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May 9, 2008
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Gear stays protected in the DryZone
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by Chuck Gloman
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The last time I remember wearing a backpack was camping with my YMCA troupe in 1967. These days, I've traded in my flimsy, olive green knapsack for a bright yellow and black Lowepro DryZone 200 (also available in gray and black). And instead of hauling camping gear, I'm carrying video and still camera equipment in a sturdy, waterproof alternative to a foam-filled briefcase.
One of three DryZone bags on the market, the 200 is roughly 14 1/2 inches wide, 19 inches high, and 11 1/2 inches deep. Its exterior has two adjustable shoulder straps, waist belt, sternum strap to reduce fatigue, and DryFlo mesh back pad that helps displace perspiration. It adjusts to fit any size frame, though it can also be carried by a sturdy handle on the top.
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| The Lowepro DryZone 200 keeps your equipment protected and dry. |
One impressive feature is the tripod holder. A release cord is pulled to reveal a pouch where two of the tripod legs rests. The tripod is then snugly tightened to the back of the Dryzone 200 with two more adjustable straps to keep it secure.
The back compartment unbuckles to reveal a deep mesh inside pocket for videotapes or anything else that needs to be protected. The smooth black surface of the next layer is a waterproof compartment that's sealed with a heavy duty rubberized zipper, which is very difficult to open the first time (Lowepro supplies lubricant to keep the zipper moving freely). Once the zipper is open, it reveals a black fabric inner compartment with a normal zipper that opens easily.
Accessed from the other side is a another zippered, waterproof compartment for memory cards, videotapes, filters, or anything else that should stay dry. Underneath is the camera storage area with three vertical compartments plus adjustable Velcro spacers.
The center compartment houses my Sony HVR-Z1U HDV camcorder. I use the side area to accommodate my Nikon digital SLR camera, lenses, and batteries. That still leaves extra space for the camcorder batteries, cables, filters, and shotgun microphone. On most shoots I use my HDV camera and my digital SLR, and both of them fit easily without fighting in the same bag.
That's a substantial amount of gear, but the weight doesn't feel quite so heavy distributed across my back and shoulders instead of hung over one shoulder or carried by one hand. I also prefer the plastic-lined, adjustable Velcro compartments to foam because the plastic doesn't lose its shape and won't rot.
I decided to test the Lowepro Dryzone 200 in the elements, and Pennsylvania's problematic February weather didn't let me down. The day after I received my 200, I had a video shoot across town. In torrential rain with 40 mph winds, I lugged my equipment about 100 feet from my car to the building. I was drenched, but my camera equipment was dry.
Three days later, I had a shoot in a blinding snowstorm with my Z1 wrapped in a plastic bag. I got wet, the plastic over the camera got wet, but the 200 stayed dry inside. Two days later, the temperature was in the 60s and dust was blowing everywhere. The tiny bit of dirt that got into the Dryzone 200 (when I needed to open the pack and get some equipment) easily vacuumed away.
The $370 list price is high, but not when you consider its waterproof capabilities -- as well as the price of the equipment in the bag. Perhaps the best perspective I can provide is that the Dryzone 200 is holding up well under the abuse of both our weather and our students.
Chuck Gloman is an awarding-winning producer/director of photography with more than 800 commercials to his credit, and is program director of the TV/Film Department at DeSales University. Contact him at chuck.gloman@desales.edu.
MORE INFO
Lowepro lowepro.com
Good for Government
We never know what the elements will throw at us, but you'll know your equipment in the Lowepro DryZone 200 will remain dry. The backpack form factor also keeps your hands free during transport.
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