Recommendation Needed: A Good DSLR Case For Mountain Biking

When I get my mountain bike, I want to be able to take my Canon 400D with me when I go across the local moors and hills, with either the kit lens or a 200mm telephoto on it. However I want to be sure it will be waterproof and be able to withstand the odd knock or whack (although me landing on it might be beyond the remit of ANY hardcase...).

So, any recommendations of keeping a relatively big camera safe and secure in the wilds? I was thinking of a hardcase, but are there better solutions out there?

P.S This is to go inside a backpack of some sort - just the camera, attached lens, and strap.

 

Have you looked at Peli cases?

They're rock solid, waterproof, and would even float with just a camera in them

 

I've seen these for mobiles and iPods, but the size would be an issue for a camera I reckon. Ideally I want something smaller and more compact. I've literally no idea what other people use for similar purposes. I haven't maybe used the right term, hard case is maybe implying a boxy carry case and I mean more like a hard camera case.

 

Have you considered LowePro's range of DryZone bags?

I've got the Rover which I bought for cycling, travelling, and any type of adventure where I'd want to take my SLR.

Ok it's not quite hard-case but have a good amount of padding around the camera section whilst having space up top for spares, a jacket, and even lunch. I didn't use the bag for a long time when I first got it (as I have three others) but now it's become my day to day bag. That might be due to the Rover design being most suitable for many situations, but having the waterproof element is always nice.

If you find yourself away on a holiday, for instance, and need a bigger bag for the day but aren't taking your camera, the entire camera pouch lifts out the waterproof section allowing it to be used as normal storage, or protecting something else. Well thought out.

Unfortunately, the DryZone range don't come cheap so definitely seek one locally to try before buying.

The only real complaints about mine are the T-Zip, which is what makes it waterproof, isn't the easiest thing to close and needs fairly frequent lubrication (supplied). That said, it's small sacrifice for knowing it's all safe, and I don't often use the T-Zip tbh as the buckle is enough for general day to day use.

Secondly I find the hip strap not that effective at bearing weight, though it may just not fit me personally that well. It'd be nice if it did a better job 'cause carrying 15KG of pack with camera kit and water isn't much fun. That said, I managed hiking up table mountain in 30deg weather, so it's not that bad.

Btw, I've also got a Peli case (1610 IIRC) for flights, but it's big and definitely not practical. Even a smaller one wouldn't be great, tbh.

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at one if I can find one locally in the shops. Might be a bit on the bulky side, dunno, I'll have a gander.

 

Yeah, the Rover is not a small bag. The 100 should be alright, though.

 

The rover looks really good, integrated liquid and low centre of gravity.

 

Oh yeah, forgot the bit about hydration system.

 

Ah! Now that sounds pretty cool.

Have you had to put it to the test, waterproofing wise?

 

I've not lobbed it in a river or, as per a review I did read on it, submerge it in a bath, but I have cycled/hiked in heavy rain and it's a-ok.