For camera equipment on small boats, use a proper roll-top dry bag sized for the camera kit plus a little spare room, ideally with a padded insert or separate protection around lenses. The dry bag handles water; padding handles impact. One does not replace the other.
Size the bag around the working kit
Do not automatically carry every lens ashore. A smaller bag containing one body, mounted zoom and essentials is easier to transfer safely than an oversized sack full of equipment.
Close it correctly
Roll-top bags depend on the closure being folded the required number of times with enough empty material at the top. Overfilling can compromise the seal.
Keep critical items doubly protected
Memory cards, documents and batteries can sit inside smaller waterproof pouches within the main bag. Keep the exterior simple enough to clean during expedition biosecurity procedures.
Waterproofing needs a defined standard
Some camera bags survive rain but are not designed for immersion. For small-boat transfers, look for a closure and manufacturer rating that match the risk, then add padding because dry bags are often poor impact protectors. Keep spare cards and batteries in a second sealed pouch. Never assume an expensive camera backpack is waterproof simply because its fabric has a coating.
