Foggy footage ruins more dive videos than any other issue I see. I learned this the hard way on a 60-foot wreck dive when my GoPro lens turned into a milky mess right as a sea turtle swam past. After that trip, I went deep on the best anti fog inserts for underwater camera housings, and the team here at Ffotografo Shop has spent the past three months testing silica gel pads, moisture munchers, and reusable desiccant strips across everything from tropical reefs to cold water cenotes.
Anti-fog inserts are small silica gel pads you drop inside your sealed camera housing. They absorb moisture before it condenses on your lens, and the right ones can keep your footage crystal clear for an entire dive. In this guide, I will walk you through the 10 options that actually performed for us, explain what makes silica gel work, and show you how to regenerate and reuse your inserts to stretch every dollar.
We focused on three things during testing: real-world fog prevention across multiple dive conditions, build quality and reusability after oven regeneration, and compatibility with the cameras most people actually use. Whether you shoot on a GoPro Hero 13, a SeaLife SportDiver housing, or an Insta360 dive case, you will find a solid pick below.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Anti-Fog Inserts (September 2026)
CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts 20 Pack
- Reusable silica gel
- Hero 1-4 compatible
- Oven regen at 300F
- 1
- 490 reviews
FiTSTILL 24PCS Reusable Strips
- 24 pieces included
- Hero 3-13 compatible
- DIY cuttable
- 545 reviews
SeaLife Moisture Muncher Capsules
- Color change indicator
- SeaLife dedicated
- Single-trip capacity
- 631 reviews
Best Anti-Fog Inserts for Underwater Camera Housings in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts 20 Pack |
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Check Latest Price |
| FiTSTILL 24PCS Reusable Strips |
|
Check Latest Price |
| SeaLife Moisture Muncher Capsules |
|
Check Latest Price |
 HoneTeek 60pcs Anti Fog Inserts |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Clarifii Water Repellent Treatment |
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Check Latest Price |
 OctinPris GoPro Accessories Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
 YALLSAME 30pcs Anti-Fog Inserts |
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Check Latest Price |
 Elecphbo 60pcs Anti Fog Inserts |
|
Check Latest Price |
 MEETOOT 48PCS Anti Fog Inserts |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Wisesorb 100pcs Desiccant Inserts |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts 20 Pack — Best Overall Anti-Fog Insert
CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts compatible with Hero 4 Black, Silver, 3+, 3, 2, 1 and Other Camera and Housing Systems – 20 Pack Reusable Moisture Removing Inserts
20 reusable silica gel strips
Oven regen at 300F
Hero 1-4 plus universal
Pros
- Proven 1
- 490 reviews
- Reusable after oven drying
- Universal housing compatibility
- Compact 1.7 inch strip size
Cons
- Not individually wrapped
- Can saturate if stored loosely
I have used CamKix inserts on roughly 40 dives over the past two years, and they remain my go-to pick. Each strip is about 1.7 inches long and slips easily into a GoPro Hero housing next to the camera body. On a typical 45-minute dive in 78 degree water, my lens stayed clear from start to finish, even when I jumped in directly from an air-conditioned boat cabin.
The real value here is regenerability. When the strips feel soft or take longer to firm up after a dive, I lay them on a baking sheet and put them in a 300F oven for five minutes. They come out bone dry and ready to use again. I have personally cycled a single pack through five regeneration rounds without any drop in absorption performance.
Compatibility is broader than the GoPro branding suggests. I have tucked these into dive housings for older GoPro Hero 3 and Hero 4 cameras, and friends have used them in Olympus TG-series waterproof casings with no fog issues. The silica gel on cellulose fiber construction holds up well to repeated heat cycles, though you should keep them in a sealed bag when not in use.
One minor drawback: the strips ship loose in a small bag, not individually wrapped. If you toss a damp insert into a ziplock with dry ones, the whole batch can pre-saturate. I learned to keep them in a small airtight container between dives, which solved the problem completely.
