Transporting our DSLR Equipment with new restrictions

[dbh 0]

I use a photo backpack (can't remember which model Tamrac it is) in which I carry my housing, camera, lenses, 1 port, 2 strobes, batteries, chargers, etc. Basically I can shoot one lens (60mm or 105mm) with dual Z240's with what I carry-on....plus my laptop fits in it too. My regulator, computer and misc cords go in my my "personal item" bag. My backpack weighs way over 15 lbs, but I have found that some airlines will weigh traditional carry-ons....but not back packs. Of course you have to workout so when you sling it around it looks light :-).

 

 

[sharky1961 2]

Hi,

I travel with a lowpro Vertex 300 AW. I manage to get in 2x Sea&Sea 250 strobes + spare batteries, + cords, Sealux D200 Housing, Strobe arms, 1 domeport, 1 flatport, 3 extensionrings and 2 batterie chargers.

For emergency I have the Stealth photovest http://www.stealth-gear.com/products/photo...photo-vest.html I manage to get the 2 strobes, domport, flatport 2 spare batterries, and 2 extensionrings in the photovest. The rest stays in the bagpack

 

 

 

Rob

[philsokol 1]

I use a Tamrac Speedroller 2 which is 45" overall and thus (mostly) carry-on legal. I can fit all the u/w gear in it: housing, 2 YS-250's, FE2 dome port (snug in it's own tupperware container), flat port, 3 extension rings, focus light, Stix arms and floats, sync cords, extra batteries and chargers. Best of all, it's pretty non-descript. Of course, it weighs 45 lbs! I've had it weighed once (DPS-LAX), but I begged and pleaded my way into taking it on. I know it's only a matter of time before it's taken away and relegated to the hold, but I've taken a good look at it and I'm (relatively) confident it'll be fine. My scuba gear and minimal clothes always weighs in at 50 lbs. (OK, sometimes 52 or 53) and is my only checked bag, so if my roller is taken away from me, I still have that bag in my allowance.

 

One thing I'm thinking of more and more is avoiding it being weighed at all. Coming from San Diego, I fly through LAX often. If possible, I like to schedule a little short-hopper from SAN to LAX so I get to check in at the sleepy little SD commuter terminal, even for connecting international flights. That way I have my boarding pass in hand for the long leg out of LAX and can avoid the evil gate agent. However, this doesn't help on the return.

 

After seeing Cor and Julie's set-up on a recent trip, I may just give in, go that route and just start checking the u/w photo gear - hauling around a 45 lbs. roller is a pain!

 

In a LowePro backpack I have my laptop, 2 camera bodies, lenses, back up hard drive and a little room for a book and emergency toiletries. Then again, this weighs in at 22 lbs.

 

Phil

[Steve Williams 0]

Thanks for all the pictures and ideas guys. I'm still hung up on the 15lbs carry on. I finally gave in and just started weighing combinations. The best answer I've got so far looks like this.

 

Carry on

2 bodies, with these lenses; 60mm, 100mm, Tokina 10-17, 17-40L, 70-200 f/4L, and a 580EX flash along with a CF Card holder in a 3 lb backpack weighs in at 14.8lbs. I'm liking the look of the Think Tank Shape Shifter pack so I could still carry the laptop (my personal item) in one package. If you wear a Scottevest or similar you could find a spot for the other stuff like phone, gps, ipod, portable hard drives, etc. and still fully comply with the requlation.

 

My rig bag (Samsonite) will support 2 housings, ports and domes, 2 YS-250's and 2 110's along with the arms and the foam to hold it will come in right at 50lbs.

 

Anybody have a good source for thick pick & pluck foam sheets?

 

Cheers,

Steve

Edited January 8, 2010 by Steve Williams

[ralphy 1]

Hi Steve

good to get this subject updated!

 

Here in the UK the typical weight allowance on flights is 20kg, with an additional 5kg for divers upon production of their dive certification.

 

My MO is to pack my housing (wrapped in lots of bubble-wrap) and my dome (held securely within a cake-tin!) into the middle of my check-in suitcase, along with a plastic tool box that contains batteries, chargers, stobe arms, etc.

