Know the limits of your equipment
Read the care instructions for both the camera and the lens. Different components may have different protections, and an accessory attached to the camera can introduce another opening. Do not infer an immersion rating from marketing language about resistance to dust or moisture.
If conditions exceed what the equipment is designed to handle, put it away. A photograph is not worth testing an uncertain seal. Avoid changing lenses in rain or blowing grit, and find a sheltered, clean place before opening compartments. Keep the bag opening oriented so water does not run into it while you retrieve an item.
Make shelter easy to reach
Keep a suitable cover or protective pouch accessible rather than packed below clothing. Test how it fits before the trip, including whether you can operate the controls without exposing the camera. A bag's rain cover may protect the bag while closed but cannot protect equipment held outside it.
After a shower, wipe exterior moisture as directed by the manufacturer before putting the camera into a closed compartment. Avoid sealing visibly wet equipment in a humid bag for the rest of the day. Dry the cover and carrying bag when you return so they do not become the source of moisture on the next outing.
Watch for temperature changes too
Moving between cold outdoor air and a warm interior can create condensation. Nikon advises allowing equipment to adjust gradually, with an appropriate closed bag used during the transition in the circumstances described by its guidance. Follow the instructions for your model rather than opening a cold camera immediately in a warm room.
Keep a clean lens cloth separate from a cloth used to wipe dirt from the bag. Do not improvise heat treatment or disassemble equipment that may have suffered water exposure. Stop using it and seek the manufacturer's advice when necessary. The most dependable travel plan combines knowing the equipment's limits, having a quick place to shelter it and being willing to stop shooting when conditions turn unsuitable.
