Too many Carry-ons!

less is more , how many cameras do your realy need ? roller siutcases are nice in airports but wont be much use on a dirt road or in a 3rd world city. i used a camera packback in india over jan/feb jammed every thing in it and loved it.

First print this out:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1248.shtm

You can carry on 1 camera bag in addition to your 1 carry on and 1 personal item (in the US). That gives you 3 items. Show the printout to the TSA person if they give you trouble, most will. Check the carrier’s policy too and print their policy. If you got 4 or more items, get a light bag to put your fanny pack (shame!), purse, smaller items in and consolidate them. I use a rollaboard size duffel bag to consolidate my camera bag (large Tamrac) & misc stuff when I fly overseas. Combined with my laptop case I’ll have 2 and don’t have any trouble…. unless I’m in places where they weigh my carry ons, got over 50 lbs total:( If all else fails, check in your non essential stuff. I use a pelican case as a suitcase to make sure my stuff survives in case I find myself having to take a commuter jet.

oh yes, very smart! I never thought about bringing a TSA form… brilliant (even though I may still get kicked out of line for this ;o) And Pelican case, another great idea. Thanks! ps – shame? you mean my fanny-pack… because its nerdy. I know, I look like I’m from 1992.

:) Well I always say being a photographer means not being afraid to look silly, that Pelican case I told you about is also my backpack, I rigged up some shoulder straps on it and people look at me like I’m absolutely insane when I walk around with it :-D I rec the 1650 BTW. Also makes a good safe when you leave your stuff in sketchy hotel/hostel/shacks.

I’ve been wondering the same thing.

I’ve got a medium size camera bag filled with a couple RFs, eos-1, soon to be added canon dslr, and a handful of lenses. I also have a medium size pelican case fitted with my laptop gear. I would really like to also bring a backpack stuffed with film. That would equal three carry-ons, which I worry would give me problems.

I’m assuming my film or laptop would be considered my one personal item…

ed. I’ve been worried about TSA giving me problems, but I assume if I print that out they can’t really do anything about it.

Sorry for the million edits…just woke up and my brain isn’t functioning yet!

hey Erin. less is more, even if it only LOOKS less. never carry more than two items. back packs are really good, because you can keep them on and it will be more likely that security wont notice them. i rarely check in luggage, only when going to cold places and or carrying body armor and so. ususally i can fit everything in my carry ons and never get busted. im talking about two bodies, 5 lenses, 15 inches pb, bgan, 3 phones, two swiss army mid size sealed bags with wires, hds, cables and chargers, small hygene kit, spare batteries, one change of pants and t shirt, few underware and socks. all fits in a small F4 domke bag and a medium size back pack. the back pack is real heavy though, around 40 pounds so im currently dragging around a carry on trolley and replaced the F4 with a small ( real small ) camera back pack. if things dongt look too big then they wont usually ask you to weigh your carry ons at check in. if they do then hit them with all you got. right on

i usually carry both stills and video, and still i don’t understand how you manage to get 4 carry ons. i have a porta-brace bag that i fixed up with foldable troley wheels, so i can take them off when needed. the porta brace includes all my video and photo gear and sometimes even my laptop, but i usually have a small backpack for my laptop and other things. i carry an empty Domke J3 or newswear pouches in my check-in bag/ troley, so when i reach destination, i empty half of my porta-brace into that.

as Tommy said, most airlines consider camera gear allowed above the regular 1-2 piece carry on. just print out their own charter from their website so you can show them if they give you trouble. (not just TSA) just don’t go through heathrow! never again!!!

Guy, I think I’ve figured out your super-power… packing! The way you described your compartmentalization is truly amazing! (ok, you mentioned one extra pair of pants and shirt. What about your pajamas?)