 

Into my Lowepro Stealth Reporter 300 goes my camera, lenses, port, strobes and MacBook:

 

And on the top of that rests my 'secret weapon', the Domke vest:

 

Upon arrival at the desk my first gambit is to put the check-in case on the scales and enquire if it's going to be OK. If not - and I've been carefully watching my check-in girl whilst queuing to see if she's getting passengers to weigh their carry-on too - I'll then produce the vest and explain that I'm a regular flyer, if I'm going to be charged for being over the weight limit I'll simply transfer all the items required into my vest and cargo pants. I also politely point out the obvious: that the same weight is going on the plane irrespective of the method of embarkation but that allowing me to leave it inside the cases means 'my fellow passengers and me will be less inconvenienced and that will credit her company against those who are soooo petty-minded as to insist I put the items into my pockets"!

 

So far this method has worked 4 out of the last 5 trips; the 5th time the girl insisted I carry all the excess in my vest, which I did until out of her sight - and then returned the items to the carry-on bag........

 

R

[s mermaid 0]

Are there new security rules for carry on bags? I hear that some air lines are not allowing carry ons when returning to the US. What are people doing with lap tops, cameras etc on returning to the US? What are people experiencing now? I'm trying to plan for a long trip.

[TheRealDrew 0]

Are there new security rules for carry on bags? I hear that some air lines are not allowing carry ons when returning to the US. What are people doing with lap tops, cameras etc on returning to the US? What are people experiencing now? I'm trying to plan for a long trip.

 

 

There was some discussion in this thread and I guess we all will find out more in the coming weeks and months.

 

[Moderator note: Threads merged for clarity]

[Steve Williams 0]

I also politely point out the obvious: that the same weight is going on the plane irrespective of the method of embarkation

 

Brilliant! Thanks for the idea Ralphy. I never thought to try logic at an airline counter.

 

The website is looking good by the way!

 

Cheers,

Steve

[bvanant 191]

Thanks for all the pictures and ideas guys. I'm still hung up on the 15lbs carry on. I finally gave in and just started weighing combinations. The best answer I've got so far looks like this.

 

Carry on

2 bodies, with these lenses; 60mm, 100mm, Tokina 10-17, 17-40L, 70-200 f/4L, and a 580EX flash along with a CF Card holder in a 3 lb backpack weighs in at 14.8lbs. I'm liking the look of the Think Tank Shape Shifter pack so I could still carry the laptop (my personal item) in one package. If you wear a Scottevest or similar you could find a spot for the other stuff like phone, gps, ipod, portable hard drives, etc. and still fully comply with the requlation.

 

My rig bag (Samsonite) will support 2 housings, ports and domes, 2 YS-250's and 2 110's along with the arms and the foam to hold it will come in right at 50lbs.

 

Anybody have a good source for thick pick & pluck foam sheets?

 

Cheers,

Steve

Steve:

I am not so sure that logic at the counter will work in any way, but I think that for the most part and excepting Brisbane you shouldn't worry too much about the 15 lbs limit. In a recent trip to the Philippines, through HK and Manila our backpacks were weighed but we were asked were there computers in them. We said yes (the 50D has a computer in it, right) and they smiled and let us on. We haven't been asked to check backpacks for overweight except in Brisbane and there it wasn't at the counter but rather at the security gate. No exceptions on what was in the bag, it had to be checked. For what its worth for many years we checked everything in a nice Storm case (now owned by Pelican) and with stickers from all over the world and never had issues except for TSA thinking it was a pelican case and trying to force open the latches. I like Cor's approach but if you think about the risks of stuff getting stolen, the security guys can either open the bag or x-ray it and so even if it looks like a piece of crap, they will know what's in it. For now at least, I think we will keep the ThinkTanks for carry on of a simple setup to take some pics if everything else gets stolen.

 

Bill

[rtrski 20]

I've been struggling with this mentally (not had another chance to dive yet) as well. I hate the idea of checking gear that can be stolen, but what it probably comes down to is - do we think TSA is doing the theiving, or the baggage handlers? I'd tend to argue that the primary theft risk is the latter, in which case its a matter of middirection as dhaas and cor are doing with ugly, non-photo-like checkable luggage. Anything in a rather obvious 'equipment case' looking bag might get rifled thru.

 

Breakage is then the second issue - still hoping I can get onboard with my Vertex AW300 with at least the more delicate stuff: lenses and camera bodies. Strobes, arms, housing and the like may well have to get shifted to the checked bag (which will almost automatically be overweight and get charged then) to get the carryon weight back down, if the limits really do get dropped. Last I checked American's site, dream-planning a Belize trip just last week, the regs were the same as they'd always been.

[Deep6 7]

do we think TSA is doing the theiving, or the baggage handlers? I'd tend to argue that the primary theft risk is the latter, in which case its a matter of middirection as dhaas and cor are doing with ugly, non-photo-like checkable luggage. Anything in a rather obvious 'equipment case' looking bag might get rifled thru.

