How do you waterproof your kit? Specifically your electronics. Do you use ziplocks/waterproof cases or is your gearbag waterproof?

Regards,

B.

There are about a zillion choices out there. Most members here on the forums have some or all of these choices floating around. It's part of the eternal quest for a perfect survival kit container... <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Aloksak bags:
http://www.watchfuleyedesigns.com/

Tilia vacuum sealer:
http://foodsaver.jardendirect.com/

Witz boxes:
http://www.witzprod.com/witzprod/

Otterbox:
http://www.otterbox.com/

Pelican cases:
http://www.pelican.com/

Omniseal holders:
REI search for "Omniseal"
(sorry, couldn't find a company web site)

Lock & Lock containers:
http://www.organize-everything.com/lolofostco.html
(sorry, couldn't find a company web site)

MTM Case-Gard cases:
http://www.mtmcase-gard.com/

I have become a huge fan of the Aloksak bags! I purchased a bunch to see how they work and love them. I have quite a bit of my gear in an Aloksak bag, and use one as a map case when in the field.

Vacuum sealing works well too, but you can't reseal them in the field. I only vacuum seal stuff that I won't need to reseal (first aid items, batteries, powered drink mixes, etc).

Dry boxes are also great, but bulky and heavy. I use a variety of hard boxes to store my kit at home and in the truck or in transit when I am not carrying it. I am hard on gear, especially electronics; however I rarely break them when I am actually using them. More commonly my expensive stuff becomes paperweights because of damage while in my bag/backpack/briefcase/etc… So, pelican boxes have become my friend and I have a number smaller boxes that keep stuff like my PDA, GPS, Radios, etc dry and secure. While my GPS sheds it’s protective shell when in the field, my PDA always resides in its Pelican box when not in immediate use! To get to my point, only use the hard boxes when you need more than waterproofing or can afford the bulk/weight penalty!

Also, don't neglect the simple and cheap ziploc style freeze bags. They work well, just aren't as durable and resistsnce to tearing and abbrasion as the aloksaks are.

For long term packaging I am a big fan of vacuum encapsulation (food saver) and I always include with the encapsuated items, a strong (4-6mil) zip lock bag, big enough to temporarily carry the items until they can be re-encapsulated. This system is also prefered by the Military for long term storage. You can include a silica jel dessicant to assure dry electronics.

Electronics? What are those?

I try to keep as little as possible that is more complicated than a flashlight in my gear. The lights are made to be waterproof, they get a dab of grease when needed. For other stuff, electronics project boxes with a gasket work very well, so does an altoids (or similiar) tin with a could layers of good electricians tape. With the later, if you want to be sure, two good ziplock bags, and then a no-name zipper bag that is then mummified in duct tape.

I believe that the best way is to use items that are in and of themselves, waterproof by design.

completely agree, food saver is great, and like you said include a ziplock bag to reseal after opening.