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Need recommendations for travel hard cases - Pelican cases. Any suggestions?

sparkie

By sparkie
in Leica M8 / Leica M8.2

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sparkie

sparkie

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I need to find really well designed travel cases to transport quite a bit of gear. I have done some initial research and its coming up with Pelican and Storm hard cases which look suitable. With Pelican having a better range.

 

The gear I need to fit in a single carry on case on the planes is:

 

2 x M8

1 x MP+Leicavit or M6TTL

10 x lenses from 15 to 90mm

Bunch of filters, SD cards

 

1 x Canon 1DMKII

1 x 70-200/2.8 IS

1 x 150/2.8

1 x 16-35/2.8

 

1 x Apple 17" laptop

1 x card reader

1 x ipod

 

The Pelican 1510 case looks good as its designed for carry on size. If people have this case, will the above fit in it?

 

All the other less sensitive and bulky stuff like power adapters, chargers, cleaning bits, lightmeter, day bags etc.. can go in the luggage hold in a separate bag/case.

 

My other questions are:

 

1. Would you recommend the Pelican cases based on construction, robustness, design.. Any one had a problem with taking this on board as hand luggage. Any other cases that you'd suggest

 

2. If all the important gear can't fit in one case then I have a problem, as I can only have one carry on and I dont want it to go in the luggage hold as it will get chucked around and risk being stolen.

 

3. Does anyone have experience of the larger pelican cases [for the luggage hold], is there a model you can recommend that you have used or another brand/model

 

4. Pelilocks TSA - any experience of these?

 

5. Foam vs the dividers: seems the dividers will suit the M8's and bodies perfectly but not sure if the 17" laptop will fit?

 

I'm up against it and have to get every sorted before I fly out next week. Any other suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. TIA :D :D

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Guest guy_mancuso

Guest guy_mancuso

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Honestly if your NOT checking it in than i see no reason for a hard case. I would just use a Lowe pro Roller 2 which provides plenty of protection if YOU are the wheel man. I traveled to many countries and domestic with just roller bags if i am putting them in the overhead. I only used a hard case for actually shipping. Even all my lighting which i check i use Tenba or Lightware cases

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hankg

hankg

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The latches on the storm cases will be a lot easier on your fingers. The Pelican latches are a pain.

 

For traveling I'd go with a soft case. The only draw back to soft cases is if you want air case level of protection (Lightware, Tenba, Versa-flex) they are much more expensive then hard cases. While hard cases protect the equipment inside they can be not so kind to everything outside like car doors, passersby or anything else that they knock into or ding. Although the plastic cases aren't as bad on that score as the metal.

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MindsEye

MindsEye

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Honestly if your NOT checking it in than i see no reason for a hard case. I would just use a Lowe pro Roller 2 which provides plenty of protection if YOU are the wheel man. I traveled to many countries and domestic with just roller bags if i am putting them in the overhead. I only used a hard case for actually shipping. Even all my lighting which i check i use Tenba or Lightware cases

 

Having done a lot of traveling all over the world with camera gear I'd have to agree with Guy. You're also more likely to be asked to check it through as luggage in a hard case if it doesn't fit neatly in an overhead. I use the Lowe Pro for my carry-on as well. Although every plane is different if you call Lowe Pro they'll tell you which of their bags generally fits in an overhead.

 

My packing philosophy is to carry with you whatever you can't live without to do your shoot when you arrive and ship the rest through. As an example when I did a shoot in France last summer Air France lost my luggage for five days. Although my tripod was in that luggage I still had a complete camera system- including batteries and charger since you can't shoot without those and depending what country or town you're in you may or may not be able to buy a new one. Something like a tripod is easier to find or make do without (depending upon the nature of your shooting.)

 

Of course I try to carry all my camera gear and MacBook with me. It sounds like you want to take an awful lot of gear. You might want to go to a camera store and see if it will all fit in a carry-on. If you're traveling with someone they can help you carry stuff. Also if you fly business or first class they'll let you take more stuff. But if you don't have miles for upgrades it can get expensive.

 

Cheers,

Joel

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Guest guy_mancuso

Guest guy_mancuso

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Now there are restriction at least in the US the Lowe pro 2 can go in the overhead but not on a Regional Jet. Also look at Think Tank . i have the Antidote which is a backpack and can bring on any plane domestic or international. Reason i got it, they also have a great rolling bag also called Airport International it will fit on everything except the regionals

 

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_products.html

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sparkie

sparkie

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thanks for all the responses.

 

guy, i think the lowe pro Roller 2 is too big for the airline baggage restrictions.