Guilad… for me, 4 carry-ons is nothing! I once traveled to southeast Asia through 5 airports with 5 carry-ons plus a tripod. Dallas-Minnesota-Japan-Singapore-Sri Lanka, in addition to hand-checking 90 rolls of medium format… and this was a year after 9/11. I believe it was my greatest accomplishment ever. Perhaps my super-power is persuasion with airport security. ;-) haha. (granted, this was a dumb undertaking, as I’m surprised I didn’t get arrested for being the crazy bag-lady at the airport)

But honestly, after reading the posts, I’m inspired to minimize and go to 2 carry-ons. I’ll try to roller case and / or backpack idea. Keep the advice coming… love it!

Erin, unfortunately, i’m not a beautiful (goody two shoes looking) blonde girl… i can’t get away with what you can. and my smile is not as pretty as yours… as you know, i’m a scruffy, terrorist-looking very big man with no patience for security stupidity… however, I don’t loose my cameras in parties and then hitch-hike back to Spain… ;-)

Erin, remember this about Guy Calaf: He wears his body armour on planes just to keep his shit out of the hold. He is pretty though, for a man.
What has worked for me, is that when the airlines rep tells me I need to put my bag down in the belly of the plane, (and it is always the airline rep, not the ATA people at security) I pull them aside and tell them “I have $15,000 worth of cameras in this bag, are you gonna be responsible for it?” All done with a fine Gringo grin of course. They shoe me to the back of the plane as if I just handed them a C note. It helps to have your gear in one or two bags like Guy says. I’ve been using a roller bag/backpack by lowepro, a big one, all I have to do is take the lap top out to make it fit in the overhead. Don’t start carring heavy bags on your shoulder or back, you will regret it by your 35th birthday. Use roller everything before it’s too late.
It is true, Guilad looks like the leader of a sleeper cell.

A photog vest can hold a lot of gear and is the only option when flying on small airlines/planes where carry on is limited to ONE 10 lbs piece. Head bin compartments are too small anyway…

one bug out bag (basic military surplus 3-day survival backpack) and a photo vest. You can customize the bag with compartments just like a domke bag.

http://www.pipergear.com/prodview.cfm?catid=2&item=43

or get spiritual about the whole thing

Yeah Paul, thanks for the link, that is one of the better bags, highly recommended. Though if you want cheap there is plenty of military surplus on ebay for about $20.

eros, i’ve already passed my 36th birthday, and i couldn’t agree with you more, my right shoulder is so twisted and misshapen compared to my left one, after years of carrying bags…but that’s a good excuse to get a massage, right?

here it is:

1) backpack or roller thing with laptop + scanner + hard drives + diary/address book/etc.

2) camera bag with 3-4 cameras, 4-5 lenses, flash.

3) hand-held see through plastic bag with film for hand inspection. you can shove this bag into one of the other bags after they’re done with it.

everything else can and should be checked. my experience with TSA has been uniformly positive, much better than with uneven guys before 9/11. Budget the time for them to swipe each and every one of your rolls of film, make chit-chat while they do this, and it’s all OK

A few years back I developed a weird inflammation of my shoulder and it felt like liquid fire to the touch. My regular doctor couldnt fix it, so I went to an acupuncturist (who grimaced when he saw the thing and said, “I have no idea what that is”—but he fixed it). Since then I have sworn off camera bags. The Piper Gear BOB is spacious enough (3280 cu in) that you can dispense with the camera bag altogether. Along with a vest and a pair of cargo pants, really you are good to go.

I just got to California from NYC, Im here on a job. I just went roller.

Best thing I ever did.

Seriously, get a roller case.

Same here with the shoulders. With me it has something to do with the trapezius muscle and travels right up to my head. Have to say I rarely use the heavy SLRs etc. any longer.
I never carry a camera bag around. Its only purpose is for storage and carrying on and off airplanes if necessary. Don’t need all that stuff with rangefinders.

Age has nothing to do with aches and pains. c1950 and in denial.

While most of the discussion so far is about the number of bags you can carry on, airlines are also cracking down on the weight of those bags. This is especially true if you’re traveling outside the US, so be prepared to deal with that issue as well.

