How to pack the bag?

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DavidT

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So I have been playing around with new kit and packing bags for a trip coming up in January for a week in Florida. I can fit everything I have in one bag except for the Sony 200-600 but that is going in a small backpack along with chargers, misc items we may need and gives us a small bag to work from while out shooting. The main bag along with the backpack will go on as my carry ons and I will have to check my clothes.

I have been debating taking a tripod and gimbal head but need a duffle roller style to pack it and clothes in to check. Any suggestions?

My main bag in the pics is a ThinkTank Airport Security V2.0. It is the first time I will use it to travel with the Sony kit.

In the bag is 2-a1 with grips, 600GM, 1.4 and 2x tele, 70-200F2.8, 24F1.4 and 14F1.8, 90mm macro, batteries, cards, blower.

Any thoughts how to pack different?
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I can tell you how I pack for flights - but you'll need different bags...

1. Pelican 1535 Air (carry on into overhead)
- Big prime, TC, pro camera and a small lens.
2.) Tamrac Anvil 25 (checked)
- Tripod (it fits my Gitzo 5543LS no problem), but the bag double purposes on location if need be. It can fit a pro-body + 600/4 and TC14.
3.) Thinktank Retrospective 40 (carry on personal item)
- 2 more lenses and regular carry-on stuff.

I sneak my second body in by wearing it around my neck with a small prime. Everything else goes in my regular checked luggage bag (including my gimbal head. Having elite status on an airline always helps. Early boarding, access to overhead bins etc. Just the first teir i.e. AAdvantagr Gold. Also, avoid flying on CRJ's and ERJ 135/145. You want E170, A320, B737 etc.

All that said - looks like you have a pretty solid setup here. Probably better than my wacky hard-side Pelican case. The Anvil 25 has been a great double purpose bag for me to check the tripod, then be used to hike with gear to locations.

This was an unnecessarily long reply. Enjoy Florida.
 
A few possible (possibly bad ideas). Switch the 2 lens (lens and TC) with the horizontal camera body. that may take a bit less space length wise in the bag or turn bodies side ways. Not sure you get much more space - fraction of an inch here and there.

You have done a good job optimize space - there amy be a few cubic inches here and there, but not much. I would not change too much unless you really need extra space. Have the front of the camera bodies facing the outside the bag is good idea will protect the rear led

enjoy your trip
 
For several years, when we'd visit FL. we would ship a few larger more difficult to carry items to oursevles at the 1st AirBnB on our schedule. Then ship the same stuff back on or before departure day. This included things like tripod, gimbal head, hiking boots, and even our clothes bag.

As of late, we've slimmed our travel kit down to waht we can carry in addition to one small roller bag.
 
A common dilemma! I also use the Think Tank airport security bag for my Nikon kit (2 D850s, 200-500, 24-70, 70-200, 16-35) and have found it to be excellent, and generally not subject to checking on regional jets. I too carry a small, backpack-style bag for my accessories, and for use in the field. I like shooting from a tripod, so invariably take it (Gitzo 5543) along when I travel. I remove the head (which goes in my backpack) and place the tripod in my large LL Bean duffle bag, then pack my clothes around it. So far, it's worked well for me.
 
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A few possible (possibly bad ideas). Switch the 2 lens (lens and TC) with the horizontal camera body. that may take a bit less space length wise in the bag or turn bodies side ways. Not sure you get much more space - fraction of an inch here and there.

You have done a good job optimize space - there amy be a few cubic inches here and there, but not much. I would not change too much unless you really need extra space. Have the front of the camera bodies facing the outside the bag is good idea will protect the rear led

enjoy your trip
Yeah I have tried moving things around and I have plenty of space to put little items. I would rather stand the 70-200 upright and it will fit but there is about an inch of lens above the dividers. The lid closes but if you push on that spot you can feel it. Likely would be fine but if the bag falls over etc I sure don't want to damage a $3K lens. If I put the 200-600 in there it gobbles up all the space so I think this is the best way to go. On a normal trip I wouldn't probably have all these different lenses but I will be shooting a few more subjects during the week than normal and my spouse wants to take pics as well so that is requiring some extra gear.
 