 

the airline I'm flying is working to: 56cm (22in) + 36cm (14in) + 23cm (9in) = 115cm (45in)

 

So I think the LowePro Roller 1 is the only one I would be looking at. I had a look at the Think Tank (Airport Security model) look quite good, but cant seem to locate a UK distributor. tried http://www.ajpurdy.com/ but the site doesnt seem to load.

 

Looking at the LowePro illustrative photo it looks like a laptop bag is straped to the Roller. Does anyone know what model bag that is? Could be a good way to sneak the laptop bag in :D as it won't be over your shoulder and less visible behind the counter on check-in ;)

 

I'm thinking I might need to get a hard case for hold luggage for my chargers, cables etc.. which would otherwise get crushed if I chucked then in my backpack with my clothes :rolleyes:

 

thanks for all your help

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Philinflash

Philinflash

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Sparkie,

 

I think you need to do a bit more homework. You need to calculate the volume of what you will be loading into the case. I assume you will want to use the foam inserts to protect your precious gear and you must allow for that, too. Nonetheless, I don't see how you can get all that into a Pelican 1510. Four cameras and 13 lenses is just way too much for that case, IMHO. The big problem could be the laptop which really needs to be carried separately. For one thing, airport security always insists on having laptops out of bags for electronic screening.

 

I have less gear than you and I use a smaller Pelican case. I find it terrific. While I agree that the latches are a bit stiff, the offset is that they feel very positive and secure. You have no doubt about them being open or closed. With respect to your first question, I am impressed with the construction, robustness, and design. I take it as hand luggage all the time with no problem. Most of the time, airport security passes the case unopened. Obviously, the X-Ray sees through the plastic case and foam separator insert for a clear picture of camera and lens.

 

I like the foam insert, with qualifications. Yes, you can customize it to accomodate your equipment but it is not durable, IMHO, unless you take further steps. The foam segments are prone to further unwanted separation and possible loss as you are constantly removing and re-inserting equipment, if left as is. For instance, if you look at cases on display in volume camera stores (like B&H, for instance) you will see that the foam inserts are a mess. My answer to that was to cover the foam with stick-on black felt so that the insert is fully covered and stabilized. Also, it looks tons better.

 

Good luck,

 

Philip Kozloff

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MindsEye

MindsEye

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So I think the LowePro Roller 1 is the only one I would be looking at. I had a look at the Think Tank (Airport Security model) look quite good, but cant seem to locate a UK distributor. tried http://www.ajpurdy.com/ but the site doesnt seem to load.

 

Looking at the LowePro illustrative photo it looks like a laptop bag is straped to the Roller. Does anyone know what model bag that is? Could be a good way to sneak the laptop bag in :D as it won't be over your shoulder and less visible behind the counter on check-in ;)

 

If you can get LowePro in the UK take a look at the Trekker line. If you don't mind carrying a back pack instead of the roller type they're more efficient with space. Also the front flap will hold a laptop (I put my MacBook in a neoprene sleeve inside the flap for extra padding) I've had no trouble fitting my Photo Trekker AW II in most planes. As Gus mentioned flying regional aircraft- it may or may not fit.

 

Of course this is a very subjective/personal choice. And you'll probably end up with several bags and cases for different purposes. Good luck!

 

Joel

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hankg

hankg

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If you can get LowePro in the UK take a look at the Trekker line. If you don't mind carrying a back pack instead of the roller type they're more efficient with space. Also the front flap will hold a laptop (I put my MacBook in a neoprene sleeve inside the flap for extra padding) I've had no trouble fitting my Photo Trekker AW II in most planes. As Gus mentioned flying regional aircraft- it may or may not fit.

 

Of course this is a very subjective/personal choice. And you'll probably end up with several bags and cases for different purposes. Good luck!

 

Joel

 

The wheels do add a lot of weight and some bulk. With the tiny weight allowances in Europe it makes a big difference. Here in the US not having to carry the bag makes rollers convenient.

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SteveF

SteveF

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The Pelican 1510 case looks good as its designed for carry on size. If people have this case, will the above fit in it?

 

1. Would you recommend the Pelican cases based on construction, robustness, design.. Any one had a problem with taking this on board as hand luggage. Any other cases that you'd suggest

 

2. If all the important gear can't fit in one case then I have a problem, as I can only have one carry on and I dont want it to go in the luggage hold as it will get chucked around and risk being stolen.

 

3. Does anyone have experience of the larger pelican cases [for the luggage hold], is there a model you can recommend that you have used or another brand/model

 

4. Pelilocks TSA - any experience of these?

 

5. Foam vs the dividers: seems the dividers will suit the M8's and bodies perfectly but not sure if the 17" laptop will fit?