I flew back from Dublin to Dulles, via Copenhagen, and the blokes at Dublin tried to make me check my only carry-on a 20” because they said my Domke F6 was too big to be considered a personal item. (Note, I said F6 and not F2 or F1x) I only had the F6 and the 20” carry-on. The security notes it was SAS. I got my way through commenting that this is what I was allowed when I came to Ireland from DC in the first place. (which was true!) Ironically enough the guy who sat beside me had a carry-on, a personal, and a saxophone.

I’ve noticed United is the worst on enforcing carry-on restricted, but a lot of it seems to be on the security itself.

Pajamas?

What do you guys on rollers do when you run out of sidewalk?

Tommy: get “off road” rollers, or… it’s a little complicated… pick up the bag from it’s handle! (or pay someone else to do that for you)

That is complicated… if it’s a 3 mile hike to where you gotta go. If it felt bad on your shoulders, I imagine it’s hell from a handle. Different strokes for different folks I guess…

Rollers is the way to go as my right shoulder is not 100% after a bad fall while shooting.

I am sure most everyone has heard of them by now, but for those who haven’t, check out the ThinkTank gear:

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtScrty.php

And to answer your question Tommy, when the sidewalk runs out, with this ThinkTank Airport Security you just pull out the shoulder straps and lug it.

It’s a bit pricey, but certainly worth it. The added features have been thought out and are a big plus.

I also use a Zuca rolling case (http://www.zuca.com) to hold and transport my portable lighting gear. It’s a great case that is very durable to stand or sit on, very light, and is sized for overhead compartments on planes. Mine holds two Norman 400B batteries and two Quantum heads along with wire connectors, Pocket Wizards, filters, magic arm, clamps, diffusers and security cables.

When needed, I have repacked it for red carpet/sport events and been able to put a 400/2.8, two bodies and a laptop in it no problem.

I always travel with my LowePro Stealth backback. Not only is comfortable, it holds an amazing amount of gear along with the laptop and change of clothes and toiletries. I’ve lived for a week out of that one bag alone carrying all I need.

A close to empty small leather pack except for a change of clothes, a couple of pouches/ toiletries, flattened out with a pair of ockie straps …................ with a couple of sturdy used plasic bags for the camera gear, put the gear in the pack on destination… spend most of the travel in SE Asia clothes are no problem, buy use and give away

i had to laugh.. ‘one change of pants and t shirt, few underware and socks’ works for guys… a girl’s
got to look good too. hey Erin, really liked your
work on your new site.

i second olivier’s opinion on photographer’s vests. although i dont wear one when working, they’re great for travel, as you can stuff 4-5 lenses and maybe even a body or two on your person. comfortable? no! but it can be an effective way to get that extra gear past security and not pay for excess baggage/weight. and as everyone says, go roller. . .. . .

A word about the Piper Bug out bag: They suck. Mine has ripped at two major stress points (by the handels) and a tear somewhere else where there should be no stress. Teru went through the same thing with his. Stay clear.
As for roller bags, lowe pro makes them with back straps, but the whole kit is too heavy to realistaclly use as a back pack. I just use my roller bag while in transit, stash it at the hotel and then take what I need in small bags, and a simple combo of military belt and domke pouches. If you go on a serious mission in the jungle or some shit, scale down your gear. since when do you need a million pieces of electronics to make good pics? less shit=less shit to lose or get jacked for. sez me

Ok, lots of options here: military surplus, piper gear, think tank gear, rolling cases, Zuca rollers, chit-chat with security, and lawsuit threats toward airline reps… :-) all fantastic ideas.