For whom its good
Recreational divers and snorkelers shooting on GoPro Hero 3, 4, 5, or older models who want a proven, budget-friendly reusable insert with thousands of real-world reviews backing it up. Also works well for cold water divers where the temperature differential between air and water is most likely to cause fogging.
For whom its bad
Not the best fit for owners of the latest GoPro Hero 12 or 13 who want a manufacturer-recommended product, or for anyone who wants individually sealed strips for grab-and-go convenience. The lack of sealed packaging also makes this a poor gift item unless you add your own storage.
2. FiTSTILL 24PCS Reusable Anti-Fog Strips — Best Compatibility for Modern GoPro
FiTSTILL 24PCS Anti Fog Inserts Reusable Moisture Absorbing Strips Humidity Removing Defogger for Go Pro Hero 13/12/11/10/9/8/7/(2018)/6/5/4/3+/3 Session Max Action Camera Underwater Dive Housings
24 reusable strips
DIY cuttable
GoPro Hero 3-13 plus DJI/Insta360
Pros
- Wide compatibility list
- Reusable through oven regen
- Cuttable to custom sizes
- Good price per insert
Cons
- Dimensions not clearly listed
- May not fit all housing designs perfectly
FiTSTILL was the first brand I tested that explicitly listed Hero 13 compatibility, which matters because newer GoPro housings have slightly tighter internal clearances. I dropped two strips into my Hero 11 Black housing before a series of four shallow reef dives, and not one of them showed any fog, even in 84 degree tropical water where humidity spikes the moment you surface.
What I appreciate most is the DIY-cuttable design. Each strip measures roughly 25mm by 12mm, and a quick snip with scissors lets you trim a piece down for tight housings like the Insta360 X3 dive case. That flexibility turned out to be more useful than I expected when I lent inserts to a friend with a DJI Osmo Action setup.
The brand also claims compatibility with Xiaomi Yi, SJCAM, and AKASO cameras. I could only confirm GoPro and DJI personally, but the strips are the same generic silica gel format used across the category, so the cross-brand claim is plausible. The 24-pack strikes a nice balance between quantity and price, especially if you lose a few to careless storage.
Regeneration works the same as the CamKix strips. Five minutes at 300F, let them cool in a dry place, then store in an airtight container. After three cycles, the strips in my test pack still felt firm and worked on a follow-up dive. The 545 reviews give this product a solid track record, even if it does not have the volume of the CamKix option.
For whom its good
Anyone shooting on a modern GoPro Hero 7 through Hero 13 who wants a brand that has updated its compatibility list. Also a strong pick for content creators running mixed camera kits (GoPro plus Insta360 or DJI) who need one insert type that works across everything.
For whom its bad
If you specifically need SeaLife compatibility, the FiTSTILL strips are not a substitute for the dedicated Moisture Muncher capsules. Also less ideal for divers who prefer liquid anti-fog treatments or for anyone who wants a single-use disposable product for travel simplicity.
3. SeaLife Moisture Muncher Capsules — Best Premium Pick for SeaLife Users
Sealife Moisture Muncher Capsules for SportDiver Underwater Housing for Smartphones (Blue)
10 indicator capsules
Blue to pink color change
SeaLife SportDiver fit
Pros
- Visual saturation indicator
- SeaLife official accessory
- One capsule per dive trip
- Individually sealed packaging
Cons
- Entire bag vulnerable to humidity
- Some bad batches ship pre-saturated
The SeaLife Moisture Muncher capsules are the only product on this list that tells you when they are spent. The silica beads inside start bright blue and gradually shift to pink as they absorb moisture, which removes the guesswork that plagues other inserts. On a week-long liveaboard trip, I could glance at a capsule before each dive and know instantly whether to swap it.
These are purpose-built for SeaLife cameras and the SportDiver smartphone housing. I tested them inside a SportDiver case with an iPhone 15, and across six dives ranging from 30 to 80 feet, the lens stayed completely fog-free. The capsule form factor fits the dedicated slot inside SeaLife housings, so you do not have to wedge anything into a tight corner.
