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Denis Danatzko · June 1st, 2008, 10:45 PM

that makes water bags.

Frankly, my impulsive reaction is that this might be a case of "good idea...bad execution" (and hopefully not "bad electrocution").

While saving the weight of sand is a noble goal, the danger of using water so near power cords, lights, and so much other expensive equipment seems risky, maybe to the point of scaring others on the set.

If you're determined to try it, I'd suggest you first check your insurance policy, then look at camping-supply vendors. Some make/sell heavy-but-flexible plastic containers for lugging water around. I've seen them, and used them while backpacking, in 1 gallon size, and seem to recall seeing some as large as 2.5 gallons. They can be crushed to be relatively small, but they don't last forever, and repeated creasing can hasten cracks and leaks.

You could also take the DIY approach and consider using empty 1 liter drink/water bottles. That plastic is pretty tough, but after repeated opening/closing, the caps eventually loosen. If you give it a shot, I'd also suggest some kind of cloth sleeve or cover for the bottles/bags so others aren't afraid to work on the set. (And, God forbid a light stand gets knocked over, or a cord becomes unplugged by accident).

Given the weight of water, which is approx. 8.2 lbs. per gallon, I suspect the smaller size might be enough.

Good luck.

June 1st, 2008, 10:45 PM	#2
Denis Danatzko Major Player Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NYC Metro area Posts: 394	I'm not aware of any video supplier or manufacturer that makes water bags. Frankly, my impulsive reaction is that this might be a case of "good idea...bad execution" (and hopefully not "bad electrocution"). While saving the weight of sand is a noble goal, the danger of using water so near power cords, lights, and so much other expensive equipment seems risky, maybe to the point of scaring others on the set. If you're determined to try it, I'd suggest you first check your insurance policy, then look at camping-supply vendors. Some make/sell heavy-but-flexible plastic containers for lugging water around. I've seen them, and used them while backpacking, in 1 gallon size, and seem to recall seeing some as large as 2.5 gallons. They can be crushed to be relatively small, but they don't last forever, and repeated creasing can hasten cracks and leaks. You could also take the DIY approach and consider using empty 1 liter drink/water bottles. That plastic is pretty tough, but after repeated opening/closing, the caps eventually loosen. If you give it a shot, I'd also suggest some kind of cloth sleeve or cover for the bottles/bags so others aren't afraid to work on the set. (And, God forbid a light stand gets knocked over, or a cord becomes unplugged by accident). Given the weight of water, which is approx. 8.2 lbs. per gallon, I suspect the smaller size might be enough. Good luck. __________________ Denis ------------ Our actions are based on our own experience and knowledge. Thus, no one is ever totally right, nor totally wrong. We simply act from what we "know" to be true, based on that experience and knowledge. Beyond that, we pose questions to others.