Transporting your D-SLR

Hi all,

Not sure if this is the most proper forum to ask this, but I'm sure it'll get best exposure here

I've read the past threads on Pelican vs. Storm Cases vs. Rubbermaids, but here's my question:

I've had no problem taking a large (21x14x9", just short of the limit) carryon with a small (Lowepro MicroTrekker 200) backpack onto the plane. However, recently I decided to try and consolidate my notebook computer and camera stuff into 1 bag.

To that end, I got myself a Delsey Pro backpack (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=280482&is=REG)

which is wonderfully constructed, but huge compared to the old Microtrekker 200.

Now has anyone carried a full sized carryon with a large backpack as a "personal item" and run into problems with the size of the "personal item"? Regulations state that "personal items" can be things like a notebook computer, briefcase etc, but a large backpack is pushing it IMHO.

Thanks,

Yeang

I carry a backpack larger than that as my personal item. No complaints yet. It's a discontinued REI student pack with a large notebook slot.

It depends on a number of things like airline, country you're flying to/from, frequent flyer status on the airline, class of ticket (coach vs business vs first), how full the flight is, how early you can board (first one on versus last).

In general for domestic travel on airlines like Continental, Northwest, and a couple others, it's not a problem. I have a rolling carryon and a large computer backpack that I use for business and vacations, and 95% of the time I can get both on. That being said, I'm generally on Continental or NWA, and I'm at platinum elite, so I get away with a little more.

I try to pack with the idea in mind that I may have to check one of the two bags I'm trying to carryon. That being said, going to Truk and Cozumel over the past couple years, I've carried both bags on every flight. The real problem is one of consistency, or lack of, between airlines...

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the info. It's a relief to hear that from you, as I travel NWA mostly for long international flights too. Not Platinum Elite, but Silver, and most long flights for me are on business, so I'm hopeful I'll get by.

The tip to pack as if one bag will be checked is a very good one. I'm tempted to stuff my main wheeled carryon to the gills without padding, but if it had to be checked it would be a disaster....

On a side note, what's your packing configuration with your Canon gear and housing? Does the housing go checked? I assume the camera and lenses stay with you, + regs and computers and such.

Also, with the D60 what are your opinions on the situations where one would want the 50mm macro, 50mm macro + lifesize converter, and 100mm Macro?

Thanks Tom.

Yeang

Hi Yeang,

I'm leaving for my trip next week, and I travel trans-pacific all the time, either on Cathay, JAL or Philippine Airlines. 1 thing has been consistent, if you have a large roller bag, chances are they will ask you to stick the bag into the carry-on "template" to see if it fits. I use the Lowepro Phototrekker to carry my stuff and even though the thing is loaded to the gills (and weighing over 30lbs). I've not been asked to do the template check as the carry on police think it's squishable. B) I don't bother to carry my regs/computer. I've got 5 lenses, 2 bodies, topside flash, image tank, filters in my lowepro and a laptop in a Case Logic laptop glove. North American carriers are used to business travellers with lots of hand luggage. But Asian carriers still have a problem with them.

My C10 housing is inside a Pelican with the strobes and ports and that is inside a beat up suitcase. My divegear, arms, clamps are in a Rubbermaid action packer... my film housing is inside a padded bag then placed inside a tupperware container inside the action packer.

6 more sleeps!

Stu

Hi Yeang,

The housing does indeed go checked nowadays. On my last trip, I packed it in a Pelican 1527 soft bag (see it here --> scroll down a ways), then put that inside a large old hardsided suitcase with lots of clothes for padding. Next trip (January), I'll be migrating to a hard pelican and checking that instead. Prior to my last trip I carried the housing on as well, but then I had my wife's carryon allowance to use up too.

I also check all my regs as it's just too much of a hassle to carry as many on as I usually take (6-8 1st stages, 2-4 computers).

I generally carry all my laptop / electronics / camera gear in one or two bags on the plane with me, as I can't bring myself to check it yet. Going to have to re-evaluate my bag situation soon though, because I've acquired too many lenses that I want to bring, and will hopefully add a second body soon. I'm thinking the Tamrac 5259 computer backpack if I don't get the 2nd body, or the Tamrac 613/619 if I do.

I don't have either the 50mm or 100mm macro, but I'll be picking up the 100mm before I leave again. So far I've only used my crappy 28-80, which has worked suprisingly well. I also added a 17-40L recently and will be taking that with me as well.

JamesW may have some additional input on the usefulness of the 50mm w/ lifesize convertor as his SO had one when she was using a D60.

Hey Stu,

Thanks for the detailed info.. just what I needed to get my mind around the packing process. I haven't yet gotten Pelican etc for my housing/strobes yet so I'll have to ruminate.

Do you stick your notebook w/glove into your Photo Trekker? or does it go somewhere else? Personally I'm surprised that you don't carryon your regs. I disassemble the hoses and carry the 1st stages in a lens pocket in my Lowepro. They always get checked at the X-ray points, but no one's accused me of having a 'bludgeon' since the hoses are detached!

Have a wonderful wonderful trip with your Subals! I'm jealous. About 2 months to go for me!

Yeang

Tom,

6-8 1st stages?!?! Are you diving extended range trimix? I have one main Apeks ATX-200 and a T20 for my pony, 2 computers and that's bad enough

Might I ask why the Tamrac 5259 in particular? I did some looking into computer/photo bags and there were several I considered, the 5259 among them. One was the Lowepro Computrekker which was just released couple of weeks ago:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...u=292331&is=REG

There's the Delsey which I mentioned before, the Lowepro Stealth which seems to be poorly designed. I went with the Delsey but might return it for the Lowepro instead.... build quality and detail is excellent on the Delsey, but it seems that Lowepro has more experience with building photo bags.

