Hard case/Carry on

[Pacislander 0]

Anyone have any suggestions for a hard case for a Ike housing for a 20D and two strobes? Im looking for something large enough to fit the housing, tray, strobes and arms, but small enough that i can carry it onto a plane and not have to check it. I just read a post about someone getting there rigs stolen out of the cases. And with security these days, we are not allowed to lock checked luggage. Any suggestions?

[TimG 62]

Hi Pacislander

 

I've managed to get a Pelican 1620 roller case into lots of airline cabins. It'll hold all that you ask - and a bit more and is sized to fit the old airline cabin bag standard. But that was prior to the recent cabin baggage clampdown following the attempted airline terrorist plots in the UK. These led to serious reductions, certainly in Europe but it seems to be spreading on the volume of cabin baggage which can be carried: one small piece. But that might not be an issue for you. Yet!

[craig 0]

I'm a big fan of the Porter Case PC II. It's a hard case that complies with the largest overhead size. They have a smaller version called the Elite.

 

The Porter Case is unusual in that it converts to a dolly that's rate for 200 pounds. You can easily stack two or three bags onto it and get through airports without a cart. The handle folds into the lid of the case, making the main compartment very square and easy to pack. Because it's a hard case, you can check it if you need to.

 

Because the Porter Case is a dolly, you can choose your checked bags without wheels and handles. Doing so can save you quite a bit of luggage weight that could go, instead, into 5-10 pounds of additional stuff.

[TheRealDrew 0]

Anyone have any suggestions for a hard case for a Ike housing for a 20D and two strobes? Im looking for something large enough to fit the housing, tray, strobes and arms, but small enough that i can carry it onto a plane and not have to check it. I just read a post about someone getting there rigs stolen out of the cases. And with security these days, we are not allowed to lock checked luggage. Any suggestions?

 

 

I use the Pelican 1510 which is airline carry-on size still. Not sure but it looks like the Pelican may be an inch deeper than the Porter case, so the Porter case may be safer, and the things that Craig pointed out look very interesting, as checked bags become subject to more weight restrictions 5-10 lbs is a huge savings. I find myself at the end of the trip being a couple of pounds over just due to gear still being damp and am also looking at a slightly light BCD to help save weight.

 

Hmm, just what I need, another hard case or piece of dive luggae. Craig, which version did you get?

[craig 0]

I've used the bigger one. It's legal size for overheads and fits lengthwise on bigger planes. Depends on how many small planes must be used.

 

Porter cases are very durable and fairly lightweight. They have really nice wheels and a solid thru-axle.

 

I've seen bags that have wheel-less options that save 6-7 pounds.

[craig 0]

My last Porter Case was a large one with an empty lid. It was lost by the airline when they forced me to check it.

 

I got a clothes folder, put a complete change of clothes in it and put it into the lid of the porter case along with some smaller items. A computer would also fit there. In the main compartment, I had 5 Inon strobes with arm mounts, all 5 lenses I took, a D2x body, and a number of smaller electronic pieces. I wrapped all my items in Domke wraps. It's amazing how much can be packed into one of these cases using that technique.

 

Previously with my Nexus systems, the housings were small enough to pack directly into the Porter Case. My Subal was not because of the large, external finder. I didn't want to pack the housing in two pieces so I put it in a checked bag (which was also lost by the airline).

 

You can add every bit as much into a Porter Case as you can into one of the photography backpacks except that the Porter is checkable and has wheels and a dolly built in. :-)

[yahsemtough 0]

Because I carry-on most of a set-up I use backpacks. I am the one handling the gear and they look small enough I have never been stopped/weighted. Should I be asked to check them I would definately show them what was in them and plead their fragility. That would be the plus of Craig's hard cases. Assuming they don't lose the bag of course. That sucks!

 

I do check a hard case inside a duffle with my dome port and some other lenses and have had no issues to date. Travelled over seas and on smaller planes this way.

 

Cheers

 

Todd

[2Oceans 0]

I use a Pelican 1510 with center dividers removed and wraps as a roll on/carry on. It fits under the seat or in most overheads except for small commuter aircraft. If it has to be checked at the gate the pelican can handle being drop kicked into the bagage compartment. You can fit a housing and ports in the case but it would be pushing it to get two large strobes in as well. I carry my camera gear in this case and check my entire housing/strobe system in a single Pelican 1600 with center dividers removed and wraps in their place. The 1600 pelican goes in an extra large drab looking Eagle Creek Duffle with clothes and stuff on top. All the bag and cases get zip tied or locked. So far so good. Good luck.

