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[Helena Handcart]

Just thought I'd share this as it might be of benefit to others.  Melodeon gig bags are all very well but even the sturdiest of models leave me worrying about saturation or leakage when carrying a box in heavy rain.  It turns out rucksack covers are the very thing (like these).

The small size fits very nicely across the standard size melodeon bag and keeps the wet out nicely. No more drying out a wet gig bag or stuffing a plastic bag over the box for extra protection.

[Thrupenny Bit]

Well said, totally agree!
Bought one and keep it with me when out at festivals.

Also have sprayed my ruckies with a water repellant spray, just to stop the bag getting damp when not raining hard enough for a cover but just spitting. Anything to keep it out!

Whatever the weather, I always take my box out of the bag immediately I get home to make sure the box stays dry and also to allow the ruckie to dry inside and out.
Q

[RobLowe]

That's a great idea, I'll definitely borrow it.  Thanks.

I have one these rucsac drybags to put the gigbag in (it can hold two melodeons at a push, but gets a bit weighty - sometimes I use a trolley with it)

http://www.highlander-outdoor.co.uk/shop/outdoor/rucksacks-daysacks-holdalls/dry-bags/pvc/troon-tri-laminate-duffle-drybag-red

[Helena Handcart]

Whatever the weather, I always take my box out of the bag immediately I get home to make sure the box stays dry and also to allow the ruckie to dry inside and out.
Q

I did not do this on one quite memorable occasion. It was Saddleworth Rushcart and the liquid sunshine was in full flow.  On the last leg of the 'cart run I sheltered my Lilly under and old plastic bag while I got thoroughly soaked. I put the box back in the bag and left it there. On unpacking it at Towersey some days later two levers were swollen and the corresponding notes sounding on every movement of the bellows. It was the only box I had at the festival. I spread the box out on back shelf of the camper and by the next morning all was well - but it was quite worrying for a while there.  Note to self: it is not  a waterlilly.

[John MacKenzie (Cugiok)]

Those silica gel sachets that one gets in all sorts of things, should always be put in your gig bag. Helps absorb any dampness.

SJ

[richard.fleming]

Those silica gel sachets that one gets in all sorts of things, should always be put in your gig bag. Helps absorb any dampness.

SJ

But you need to dry them out in the Rayburn or similar after use so they work next time too.

[Peadar]

Just thought I'd share this as it might be of benefit to others.  Melodeon gig bags are all very well but even the sturdiest of models leave me worrying about saturation or leakage when carrying a box in heavy rain.  It turns out rucksack covers are the very thing (like these).

The small size fits very nicely across the standard size melodeon bag and keeps the wet out nicely. No more drying out a wet gig bag or stuffing a plastic bag over the box for extra protection.

Worth thinking about even if you use a hard case (which has the advantage of protecting the box from the sundry snow shovels , bags of animal feed , rucksacks and safety boots that also travel in the back of the estate/brake.

[Thrupenny Bit]

A hard case is the best protection, but carrying a box around at a festival, I find a back pack far easier on the arms.
At festivals I am walking around a lot, so it makes sense to me to hump it on my back.
If it's a local session,when I walk outside to the car and then walk from the car to the pub then a case is fine though I confess my car doesn't need to carry such various sundries!
Q

[Helena Handcart]

I pretty much never use a hard case to carry a box around - I have a range of rucksacks and gig bags most complete with added protection in the form of sundry bits of sheet music, morris leaflets and festival programmes. The hard cases just sit under the bed gathering dust and taking up a bit more room than I'd like.

[Chris Rayner]

Oh, I think that we all know that hard cases make bad laws.😉

[playandteach]

The hard cases just sit under the bed gathering dust and taking up a bit more room than I'd like.

That sounds terrifying. If the hard cases are under your bed, what did you do with the easy ones? Have you seen Misery? I can't forget the hammer to the ankles.

[Nick Collis Bird]

I think I know something about wet boxes, especially in Sidmouth when Tubby Reynolds was around. 

[malcolmbebb]

Being too tight to pay the postage, I got the bus into town and bought one of these. They are tiny when rolled up and quite easy to find room for.

[Dennis Steckley]

Too bad you're on the opposite side of the pond from me.  I'd buy a hard case from you!

[quote author=Helena Handcart link
I pretty much never use a hard case to carry a box around - The hard cases just sit under the bed gathering dust and taking up a bit more room than I'd like.
[/quote]