Hard Waterproof case for trip to the boundry waters

I'm looking for a hard waterproof case for an upcoming trip to the boundary

waters. I will be taking along my Canon Rebel XT along with a 70-200 F4L and a

50mm 1.8. This doesn't need to be huge, or even a "camera" case. I just need

something that will work. Has anyone tried using old ammo boxes with foam? Any

Ideas?

I haven't tried ammo boxes, but pelican cases are great; various sizes, completely waterproof,

and protect the equipment when being banged around. I think they float as well (not positive

about that).

Pelican are great cases for the money. Very well built and easy to cut (actually just pull apart) spaces for your equipment if you buy them with the foam.

I was looking at the pelicans, but its hard to figure out what size i would need. I would like to put my XT with 70-200 attached in there, along with 2 other lens'. What size do you think id need?

I use a Pelican for a small camera that I strap to my raft seat, and I also pack a padded ammo box that has more room in it for a 20D, 12-24, 24-85, and 70-300. The ammo can has more room than I need for this gear, so I usually load it with other junk like spare sunglasses, batteries, memory cards, etc. It still floats.

 

The ammo can is faster to get in & out of than a Pelican case, but you have to use both hands to do it. You also need to check the seal before using it by holding under for a few minutes to see if any water gets in. Some leak. Adding foam was a simple job with an old backpacker's foam sleeping pad that I bought at a garage sale for $1, and contact cement I had laying around. I then added dividers with more foam and duct tape. Don't laugh, it's been working for years this way.

 

The real advantage to the ammo can is its price compared to the Pelican box. Its also smaller externally compared to the inside space. But it's heavier and the latching system is not as easy to use. It also breaks things it smashes into. You also have to find a way to tie it down that still allows easy access to get it open. I used filament tape to make loops for attaching straps. Yeah, I know, you can't help the laughing now. But it still works, and I've put exactly $6 into it over the last 7 years, and it still holds my gear. Did a Grand Canyon trip with it last fall.

 

http://paddling.jimstrutz.com

YOu want a Pelican,with foam not dividers. I had one I used when I was sailing, and have taken it down the colorado river. I think a 1500 is a very good size for what you are looking to do. I found one on Ebay before christmas with new foam for $40.

 

 

http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1500