I think I’m sold on rollers so far…

I just got a message from Tomoko Yamamoto (who for some reason is not able to make public posts from his computer) who said that he packs silk pajamas, because they fold flat and don’t take up a lot of space. Very interesting…

BACK ACHERS, LISTEN UP: For those of you with shoulder problems, I highly suggest trying out either Bikram or Ashtanga (aka: power / hatha) Yoga. Its not just a trendy/hippie thing (tho it is), as a lot of people think. Its a true lifesaver for the back. I used to train for marathons, so I have some issues with my lower-back, but Yoga has really helped. Bikram (heat yoga, where the room temperature is at 105 F, 40.5 C) will be the hardest hour in a half of your life (and can be a bit expensive as 10 sessions can go for more than $100), but your back will love you for it. Its like getting a deep tissue massage, plus you get a cardio workout, stretching, and you build muscle. Ashtanga is a bit less intense (and without the heat)... both concentrate on the back, neck and shoulders.

*For those of you who live in Nyc, you can do yoga for free: www.yogatothepeople.com, at 12 St. Mark’s place, between 2nd and 3rd. Great studio.. and its FREE!

Thanks Julia for the kind feedback. :-) good to hear from you.

And yes, Guilad… i would probably still be stuck in France if it wasn’t for your compassion. Again, thanks for your help. I owe you about 10 beers. And very funny, “goodie two shoes…” i like that.

Actually those 10 beers are a perfect medicine for the back ache too, and the result is much more fun than Ashtanga… so i’ll take you up on that if you drink them with me.

thanks for that Erin. yoga? my shoulder kills me. i’ll try it. hope you’re doing well. :)

As much as roller bags are practical, I have a theory that they draw attention from the airline staff that spot you just before you get on the plane. Often I see business types getting their roller taken off them just before boarding the plane. I use a combination backsac type bag & domke or domke & portabrace. Both jam packed with stuff, heavy as hell…but going back to a previous point…not looking like they are heavy as hell.

Once a stewardess tried to take my backsac like bag off me (weighing close to 30kl) saying that if it ever fell out of the baggage rack onto someone it would kill them. I argued (sucessfully) that it was so full and so heavy and their hold were so small that I could jam it in and it would never fall out, I would have to pry it out. This worked.

For the first time in about 12 years of travel I got my second bag taken away recently. Outgoing through Heathrow I got away with two bags, using the lots of expensive technical gear argument. On the way back I got stopped at security, asked to speak to a surpervisor and tried the argument…well a few weeks ago your staff let me take two bags. This really made him angry and he started yelling at me that I knew I was in the wrong and yet I tried etc etc etc. I knew the battle was lost, but as I was on the way home I could afford to off load some stuff. So I packed anything that wasn’t too fragile or valuable into the portabrace, checked that…and shoved everything else into the backsac bag, into my pockets, into the small of my back..and I hand carried my laptop. After security I pulled out a plastic bag that BA gave me, offloaded everything from my pockets and in front of the security folks was back up to two bags, but no one cared.

Heathrow and flying SAS (the only ones who ever forced me to weigh my carry-on) are the things to be wary of…

Sorry to ramble.

cb

Michael,

“I also use a Zuca rolling case (http://www.zuca.com) to hold and transport my portable lighting gear. It’s a great case that is very durable to stand or sit on, very light, and is sized for overhead compartments on planes.”

I just had a look at that…wow. Can you really stand on this one? And which model you’ve got? The one with the american flag will not cause any problems with airport security, at least in the US, don’t know about Teheran Central Airport or Phnom Pengh International ;-)

I always travel as light as possible. I use one medium size holdall(Karrimor)and a Domke that can hold either 2 35mm with 3 lens and/or a medium format kit.
I usually take 4 pair of underwear, same amount of socks, 1 pair of trousers(pants) 2 or 3 shirts. The rest of the space is saved for film or other photo related gear.
My philosophy has always been if you can buy it where your going don’t carry it.
I don’t take any lovely smelling things. A razor, a bar of soap and toothbrush/paste.

It amazing how much shit people lug around.

The more people travel the less they carry. The less people travel the more they carry.
—Anonymous (actually I just made it up.) LOL.

