Keeping your electronics dry out here is a challenge.
Accessories For Kayaking: For the photographically inclined.
You’re gonna need more than a waterproof phone case for adventures on the water.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to keeping your electronics dry while on the water this summer.
Keeping your electronics dry while on the river is no easy task. Luckily, there are many products that can be really helpful, but there's also just good planning. In this guide, we will go over some products that help keep your electronics dry but also give you some tried and true advice for what you can do to prevent your electronics from getting wet.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you need to keep your electronics away from any source of water.
That means keeping them in a waterproof phone case or dry bag when they're not in use. If your phone does happen to go overboard, there's a good chance it will be fine if it's in a waterproof case. But, if you're really worried about it, for about ten cents, you can always keep your phone in a Ziploc bag.
Consider what devices you're going to bring.
Modern-day electronics have become a part of our everyday lives so it's natural that you'd be bringing something with you. Typically, phones, cameras, and other GPS devices, so long as you have a waterproof phone case or dry bag to store them in. If you're heading out on a longer trip you might be tempted to take a laptop or tablet, but we'd strongly advise against this. Don't bring anything that can't survive a "man-overboard" situation.
After you've decided what devices to bring, make sure they're all charged before you leave.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you don't want to get out on the river only to realize that your phone is about to die. You don't want to be charging your devices while on the water.
Waterproof gear. For you. For your devices.
When spending lots of time on the water you're going to want plenty of waterproof gear, for both you and your devices. You wouldn’t go sea kayaking without a spray skirt and you certainly won’t go for a photography session on the water without this equipment.
The simplest and easiest of all this gear is a good waterproof phone case.
Modern-day electronics have become a part of our everyday lives so it's natural that you'd be bringing something with you. Typically, phones, cameras, and other GPS devices, so long as you have a waterproof phone case or dry bag to store them in. If you're heading out on a longer trip you might be tempted to take a laptop or tablet, but we'd strongly advise against this. Don't bring anything that can't survive a "man-overboard" situation.
There are a number of options here but something like our West Slope Case provides submersible protection and tons of flotation. If you wind up going overboard you're going to want something that floats. Speaking of floating, one of the best accessories for kayaking and other watersports is Marine Rope. So many phones are waterproof these days, like the Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or the iPhone, but they will work a lot better when stowed in a waterproof phone pouch.
Marine Rope: Marine Rope is super versatile because it floats and it's soft on the hands even when wet. You can use this marine rope to add extra flotation to your waterproof phone case and anything else.
Dry Bag or Dry Box: If you are traveling with a full-size DSLR or Mirrorless camera you're going to want some added protection. A good dry bag or dry case will keep your gear safe and sound whether you're out on the river or hitting the beach. For gear you don’t need access to quickly you can use your kayak storage to keep things safe in the hatch. Most recreational kayaks will have this.
Hard-sided cases like Pelican Cases are really the ultimate in protection. These rigid boxes are great because you can lash them to your boat so they can't get thrown out.
Waterproof Backpack: If you don't want to deal with a dry bag, then a waterproof backpack is a great option. These backpacks are perfect for days when you're kayaking, SUPing, or anything else.
A good pair of water shoes are also a must. These shoes have great grip and will prevent a slip and fall and toss your phone into the lake scenario.
How to keep your electronics and accessories dry and functioning on multiday river trips.
Once you start spending multiple days on the river it becomes much harder to maintain keeping your electronics dry. However, there are several little pieces of equipment you can bring with you to ensure everything stays dry and in working order.
Ziplock bags!: Don't bother finding purpose-built dry bags for every little do-dad that you will bring with you. Buy a packet of ziplock bags and don't think about it again. They're great for non-electronics as well. You can keep your chapstick, wallet, and other valuables safe in these little guys.
Cleaning cloths: If you use a camera, even if it's your phone, use a microfiber cleaning cloth to take care of any dust, sand, or debris on your lenses with one of these. This will keep your lenses free of any watersports or other particles that would show in your images.
Silica Desiccant Bags: The sole purpose of these little bags is to remove moisture. If you've ever purchased packaged food or ordered clothing online than you know exactly what these are. These tiny pouches are designed to remove moisture from their environment and work wonders. It's a good idea to toss one of these little bags into your zip locks to really keep things dry.
Puffer: An air blower is a super useful tool for removing fine particles of sand from lenses and charging ports alike. Before you wipe materials away from lenses, which have ultrasensitive components, use a puffer to blow some air at the lens (or charging port) to remove the fine particles of sand.
Bring weather-sealed equipment.
Many cameras these days are built with a weather-sealed construction. While this doesn’t make them waterproof it will certainly protect them from splashes and unwelcome moisture. If you don’t have a weather-sealed camera, but you’ve got time before your trip, use a service like Lens Rentals to just rent a nice weather-sealed camera body. This way you don’t have to worry about your expensive camera gear getting ruined by the river.
We also recommend taking a GoPro along. These action cameras are great because they're waterproof and submersible, and you can even get a little life jacket for them so they float. They provide some unique photos and can shoot underwater.
Other great waterproof camera options would be the DJI Action 2 or the Insta360 line of cameras.
Consider insuring your equipment.
Where there have been some great strides and innovations in Waterproof Electronics, we still have a long way to go here. If you’re going to be on a multiday trip and variable conditions it might be a good idea to insure your equipment. This insurance coverage is invaluable should anything happen while out on the river and it can protect against a lot more than just water damage. Most policies will also include protection for theft or accidental damage.
There are insurance policies available that fall within $20-$30 dollars a month. The plan from the Professional Photographers Association offers pretty comprehensive coverage for your devices.
For your smartphone, you should check to see what options are available from your carrier. It may be possible to add an insurance policy to your plan before you embark on your trip. As a general rule of thumb it is a great idea to back up your phones and cameras before your trip. If you lose any of these to the watery depths you’ve at least got a current backup waiting for you at home.
With these tips, you'll be able to keep your electronics dry on the river and have a great time! Enjoy your time on the water and don't forget to take some pictures. :)
If you don't want to bring a bunch of electronics with you on your river trip, that's fine too. Just enjoy the time away from technology and disconnect for a while. It can be really refreshing to spend some time in nature without any screens or gadgets. But if you do want to keep your electronics dry, hopefully, this guide helps!