How to Protect Your Surveying Equipment

Surveying equipment can be expensive and the last thing you want to do is replace it year after year. You cannot help exposing your equipment to the elements and it would not be doing its job if it did not see some wear and tear. You can, however, protect your equipment investment with the right bags, backpacks, and cases.

From expensive instruments like total stations and GPS units to replaceable items like stakes and lath, your gear needs to be protected. Here are our recommendations for the best ways to protect your surveying equipment and gear.

Instrument Backpacks

Surveying instruments are essential for the job but carrying them around can be tiring work. A rugged backpack with adjustable straps keeps your hands free and your equipment safe. Extra pockets can be used to store smaller tools, and some come with added features like a cam-lock antenna pole or a built-in pocket for CamelBak hydration systems.

Recommended products in this category:

• SitePro Field Case for Total Station – This top-loading backpack is designed to protect precision instruments and their accessories. Made with a durable but lightweight design, it is made from high-strength reinforced fiber material and features padded back support.
• SECO Large GIS Backpack – Sold with a cam-lock antenna pole, this large backpack offers a convenient and comfortable way to transport and manage your GIS instrumentation. Made from heavy-duty, high-visibility polyester materials with cooling mesh and a foam back pad, this backpack also has a built-in pocket for CamelBak hydration systems.
• SECO Robotics Backpack – Protect your expensive robotics equipment with this heavy-duty backpack designed specifically for robotics. With a free-standing aluminum frame, the pack stays upright even when fully loaded. It also features a top-loading station compartment with double zippers and rigid foam padding.
• SECO Front-Loading Total Station Backpack – If you prefer the convenience of a front-loading pack, this total station backpack makes it easy to access your equipment. With a tough Rhinotek bottom and water-resistant nylon materials, this pack is a comfortable alternative to hard total station cases.

Soft and Hard Cases

A carrying case is essential for transporting your equipment from one field site to another. Small and lightweight equipment can be carried in a soft-sided case while more fragile equipment may need the added security of a hard case. Look for durable materials, easy-carry handles and straps, and a practical design that accommodates your equipment as well as all the necessary accessories.

Recommended products in this category:

• SECO Single Prism Bag – Designed for fixed single prisms, this lightweight bag is made from padded nylon Cordura to be water-resistant, keeping your equipment safe from dust, dirt, and weather.
• Pelican Case 1500 – For fragile equipment, this pelican case is watertight, crushproof, and dustproof. It features an open cell core with a solid wall design, making it both strong and lightweight. It comes with an automatic pressure equalization valve and a comfortable rubber over-molded handle.
• SECO Surveyors Gear Bag with Reinforced Bottom – Less awkward than a hard case but more durable than the typical soft case, this surveyors gear bag is made from heavy-duty, water-resistant polyester with a reinforced Rhinotek bottom.
• SECO Case for Large Controllers – Designed to fit most large controllers including Allegro, TSC2, and the Ranger series, this soft case features a convenient Velcro flap closure, belt loop, and shoulder strap.
• Pelican Case 1520 – This hard case comes with a lifetime guarantee of excellence and is designed to be watertight, dustproof, and crushproof. Keep even your most fragile equipment safe with Pick n Pluck convoluted lid foam and stainless-steel hardware and padlock protectors.

Stake, Lath, and Tripod Bags

Losing a stake or a piece of lath may not be significant in the moment, but small losses can add up over time. In addition to making sure these surveying essentials are secured, the right bag or carrier also ensures that they are easily accessible when you need them. Tripod bags serve a similar purpose but are designed specifically for the tripods used to support total stations, GPS units, and other equipment.

When shopping for a stake bag or lath carrier, look for sturdy, reinforced handles. Bright colors are essential on the worksite and durable, waterproof materials are a must.

Recommended products in this category:

• SitePro 48-inch Heavy-Duty Reinforced Lath Bag – Designed for durability, purpose, and style, this 48-inch lath bag is made from high-strength fiber materials with a reinforced 8-inch bucket-style bottom. Made to carry 48-inch lengths of lath, you will appreciate its heavy-duty adjustable shoulder strap.
• SECO 18-inch Heavy-Duty Stake Bag with Partition – Keep your stakes at the ready with this 18-inch stake bag durably constructed from tough Rhinotek material. Designed to hold 18-inch stakes and rebar, it has a center divider, hammer loop, and adjustable shoulder strap.
• SECO 36-inch Heavy-Duty Lath Bag – Carry 36-inch lengths of lath in comfort with this bag made from abrasion-resistant Rhinotek material. Made in the old style with an upgrade in durability, this lath bag lasts up to five times longer than other bags.
• SECO Heavy-Duty Lath Carrier with Bucket Bottom – Keep your lath contained without struggling to fit it neatly in the bag with this lath carrier designed with a bucket bottom. Add any standard five-gallon bucket to the bottom for a sturdy base and upright, easy access.

Pole Bags and Cases

Keeping your equipment steady on rough terrain requires a sturdy pole or rod. Just as the right pole or tripod keeps your equipment safe off the ground, so should a sturdy carrying bag keep your rods and poles safe. Pole bags are either hard or soft-sided, depending on your preference.

Recommended products in this category:

• SECO Heavy-Duty Prism Pole Tripod/Bipod Bag – Designed specifically to carry prism poles with the tripod still attached, this heavy-duty bag has a fold-over flap and a durable Rhinotek bottom for added protection. It also features a comfortable carrying strap.
• SECO Hard Shell GPS Rover Rod Case – This hardshell case offers the highest level of protection for GPS rover rods, making it the perfect option for shipping, storage, and fieldwork.
• SECO Range Pole Protective Bag – Dirt and moisture can destroy even the toughest equipment, so protect your range poles with this protective bag. Made from heavy-duty textured polyester, this bag stores poles up to 46 inches in length.
• SECO 2-Meter Snap-Lock Pole System Bag – Made from rugged Cordura material with Rhinotek ends, this bag is designed to hold 2-meter Snap-Lock poles with the bipod or tripod still attached. It features a full-length zipper with dual hand carry straps and a full-length shoulder strap.

In addition to making sure your equipment is properly protected during transport, you should also make sure it is well maintained. Annual servicing is recommended for total stations and other electronic equipment, even if it seems to be in working order. Your tools should be calibrated often and cleaned as needed. Remember, they are designed to be weather-resistant so they can stand some soap and water.

Buying high-quality surveying equipment is an investment and it deserves to be protected. Make sure you have the right cases, bags, and backpacks to keep your gear safe and in working order.