Silica Gel Packs for Moisture

YnotMe wrote:

I've always been a freak about moisture and my gear and when ever I've received a package that has silica packs in it I've saved them. Eventually they tear, so no longer good. In all honesty I'm not sure if they've ever done any good, but I've never had fungus issues. In cool or damp weather I always put my gear in my bag before I entering anything warm like a car, house or other, maybe that's what's saved me.

My stash is diminishing and about to order a bunch online. I normally throw in 15-20 of these little packs throughout my bag, now a Mindshift 180°. A couple for each lens and body compartment. Is that honestly enough for cold or damp weather just as a precaution or should I go more? Also, are there other products on the market that won't take up much space and provide better moisture protection?

Silica Gel was once (and maybe still) available through Chemists/pharmacies/chemical suppliers. I have about 500grams of it. It was possible to buy "Indicator" Silica Gel that was colored Blue when dry and then turned Pink when it became moisture saturated. This is the best type to buy as you will know when it is absorbing moisture, or not. With white Gel there is no knowing if it is working,

I use the 'Indicator' Silica Gel at about an 'egg cup full' to keep a sealed cake 'tin' dry with camera and lens. Note I say "sealed"- that could be like Tupperware or similar- air tight!

I use a frypan or saucepan with gentle heat to dry out the Gel once it turns to Pink, then store it in capped bottles (as Blue) until needed with cameras, etc.

Those little white bags that come with new equipment are virtually useless for any purpose once removed from the original packaging, and throwing them into your camera bag is totally useless. How could 2-3 grams of gel absorb all the moisture in the atmosphere when you are opening a bag repeatedly ? Think about it. Even throwing in 15-20 will do little good unless they have been re-generated, but in fact could be just storing moisture in your bag with your equipment (like a wet sponge).

So my recommendations- Buy Indicator Silica Gel, store (when returning home) cameras and lenses in sealed containers with the Gel, dry out the gel when it becomes exhausted.

And I always have a laugh when I see the little white bags that have been in the bottom of camera bags for 10-20-30 years....