Yeang

Hi Yeang,

No, the Case Logic is a padded soft case that's just slightly bigger than the laptop. I could put the laptop inside one of the outer sleeves of the Phototrekker but by that time, the whole thing will just about tip me over!

I've never bothered to hand carry my regulators/dive comp. as I've always travelled with a rubbermaid type hard case.

I'm really excited go.

Stu

6-8 1st stages?!?! Are you diving extended range trimix?

Working on Trimix certification right now, not quite there yet, which basically requires 2 for double tank setup, one for travel gas (nitrox) and one for deco mix (80-100%) O2, then take all that and add some travel redundancy because I don't like rental gear and you're at 6-8. Two computers minimum for Trimix as well, some people I dive with go with three.

I take the same basic setup for deep air in Truk as well, except that we used single tanks with an equally sized stage, plus pony, plus a boat-supplied O2 deco setup.

When my wife goes with me, we still end up around the same number of regs, just less redundant, which is not ideal, but I just don't want any more regs around the house...

As for the backpack, I haven't settled on the Tamrac, just liked it because it had the laptop pocket and the dividers. The Lowepro link looks equally capable. I'm also thinking about the Kinesis Gear backpack with a laptop sleeve. Looks like a pretty flexible system and gets rave reviews at dpreview.com. (kinesis gear site)

The size of your carry on when going to Europe or the UK is an issue. My dive partner has had his taken and checked at the gate, which isnt the best place for it to happen at the last minute.

The other issue you will run into is when you are flying smaller aircraft on short legs. The overheads and area under the seats are not large enough for bigger bags and again they will check the bag at the gate. If you are carrying a bag with gear that cant take the luggage handleing you might be in for something broken.

When I travel with the load you are disccusing I use a pelican 1620 as one of my checked bags but I take the foam out and wrap all of my camera equipment, 4 regs, and computers in my cloths, and drysuit underwear. My other bag ( a giant duffle) ends up with the heavy stuff, drysuit, BC, fins etc.

Nemo

I had a terrible experience with my carry on photo bags. For a few years now I have used the large Porter Case to carry on my photo gear. http://www.portercase.com/. To those unfamiliar the case is designed to meet all airport carry on standards. It will fit under a seat or in any overhead. I have never had a problem even with small commuter planes.

On the way to Hawaii with my new 1Ds in the bag I was stopped at the gate. My bag was tagged for check in. I tried to explain that the bag would fit in the overhead and was delicate photo equip all to no avail. I protested so strenuously I thought they were going to call security.

I had to watch my gear placed next the other rolling bags, Tumi's ect... stacking up to be placed in cargo. Understand I was not the last one on a full flight this was just arbitrary.

The Porter is a strong case but not a Pelican. When I got my bag on the other end. The thin pad above the penta prism had worn completely through, showing the bag had had a tremendous amount of weight piled on it. No damage to the camera that I can tell. This is very common now with large bags.

Absolutely no concern for my photo gear at all. Treated just like the other dirty laundry.

I am considering moving to two smaller bags now.

I'm hesitant to share my two cents for fear that if everyone tries to do what I do, soon I may not be able to do it.

However....

Like many of you, I want to carry my sensitive camera equipment onto the plane with me. I used to use a modified Pelican case measuring 16x20x10 (# ). However, I hated the attention the case drew, particularly when moving through crowds. I felt like I had a $1000 taped to my forehead and a shirt that says, "Hey y'all! I'm a rich American moron - someone mug me!!"

I now use a hiker's backpack that would never fit inside the metal frames used to measure carry-on luggage. This is an REI backpack that holds my laptop, two camera bodies, and seven lenses - PLUS my journal and several other essentials. Although I am carrying over $10,000 worth of equipment in just this one bag, I never worry about getting mugged when I walk down the street bc the pack itself is worn and dusty. I _almost_ look like a bum.

My second bag is a Columbia shoulder bag, the same style bag you would see a bike messenger use. As I carry this bag slung across my shoulders, it appears to be just wide enough and just tall enough for the carry-on measurement frame. However, were they to look at the depth, they would see I have snuck on several more inches. I carry my housing in this bag, plus an 8 inch dome port or other things. I also carry my airline tickets, passport, and other valuables in this bag.

(http://www.cerfbag.com/columbia_dev/product_detail.asp?id=91)

Carrying your things in a roller-bag is great and convenient, but I prefer to carry it on my back - but here is the catch - I sometimes carry 40+ pounds on my back. so this solution may not work for most people.

Another friend of mine uses a roller-bag specifically designed for photo equipment with the dividers and all, but I can carry a LOT more than him onto the plane because of the way I can adjust things within my pack.

If anyone ever asked me to actually stick my backpack in the measurement thing, I would be flat out screwed, no question about it. Fortunately that hasnt happened yet. (knocking on wood vigorously)

Inside my Porter case I packed two housings (no handles) two bodies, a 200mm, a 70-180, four others lenses, two teleconverters all my filters and diopters, plus most of my smaller electronics. I could do this because the Porter case is so roomy for its size and I substituted Domke wraps for dividers or foam. I have Mauricio to thank for that great tip.