Tropical Gear Protection

Hawaii's tropical environment is hard on camera gear. Humidity, salt air, sand, and sudden rain are constant threats. Learn how to protect your investment.

Humidity & Moisture

The Danger: High humidity can cause fungus growth on lens elements, corrosion of electronic components, and fogging when moving between AC and outdoor environments.

Prevention

  • Store gear with silica gel packs
  • Use a dry cabinet if shooting frequently in Hawaii
  • Keep gear in AC when not in use
  • Allow gear to acclimate before shooting
  • Never store wet gear in closed bags
Products: Silica gel packs (reusable), dry cabinet, moisture-absorbing camera bag inserts

Lens Fog Prevention

  • Leave gear in car (with windows cracked) to acclimate
  • Remove gear from bag 30 min before outdoor shoot
  • Keep lens caps off during acclimation
  • Use hand warmers to slowly warm lenses
  • Carry microfiber cloths for quick wipes
Quick Fix: If lens fogs, DON'T wipe immediately - let it naturally clear. Wiping can push moisture deeper.

Salt Air & Ocean Spray

The Danger: Salt is corrosive to metal and electronics. Even sea breeze carries salt particles that settle on gear, causing long-term damage to contacts, buttons, and lens coatings.

During Beach Shoots

  • Use UV/clear protective filters on all lenses
  • Keep lens hoods attached
  • Change lenses away from beach (back to car if possible)
  • Use weather-sealed bodies when possible
  • Keep extra gear in sealed bags
  • Don't place bag directly on sand

Post-Shoot Cleaning

  • Wipe bodies and lenses with damp (fresh water) cloth
  • Clean lens contacts with alcohol wipe
  • Use air blower to remove sand from crevices
  • Clean tripod legs and feet
  • Don't leave cleaning for later - salt damage is cumulative
Products: LensPen, microfiber cloths, rocket blower, 99% isopropyl alcohol, lens cleaning solution

Sand & Grit

The Danger: Sand is abrasive and gets everywhere. It can scratch lens elements, jam focusing mechanisms, and cause buttons to stick or fail.

Prevention

  • Never change lenses on the beach
  • Keep camera attached to strap (not set down)
  • Use camera bag with sealed zippers
  • Keep bag elevated on chair or rock
  • Point lens down when not shooting
  • Keep caps on when gear is in bag

If Sand Gets In

  • DON'T blow with your mouth (adds moisture)
  • DON'T rub with cloth (causes scratches)
  • DON'T use compressed air (can push deeper)
  • Use rocket blower from safe distance
  • Use soft brush to gently sweep
  • For serious intrusion, seek professional cleaning

Rain & Water

The Danger: Hawaii's sudden showers can catch you off guard. Water damage can be immediate and catastrophic, especially to non-weather-sealed gear.

Rain Preparation

  • Always carry rain covers in your bag
  • Keep large clear garbage bag for emergencies
  • Use weather-sealed bodies and lenses when possible
  • Know where nearest cover is at all times
  • Check weather radar frequently
Products: Peak Design Shell, Op/Tech Rainsleeve, Think Tank Hydrophobia, or large Ziploc bags

If Gear Gets Wet

  • Remove batteries immediately
  • Remove lens and memory cards
  • Wipe exterior with dry cloth
  • Let air dry in warm (not hot) area
  • Add silica packs to speed drying
  • Don't power on until completely dry (24-48 hrs)
Insurance Note: Document wet gear immediately with photos. You may need this for insurance claims.

Heat & Sun

The Danger: Extreme heat can damage batteries, cause sensor damage, warp plastic components, and cause cameras to overheat and shut down (especially during video).

Heat Prevention

  • Never leave gear in parked car (temps can exceed 150F)
  • Use white or light-colored bags (reflect heat)
  • Keep backup batteries in cool shade
  • Use lens hood to shade the sensor
  • Take breaks to let gear cool
  • For video: use external recorders to reduce camera heat

Overheating Signs

  • Camera displays temperature warning
  • Sluggish autofocus or controls
  • Battery draining faster than normal
  • Camera shuts down unexpectedly

If overheating: Stop shooting, remove battery, move to shade, let cool naturally. Don't try to cool rapidly with AC or cold water.

Daily Hawaii Gear Routine

Morning

  • Check silica packs in bag
  • Verify all batteries charged
  • Clean lens front elements
  • Check weather forecast

During Shoot

  • Keep gear out of direct sun
  • Wipe lenses frequently
  • Monitor camera temperature
  • Keep rain protection accessible

After Shoot

  • Wipe all bodies and lenses
  • Clean lens contacts
  • Check for sand in crevices
  • Store with fresh silica packs

Weekly

  • Deep clean all gear
  • Check sensor for dust/debris
  • Recharge/replace silica packs
  • Inspect for corrosion signs
Investment Protection

Your gear is a significant investment. The cost of prevention (rain covers, silica packs, protective filters) is tiny compared to repair or replacement costs.

  • Budget annually for cleaning supplies and protective accessories
  • Professional cleaning every 6-12 months if shooting Hawaii frequently
  • Insurance - Ensure your policy covers tropical/environmental damage
  • Backup gear - Hawaii is remote; replacement parts aren't always available quickly