The
favourite of expedition paddlers for many years the Peli
range of storage cases have an unrivaled reputation for
strength, durability and waterproofness.
The Peli range covers a vast array of possible applications
from rifle case to lunch box! However their use as an
expedition camera case is where its main use lies and
their reputation has been built. The most appropriate
sizes to consider for this use are probably the 1200 and
1300 series. Both are big enough to accept a range of
equipment and still small enough to be tucked away in
a kayak. The whole range is designed to be both waterproof
and airtight through the use of a rubber "o"
ring and sturdy latcches. So confident are the manufacturers
that they are guarenteed to keep your kit safe unless
they are subjected to abuse from shark/bear attack or
children under 5.
Each case is fitted with a "purge" valve which
prevents the case from jamming close due to changes in
air pressure, for example if it where taken on a flight
in the hold or submerged under water. More recent models
have an automatic purge valve which as the name suggest
needs no interference. Older models may require the user
to release the pressure by turning the valve.
I currently use a 1300 box which comfortably houses my
Pentax MZ SLR Camera with zoom lens, 6 spare 35mm film
cases, and a Sony DC51 digital camera with enough room
available to house another zoom lens. Each item is kept
safe and sound through the use of a three piece foam padding
kit. One of which fits into the lid, another in the base
and a large central section which can be simply adapted
to house equipment of various shapes and sizes. This is
done by placing your kit on top of the foam, drawing around
it and then cutting the foam with a knife and removing
the spare material. Replacement foam kits can be purchased
for around £10 just incase you mess up or change
the type/size of kit you wish to store in the case.
Photography kit is both expensive and quite fragile so
it is well worth investing is some of this kit to keep
your equipment safe and dry.