 

I'm up against it and have to get every sorted before I fly out next week. Any other suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. TIA :D :D

 

 

For larger (checked baggage) I use a Pelican 1620 and Hardigg 2950. They offer good protection but are heavy. A Pelican 1620 weighs about 30lbs EMPTY. Most airlines now have a weight limit of 55 to 60 lbs. So your allotted weight for equipment is only 25 - 30 lbs unless you are willing to pay outrageous overweight fees.

 

They are good cases but do break. I've broken three over the last 10 years -- mostly from the luggage monkeys' rough handling. In each case Pelican/Hardigg has always given me a new replacement case.

 

I have also been a Pelican 1510 as my carry on luggage. Although the 17" Macbook will fit; it is a tight fit. Because you need to allow for approx 3/4 - 1" of foam around the computer for shock protection, the 1510 will *not* protect the 17" laptop. What I have done in the past is to put the computer inside a soft ballistic nylon computer case and put that shoulder bag inside the 1510. That is a lot of weight to lug around just to protect a laptop.

 

If you pack all that gear into a large luggage case I would insure the heck out of it. They do get stolen/lost. When I travel I carry my M8 and Laptop as carry on -- my clothes go in the checked baggage.

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AlanG

AlanG

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I don't see how you'll fit all that stuff into a case that meets the overhead requirements. You might want to check out Porter cases. They have an articulating handle mechanism and convert to a cart so that other cases can fit on top and be moved easily by one person.

 

Computer & Camera Cases - Porter Case Divider Foam Padded Camera Computer Case - Wheeled Luggage Travel Carryon Case

 

I have the PC II Deluxe Divider Case pictured on the link below and have taken it on many flights. I also use it daily for my local shoots. Note that there is a 1 inch piece of foam that goes over the gear. (This isn't shown in this illustration.) The lid holds a laptop but I don't know if a 17 will fit. You'd have to check with them. You can buy it from B&H and other stores for less than on the Porter site.

 

I typically have the Porter Case and a camera bag on the plane. I check a large soft case that holds my strobes. I have another large checked hard case that was made for carrying a golf bag with clubs. This case holds my tripod, light stands, some accessories, and whatever clothes that can fit. I try to keep the checked bags at under 50lbs each. I often am overweight on them but only occassionally am I asked to pay for excess weight. (I'd rather pay for excess weight than for extra baggage.)

 

Anyway, the two large cases and my camera bag fit on top of the Porter Case and I use that in its cart position to move it all through the airport at one time. Also, in using it everyday, it is amazing how handy it is to have a case that converts to a cart.

 

Here's a movie of how it works: (This shows a smaller case than the one I suggested.)

 

Porter Case - Demonstration Video

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dspeltz

dspeltz

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I am just finishing a trip with a pelican (I dont remember the number, it is in baggage now but it is about 2 feet by two feet and has wheels.

 

I fit a Linhof 617 kit in it plus hasselbald gear. I carry my M8 gear with me. I always keep the chargers with the cameras since, on this last trip, my checked baggage was lost for three days (it was a bad three days). USAir simpl did not transfer it and ignore multiple telexes.

 

Anyhow, I do not use many of the foam inserts. I pack my gear in good carry bags that are padded, and put them into the Pelican. It is immensely simple and convenient and no damage to date. IT is like double boxing. Perhaps others have done that and had trouble, but I have not.

 

Here is another problem. The regional jets are tiny and there are many of them and they will do not have enough room to hold even a small backpack on the area above the seats so it must fit under the seat. Small bags are essential. My entire M8/MP kit fits in that pack and goes under the seat. There are even smaller planes that will not allow for that size.

 

First it was film, now it is cameras that are a pain to carry.

 

So FEDEX and UPS becomes the backup.

 

FIFTY POUNDS IS THE MAX.

 

David

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Guest guy_mancuso

Guest guy_mancuso

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Reason i use the Think Tank Antidote backpack , i can go regional. Actually traveling in the morning to San Jose and exactly what i am taking. Let's see for size i have 2 M8's with lense on 35 and 28. Than 12,50,wate,75,90,135 apo, Zeiss 15mm and Oly 24 shift which both are taking the space canon glass could fit, Than slot for batteries, cards in one small pocket , than i really have 3 extra pockets with just junk in them .So it is bigger than it sounds. Probably could fit a lot more if i did bodies only without the lenses on it and plenty of depth to actually stack some M lenses so you can really fill it up pretty good

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