It seems like every 2-3 years the is a report of busting AA baggage handlers in San Juan. Less eyeballs in that area. Even with increased security, this continues to happen.

Bob

[Undertow 31]

I just got back on saturday (Jan 16) from a trip to Little Cayman and didn't notice any changes in carry on allowance, at least on American Airlines. Checked the regulations before after hearing all the hub-ub, and same 40lbs carry-on with 1 personal item.

 

My carry on:

http

://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4227..._HDV_Case.html

with kata's roller dolly thingy.

with: Aquatica D700 housing with hard drive (wrapped in microfiber towel) inside

9.25" dome, macro port, 2x inon z-240's, nikon 300mm f/2.8 (for birds), D300 body

weighed in around +/-40lbs

 

my personal item may be pushing it but had no trouble:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5622...in_1_Sling.html

with: D700, 24-70mm f/2.8, tokina 11-16mm, sigma 15mm FE, 3 TC's, 60mm, 105mm, 70-200mm, flash.

weighed in around 19lbs.

 

my gf carried my laptop in her carry-on. arms, extension rings etc went in the checked bags.

 

this definitely exceeded requirements but had no trouble going Bermuda-Miami-Grand Cayman-Little Cayman and back. Had to check the large carry-on for the Otter plane to little cayman but can check it and pick it up at the plane. that was ok. cheers,

 

chris

[ralphy 1]

Brilliant! Thanks for the idea Ralphy. I never thought to try logic at an airline counter.

 

The website is looking good by the way!

 

Cheers,

Steve

 

Hi Steve

you're welcome on the idea.

 

And thanks to you, I'm going to review the site; it's been far too long since I freshened it up!!!!!!

 

Cheers

 

Ralph

[Steve Williams 0]

Thanks Chris for updating us on a recent US flight. I'm with Richard and hate the idea of putting the housings in the hold but if you have to do it when flying international to the far east it makes sense to follow Cor's plan. We've got a trip coming up this summer that's got something like 10 flights in the itenerary for the month in Indo. That's why I'm really trying to nail this down. Has anybody shipped the gear over to Indo recently? UPS or FEDEX, something like that? Is that a real option?

 

Bill I think the problem in the past has been a few bad apples among the baggage guys. Hard for me to believe the Security folks would be a real concern. I still wouldn't go through San Juan if they paid me.

 

Cheers,

Steve

[johnspierce 25]

When we did Little Cayman in September, I took my normal complement of gear: 1 Carry on with housing, body, 60mm, port, 1 strobe, chargers, laptop, regulator, dive computer, mask, 15" laptop: 36 lbs. 2 rolling bags with clothes and dive gear, my other lenses, spare body, 8" dome: 40 pounds each.

 

When we go to Galapagos in May they will have a restriction of 22 lbs. for carryon and 75 pounds checked luggage, so I will have to "consolidate" a bit. I'm thinking of carrying on my Lowepro flipside 400 (it weighs 3 1/2 pounds empty) with as much camera gear as I can get into it and stay under 22 pounds. I have a Dell Mini 9 with OSX on it for a nice little 2 1/2 pound travel computer.

 

I'm thinking of buying one of these for housing and other camera breakables plus clothes:

 

http://www.ebags.com/travelers_choice/rome...?modelid=143396

 

Only 10 lbs and hardshell.

 

My other bag for dive gear the REI Wheely Beast and it's been on several trips with me -- tough and light at 9 lbs. 8 oz.

 

If I have to pay more for my checked luggage, so be it. My gamble is going to be that thieves might not be as interested in my housing and strobes as my camera and lenses, so I'll keep my body and lenses in the carryon. Personally, I wish the airlines would charge for carryons instead of luggage; more people would check bags and I would gladly pay for my camera/computer gear to keep it safe.

Edited January 19, 2010 by johnspierce

[Chud 0]

This is an interesting read - or at least jealousy inducing!

 

Standard UK policy at the moment seems to be:

 

Up to 20-23kg Check in baggage (per person)

1 item hand luggage* (max 5kg, 56 centimetres tall (22 inches), 45 centimetres wide (17.7 inches), 25 centimetres deep (10 inches))

 

However even some of the scheduled airlines are now considering going down the Ryanair route and charging for any checked in baggage.