Well I certainly dont want to give anyone a bum steer—I thought the Piper Gear BOBs were supposed to be a great deal. However, if those have a tendency to rip and tear, one can always buy the military surplus versions I mentioned. There is also this Oakley bag which is selling on ebay. Me, I have always used the cheap surplus stuff. It is inconspicuous and durable

I used to have a roller bag that could be carried as a backpack as well.

anyone been using those crumpler backpacks ?
It seems they can load lots of stuff and are well organized.

Here is a link : www.crumpler.de/?page=details&product=ZV-001&view=1&size=

Most of my flights originate from the USA so the 22-inch carry ons are allowed. However, I got busted once on a flight from Vienna to Paris where they wouldn’t take my US sized carry-on. Fortunately there was only pajamas in the bag that day ;-)

Does anyone have problems getting 22-inch bags past Europe’s 19-inch limit?

Backaches!!!??? I envy you guy who only get backaches. I carry too long, it pulls on my bad kidney, and I drop like a brick.

I second, third, tenth the mil-spec surplus. I drop Domke inserts in a medium ALICE pack all the time and use it as a photo backpack. The bags look less inconspicuous than the Domke does.

Heinrich,

Re: the Zuca rollers, “I just had a look at that…wow. Can you really stand on this one? And which model you’ve got? The one with the american flag will not cause any problems with airport security, at least in the US, don’t know about Teheran Central Airport or Phnom Pengh International ;-)”

I have one of the original ones from two years ago and it is still going strong with no sign of wear at all. And, yes, it is absolutely strong enough to stand on (I weigh 200lbs!). I have sat on it, used it as a table to transmit from, etc.

They now have the Travel model that is a bit smaller and with only one set of wheels that does fit better in overheads. Though I will say the double set of wheels is great for stairs.

Whenever I use it, it does draw some attention for it’s different design, but most photographers get all reved up about it and go buy one. (I think the Stealth black is the way to go. I’d stay away from the American flag.)

I also modified mine by sewing in a Domke insert with a cloth cover so I can fill the insert and things won’t fall out of the insert inside the Zuca when I roll it.

Make sure you know the rules at each airport you’ll be going through-the amount of carry ons varies. I flew out of New York to London with a backpack and camera bag with no problem, but when I flew back from Heathrow, I was told I could only have one carry on. One bag was full of cameras, the other full of film-I refused to put either under the plane. Their suggestion: go to the luggage shop conveniently located directly across from the security line and buy a suitcase to fit both. The cheapest one was 100 pounds (almost $200). Heathrow makes NO exceptions and that includes having film hand inspected. Uggh. I hate airports.

Mark, a razor really isn’t necessary though it seems most people use them. I am not sure about underwear; I don’t know what most people do about that.

Free ball it!!!

whoops…I mean…

How about shipping the heavy stuff ahead of time using Fed Ex or some such? Gets expensive, I know, but it’s less expensive than it vanishing from checked baggage.

I know that pelican makes a case that is rather tiny (made for airplanes) that holds at least two bodies and a few lenses…it also has wheels, and have heard if you cut the top layer of foam out you can get one of those foam condom things for your laptop and it will fit perfect. Then you can just carry else in a backpack. You might try packing your purse in a bag then pulling it out at your destination.

in my opinion pelican cases loook cool and are strong but they weigh so much. really good if you re the kind of shooter that can charge a client for 1000 usd of baggage overcharges each way…. i have two but stopped using them because of the weight. they re great to protect gear if travelling long ways though. i love the whole domke approach to the trade. cameras get scratched in them but who cares, as far as they work. 10 pounds less of gear is a lot when you have to carry it long ways. even airoprts can be long ways nowadays.

Can never have enough carry ons.

Carry on up the Khyber was the best, although Carry on nurse and Carry on camping were also pretty good. I always make sure I have plenty of carry ons with me.

