This is a hot topic and was brought up by Massimo. Great suggestion !!!

 

In the past, traveling with gear was just inconvenient, I used to carry as much dive gear in the planes cabin as I could lift and my checked bags were worse. Now with all the restrictions, I had been using a LowePro Roadrunner. Believe is no longer in use but was the largest rolling bag that was legal. Presently, Think Tank makes some fine rolling cases for fitting in the overhead compartment. My only problem, it was not good for moving around the ground once you were at location. If you were working out of a car, no problem but all other did not work.

 

It is better to carry your long lenses and cameras with you in the cabin. Might just place the hood and accessories in the checked baggage. Also check the tripod and head, For the past few trips have been going to a backpack for a couple of reasons. Getting lighter and better mobility in the airport. My favorite backpack is from Gura Gear, it is convenient for traveling and also once you are in location. With the rolling case it was a problem. The Gura backpack has the lowest empty weight and lots of room. They make several sizes fitting up to the largest telephotos. When picking your bag, need to consider that it will be gate checked for some flights. Most commuter flights do not have the space inside the cabin for large cases. So far it has not been a problem at all. The bag is checked right before the plane is boarded and given back to me after landing.

 

If you have any thoughts on gear or tips on how to carry, will be much appreciated.

 

al

I am using Pro Roller Lite 250 AW and never had a problem and i am in the air a lot:-)

 

http://www.lowepro.com/pro-roller-x-aw since two years and no problem technically

 

For backpacking i am using Vertex 200 AW since 6 years and now problem technically

 

http://store.lowepro.com/vertex-200-aw

 

For day tours i am using Fastpack 150 and this serves me very good.

 

Believe me i had a trial on all other brands and all other brands refused the duty after two run's. Even SunSniper broke after only two day tours as the manufacturing quality is very low.

 

Lowepro is the best solution you can have believe me. I visited also the manufacturing facility here in China and this facility is runned with lean principles and 5s. I have more then half a million miles behind me i know what is good luggage and what not!

Your right about the LowePro, everything they make is tough and will last. I think the RoadRunners we have are over ten years old and have taken a beating. Both still work perfectly. The backpack we took for the puffin trip was the 200-aw :)

 

Only reason for the Gura is weight. Took a close look at the store, well built and lightweight with built in computer compartment. Will count as a computer bag in case we need to take another bag.

 

Thanks for the detail information, very helpful, we actually won't be getting the Gura until next month, they only had a tan color in stock which we did not like. Still have time to make a decision !!

 

al

I will get one of these Manfrotto Prolight bag`s and will check it! Looks promising!

 

What works excllent for rain days is that one:

 

http://www.manfrotto.com/product/8615.1065.86036.0.0/MB%2BPL-E-702/_/Pro_Light_Camera_Cover%3A_Elements_E-702_PL

Camera backpacks are like lenses--you can't have too many.

 

I do a lot of domestic travel--the LowePro Vertex 300 is perfect. Big enough to handle a 500 f/4, 2 bodies, and a couple small lenses and TCs, but small enough so that it can go in the overhead, even on regional jets. Will satisfy the newer airline requirements for carry-on, and also has a laptop compartment.

 

Additional pros: it's beefy--great hip belt, suspension system, padding, and comfortable for extended treks.

 

Additional cons:: it's beefy--a consideration for some discount Europe carriers where the carry-on limit is based on weight rather than size.

 

Totally agree :-)

I have a collection for the Leica gear, depending on how many lenses I take LOL

Thanks Greg I'm checking out the Gura because of the weight, seems well built but not like the LowePro, that is built like a tank :)

al

I have Lowepro 400 pro trecker and I'm very happy with it.

I'm just back from my last trip and luckly I had no problem to carry it in cabin, but many airlines are applying weight limit at 7 kg, in my last configuration I had with me 2 DX, 1 500, 1 70-200, 1 24-70, fisheye and teleconverter, charger and cable spare battery and tripod where in my suitcase.

With this configuration the backpack is about 18 kg, so I'n looking for an hard suitcase to board, do you have suggestions?

Thanks

I would not pack equipment to check.

An alternative would be a photo vest with stuff inside the pockets. It is a garment, isn't it?

I use the LowePro rolling bags. It fits my 500mm , other lens ,camera , etc ,no problem. It also fits in overhead bin. Problem is the weight ! The bag itself must weigh 10 pounds. Put all that gear in and well, a 5'1" , aging lady can't lift it over her head to put in a bin . Depending on the kindness of strangers can be a problem now a days :)

 

Hi Roberta

 

As mentioned, we are experimenting with Gura Gear since it is so much lighter and can use once we get in location.

 

For the next trip we are planing on using the 300 2,8 which is lighter than the 500, trying to cut down on weight. For some locations the 500 would need to be packed. We like the layout, amount of room etc , but it is a backpack, meaning we have to wear walking in the airport. Did use a LowePro a couple of years ago .... but that was a couple of years ago :)

 

Btw if you ever have to replace your bag, unlikely since they are built like tanks, the Think tanks rollers are much lighter and convenient.

 

al