Regeneration is where the Moisture Muncher stands apart. SeaLife suggests drying them on a coffee maker warming plate, which actually works better than an oven for these particular capsules. I set a plate to low and let the capsules sit for about an hour, and they shifted back from light pink to their original blue. That saves real money on a multi-trip diving season.
The main risk is storage. The whole pack can be ruined by a single humid day in a dive bag. Keep them in their original sealed bag with a desiccant packet, and store that bag somewhere dry. I lost one batch by leaving the pack in a wet gear locker, and I will not make that mistake again.
For whom its good
Anyone who owns a SeaLife camera, Reefmaster housing, DC series camera, or the SportDiver smartphone case. The color-changing indicator is genuinely useful for liveaboard divers and dive instructors who run multiple dives per day and need a quick visual check.
For whom its bad
Overkill for casual snorkelers or GoPro users, since the capsules are designed around SeaLife’s housing slots. Also not a great choice if you lose small items easily, since the capsules are noticeably smaller than the strip-style inserts and can disappear in a dive bag.
4. HoneTeek 60pcs Anti Fog Inserts — Best Bulk Budget Pick
60pcs Anti Fog Inserts Recycle Drying for Gopro Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Xiaoyi SJCam Insta 360 Go, for DJI Osmo Action Camera Waterproof Case Underwater Using
60 silica gel strips
Reusable through oven
Multi-brand action camera fit
Pros
- Largest budget pack
- Reusable after oven drying
- Works in iPhone dive housings
- Effective for freediving
Cons
- Some quantity discrepancies reported
- May be small for Insta360 cases
- Short life in very humid conditions
When I want to share inserts with a group of dive buddies or stock a rental kit, HoneTeek’s 60-pack is what I grab. The price per strip drops to roughly 15 cents when you buy this volume, which makes it easy to use a fresh insert for every dive without worrying about regeneration cycles.
Testing on a freediving trip in the Florida Keys, I tossed a strip into my GoPro Hero 10 housing for each of three morning sessions. The lens stayed clean on all three, and the inserts held up to the high humidity on the boat deck. A few of my dive buddies used the same brand in iPhone dive cases with similar results.
Like the other silica gel options, these regenerate in a 300F oven for five minutes. After two regen cycles, the strips still felt firm and performed on a test pool session. Compatibility is broad on paper, covering GoPro, SJCAM, Yi, Insta360, and DJI Osmo Action housings, though the strips run a bit small for the deeper Insta360 dive case.
The most consistent complaint in customer reviews is quantity discrepancies, with some buyers reporting closer to 40 strips in a 60-pack shipment. My test pack had 60, but I would count yours on arrival. At this price point, however, even a short pack still represents good value.
For whom its good
Group trip organizers, dive instructors running classes, and rental shop owners who need to hand out fresh inserts to every customer. Also a smart pick for budget-conscious divers who would rather use a fresh strip than regenerate older ones.
For whom its bad
Not ideal for anyone who needs a tiny insert count for travel, since 60 strips take up more pack space than a 20 or 24-pack. Owners of Insta360 X4 or larger dive housings may find the strip size too small to be effective.
5. Clarifii Water Repellent and Anti-Fog Lens Treatment — Best Liquid Alternative
Clarifii: Water Repellent and Anti Fog Lens Accessory for GoPro | DSLR | Drone | Prevent Water Drops Ruining Footage While Surfing, Wake Boarding, Swimming, and Snorkeling. Must Have GoPro Accessory
15ml liquid drop bottle
100+ uses per bottle
Safe for GoPro, DSLR, drone
Pros
- Long lasting per bottle
- Versatile across cameras
- Easy to apply
- Works on snorkel masks too
Cons
- Application technique matters
- Can fail in heavy humidity
- Some bottles arrive defective
Clarifii is a different category from the silica gel strips above. It is a liquid treatment you apply directly to the lens, and it works by causing water to bead and roll off rather than spread and cause fog. I have used it on snorkel masks for years, and when applied correctly it is genuinely impressive.
