DRY BAGS

Everyone I know has gadgets. Mp3 players, iPods, laptops, cellphones, PSPs, Nintendos, bluetooth headsets, digital cameras, pocket TVs, portable DVD players and flash drives are only some of them.

And while each gadget we acquire comes with warranty, wouldn't it be good to use it for at least 5 years or even more? Wear and tear of course will always shorten a gadget's life. But caring for it is another thing. That's why we buy other accessories for our gadgets to keep them "safe from harm", such as protective sleeves, screen protective film, hard cases, and even anti-virus software.

But what about the elements? Dust, moisture and humidity can shorten a gadget's life, and even destroy it. And we all know how dusty it gets in Manila.

That's why I would like to introduce you to my friend, the drybag.

Drybags have been around for ages. Fishermen, scientists, archaeologists, and divers use them to protect their gear.

Now even photographers, film directors and reporters use them too.

The drybag is made of a very tough, thick and waterproof material. Mine's called Rubberducky, and is made of this duct tape like material.

And different kinds and brands of drybags have different ways of securing the bag too. Some are like the ziplock, and some have locks like this, where you fold the upper part of the bag, then secure it by locking the latches.

There are different sizes of the drybag too. From the biggest one, which fits klieg lights and other movie equipment, and there's the large one that can fit a whole desktop PC, to a medium sized one for laptops or video cameras, to smaller ones for mobile phones, iPods, cameras, jewelry, and your wallet.

The drybag protects your gadgets from sand and water, even bumps and scratches. This is highly recommended for people who love to travel, explore, and hit the beaches or rafts. Now you can work on your laptop and go sun bathing at the same time. I've used mine countless times at the beach while island hopping, and also at amusement parks at rides such as the Rio Grande Rapids and the Log Jam, and it has never failed me.

And you know what else is cool? The small, clear, ziplock type drybags make cameras absolutely waterproof. So you can take cool, underwater snapshots! It's a cheaper alternative to the waterproof cases that the camera brands sell which cost a minimum of P4500. Ouch!

Rubberducky drybags are available at Toby's Sports, in different sizes and colors. Prices range from P550-P3500.