Keeping Your Electronics Dry in Humid Climates

Prevent corrosion and internal condensation by using airtight dry bags and silica gel packets inside your camera bags. Avoid moving equipment rapidly between air-conditioned rooms and the humid outdoors, as this creates instant moisture traps.

1. Use silica gel aggressively. Purchase industrial-grade silica gel packets (not the tiny ones in shoe boxes). Place 3-4 large packets inside every sealed bag or case containing electronics to absorb trapped moisture.
2. Acclimatize your gear. When moving from an air-conditioned hotel (typically 20°C) to a tropical exterior (30°C+ and 90% humidity), keep your gear inside your bag for 30 minutes. This allows the temperature of the device to rise slowly, preventing condensation from forming on internal lenses and circuit boards.
3. Seal with double-lock bags. Use heavy-duty freezer bags or purpose-built dry bags for your phone and backup batteries. Squeeze as much air out as possible before sealing to reduce the total amount of moisture inside the bag.
4. Clean contacts regularly. Humidity leads to oxidation. Use a soft, lint-free cloth and 90% isopropyl alcohol to wipe down battery contacts and charging ports once a week to prevent build-up.

Can I leave my camera in the hotel safe?

Only if the safe is airtight. Most hotel safes are not. If you are going out for the day, store your camera in a sealed dry bag with silica packets inside the safe rather than leaving it exposed to the room's ambient humidity.

My phone lens is fogged up—what now?

Turn it off immediately. Put it in a sealed bag with fresh silica packets for 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer, as heat can melt internal seals.