockets. The lid of the camera box fits in the back pocket when not required in situ. I also fitted the box with carrying handles so it doesn't get left in the boat if we go off for a mid-session meal.

All I need to do now is work out where to put my tin coffee mug and I am sorted.




Col

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My hovercraft is full of eels

I have a huge Greys boatbag which would easily take the D3, lens etc. plus all my reels and paraphernalia, but as it's not 100% waterproof I'll never take the chance.
I have a large Lowepro with waterproof skin that will be going aboard with my next season though.

Aye, much the same as me Gary. I have a dedicated camera bag which fits inside my Boat bag for when I'm lake fishing (don't fish from the bank). The only other kind of fishing I do is sea trout fishing at night, and I just have a compact in my pocket just to get a snap shot of a fish before returning it.

Hi Gary/

I've been taking the dSLR afloat in the old seat-box - which itself was far from waterproof - since 2004 without any problems. (Apart from the time I fell out the boat at Linlithgow with my seat box over my shoulder )

Looking at the 2 set-ups, I would say the new Snowbee one (with lid on box) is more waterproof than the old set-up.

I have the Lowepro DriZone as well, and I use it when the camera gear takes priority. If you throw out half your lenses the compartments are a nice size for reels and fly boxes .

The DriZone is good for trekking up into the hills. Doesn't fit over a waistcoat well, but you can simply transfer all the shit out your waistcoat into it. The main problems with taking it into the boat are the extra stowage space needed on top of the bag/box and everything else, and the fact that it is not very ergonomic if you want to grab the camera quickly when an opporchancity arises.

Col

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My hovercraft is full of eels

Had these pointed out to me...

B&W Waterproof cases

Hmmm... now then...

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My hovercraft is full of eels

That's cos it's a Greys. You'd be better off getting yer gran to knit you a boat bag. It would take a monsoon to get through the Snowbee.

Nice work,Col. Those 'Really Useful' boxes are really useful eh?

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Too much Saturn, not enough Moon.

Buzzers 2012


Fly Clips & Stands

Where does the tripod go Col?

Hhmmm... I'm thinking I could turn it upside down and stick one leg up your cheeky Welsh arse. That would leave 2 legs free for 2 of your brethren.... making 3 Taffy apples.

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My hovercraft is full of eels

When i am boat fishing i stick the camera in my Wychwood boat bag ( last years model ) but if i am going to the local fishery i stick all the gear i need into my Lowepro sling shot
i can get a few boxes of flies in it , reel , spare spool with line, a few spools of leader material, everything i need.
i dont bother eating or drinking when i am out fishing for 4 hours at the local fishery.
i think it is the middle size of sling shot bags i have. cant remember.
it has been marked wrongly inside the bag.

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there is a difference between Living and Surviving in this world and a very thin line between success and failure.

Wouldn't stand for that, Stu

__________________
Too much Saturn, not enough Moon.

Buzzers 2012


Fly Clips & Stands