traveling with camera - how to pack

[adjuster-jd]

Can anyone offer some advice for packing your camera and strobe when traveling? I have an Olympus C5050 and PT-015 housing with an Inon strobe and ULCS arms. Normally I take this in my carry-on packed in some soft cases, but this takes up most of my carry-on bag. I havent really figured out how to pack these in some more compact fashion in my carry-on. Ideally, I'd like to pack the camera in my checked bag along with my other dive gear but I'm not sure what to put it in - how to pack it.
I guess what I'm really trying to figure out is how best to pack the camera in a solid but compact way.

Any suggestions?

 

[ABQdiver]

Can anyone offer some advice for packing your camera and strobe when traveling? I have an Olympus C5050 and PT-015 housing with an Inon strobe and ULCS arms. Normally I take this in my carry-on packed in some soft cases, but this takes up most of my carry-on bag. I havent really figured out how to pack these in some more compact fashion in my carry-on. Ideally, I'd like to pack the camera in my checked bag along with my other dive gear but I'm not sure what to put it in - how to pack it.
I guess what I'm really trying to figure out is how best to pack the camera in a solid but compact way.

Any suggestions?

Personally, I wouldn't trust my camera gear with any else but me!! ESPECIALLY the luggage gorillas!! I can get all the camera gear and my regs, computer in one carry-on. It's not light, but it does make it to my destination!!

 

[JamesD]

I second ABQdiver on this, perhaps put housing and strobes in checked baggage (depending on size) but I would NEVER give my camera to check in baggage (unless I'm stupid like I was when I flew back from a cruise and was slightly sleepy and forgot my camera was in my bag, fortunately it only got a minor dent!)

 

[AlaskaDiver]

I'm so glad you asked this question. I've got very similar gear and would like to find a way to transport it better. This was a very worthwhile thread.

 

[midwestdvr]

I usually put the camera in the housing (without the o-ring in place) and that usually fits in my small camera bag which also contains my add-on lens. The camera bag then goes into my carry-on bag (along with my regs). My strobe gets wrapped up in t-shirts and also goes in that carry-on bag. The arms and trays usually fits in that carry-on bag as well. Thank god I don't have a dslr. I wouldn't know how to pack something that big. I usually get my bag hand checked after the x-ray but has had no problem so far. Most make a positive comment about the whole set-up.

 

[herman]

I would not pack my camera in checked as well. I want to keep it. Same goes for my regs. I have 2 ways of packing depending on if my wife is traveling or not. If she is, we pack necessary cloths and the like in a small suit case she carries and I pack my camera in a hard case for it. We both then carry a "personal" item. I find an old laptop bag to be perfect, no one ever ask whats in it except the TSA and they could care less wheather it's a second suitcase or a "personal" item. I can pack my regs, mask and other small items in it. It being padded is a plus.
If I am traveling alone, I pack my housing and strobe in a small carry on suitcase with my cloths and the "personal" item is packed as before.
I only pack in the carry on what I have to have that can't be rented or purchased or items that are expensive or personal- regs, cameras, mask and meds. I also pack one set of cloths to get me though 1 day. They also double as padding for the camera and regs.

 

[Ryan]

We sell OP/Tech wraps, similar products are available from Domke.
http://www.reefphoto.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=937

These are foam pads w/ velcro in the corners, and are great for wrapping strobes, housings etc up individually. Use them as you would bubble wrap-

If you dissassemble the arm, tray, and handle it can fit in a relatively small ziploc.

I find Pelican cases to be overkill, especially for carry on luggage.

 

[spstar]

eyebrow

 

[spstar]

I've found the Lowepro Backpack awsome lots of room for all camera stuff plus laptop
and you can still carry-on a bag with it.http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Backpacks/notebook_camera/CompuTrekker_AW.aspx eyebrow

 

[MaresMan1]

I agree with "keep it with you" crowd also. I use a Kiesel RX450 Camera bag/backpack that I love. Built like iron and light at the same time. Carries 2 cameras and accessories and a laptop. It also has external straps to carry a uni or tripod if you like. I do not carry a laptop, so I get my reg in the bag also.

http://www.kieselbags.com/shop/product.aspx?id=17

Dive Smart; Dive Safe
Enjoy the ride
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