I like autumn in the South. You can feel the end of summer when the air starts to stir in late October. It might be a shame if you are in the Midwest because snow is coming, but it might be a better idea if you are in the state of California. Cool, dry air is a thing of beauty for those in the area.
You can hear the insects again when the air conditioner stops playing. You can lie on the couch and remember why you're here when the windows are open. This is a great life. When you are busy making dinner, the afternoon breeze can blow away. By midnight, your open window is an invitation to a storm soaking the couch and the bag full of camera gear you left there. I experienced that earlier this year.
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The tide is high.
Couches are not wet. The bags do the same thing. I kept my batteries and cameras in dry bags inside my actual carrying bag so that they wouldn't be ruined.
I spend a lot of time near water, so this isn't as big of a deal as it might seem. Matador has very sleek, slim, lightweight dry bags. A dry bag made of rubber is bulky and difficult to open. I only use traditional bags when I'm on the water.
Matador has created a bag that is lightweight. The bag is made from waterproof 70D ripstop nylon which is not bulky. They achieve an IPX7 rating, which means they can be submerged at a depth of one meter for 30 minutes.
There is something for everyone.
Two sizes are available, a 2- liter and an 8- liter. The 8-liter holds my Sony A7 along with a pair of binoculars, and the 2-liter holds all my batteries. I just grab two bags on my way out the door and I know I have everything I need, no matter what bag I put them in. The Matador dry bags have a flat bottom so you can set them down and they won't automatically crumple over.
Matador claims the welded construction it uses is more dependable and durable than seam-sealing, which gave me pause at first. I have only had them for three months so I can't comment on long-term durability, but so far they're fine and I've seen no evidence of seam-peeling or delamination. They have a one-year warranty, and they have a very sturdy feel to them. Even after that, the bags can be repaired.
The clear window on the side of the bag allows you to see what's in the bag without opening it. After the rain incident, I ordered another one and it will be nice to see the batteries and clothes in it.
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