Transporting our DSLR Equipment with new restrictions

Lithium batteries either have to be in the equipment or in carry-on. In some areas standard batteries must be OUTSIDE of the equipment, particulary flashlights because of the danger from fire if they inadvertently turn on. My solution is to pack all Ni-MH batteries in a plastic holder and pack all li batteries in carryon.

Yes. I have heard the same. Lithium batteries are check-in only or in the equipment. All my batteries are Eneloops, Ni-MH so just have them in a plastic holder in my checked pelican and assuming they will be fine...

We came into the US with about 60 checked NiMH batteries and did not end up quantanamo. We packed all batteries in 1 box, tightly packed in special packaging for AA batteries so they cant make contact.

I have found that a backpack carry-on is less likely to be scrutinized than a wheeled carry-on. I recently switched from a Tamrac 692 (roller) to a Tamrac Adventure 8 (I believe). I can carry everything to shoot one lens w/ 2 strobes.

When catching Liat in San Juan, they weighed most carry-ons but did not look twice at my backpack....which was HEAVY!

Dave

Chalk one up for human nature. If you able to stand in line with a heavy pack slung on your shoulders without a pained expression on your face, they are likely going to assume (key word there) that it is not heavy. Note: It's even more convincing if you can do it with a smile

The Tamrac Adventure 8 is a bag not a backpack so I'm not sure which one you have. I've just ordered a LowePro Vertex 300 AW. What would be really handy to know is how thick (front to back) a backpack can you squeeze into the overhead bins - I might have to take a tape measure with me next time I fly.

The Tamrac Adventure 8 is a bag not a backpack so I'm not sure which one you have. I've just ordered a LowePro Vertex 300 AW. What would be really handy to know is how thick (front to back) a backpack can you squeeze into the overhead bins - I might have to take a tape measure with me next time I fly.

It is a Tamrac CyberPack 8 (I knew it had an 8 in the name).

http://www.akona.com/product.php?product_id=270

This is an option as well.

I have put my Lowepro order on hold while I find out some more about this backpack - Tamrac Expedition 9x

I for one never use Pelicans as I think they are an invitation to robbery and just scream "expensive gear inside"! So I carry as much as I can with me, which is usually my camera, lenses, housing and ports. I used to carry them inside a regular plain Samsonite rolling carry-on bag, but a lot of airlines started weighing them (as Dave says a couple of posts above), and mine usually weighs 15kg, which is no good.

So, during my last trip to the Philippines with a photographer friend he had a back pack with about the same gear that I had PLUS his laptop. His backpack weighed like 3kg more than my carry-on, but because it was a backpack nobody in the airline counter even asked to weigh it, they just waved him by. I was not so lucky as they were weighing all rolling carry-ons and I had to check mine in. I am seriously considering getting a backpack with a laptop compartment for my next trip then.

The expedition 9x above looks good, but the Expedition 8x looks even better to me. It is slightly smaller, but has a laptop compartment.

I would look at the Think Tank Street Walker Hard Drive. Weighs 4lbs, lets you carry 1 extra lens or body. Holds more than my Lowepro Phototrekker. Then again, I don't carry on the housing and strobes, those go into checked luggage inside a Pelican, inside a battered 10 year old suitcase.

s.

For what it's worth, I suggest all of you men out there start carrying around a murse. Yes, I said it, a murse, aka: man purse.

My last couple of trips I've carried my dome port and (x2) strobes in my giant, trendy purse. Doesn't get weighed ; )

I used to carry a photo backpack, and it's true, if you have a backpack, hardly ever do the airlines make you weigh it.

But, my shoulders just can't take it after 24+ hours of travel anymore. So now I have a black roller bag with padded photo compartments and a large trendy purse.

If I really tried I think I could get a whole assembly into a giant purse. Might make the x-ray screeners nervous though . . .

For what it's worth, I suggest all of you men out there start carrying around a murse. Yes, I said it, a murse, aka: man purse.

My last couple of trips I've carried my dome port and (x2) strobes in my giant, trendy purse. Doesn't get weighed ; )

 

I used to carry a photo backpack, and it's true, if you have a backpack, hardly ever do the airlines make you weigh it.

But, my shoulders just can't take it after 24+ hours of travel anymore. So now I have a black roller bag with padded photo compartments and a large trendy purse.

 

If I really tried I think I could get a whole assembly into a giant purse. Might make the x-ray screeners nervous though . . .

Abi, you are my new hero. I am going to Target immediately for an inexpensive decoy purse. That could really save me on trips to Asia!!

We miss you at UPS/sushi/sake nights, by the way - you should come back for a visit

Allison

For what it's worth, I suggest all of you men out there start carrying around a murse. Yes, I said it, a murse, aka: man purse.

Hi Abi,

How about we call it a shoulder bag? I'm already carrying my wife's purse through the airport anyway. I think she takes her weights in it but I'm afraid to look.

I will take the "shoulder bag" idea under advisement. Does the Think Tank Urban Disguise count? Lord help us if Coach starts making gear bags.

By the way, I see the exalted title of Moderator under your name now. Very cool, congrats!

Cheers,

Steve

Hi Allison, I'm heading down that way at the end of this month, but I think I'm teaching the night of the SDUPS meeting, bummer. There is a chance I will be down in March again . . . I will let you know.

Steve, Ok, we can call it a shoulder bag.

I think the key is creating the illusion to the gate agent that the carry-on and murse, I mean shoulder bag, is light and we are not photographers.

Hawaiian air says on their website that the carryon shouldn't weigh more than 25 lbs., and that doesn't include a camera OR a "handbag or pocketbook". So, theoretically, if the urban disguise bag looks like a "handbag or pocketbook", but has some heavy lenses, or strobes crammed in, they may not weigh it. See where I'm going?

That's why I think all the men should get murses rather than bags that look like laptop bags that will be weighed.

They also say that a "foot rug" is not included in the carry on weight. So maybe we could just roll up all the gear into a rug and walk boldly up to the counter!

So I packed the Pelican 1564, decided to forgo the canvas outer bag, and checked it in with zip ties for extra security. I had a note to TSA inside with extra zip ties in case the wanted to open and check it. 6 Asia international flights and 10 days later I am back in LA and all the gear is safe and sound. Not one flight did the ties get cut or the case searched. I know this is all down to luck/which flights/destinations. But this is what I am sticking to!

Congrats, Hope you had a good trip.

Steve

Hi to all,

Is there anyone who tried the Tamrac Expedition 8 or 9?

I would like to know if I can pack the following:

- Aquatica housing D90

- nikon D90

- 8" dome

- macro port

- 2 x Ikelite DS 160

- 2 x Ikelite DS 160 spare battery

- Tokina 10-17mm

- Sigma 17-70mm

- Nikon 60mm

- MacBook Pro 15"

- miscellaneous stuff

Any picture of the bag packed would be appreciated.

Thank you for your feedback.

Damien

I would look at the Think Tank Street Walker Hard Drive. Weighs 4lbs, lets you carry 1 extra lens or body. Holds more than my Lowepro Phototrekker. Then again, I don't carry on the housing and strobes, those go into checked luggage inside a Pelican, inside a battered 10 year old suitcase.

s.

I have a Street Walker HD.. very light... tall sides (holds a pro body standing upright no worries)... packs more than my photo trekker or vertex ever did, and looks smaller to boot.