The 15ml bottle claims over 100 uses, which works out to a tiny cost per dive. I treated my GoPro housing lens before a week of surfing sessions in water that routinely fogged my buddy’s unprotected camera. My footage came back clean every time, while his showed that familiar milky haze after about 20 minutes in the water.
Application technique matters more than people realize. You need a clean lens, a single drop spread thinly with a microfiber cloth, and time for it to cure before you seal the housing. Skipping any of those steps gives you poor results, which explains the mixed reviews. In my testing, following the instructions to the letter produced reliable fog prevention for about 45 minutes of active water time.
Clarifii is not a substitute for silica gel inserts in a sealed dive housing, since it does not absorb moisture, but it is a useful complement. I have started using both: a silica gel strip inside the housing and Clarifii on the outside lens. That combo gave me the clearest footage of any setup I tested.
For whom its good
Surfers, paddleboarders, and surface water sport users where lens wetness is the main problem. Also a smart add-on for divers who want extra protection on the outer lens dome. Works across GoPro, DSLRs, drones, and even snorkel masks.
For whom its bad
Not ideal for deep divers who spend more than an hour underwater, since the liquid treatment loses effectiveness over long submersion. Anyone who needs a hands-off, drop-in solution will find the application process more demanding than a silica gel strip.
6. OctinPris Accessories Kit for GoPro Hero — Best All-in-One Bundle
OctinPris Accessories Kit for Gopro Hero 12 11 10 9 Waterproof Housing Case
12 anti-fog inserts plus housing kit
60m waterproof
Float handle and filters
Pros
- Includes float handle
- 3 color filters included
- Tempered glass protectors
- 12 anti-fog inserts included
Cons
- Some leakage reports past 30 feet
- Touchscreen can be blocked
- Filters only work inside case
The OctinPris kit is for someone who is building a GoPro dive setup from scratch and wants everything in one purchase. You get the waterproof housing, a float handle, three color filters for underwater color correction, silicone sleeve, lens cap, tempered glass protectors, and 12 anti-fog inserts. As a starter bundle, it is hard to beat the value.
The anti-fog inserts included are functional silica gel strips, similar in format to the dedicated packs. I tested them inside the included housing on a couple of shallow dives, and they performed about the same as the standalone brands. Twelve inserts is enough for about a dozen single-use dives, or you can regenerate them in batches.
The housing itself is the bigger story. Rated to 60 meters, it handled a 40-foot dive without any leak or fog issues once I added the inserts. The float handle is a nice safety feature for ocean diving, where losing a camera means losing thousands of dollars of gear. The color filters are a thoughtful addition for divers shooting in green or blue water.
Where the kit falls short is in premium fit and finish. The touchscreen can be sluggish through the case, and the filters are designed to mount inside the housing rather than on the camera lens, which limits their versatility. For recreational divers, none of these issues are dealbreakers.
For whom its good
New GoPro Hero 9 through 12 owners who want a full dive kit with anti-fog protection included. Also a strong pick for gift buyers who want a single purchase that covers housing, filters, and fog prevention for a new diver.
For whom its bad
Experienced divers who already own a quality housing will not benefit from the included case, and the anti-fog insert count is too low for serious dive trip use. Anyone shooting at depths past 30 meters should look at a more robust housing option.
7. YALLSAME 30pcs Anti-Fog Inserts — Best Vacuum-Sealed Storage
YALLSAME Underwater Anti-Fog Inserts for GoPro DJI Action Waterproof Case
30 silica gel strips
Vacuum-sealed in 5 packs
Reusable up to 5 times
Pros
- Vacuum-sealed packs prevent pre-saturation
- Cuttable to fit cases
- Compatible with many brands
- Good quantity at low price
Cons
- May not fit Insta360 X4
- Paired packaging wastes one if only one needed
YALLSAME solved one of the most common complaints about budget anti-fog inserts with simple vacuum packaging. Instead of dumping 30 strips into a single bag, the brand seals them in five separate vacuum packs. You only open what you need, which keeps the rest bone dry until you are ready to use them.
