Hi everyone,
I’m currently using a Lowepro Flipside 400 AW, but I’m really pushing its limits in terms of space for my underwater gear. Since I still have a bit of room left within the typical airline carry-on limits (55 × 40 × 20 cm), I’m considering upgrading to the Lowepro Protactic BP 450 AW II, which seems to make better use of the allowed dimensions and offers a noticeably larger usable interior.

The only downside: the Protactic weighs 2.7 kg, which is about 1 kg heavier than my current Flipside. It’s not ideal, but still acceptable if it solves the space issue.

Before I make a decision, I’d love to hear your experiences or suggestions regarding carry-on solutions for underwater photo gear — especially from those traveling with a similar amount (or even less/more) of equipment.

This is what absolutely needs to fit inside (also shown in the picture, stored in above mentioned Flipside 400):

• 1× Fantasea RX100 housing

• 1× Sony RX100 VA

• 1× INON UWL-95S + Dome Unit

• 2× INON S-220

• 2× video lights (similar size to the S-220)

• 2× small storage boxes (O-rings, tools, small parts)

• 1× INON UCL-90

• 2× diffusers for the S-220

• 8× 18650 batteries

• 8× AA Eneloops

• SD cards & Sony camera batteries

Bonus if it still fits:

• Chargers, cables, adapters, etc.

  (everything heavy and sturdy such as arms e.g. are in my luggage anyway)

If anyone has tried the Protactic 450 as hand luggage (or can recommend alternatives with good interior space that still work as carry-on), your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Edited Monday at 02:48 PM1 day by Apneagraph

I think that the Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 450 AW II backpack is fantastic and perfect for my m4/3 system. I switched to the roller version of one of these a year ago and love it. The flexibility and organization options are the best I’ve found.

However, the backpack is 2.7 kg empty so that’s a consideration. My roller is nearly 14 kg with everything I carry, so not a good solution for flying on airlines that weigh carryon items. I start every trip on an ATR-42 with a strict 7 kg limit, so have had to get creative.

@Troporobo Thank you for sharing your experience.

The Pro Trekker is even thicker as the Pro Tactic (25 vs 22 cm), do you know how thick it is when everything removeable (such as shoulder straps, belt e.g.) is removed? We have many airliens in europe which only allow 23cm or even the "new" standard of 20cm.

Removing straps and belts won’t save more than 2 cm at most

Edited 10 hours ago10 hr by Troporobo
Typo

I've just travelled to and from the Maldives using the pro tactic. It was fully loaded and carried everything bar my arms. It was around 12kg and took the weight easily (unlike my body). I much preferred it to my normal carry on suitcase but the weight certainly should be considered as the picking up and putting down is a pain especially in lifts, transfers etc

Nauticam na-r7 housing

N100 flat port

wwl1b

18-45 lens

Zoom gear

7 clamps

Vac pump

2 retro pro max (plus two diffusers)

16 aa batteries

2 camera batteries

2 aa chargers

1 Torch battery

Phone charger

Cables

Etc

(happy to take a pic loaded if it helps)

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by Sy-

+1 for this Protactic BP 450 AW II, it's been very solid. I usually carry my housing, FF camera, 2 or 3 lenses, 2 60D strobes, viewfinder, strobes and camera batteries and charger, focusing light, SMC-1, laptop, sometimes even laptop charger. I keep the ports, ports extension, arms, clamps and spare parts box in a check-in luggage, but could probably fit the macro port by changing the layout.

It probably clocks in at 15kg with the laptop. Of course it's very heavy, but it's still comfy and conspicuous enough.