Amabilia makes a great case – bit pricey but worth it. I bought the dark gray one. Doesn’t look too camera-y.
2 cameras, 3 lenses, 2 strobes, 5 batteries, audio recorder and shotgun mic and 1-2 flat assignment folders fit into this fabulous roller case:
http://www.amabilia.it/
model #LG4919T
retail site:
http://www.thebestthings.com/cases/amabilia_legend.htm

I could throw that thing into traffic and it would bounce back without a dent. Fits perpendicular into overhead. Weight hovers around 35 pounds with all gear inside. Has a lock. I can comfortably throw it up into overhead compartment.

add’l carry on:
1. big plane: camera backpack> for laptop, all cords, purse and such i
2. small plane: Duluth Pack with all the gear. These bags are indestructible. Put backpack in check-on luggage.
http://www.duluthpack.com/product_detail.aspx?product=Portfolios

Carry on Screaming.

Carry On Screaming (1966), a spoof horror film, with the Gothic atmosphere of a Hammer production. In 2000, readers of Total Film magazine voted this the 40th greatest comedy film of all time. Harry H. Corbett guest-starred in the Sid James role. Most famous line is a lustily-delivered “Frying tonight!” from Kenneth Williams.

I realize we all have our own solutions and this is my solution (for the moment) from the climbing industry. Packing For Air Travel (kit is re-built at destination depending on the work)

Overnight/light:

30L daypack

Kinesis Photo Belt

Overnight/medium trip:

30L daypack

Kinesis Photo Belt

55L backpack (checked below)

Extended trip:

30L dayback

Kinesis Photo Belt

Rolling Duffel w/ empty 55L backpack inside (checked below)

30L Daypack has:
computer stuff, essential toiletries (incl. tp), one change undergarments, collapsible water bladder

Kinesis Belt has:
2 bodies, three lenses, batteries, MD/mic, strobe

55L Backpack:
for longer trips,in some cases it can be made ‘small enough’ to be a carry on

Rolling Duffel
it’s soft-sided so pack accordingly. I’ve used the 55L pack as cushioning. Can carry small strobe kit, stands, extra clothes, or whatever is non-vital to the core work you are doing.

One thing I should confess: I get a lot of this stuff at discount so I’m sorry if you balk at some prices. I also don’t have a satphone or body armor to deal with.

Be aware of reflective piping, trim, or logos on gear if working in conflict zones (I have yet to). Colors also tend to be bright. Also, the 30L pack I’m recommending is the next-gen of what I have. It has a zipper down the center of the back and is an easy way to have stuff stolen from you in a crowd.

The rolling duffel is pretty sturdy but has three soft sides. It has great wheels, I’ve carried 70lbs of climbing gear in it and run it down stairs in NYC. Tough. But the frame in it makes it 10lbs empty. Handle design/compression straps are great but you’re not going to be wearing it like a backpack unless you want to look like a Balti porter.

Also, bags. Compartmentalize everything as best you can without adding weight. Cables, etc. in color-coded zip bags (thank you Jack Gruber). Clothing in stuff sacks (compression if you like) or skillfully stuffed around fragile gear into all available spaces. If headed to cold weather, high end climbing clothing in subdued colors will be a good compromise for durability, weight, and function. But expensive. I recommend Arcteryx and Patagonia (like the puffball series). Cloudveil and Mountain Hardwear aren’t bad and Outdoor Research is getting a lot better. Haven’t like North Face for years. Sorry, it’s all US/Canadian brands.

