Top Anti-Fog Inserts That Actually Work for Action Shoots

Your action camera can take a beating—rain, snow, mud, you name it. 

But if your lens fogs up mid-shoot, none of that gear matters. Fog doesn’t just blur your footage—it kills it. 

In this post, you’ll learn which anti-fog inserts actually keep your shots clear, no matter where or how hard you shoot.

Gimbal	Specs	Pros	Price
GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts 🏅 Best for Professional Shoots	– Weight: 20.4g- Payload: N/A- Battery: None (oven-dry reusable)	– Official GoPro fit- Reusable up to 4 times- Excellent moisture absorption	🔗 View on Amazon
PCTC 24 PCS Anti-Fog Inserts💡 Best Budget Option	– Weight: 0.5g/insert- Payload: N/A- Battery: None	– Great bulk value- Multi-camera compatibility- Easy to reuse and maintain	🔗 View on Amazon
iSaddle® Anti-Fog Inserts 🔍 Best for Tech-Savvy Users	– Weight: 0.5g/insert- Payload: N/A- Battery: None (humidity indicator)	– Humidity indicator built-in- Comes with case- Easy to reuse	🔗 View on Amazon
YALLSAME Anti-Fog Inserts (30pcs) 🌊 Best for Underwater Shoots	– Weight: 0.5g/insert- Payload: N/A- Battery: None	– Great for dive housings- High moisture retention- Excellent for frequent use	🔗 View on Amazon
CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts (20-Pack) 🏆 Best for Beginners	– Weight: 0.5g/insert- Payload: N/A- Battery: None	– Beginner-friendly- Good everyday performance- Compatible with most brands	🔗 View on Amazon

✅ Top Anti-Fog Inserts That Actually Work in Real Action Shoots

1. GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts

If you shoot action content seriously, the GoPro Anti-Fog Inserts are a no-brainer. Why? Because they’re made by GoPro, for GoPro.

That means no awkward fit, no inconsistent performance, and no guesswork.

These inserts are engineered specifically for GoPro housings, which gives you confidence during critical shoots—whether you’re diving 40 feet deep or bombing down a snowy mountain.

Also, the fact that they’re reusable up to four times means you’re not just getting quality—you’re getting efficiency.

A lot of creators overlook fog until it wrecks a shoot. But seasoned pros know that fog control is prevention, not reaction.

These inserts aren’t just about moisture—they’re about control and predictability, which is everything in action videography.

2. PCTC 24 PCS Anti-Fog Inserts

PCTC is the go-to for shooters who value volume and consistency.

Let’s face it: if you’re someone who’s constantly on the move—vlogging on the beach one day and hiking through foggy forests the next—you need inserts that just work, without eating up your budget.

What makes these especially compelling is their performance-to-price ratio.

You get 24 inserts that punch well above their weight class.

Sure, you might sacrifice a bit on packaging or brand prestige, but for creators who burn through inserts regularly (especially with multiple cameras), this is the practical choice.

And because they’re compatible with a wide range of brands, you’re not stuck if you switch rigs.

Budget doesn’t mean basic—it means strategic.

3. iSaddle® Anti-Fog Inserts

iSaddle inserts stand out because they cater to the meticulous shooter.

These aren’t for someone who just wants to “throw something in the case and hope for the best.”

They’re for creators who want to know how much moisture is present and when it’s time to dry or swap out an insert.

The built-in humidity indicator might seem like a gimmick at first glance—but it’s a game changer if you’re operating in rainforest-level humidity or during multi-hour shoots.

It gives you real-time insight into your gear’s environment, which lets you make smarter, more informed decisions on the fly.

Think of it like having a little assistant inside your camera housing saying, “Hey, it’s time to dry me out.”

4. YALLSAME Underwater Anti-Fog Inserts

Shooting underwater is a whole different ball game, and fog is your #1 enemy at depth.

The YALLSAME 30-pack was clearly designed with divers in mind.

These inserts handle high-pressure, moisture-rich environments like champs.

Whether you’re snorkeling in the tropics or diving off a coral shelf, you need inserts that absorb fast and last long—and that’s where YALLSAME delivers.

The bulk pack also means you can switch inserts after each dive without second-guessing your stock.

This is especially helpful for travel shooters or underwater vloggers who can’t afford to waste a dive due to blurry footage.

They might not be fancy, but they’re functional—and when you’re 30 feet underwater, that’s what matters.

5. CamKix Anti-Fog Inserts

CamKix is the beginner’s best friend.

If you’re just getting started with action cameras—especially a GoPro—this 20-pack is the ideal training wheels for keeping your footage crisp.

They’re dead simple to use: just pop one in, close the housing, and shoot.

No special storage cases, no fancy indicators, no complicated drying cycles—just basic moisture absorption that gets the job done.

And here’s the kicker: they actually work better than some mid-tier alternatives.

For hobbyists, family vloggers, and weekend warriors, CamKix strikes a perfect balance between affordability and performance.

They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel—they’re making sure your lens stays clear so you can keep capturing the moments that matter.

What Causes Fogging in Camera Gear During Action Shoots?

You open your waterproof housing, press play, and all you see is blur. Not soft focus—actual fog covering your shot.

