EDC problem solved... Finally

I'm posting this as a PSA to those who might have found themselves in a situation like I frequently do. The idea of an every day carry camera is the eternal struggle. The old, "the camera you have with you" saying resonates with me on the daily. Most folks solve this in different ways, mostly by simplifying or making sacrifices. I except neither as an acceptable solution. So while the logical crowd might downsize to something like an x100 or an xe body with a small prime or lesser zoom I just couldn't settle. After all, many of my issues still wouldn't be solved.

So first, the problem:

I live in Maine which brings many natural enemies of cameras. Humid summers where many days are spent at the beach and freezing cold winters with no shortage of snow.

I greatly enjoy hiking and with that, around these parts, come sharp grades, exposed pine tree roots, slick granite rock. All compounded in the winter by everything being a sheet of ice. Needless to say the occasional hard tumble comes with the territory.

Which brings me to the struggle. Camera bags just aren't equipped to protect against the level of abuse I would throw at them in day to day life. I need something built to survive heavy impacts and the possibility of capsized kayaks!

The solution:

Currently on sale for the whooping price of $9.99 (no I didn't misplace the decimal) is the "camera bag" I've been searching for. Feast your eyes on this little bad boy, soda can for scale.

Sure it's a hair snug but this very rugged case not only protects against impacts but it's also water proof. There is also an air vent on the front which can be opened to gradually acclimate to changing climates rather, a must have when going from a 75 degree car to the single degree outside and back. It obviously requires that I remove my battery grip but it perfectly accommodates the XT4 with the 16-55 attached. The case is also just small enough to fit in a standard size back pack without turning it sideways taking up more room. To make sure I was trusting my investment of camera gear wisely to such a cheap case I decided to buy a second one to torture test. I placed a half dozen eggs along the outside edges of the case foam and then dropped it on the floor. Eggs still intact. So then I dropped it down a flight of stairs. Eggs intact. Then I ran it over with my car. You guessed it, intact. I then submerged the case in my bathtub with a cinder block on top of it overnight. This morning I removed the case and inspected the contents. Bone dry.

So outside of my wife being convinced I'm insane (as if she didn't already know after the last ten years with me), I'd call this a great success. This may not be the solution for everyone but if you're paranoid about damaging your gear but still want to bring your camera everywhere with you I'd strongly suggest this case. I've been using a few of the largest size they make to transport gear to jobs but I had never gotten my hands on this tiny version.

It's sold under the Apache brand at harbor freight and this little guy is the 1800 model. The 2800 model would give a little more room and still small enough to comfortably carry around but doesn't fit in my back pack without a good running start so was a non starter for me personally. Hope the referral might help someone.