I've used three options, and I trust them all.

• The Pelican case. A hard case offers the best protection by far, though you need to be conscious of how old the gasket/seal is and replace it before it gets dried out.

• A dry bag. Experience says that, if well cared for, you can get about 7-8 years of use out of a quality dry bag before it simply starts to dry out and crack. A benefit dry bags have over the Pelican case is that you can trap air in the bag, making it more buoyant. You'll want to have some padding for your gear, of course.

• A heavy contractor-grade garbage bag. Yes, you read that right. Gear needs to be well-padded (such as in a camera bag) so it doesn't poke through on the inside, and you need to be conscious of what abrasion it might get on the outside. Gooseneck the garbage bag to make a good seal (twist the top tight, then fold it over and close tightly with a rope using something like a chain hitch). Pack a few extra bags, just in case...

The most important thing in choosing a waterproof case is that you know it works. Before putting your gear in the Pelican case or drybag, fill it with some tissues or toilet paper because they're super absorbent. Seal the box/bag, and put it in your bathtub and completely submerge it. Hold it under. Bounce it around. Make sure you try to work the water in. Leave it in there for a while -- maybe even an hour -- to see if any water can work its way in. Finally, pull the case/bag out, open it up, and verify that the toilet paper is still dry.

Presumably, you need a waterproof option because you're going to be in a boat. A tip: use a line to tie your case or bag to your boat. If you do capsize, you don't want to lose the gear because it floated away faster than you could get to it. With a length of rope, you can just pull your canoe (or whatever) to shore and know that you've got everything still attached.