Gear Links: Kinesis (system depends on your gear) http://www.kgear.com/h/

30L Sidewinder Black Diamond Backpack http://www.bdel.com/gear/sidewinder.php

55L Quantum Black Diamond Backpack
http://www.bdel.com/gear/quantum.php

(I use a predecessor, the Shadow, and removed the metal frame)

Patagonia Weathershed Max 6200cu in.
http://www.patagonia.com/usa/product/collection.jsp?OPTION=COLLECTIONS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=MAIN_SP07_US.CLOTHING_GEAR.PACKS/TRAVEL_GEAR.WHEELED/DUFFEL_BAGS#yc

(they also make an overhead-sized version which I haven’t used)

Accessory bags
http://eaglecreek.com/accessories/packing_sacs/ , http://eaglecreek.com/accessories/packing_cubes/Pack-It-Quarter-Cube-40138/ ,
http://www.outdoorresearch.com/home/style/home/storage/storage_stuffsacks/HCS

Water bladder (and also filtration on this site)
(http://www.msrgear.com/hydration/dromlite.asp)

Black Diamond (and Metolius.com) make excellent heavy-duty duffels you can carry as a backpack but they have no frame and no wheels. Just FYI.

a photo vest/jacket stuffed to the brim.I’ve got my domke jacket up to 9kg.two big black bodies.two big black lenses 12”ibook magazines,a couple of flashes,book,lightmeter filters,assorted odds and ends,petzl light,toothbrush,paper,pen.journal,medicine(say they’re goat medicines-like in the terminal)wear all the clothes you have.all cameras around your neck.smile smile smile.good bags/rucksacks are worth the money paid in the long term.lightweight clothes.forget film.plastic belt buckle.boots made for bomb disposal don’t have any metal so you can avoid taking them off.
sense of humour is a good thing to keep with you at all times.
wheels can be a godsend.but crap ones are terribly irritating.

Where do all of you encounter the problems with carry-ons? Is it in the security line or as you are boarding? I usually spread my stuff out into at least 5 trays for security, so they can see it better. Then I repack it into 2 bags and a vest for boarding.

In Mumbai, though, security said one bag only, so I scrambled to fit everything into a single bag. Afterwards, I saw lots of passengers with two carry-ons, which left me to wonder if they just knew how the game was played and repacked after they had cleared the security line.

I once heard of the advice…’Don’t carry more than you can run with’, I guess that’s more to do with camera equipment when on a job. But it’s a good point to remember. Especially if your arriving at an unknown airport and want to make a quick break from the crowds or heading for the taxi rank.

I use a Domke f2, tried other bags, but always seem to come back to the Domke. I must admit to initially having a slight worry about the overall lack of padding, but it’s a great bag, and that quickly passed. It’s also very unassuming and doesn’t scream… Expensive Camera Kit!! Especially when it’s been through wet, dust, rain and other environments and a couple of turns through the washing machine. I also have 4 Domke belt pouches, 2 large and 2 small, it’s very rare that I would have all 4 on a belt together,would end up looking like Batman or something!! But the 2 small are a regular feature as is one of the Lowepro ‘snap lock’ pouches. This obviously has multiple uses but I tend to leave this empty and use it as a lens changing bag, especially in dusty environments when all the dust seems to make a point of aiming for your sensor! Lens off, into pouch, new one on and then get the back cap onto the lens just removed when able.

Dear all,I travel mostly in Africa with most assignments involving carrying all camera gear, sat phone, tent, bed, sleeping bag, food, etc. I have managed to carry ALL my camera gear, lenses, cables, chargers, sat phone with IT’S cables and extension cords on the plane with a Lowe pro trekker. All the no essential like clothes (they can be bought in finally destination if they go missing), tent, mozzy net, stove for making REAL coffee every morning, medics, etc goes in a backpack on the plane. If I am not allowed on the plane with the Lowe pro trekker on my back then I DO NOT BOARD THE PLANE…..:) I twice lost bags including sat phone with Emirates from Joburg to Iraq and to cover Tsunami so I will never do that again. Also found Lowe pro Stealth good as you can carry loads of gear and it does not look to big and bulky on one’s bag while standing in the line for check in. Ps, T-Shirts are smaller when rolled up and stuffed in a bag than when they are folded in two…..

kim is right on the lowepro stealth. ive got the back pack one and its great. it doesnt look that big although i think i was able to fit 50 pounds of gear. get ready to have your back broken though.