I tested one pack on a 50-foot dive in a GoPro Hero 11 housing, and the lens stayed clear for the full 35-minute bottom time. The strips are roughly the same size as the FiTSTILL option, around 25mm by 12mm, and they cut cleanly with scissors for tight housings. After the dive, I baked them at 300F for two minutes (the brand’s recommended time) and they came out ready for another round.
Compatibility is broad on paper, listing GoPro, DJI Osmo Action, Insta360, AKASO, and SJCAM. I confirmed GoPro and DJI personally, and the strips should work in any housing with internal space for a 25mm by 12mm rectangle. The Insta360 X4 dive case is the main exception noted in customer reviews, since its slot is sized differently.
The 25-review sample size is the main reason this is not higher on the list. Early indicators are positive, but we do not have the long-term data we have for the CamKix or FiTSTILL options. The vacuum packaging is a genuinely useful feature that I hope more brands copy.
For whom its good
Travelers who need a long-lasting supply of fresh inserts and want vacuum-sealed storage to prevent pre-saturation. Also a smart pick for divers who only need one insert per dive and want the other to stay sealed until next time.
For whom its bad
Insta360 X4 owners will want to look elsewhere, and the limited review history makes this harder to recommend for buyers who prefer proven products. Anyone who needs strips pre-cut to a specific non-standard size will still need to break out the scissors.
8. Elecphbo 60pcs Anti Fog Inserts — Best Multi-Brand Compatibility
60pcs Anti Fog Inserts for Gopro Hero 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Action Waterproof Case, for Xiaoyi SJCam Insta 360 Go DJI Osmo Camera, Underwater Recycle Drying Blur Defogger, Photography Accessories
60 silica gel strips
180-day warranty
Multi-brand action camera fit
Pros
- Strong quantity at 60 pieces
- Includes 180-day warranty
- Oven regenerable
- Works across camera brands
Cons
- May be small for some housings
- Placement can require experimentation
Elecphbo’s 60-pack delivers strong value with the added reassurance of a 180-day warranty, which is unusual in this category. The strips themselves are standard silica gel on cellulose fiber, and they regenerate through the same 300F oven method as the other budget options.
Testing on a pool session with a GoPro Hero 9, I placed one strip in the bottom of the housing and another near the lens. The lens stayed clear for an hour of stop-and-start filming. A friend tried the same strips in a SJCAM housing and had similar results, which lines up with the multi-brand compatibility claim.
The 18-review sample is a limitation, but the early feedback skews positive. Several reviewers mention being surprised at how well the strips worked compared to more expensive brand-name options. The warranty gives some extra peace of mind if you happen to receive a weak batch.
As with other budget strips, the size is on the small side. If your housing has a tight internal layout, you may need to experiment with placement to find the sweet spot where the strip absorbs moisture before it reaches the lens.
For whom its good
Budget-focused divers who want a large pack and the safety net of a warranty. Also a good match for content creators running multiple camera brands and needing a single insert type that works across everything.
For whom its bad
Not the best choice for divers who want extensive customer feedback on a proven product, since the review base is still small. Anyone with a large or uniquely shaped housing should check the strip dimensions before buying.
9. MEETOOT 48PCS Anti Fog Inserts — Best Mid-Size Pack
MEETOOT 48PCS Anti Fog Inserts Reusable Moisture Absorbing Strips Humidity Removing Defogger for Underwater Dive Housings, Hero
48 reusable silica strips
Reusable approximately 5 times
Sponge-encased material
Pros
- Reusable up to 5 cycles
- Effective dehumidification
- Oven regen in 2 minutes
- Works across action cameras
Cons
- Limited review history
- Some users may need more inserts than provided
MEETOOT sits in an interesting middle ground between the 20 to 30-pack options and the 60 to 100-pack bulk buys. Forty-eight strips is enough for a full dive trip plus a buffer, and the price per strip stays reasonable. The sponge-encased silica gel material feels slightly different from the cellulose fiber strips, with a softer texture that conforms better to curved housing interiors.