[AllisonFinch 7]

I used a Pelican 1510 for many years with my Oly 5060, Ike housing and two DS 125 strobes. It served me well, even if it was a bit small. I never had issues getting it on a plane, although I never took it near a check in counter (seriously heavier than limits allow).

 

When I got my DSLR, this case was not deep enough. Last year at DEMA, I found the Seahorse wheeled carry-on case. It was larger in every dimension than the 1510. It still fit in the carry-on size check "thing" you see at the airports. It carrys everything except one strobe. That is with two ports, camera. housing, three lenses, chargers, tray, lots of other stuff. The second strobe is in my checked bag.

 

Here is a picture of the difference;

 

 

 

Although much heavier than allowed, the worst that has happened is that it is occasionally gate checked. At least I know it is on the plane and not at the bottom of the pile.

 

Also, I used to have my case searched at the security gate every time I went through security. I had someone mention that dive stickers help them get recognized and passed through without a problem. So, on one of my trips to PNG, I stickered the case up. Sure enough, it has passed right through every time. I have heard the folks qat the X-ray say "Ah, underwater photo equip". and wave it on. Just FYI.

[Pacislander 0]

I used a Pelican 1510 for many years with my Oly 5060, Ike housing and two DS 125 strobes. It served me well, even if it was a bit small. I never had issues getting it on a plane, although I never took it near a check in counter (seriously heavier than limits allow).

 

When I got my DSLR, this case was not deep enough. Last year at DEMA, I found the Seahorse wheeled carry-on case. It was larger in every dimension than the 1510. It still fit in the carry-on size check "thing" you see at the airports. It carrys everything except one strobe. That is with two ports, camera. housing, three lenses, chargers, tray, lots of other stuff. The second strobe is in my checked bag.

 

Here is a picture of the difference;

 

Although much heavier than allowed, the worst that has happened is that it is occasionally gate checked. At least I know it is on the plane and not at the bottom of the pile.

 

Also, I used to have my case searched at the security gate every time I went through security. I had someone mention that dive stickers help them get recognized and passed through without a problem. So, on one of my trips to PNG, I stickered the case up. Sure enough, it has passed right through every time. I have heard the folks qat the X-ray say "Ah, underwater photo equip". and wave it on. Just FYI.

 

That looks exactly like something i am looking for. Do you know where I can find one? Online? That would be perfect. Thanks a lot for the post.

[2Oceans 0]

Thanks. I belong to the camera bag/box of the month club and have been very happy with pelican boxes but the Seahorse SE920D has internal dimensions that are 2 inches longer 2 inches wider and 1 inch deeper than my 1510, weighs almost 2 pounds less and prcied similarly and still can be carried on. I will have to check it out.

[TheRealDrew 0]

Thanks. I belong to the camera bag/box of the month club and have been very happy with pelican boxes but the Seahorse SE920D has internal dimensions that are 2 inches longer 2 inches wider and 1 inch deeper than my 1510, weighs almost 2 pounds less and prcied similarly and still can be carried on. I will have to check it out.

 

 

I am part of the same club myself. Externally it looks to be the same size just about and that little bit of extra room will make a big difference. Hmmm, may be time for more luggage

 

This is now two new pieces from this thread

[AllisonFinch 7]

I don't think you will regret getting the Seahorse case. I have been very pleased with mine. Two of my family members also use them (one does still photography and the other video).

Seahorse now has their own set of padded dividers. Up till now, I have been using the dividers from my 1510 with velcro holding them in. As you can see (this is my old P&S rig) there is lots of room around the edges.

 

I will be getting the Seahorse dividers soon. My sister got hers and they are much more adjustable than the Pelican ones.

[jlyle 8]

Porter Cases for me! The ability to quickly convert the case to a dolly for all the checked bags is well worth the money. I also don't worry about checking the PC at the gate on smaller airplanes - it's a hard case and has a combination lock.

 

I'm able to get my Ike housing, two DS-125 strobes, two lens ports, ulcs arms, focus light, and all the chargers, etc. into the PC. My camera, lenses, and laptop travel in a Tamrac backpack. The 8" dome is in my checked baggage - strored in a cake-keeper.

[crcdiver 0]

Btw you can lock your luggage you just need to use TSA approved locks and if you are using one on a large Pelican or similar case get the heavy duty locks. http://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/catal...products_id=288

[james 0]

Be advised that a pelican case even empty will weigh a significant % of your allowable weight. They are just too overbuilt for our needs IMO and cut into the amount of weight that we can bring with us.

 

Storm and Seahorse cases are slightly lighter.

