Desiccant (Silica Gel) Packs For Underwater Camera Housing Use - Instructions

Desiccant (silica gel) packs can be used for moisture absorption.  They are useful for wicking moisture away from the air/environment they are in, and can be used inside the Outex waterproof housings to reduce the amount of air moisture inside the housing.  That in turn helps reduce fogging.  Fogging is often the result of the heated moisture in the case's air, and often cause by the camera gear.

The desiccant packs you purchase from Outex are re-usable.  In other words, you can de-saturate them so they can be used multiple times.  A color change will denote the packs are saturated with moisture or not.  Saturated packets will start showing pink or green coloration when used.  They are white, blue or orange when new.  Saturated packets will also weigh more.

• White, Blue, Orange = New/Dry/Effective
• Pink, Dark Green = Used/Moist/Ineffective

To reactivate your silica gel packs, you can bake/heat them in an oven or defrost/heat them in a microwave:

1. Over: Bake packets for 1/2-2 hours at 200-250 degrees Fareheit maximum
2. Microwave: Defrost packets for 7-12 minutes maximum

Reactivation timing depends on amount of moisture contained within.  Start with the least amount of time and check that the beads have returned to their original white, blue, or orange color.

Warnings:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not inhale or inject.
• Do not use for medication or food. [Our packets are designed for electronics.]

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Maintenance & Care for Your Outex Underwater Camera Housings

How to Clean, Dry, Store, and Prevent Moisture Inside Your Waterproof Camera Gear

Outex underwater housings are built from rugged materials like aluminum, stainless steel, optical glass, neoprene, and our patented silicone-based covers to protect your camera in demanding environments — from ocean waves to river canyons. With the right moisture management, your housing will stay fog-free, dry inside, and perform reliably for years. Think of your Outex system like your camera gear — it deserves the same level of care and attention.

Why Moisture Control Matters in Underwater Housings

One of the most common challenges photographers face after a dive or wet shoot is moisture buildup inside the housing. Even small amounts of trapped water vapor can lead to:

• Fogging on lenses or optical glass ports
• Condensation on your camera sensor and electronics
• Corrosion or wear on metal parts
• Unclear images because of moisture on internal surfaces

Proper humidity control — including the use of silica gel or desiccant packs — helps keep the interior of your housing dry between uses and during storage.

Step 1 — Clean After Every Use

Rinse all Outex housing components with clean, fresh water and mild, neutral soap after use — especially after saltwater exposure. Then:

• Remove sand, dirt, and salt residue
• Use a soft brush or toothbrush around threads and seals
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade seals or materials

This removes contaminants that can attract moisture or cause degradation over time.

Step 2 — Dry Completely Before Reassembling

Drying before storage is essential — especially if you plan to use moisture absorbers.

1. Pat all components dry with a soft towel or cloth
2. Let them air dry completely, unattached, overnight if possible
3. Make sure the inside of the housing and port area is free of moisture before reassembling

Moisture trapped inside a closed housing can turn into condensation when temperatures change, leading to fog and internal water droplets.

Step 3 — Use Silica Gel & Desiccant Packs for Moisture Control

If you’re looking for the best way to keep the interior of your waterproof housing dry, silica gel packs (desiccant packets) are one of the most effective tools:

How Silica Gel & Desiccants Work

Silica gel and similar moisture-absorbing packs pull ambient humidity out of the air inside your housing. When placed inside a dry housing before a shoot or during storage, they help prevent:

• Internal fogging during temperature changes
• Condensation during long storage
• Mold or mildew from trapped moisture

Tips for Using Silica Gel in Underwater Housings

• Place 2–3 small packs inside the housing when it’s open and dry
• Use new or recharged silica gel packs before long trips or storage
• Replace packs regularly — especially after they turn saturated (color-changing indicators help)
• Don’t place packs directly on your camera or lens; place on soft lining material

Silica gel packs are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to include in any camera bag or storage case.

Step 4 — Store in Dry, Ventilated Conditions

After drying and adding desiccants:

• Keep housings in a cool, low-humidity area
• Avoid sealed bags that trap moisture
• Use breathable storage like camera drawers or ventilated shelving

Proper storage prevents internal humidity buildup long after your dive or shoot.

Pro Tips to Avoid Internal Moisture Issues

• Before every use, make sure all seals and O-rings are clean and dry.
• Apply a small amount of lubricant to threaded seals and O-rings for better sealing.
• Never reassemble your housing while it’s still wet inside.
• If you’re shooting in high humidity or water spray conditions, include extra desiccant packs.
• On long expeditions (cold mornings or big temperature changes), open your housing in dry, shaded areas to prevent thermal condensation.

Quick Checklist — After Each Shoot

• Rinse with fresh water
• Clean threads and seals
• Towel dry all parts
• Insert dry silica gel / desiccant packs
• Let air dry fully before storage
• Store in dry, ventilated space

Moisture Control FAQ

Q: Do silica gel packs really help with fogging inside housings?
A: Yes. Silica gel reduces the humidity inside the housing, which reduces condensation and helps keep your optical glass and lens surfaces clear.

Q: How many desiccant packs should I use?
A: It depends on the size of your housing. For most housings, 2–4 small packs placed inside before closing gives good moisture absorption.

Q: Can I reuse silica gel packs?
A: Many color-changing and reusable silica gel packs can be dried and recharged for future use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

By following this maintenance routine and adding silica gel or desiccant packs as part of your care setup, you’ll keep your Outex housing dry, fog-free, and ready to shoot — even in variable weather and temperature conditions.