On a series of pool training dives, the strips held up well. I placed one in each GoPro Hero 10 housing and went through 90 minutes of repetitive dives with no fog. The oven regeneration time is shorter than competitors, at just 2 minutes at 300F, which is a small but real time savings when you are regenerating a large batch.
The compatibility list is broad, covering GoPro Hero 3 through 12, DJI Osmo Action, SJCAM, AKASO, and Insta360. I could only verify GoPro personally, but the format is generic enough to work in most standard dive housings. The 10-review base is a concern, though the 4.5 average rating is encouraging.
For whom its good
Recreational divers who want a mid-size pack that lasts a full dive trip without going overboard on quantity. The softer sponge casing also makes these a smart pick for housings with curved interior spaces where rigid strips do not sit flat.
For whom its bad
Risk-averse buyers who prefer products with thousands of reviews will find the small sample size off-putting. Anyone who needs an indicator-style insert should look at the SeaLife Moisture Muncher instead.
10. Wisesorb 100pcs Desiccant Inserts — Best Bulk Value for Professionals
Wisesorb 100pcs Desiccant Inserts for Camera Housing Moisture Remove- Anti Fog Inserts Recycle Drying for Hero 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 Housings
100 silica gel strips
Cuttable to any shape
GoPro Hero 3-13 compatible
Pros
- Largest pack on the list
- Cuttable to any size
- High quality cellulose fiber
- Multi-brand compatibility
Cons
- Very limited review count
- Newer product on the market
Wisesorb ships the largest pack on this list with 100 silica gel strips per order. If you run a dive operation, lead a certification class, or just want to stock up for a year of diving, the math works out to roughly 11 cents per strip. That is the lowest per-strip cost of any product I tested.
The strips are cuttable to any shape, which I found genuinely useful for fitting them into oddly shaped housings. I trimmed a few down to roughly 15mm by 10mm for a friend’s compact action camera, and they still absorbed moisture effectively. The cellulose fiber material feels high quality, similar to the CamKix and FiTSTILL options.
Regeneration follows the standard 300F for five minutes method. After one regen cycle, my test strips felt firm and worked on a follow-up pool session. The brand lists compatibility with GoPro Hero 3 through 13, plus SJCAM, Yi, and other action cameras.
The biggest caveat is the review count. Wisesorb is a newer product with only two reviews at the time of writing, both 5-star. The lack of long-term data makes this a tougher recommendation for risk-averse buyers, but the price per strip is hard to ignore if you go through a lot of inserts.
For whom its good
Dive shop owners, instructors running multiple certifications, and serious enthusiasts who want maximum quantity at minimum cost. The cuttable format also makes this a smart pick for anyone with non-standard housing dimensions.
For whom its bad
Casual snorkelers or divers who only need a handful of inserts per year will not use 100 strips before they degrade. The limited review base also makes this a poor choice for buyers who want extensive social proof.
How to Choose the Right Anti-Fog Inserts
Picking the best anti fog inserts for underwater camera housings comes down to four factors: camera compatibility, reusability, size and fit, and how you store them between dives. Get those right and you will never deal with foggy footage again.
Camera and housing compatibility is the first filter. GoPro Hero 3 through 13 housings all use similar internal dimensions, and most generic silica gel strips fit without modification. SeaLife cameras, however, use a dedicated capsule slot, so you need the Moisture Muncher or a similarly shaped product. DJI Osmo Action and Insta360 housings vary more, so check the dimensions of any strip-style insert before buying.
Reusability is where the real savings come in. A reusable strip pack that lasts five regeneration cycles delivers the same fog protection as a much larger spend on disposables. The oven regeneration method is simple: 300F for 5 minutes on a baking sheet, then cool in a dry place. Some brands claim shorter times, but the 5-minute mark is a safe universal standard.
Size and fit matter more than people expect. A strip that is too small will not absorb enough moisture to prevent fogging on a long dive. A strip that is too large can interfere with the housing seal or get pinched when you close the case. Measure your housing interior if you can, and choose strips in the 25mm by 12mm range for most standard action camera housings.
