OverBoard Waterproof SLR Camera Bag

The OverBoard Waterproof SLR bag is a roll-top dry bag designed for SLR cameras. It is simple but smartly featured; including a smooth camera friendly liner, and an elasticated mesh pocket perfect for small accessories like an extra battery. The bag is suitable for an ample sized lens and rolls down reasonably small.

It is waterproof, and it floats if dropped in water. It is the perfect accessory for the hiker/camper/kayaker who loves SLR photography and doesn't want to deal with large bulky camera bags to protect their SLR.

I am a hiker, and along with that, SLR photography is one of my hobbies. I have always used one of my smaller SLR bags (Manfrotto Bella IV) which is quite a nice small bag, but unfortunately unreasonably bulky and heavy for hiking, especially since I tend to the lightweight side of things when selecting gear. I wanted a bag that would provide reasonable protection from dust, dirt, abrasion and most importantly water damage for my standard SLR kit that comes on my hikes (Canon T2i with EF17-40mm F4L lens). After some searching I came upon the Overboard SLR waterproof bag. It is a roll-top dry bag made from what appears to be reasonably sturdy PVC material, and the product appears to be aimed predominantly for kayakers, but it is perfect for my needs.

According to Overboard:

• 100% waterproof                        
• Constructed from durable 600D PVC tarpaulin                        
• Protects your gear from dirt, sand, dust and water                        
• Floats if dropped in water and suitable for quick submersion                        
• Internal lining                        
• Large internal wet/dry pocket and elastic mesh accessories pocket                        
• 4x D-rings for multiple attachment options                        
• Compatibility: Canon EOS 3000N (European name of EOS Rebel XSn), Nikon D300 and any similar-sized or smaller SLR cameras

Initial impressions are that this is a smartly designed and reasonably featured product. It comes with a strap, which could use a bit of cushioning for the shoulder contact point, but is otherwise adequate. The bag itself has multiple attachment points so that it can be carried and balanced in whichever way is most convenient. The inside has a soft liner and no points of abrasion which would scratch the LCD or if you happen to lose your cap, it looks to be smooth enough to not damage an exposed lens. It also features a nice elasticated mesh pocket that is the perfect size to fit a few accessories like an extra battery and some lens wipes.

The construction appears very solid, and the only thing I would add is a bit of padding between the PCV outer and the liner, although it is not necessarily needed. There is also a reflector on the front, although that is of no concern to me, but it may be useful for bikers which would strap it on their backs. The size is more than adequate for my SLR setup, and it can fit some slightly larger lenses or cameras as well (within reason of course). I was able to easily fit a Canon ef100mm F2.8 Macro USM which is a bigger lens than the one pictured below.

I use this bag for hiking to protect my camera from the elements, and more specifically water damage. To say rain is quite common in the UK would be a huge understatement, but it is even more random and prevalent in the hills and mountains. This bag makes sure my SLR stays dry regardless of the weather.

So far it has worked very well for what I wanted. It packs down much smaller than my other camera bags and is reasonably lightweight and fits well with my hiking gear strategy. I have fortunately not been caught in any substantial rain with it, so I can't comment on its efficiency in the field. However I have tested it at home by running it for several minutes under a strong flow of water in the tap, and then also in the shower while stuffing it with tissues which would be quite evidently wet if any moisture got in.

Both tests show the bag to be waterproof, although I would not want to submerge it for any substantial amount of time with expensive camera gear on there. I think this could be improved by having a sealing mechanism like strong Velcro at the top to make sure it is aligned and tight before rolling.

Conclusion: For the price, which in my opinion is very reasonable, this is an excellent dry bag that is ideally tailored for an SLR camera. A definite must for hikers that insist on taking their SLR's out and want something waterproof that doesn't weigh much and packs down reasonably small.