 

Cheers

James

[cdoyal 0]

Porter Cases for me! The ability to quickly convert the case to a dolly for all the checked bags is well worth the money. I also don't worry about checking the PC at the gate on smaller airplanes - it's a hard case and has a combination lock.

 

I'm able to get my Ike housing, two DS-125 strobes, two lens ports, ulcs arms, focus light, and all the chargers, etc. into the PC. My camera, lenses, and laptop travel in a Tamrac backpack. The 8" dome is in my checked baggage - strored in a cake-keeper.

 

It's Porter Case for me. For years, I had the luxury of having them as a client. I did all of the photography for their advertising/web site etc. so I have a few (that I didn't have to pay for )

They are incredibly light and the dolly feature is huge!

[AllisonFinch 7]

It's Porter Case for me. For years, I had the luxury of having them as a client. I did all of the photography for their advertising/web site etc. so I have a few (that I didn't have to pay for )

They are incredibly light and the dolly feature is huge!

 

 

I looked at the Porter cases online and, while the dolly feature looked intriguing, until I see one face to face, I would worry about what looks like a somewhat fragile looking handle system. That being said, the deal breaker for me was the dimensions. the Porter case is 22x14x8 whereas the Seahorse is 24x16x10. When packing a DSLR rig, every bit of room can make a huge diference.

 

If I got one for free, as you did, I might try to make it work! But, I think I'll stay with my case.

[jlyle 8]

I looked at the Porter cases online and, while the dolly feature looked intriguing, until I see one face to face, I would worry about what looks like a somewhat fragile looking handle system. That being said, the deal breaker for me was the dimensions. the Porter case is 22x14x8 whereas the Seahorse is 24x16x10. When packing a DSLR rig, every bit of room can make a huge diference.

 

If I got one for free, as you did, I might try to make it work! But, I think I'll stay with my case.

 

The handle system on the Porter Case is not as sturdy as some might prefer; RogerC has had problems with his. I'm happy with mine.

 

BTW, 24x16x10 is too big for carry-on. Generous airlines only allow a total of 45" (length + width + height). The Porter Case is 44" and just fits in the overhead on a 777 or Airbus 340.

[cdoyal 0]

I looked at the Porter cases online and, while the dolly feature looked intriguing, until I see one face to face, I would worry about what looks like a somewhat fragile looking handle system. That being said, the deal breaker for me was the dimensions. the Porter case is 22x14x8 whereas the Seahorse is 24x16x10. When packing a DSLR rig, every bit of room can make a huge diference.

 

If I got one for free, as you did, I might try to make it work! But, I think I'll stay with my case.

 

I agree it seems flimsy to look at but after several dive trips it's up to the task. I just use common sense.

[AllisonFinch 7]

Quote from Jlyle: "BTW, 24x16x10 is too big for carry-on."

 

 

 

About the Seahorse dimensions, I put the case in one of the pipe carry-on measuring templates, and it fit easily. I have flown in most sized airplanes and it has fit in every overhead (except for the planes that have no overhead...of course).

[jlyle 8]

Quote from Jlyle: "BTW, 24x16x10 is too big for carry-on."

About the Seahorse dimensions, I put the case in one of the pipe carry-on measuring templates, and it fit easily. I have flown in most sized airplanes and it has fit in every overhead (except for the planes that have no overhead...of course).

 

Allison,

 

If you have the Seahorse SE920D, its dimensions are 22.24 x 13.66 x 8.49 = 44.39.

 

http://www.seahorse.net/products.html

 

Same size as the Porter Case and carry-on legal (size only - we don't mention weight!) for most American carriers.

 

Jim

[ronscuba 4]

Allison,

 

If you have the Seahorse SE920D, its dimensions are 22.24 x 13.66 x 8.49 = 44.39.

 

http://www.seahorse.net/products.html

 

Same size as the Porter Case and carry-on legal (size only - we don't mention weight!) for most American carriers.

 

Jim

 

I think those dimensions on the Seahorse are for the inside of the case.

[AllisonFinch 7]

Allison,

 

If you have the Seahorse SE920D, its dimensions are 22.24 x 13.66 x 8.49 = 44.39.

 

http://www.seahorse.net/products.html

 

Same size as the Porter Case and carry-on legal (size only - we don't mention weight!) for most American carriers.

 

Jim

 

 

UHHH....if I'm not mistaken, those are the INTERIOR dimensions. Exterior are different. Most case manufacturors don't give both, just exterior.

[jlyle 8]

UHHH....if I'm not mistaken, those are the INTERIOR dimensions. Exterior are different. Most case manufacturors don't give both, just exterior.

 

"Oooops!," he said, with egg on his face. It would help if I read the d*mn table.