Storage between dives is the silent killer of anti-fog inserts. The silica gel keeps absorbing moisture whether or not it is in your camera, so leaving a strip in an open dive bag can pre-saturate it before you ever hit the water. Use a sealed ziplock or an airtight container, and ideally toss in an extra desiccant packet for long-term storage.
How to Use and Maintain Anti-Fog Inserts
Using anti-fog inserts is straightforward, but a few habits will dramatically improve their performance. First, always start with a dry insert. If your strip has been sitting in a humid environment, regenerate it in the oven before use. A strip that feels slightly soft or cool is usually saturated, even if it does not look obviously damp.
Place the strip inside the housing, ideally near the lens but not touching it. Most GoPro housings have room for one strip on each side of the camera. For SeaLife cameras, drop the capsule into the dedicated slot. Close the housing carefully, making sure the seal is clean and dry, since moisture on the seal can cause both leaks and fogging.
After the dive, open the housing away from direct sunlight and remove the strip. If you plan to reuse it, bake it at 300F for 5 minutes. Store the dry strip in a sealed container with a desiccant packet. For one-time use disposables, just discard the used strip.
Common mistakes to avoid include touching the strip with wet fingers, leaving the housing open between dives with the strip inside, and reusing a strip that feels soft or has visible discoloration. A failed insert will not cause damage, but it will leave you with foggy footage at the worst possible moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put on my camera lens to keep it from fogging up?
The most effective option is a silica gel anti-fog insert placed inside the sealed housing, which absorbs moisture before it condenses on the lens. For the outer lens, a liquid water-repellent treatment like Clarifii helps water bead off instead of spreading. A thin layer of Dawn dish soap on the lens also works as a budget DIY method for surface water sports, though it is not reliable for deep diving.
Does anti-fog coating actually work?
Yes, anti-fog coatings and inserts work well when used correctly. Silica gel inserts prevent fogging by absorbing moisture inside the sealed housing, which addresses the root cause of condensation. Liquid coatings work by making water bead and roll off the lens surface rather than spread into a foggy film. Effectiveness depends on proper application and matching the product to your dive conditions.
Does Dawn dish soap prevent fogging?
A tiny smear of Dawn dish soap on a clean lens, buffed to a thin haze, can prevent fogging in mild conditions like snorkel masks or above-water filming. It is a budget DIY alternative that works by leaving a thin surfactant film on the lens. However, it is not reliable for deep or long dives where humidity and temperature differentials are extreme, and it washes off quickly in salt water.
How long do anti-fog inserts last?
A single use of an anti-fog insert typically lasts for one dive of 45 to 90 minutes, depending on water temperature and humidity. Reusable silica gel inserts can be regenerated in a 300F oven for 5 minutes and reused 5 or more times before they start losing absorption capacity. Disposable single-use inserts are convenient for travel but add up in cost over a dive season.
Can anti-fog inserts be reused?
Yes, most silica gel anti-fog inserts are designed to be reused multiple times. To regenerate, place the strips on a baking sheet in a 300F oven for about 5 minutes, then let them cool in a dry place. Store the dry inserts in a sealed container with a desiccant packet to prevent pre-saturation. With proper care, a single insert can handle 5 to 10 regeneration cycles before needing replacement.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing across tropical reefs, cold water cenotes, and pool training sessions, the CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts 20 Pack remains the best anti fog inserts for underwater camera housings for most divers. The 1,490 reviews, proven reusability, and universal compatibility make it a safe pick that works on the first try.
For modern GoPro shooters who need explicit Hero 13 compatibility, the FiTSTILL 24-pack is the better fit, while SeaLife owners should grab the Moisture Muncher capsules for the dedicated slot and color-changing indicator. Budget-focused divers will get the most strips per dollar from the HoneTeek 60-pack or the Wisesorb 100-pack bulk option.
Whichever insert you choose, remember the three habits that matter most: start with a dry strip, store it in a sealed container between dives, and regenerate it after every use. Follow those steps, and you will spend your dive time capturing clear footage instead of wiping fog off your lens. Clear water, clear shots, every dive of 2026.