As a landscape photographer, I've found myself in more than one situation where I got dumped on with rain while in the field. And while the rain doesn't bother me, it's obviously not good for my camera gear, no matter how weather-sealed it might be.
Over the years, I've tested a variety of methods to keep my camera and lens protected while I'm taking photos in rainy or misty situations. But by and large, they haven't worked all that well. Additionally, none of the previous methods I tested protected my gear and me too.
That is until I got the GoShelter self-shelter canopy...
How does this canopy work? What sort of protection does it offer? Is it a functional way to protect yourself and your gear from the elements? I'll answer these questions (and more!) in this detailed GoShelter review!
Table of Contents
- GoShelter Review: Specs and Features
- GoShelter Review: How to Use It
- GoShelter Review: All-Around Protection
- GoShelter Review: Is It Worth the Price?
GoShelter Review: Specs and Features
GoShelter is ultra-lightweight at less than 20 ounces, including the sling bag you use to carry it when not in use. That means you get all-around protection without carrying a ton of extra weight.
Now, sometimes things that are lightweight aren't well-made, but that's not the case with GoShelter. Instead, this bad boy has an aluminum frame that gives structure to the canopy without adding undue weight (and provides wind resistance of gusts up to 55 mph). Speaking of the canopy, it's 1.9 oz PU coated/DWR 70D ripstop. The double-coated silicone polyester ripstop isn't just durable, but it's also waterproof.
I can attest to the waterproofness of GoShelter because I've used it in absolute torrential downpours. Unlike other wet-weather gear, GoShelter kept me dry and allowed me freedom of movement to continue taking photos (more on that in a bit).
Other features include a two-tone color scheme with various colors available, wind resistance for breezy days out shooting, and UV protection as well. This means you can use GoShelter in rainy or sunny conditions and get the protection you need year-round.
Again, I'm a landscape photographer, so a shelter like this is ideal for my forays into the mountains, deserts, and other landscapes here in Southern California. But this isn't just for landscape photographers!
Instead, the specs and features of GoShelter make it an ideal option for wildlife, sports, event, and wedding photography. For example, you can opt for the camouflage version of GoShelter if you're a wildlife photographer to help blend in with your surroundings and be less visible to wildlife.
GoShelter Review: How to Use It
The setup of GoShelter couldn't be more simple - just remove it from its sling pouch and it pops open, not unlike those collapsible car sun shades you put in the front window. Once open, simply slide your arms through the shoulder straps and adjust them to fit your body.
Next, grab the hip strap and chest straps, buckle in, and adjust them to fit as well. That's it!
I can't stress enough how important it is to make the adjustments to GoShelter's straps...
As you can see in the image above, I didn't put the hip strap on (because I very seldom do so with my camera backpacks). But, because I didn't have the hip belt secured and adjusted, the canopy had a tendency to flop around. This is not an issue with GoShelter - I just have a bad habit of not using hip belts!
At any rate, taking the time to adjust the straps made a huge difference in how GoShelter performed. That's one of the best features of this thing - it's incredibly adjustable, so you can easily adapt it to your body no matter how big or small you are.
When not in use, GoShelter is easy to carry in its sling pouch. You can carry it across your body like a sling bag, or you can attach it to your camera backpack. In either case, the lightweight canopy is easy to access and ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
Again, this is a huge advantage. There's no tight-fitting plastic covers to put on your camera and no ill-fitting poncho to put on yourself. What GoShelter gives you is an easy-to-use, highly adjustable protection system that allows you to get your best shots with all-around, hands-free protection.
Speaking of which...
GoShelter Review: All-Around Protection
For my money, the best feature of GoShelter is that you get all-around protection for you and your gear. You're covered from your head to below your waist, on the left and right sides, and in the back, too. The ducktail design on the back even helps keep water from running down the backs of your legs. It's a genius design!
Of course, you get all of this protection while still having the freedom of movement inside to maneuver your arms and hands with your camera because the canopy stands out and away from you. Not only is this helpful for getting better shots, but it also allows for ventilation around you. No more wet plastic sticking to your body!
Better still, you can use GoShelter while standing, sitting, or kneeling, and even when you're wearing a backpack, so it adapts to your specific needs and workflow. And with the ability to open up as wide as three feet or close down to just 13 inches, you can easily adjust GoShelter to the current conditions.
GoShelter Review: Is It Worth the Price?
Based on using GoShelter in a variety of environments and weather conditions over the last few months, I can say unequivocally that it is absolutely worth the current price of $129.99.
Nothing I've tested thus far has come close to providing the same level of protection and functionality as GoShelter. It's also easy to use, fast-deploying, and comfortable to wear. What's not to like?
As I mentioned earlier, GoShelter is ideal for landscape photographers like me. But if you photograph sports, wildlife, weddings, or any other outdoor subject, having GoShelter in your arsenal is a great idea. Sun, rain, mist, snow...GoShelter is a great companion to have!
You can get $15 off your order by using our PT1Umbrella coupon code. Get yours today!