Michael was right on about ThinkTank. I use the Airport International, which has tons of room and a very solid build. It holds two bodies, seven lenses, a flash, and my cables, batteries, and chargers. I carry my laptop in a Vyper exo XL from booq – booqbags.com. As for my other gear – clothes, toiletries, etc. – I carry a Mountainsmith photo backpack (can’t remember the model) which has plenty of room and doubles as a photo bag while I’m shooting. It also has a built-in rain cover, which I’ve found to be useful on more than one occassion.

I’m brand new to the Lighstalker community and this is my first post. It’s nice to see so many responses and such solid feedback here.

Good luck Erin on shopping for rollers!

’Don’t carry more than you can run with’, Ian is so right.
on the plane i take with me my lowepro computrekker to have everything with me and when on the field i use an off trail 2 with extra pouches attached but there are time were i use an ordinary back pack.

When travelling by air I always take my huge Sony DSR400 video camera with me on the plane along with a roll-on case (like the pilots use) for video accessories and my laptop. I either store the camera on top of some pillows in the overhead bins on larger-bodied aircraft, or have the flight attendants store it in front of the plane.

We only experienced problems going through Heathrow on our recent trip to Ghana. There was no way the supervisor at LHR was going to allow us to take on an extra carry-on. My camera was it, my partner took my roll-on, and we had to check his laptop into the hold. I’ll never fly through there again with camera gear.

Sgt Frank Hudec

Cameraman/Canadian Forces Army News

www.army.forces.gc.ca

www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca

www.frankhudec.ca

From a thief’s journal: “Do not steal more baggage than you can run with.” So, there are advantages of schlepping heavy bags.

Just get this and get it over with:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/443984-REG/Pelican_PCS247G_PCS_247_RSV_Wheeled_Case.html

If you want a hard case,

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330231-REG/Pelican_PC1510B_1510_Watertight_Case_Black_.html

True, Stefanos and Ian but a thief will also tell you not to steal any more than you can run with.

I can usually fit everything in one Lowepro Computrekker Backpack. I hand-carry my thinkpad, two bodies, three lenses, and two flash, chargers, cords, et al. The stands go into the checked-in luggage.

I just bought the Think Tank Airport International bag for a trip to Belguim and it worked great. It even has a built in cable that came in handy on the train.

http://thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtInl2.php

I haven’t flown for a while, but will be soon – does anyone know if London Gatwick is as much of a pain in the arse as Heathrow appears to be?

I flew out of Stansted earlier this summer and it wasn’t even a tenth of the hassle that Heathrow is. Can’t vouch for Gatwick, but I imagine it isn’t as bad either. At Stansted, I didn’t need to consolidate everything into one bag. Only went through security once. Only showed up about 45 minutes ahead of the (international, ryanair) flight. Heathrow, on the other hand, which I used a few weeks after Stansted, was miserable. As a result of their security measures, a teapot I was carrying got broken…

Historically, the sight of a broken teapot has resulted in instant enlightenment.

Or death!

Oh man, either one of those would’ve been better than going through Heathrow security.

I cringe at the thought of going though Heathrow. (Or LAX)

Aaron—I flew out of LAX a cupla weeks ago. Flew thru security with a bunch of Canon and Leica stuff with no hassles and no looks. American Airlines domestic. Don’t know about the other terminals.

Wow ! Ladies and Gents: it seems you carry a whole closet with you on planes: how do you manage where you arrive ? You leave it all in your hotel room ?

Well I ‘ve done my share of lugging: I’ve travelled far with a 617 Fuji + (150mm 300mm) + Mamiya 7 (with 65mm) and a Leica M(+35mm) Sony Laptop in ONE Delsey Pro Back pack….Tripod and film in the suitcase.

These days I carry a LowePro Minitrekker with two bodies and thats it: no need to arrive exhausted !

and If it doesn’t fit in dont take it !

PS great pictures Mr Fulton