That’s not just annoying. That’s wasted time, lost footage, and sometimes an entire project down the drain.

So what’s really happening?

When you move your gear from a warm or humid space into a cooler one—or vice versa—you create a perfect storm for condensation. Moisture from the air gets trapped inside your housing. Once that warm, moist air hits the cooler glass of your lens, it condenses into fog. This isn’t some camera defect. It’s science.

🔁 Common fogging triggers you’re probably dealing with:

• Jumping from an air-conditioned hotel room into a tropical jungle
• Mounting a GoPro on your snowboard helmet before a powder run
• Flying a drone from a dry rooftop into a damp cloud layer
• Snorkeling with your action cam in a waterproof case under direct sun

These aren’t rare conditions. These are normal for action shooters.

💡 Quick Tip:

Use silica-based anti-fog inserts. These strips absorb ambient moisture inside your housing before it condenses. They don’t rely on electronics, and they can often be reused. Most action shooters carry a small pack of them for every shoot. You should too.

How Anti-Fog Inserts Work: Demystifying the Technology

Anti-fog inserts don’t magically protect your gear. They solve one specific problem: moisture build-up inside sealed environments.

These inserts contain desiccants—materials designed to absorb water molecules from the air. The most common desiccant is silica gel, but others include cellulose-based paper or even advanced carbon fiber.

🔍 What happens inside the housing?

• You place the insert near your lens or glass panel.
• It starts absorbing moisture in the air immediately.
• As the temperature changes, that moisture doesn’t turn into fog—it’s already been locked away by the insert.

🧪 What types should you look for?

• Silica gel inserts: Reliable, reusable, cheap. Best all-around option.
• Paper-based strips: Lightweight and disposable. Good for travel or single-use.
• Carbon fiber desiccants: High-end, long-lasting, expensive. Usually found in higher-grade kits.

♻️ Reusable vs. Disposable:

• Reusable inserts can be dried in an oven or a dedicated drying box. You’ll know it’s time when they feel damp or stop working.
• Disposable inserts are one-and-done. Convenient for fieldwork where you don’t have drying tools.

🔥 Heat-based inserts and electric options:

• Some high-end solutions use electric heaters or USB-powered wraps to keep lenses warm and fog-free.
• These are helpful for cold-weather shoots or time-lapse sessions.
• They’re not ideal for underwater or compact rigs due to bulk and power limitations.

How to Use Anti-Fog Inserts Like a Pro (Step-by-Step)

Using anti-fog inserts incorrectly is like using dead batteries in a flashlight. They won’t help unless you use them right. Follow this exact process every time you gear up:

✅ Step 1: Prep your gear

Open your housing in a dry room, not outside or in a humid tent. Wipe it clean. Use a microfiber cloth. No shortcuts.

✅ Step 2: Insert placement

Place 1–2 inserts in the housing—ideally near the lens or glass ports. Don’t block buttons or seals.

✅ Step 3: Load them early

Don’t rush this. Add the inserts 10–15 minutes before sealing the case. This gives them time to absorb ambient moisture inside the housing.

✅ Step 4: Know their limits

Each insert absorbs moisture for around 2 to 4 hours, depending on conditions. In a super humid jungle, you might get less time.

✅ Step 5: Recharge or replace

If they’re reusable, dry them out in an oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes. Let them cool, store in an airtight bag.

Bonus tip:

When not filming, store your housing (with inserts inside) in a ziplock bag or weather-sealed case with additional desiccant packs. It prevents moisture build-up between shoots.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting Tips

Most fog-related failures come down to a few repeatable mistakes. Fix these, and you’ll avoid 90% of lens fog disasters.

🚫 Mistake #1: Using wet or expired inserts

If your insert feels damp, it’s already saturated. It can’t do anything for you. Dry it or toss it.

🚫 Mistake #2: Bad sealing

If your waterproof case has a bad seal—cracked rubber, loose latch—it doesn’t matter how good your insert is. Moist air will get in.

🛠️ Fog still showing up?

• Use two inserts instead of one.
• Add a fresh silica pack to your gear bag.
• Wait longer before sealing the case after gear setup.

🧪 DIY Insert Hack:

Dry paper towel squares in an oven, fold them neatly, and slip them into your housing as a short-term solution. It’s not as effective but works in emergencies.

Complementary Tools to Maximize Fog Prevention

Want a zero-fog workflow? Add a few of these tools to your kit.

• Dehumidifier cases: Dry your camera gear after every shoot. Especially useful in tropical environments.
• Anti-fog lens sprays: Use on the exterior glass—not inside the housing. Good for surface protection.
• USB lens heaters: Wrap them around your lens barrel to keep it above the dew point. Great for night shoots.
• High-airflow waterproof housings: Some newer models offer vents with airflow control to regulate humidity.
• Humidity tracking apps: Keep track of environmental moisture levels before each shoot so you know how many inserts to use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion: Clear Shots, Every Time – No More Fog Failures

You’ve got the talent. You’ve got the camera. Don’t let fog ruin what you came to capture.

Throw a pack of inserts in your camera bag. Use them every time you shoot in a waterproof case, a drone shell, or an environment where sweat and air meet plastic. One small habit keeps your shots clear and your edits smooth.