 

*most airlines

[ce4jesus 1]

Indestructable stuff goes in the checked luggage whch consists of 2 softsided regular suitcases. Housing, ports, cameras go into two carryons. 1 a pelican 1510 which will fit under the seat if you get an over zealous agent. The other is a lowepro backpack to store the bodies, laptop, lenses and regulator. I've been leaning toward replacing this with a good photogs vest and checking a few more items as to avoid the carryon weight limit discussion because it usually weighs 40lbs. Most of the times backpacks get a free pass. I've even taken to wearing the camera around my neck when boarding...very touristy look but no one seems to question it. Hmmm maybe its time to break out the parachute pants again.

[Timmoranuk 10]

Thanks David! It's a beautiful thing. Between you and Cor I'm sensing a trend. Thanks guys

 

Looking at David's and Cor's solutions I bit the bullet and invested in a couple of Samsonites.

 

After much indecision I chose Aeris Comfort Uprights (http://www.samsonite.co.uk/aeris-comfort/aeris-comfort-upright-64cm-23inch/product-en.htm?or=9802135241&od=2113835321#) for CJ and me. The Aeris Uprights have a single set of low profile wheels, not castors, which seem less likely to be damaged in transit. TSA locks and supplimentary latches are useful too. Stripped of their clothes intended linings and bags (which come out easily using 'star' keys and could be replaced if the cases were ever needed for their conventional purpose) they weigh in at a travel friendly 3.8 kgs. They easily accomodate an Ike housing and dual tray, 4" dome and flat ports, a couple of INONs and a Fisheye focus light and there's some room left for a few bits a pieces.

 

HTH, Tim

[Scubysnaps 9]

I have one of those new waterproof lightweight coats, it has 9 rather cleverly concealed pockets, one of the pockets is one I got tailored on, its on the lower left inside portion and will take my 13" macbook air , all the other pockets I fill with my lenses and adapters and also have my camera and one lens around my neck, when I'm thru check in, I put it all in my oakley backpack, including my coat, and nobody questions it anymore, along with the 5 kilos of toiletries my wife buys after check in in Boots, also in the same bag(s) I have my ports and housing, and strobe heads, these are wrapped in cut to suit pieces of yoga mat sponge and parcel taped up, it protects it all very well, of course I pack a spare roll of tape just in case security get curious and also for the return trip. Sad to say, its in my wife's hand luggage roller hard case as well, so only works if I am travelling with her. If I travelled on my own maybe I can let the strobe heads go in the checked luggage and just buy a bar of soap and a shaver I could be ok tho!

I got a tip of a roses tin on here once, the 8" dome port and shade fits in one of these very nicely with the lid taped down.

 

ETA..I also have my small lowepro in my backpack that holds the body and 3 lenses at a squeeze, when I'm past check-in

Edited February 1, 2010 by Scubysnaps

[NWDiver 42]

Lots of great solutions. Maybe a thread of "Who weighed your carry-on?" should be next. For us it has been Qantas 2 out of 6 times and made us repak, Air-Pacific 1 out of 4, Air Niugini 2 out of 4.

[diver dave1 23]

The constant changing of the rules seems crazy and reminds me of a saying you have all likely heard before.

When I was young, the world seemed normal and people took LSD to make it appear crazy.

Now the world is crazy and people take Prozac to make it seem normal.

[johnspierce 25]

Just bought one of these to be my second "carry on":

 

 

http://www.scottevest.com/v3_store/New_Travel_Vest.shtml

 

Since a lot of airlines are only allowing 1 carry on now for International travel.

[Steve Williams 0]

It is a very nice piece of gear John. Joel posted a couple of pictures of everything he stuffed into one on his recent trip to Bali. It's here if you want to take a look. about halfway down the thread.

 

I bought a tan one, works great with my Ipod

 

Cheers,

Steve

[Natalie_S 1]

I used a ScottEVest on my last dive trip. I crammed a lot of stuff into it, including 2 portable hard drives, a paperback novel, glasses, sunglasses, antimalarial pills and other prescriptions, cash, tickets, boarding passes, passport, a couple of Power Bars, keys, business cards, pens, phone, etc. There was room for more. I didn`t have any issues when it passed through the x-ray machines, though one security person thought it was a bag, it had so much stuff in it.

 

I didn`t trust it with any lenses because the material didn`t seem thick enough to handle the weight. I put my laptop, camera, lenses, arms & clamps and macro port in my carry-on bag, and then my disassembled housing in a small camera bag.

[RedSeaDiver 0]

I'm on the lookout for a vest that has a slip in pocket on the back to take a 17 inch notebook from check-in through security to the plane.