A common dilemma! I also use the Think Tank airport security bag for my Nikon kit (2 D850s, 200-500, 24-70, 70-200, 16-35) and have found it to be excellent, and generally not subject to checking on regional jets. I too carry a small, backpack-style bag for my accessories, and for use in the field. I like shooting from a tripod, so invariably take it (Gitzo 5543) along when I travel. I remove the head (which goes in my backpack) and place the tripod in my large LL Bean duffle bag, then pack my clothes around it. So far, it's worked well for me.
How do you like your duffle? Which model do you have? I have been looking around and need one that can take 33" inside with a little extra to fit my legs. I found a nice Osprey bag but out of stock.
 
How do you like your duffle? Which model do you have? I have been looking around and need one that can take 33" inside with a little extra to fit my legs. I found a nice Osprey bag but out of stock.
Like it a lot. I bought Bean's extra large duffle 6 years ago for a sailing trip in the Virgin Islands (rollers weren't allowed onboard) and have used it ever since. It's extremely well made, rugged, and I like the safety straps so all the pressure isn't on the zipper. It's not on wheels, but has solid handles, and also a shoulder strap. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/639...rge&csp=a&feat=516673-recsbottom.categorypage

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One thing I try to do is use a bag that meets the _specific_ airline's maximum carry-on size. So, if you're flying Alaska Airlines, check what _their_ maximum dimensions are. I literally went to the camera store with a tape measure and measured bags till I found the largest bag I could find that fit within that maximum dimensions. Note different airlines (potentially) have different max dimensions.
 
One thing I try to do is use a bag that meets the _specific_ airline's maximum carry-on size. So, if you're flying Alaska Airlines, check what _their_ maximum dimensions are. I literally went to the camera store with a tape measure and measured bags till I found the largest bag I could find that fit within that maximum dimensions. Note different airlines (potentially) have different max dimensions.
Yup, the think tank bag will have no issues domestic and I have used it for years with my Nikon kit, just the first trip with the Sony and first time ever with a 600F4.
 
Like it a lot. I bought Bean's extra large duffle 6 years ago for a sailing trip in the Virgin Islands (rollers weren't allowed onboard) and have used it ever since. It's extremely well made, rugged, and I like the safety straps so all the pressure isn't in the zipper. It's not on wheels, but has solid handles, and also a shoulder strap. https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/639...rge&csp=a&feat=516673-recsbottom.categorypage

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I would defiantly want a roller bag but I will check them out. I think it makes a lot of sense especially when you figure extra shoes and layers.
 
I got myself a Peli 1535 Air case with the trek pack inserts plus a lid organiser.
all the gear in my signature fits with room for just one more lens.
 
I got myself a Peli 1535 Air case with the trek pack inserts plus a lid organiser.
all the gear in my signature fits with room for just one more lens.
I got one of these too and really like it! If they insist on taking it, I won't worry about it in the cargo hold. Those small craft when there is no other choice....
 
One thing I try to do is use a bag that meets the _specific_ airline's maximum carry-on size. So, if you're flying Alaska Airlines, check what _their_ maximum dimensions are. I literally went to the camera store with a tape measure and measured bags till I found the largest bag I could find that fit within that maximum dimensions. Note different airlines (potentially) have different max dimensions.
Domestic and international rules are different. International rules tend to be more restrictive
 
How so? More restrictive than the airline you are flying on? How do you find out what the rules are?

You need to go to the particular airline's website and look at the rules for the flight that you have reserved.

For example, Emirates airline has a 15 lb carryon weight restriction (in some cases) for their international flights!
 
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Flying domestically to Florida you probably have no real problems, unless part of your trip is in a small regional jet with limited overhead bin size. On a flight from Dallas to Houston last spring I had to gate check my ThinkTank International, which was a bit stressful. Otherwise, on standard to large jets the Think Tank Airport Security should be fine on all US domestic airlines with which I am familiar. However, before crowded flights, the gate personnel will pressure people with large rolling bags to check them (for free!) You want to avoid this and one usually can by pointing out the fragile and costly nature of camera gear, but to avoid the issue completely it's good to ensure that you are in the first few groups to board the plane. If you have a credit card for the airline you are flying that puts you automatically into a favorable boarding group, and if you fly Southwest you can pay a little extra to get bumped into a higher priority number for boarding.

That said, I am wondering how you would plan to use a 600mm f4 lens without a tripod and gimbal (or sturdy ballhead). I would plan on packing tripod, tripod head, and also the lens hood for the 600mm f4 in my checked bag. What size checked bag you need depends mostly on the folded length of the tripod. If you need a long rolling duffel, TravelPro makes some good ones.
 
Flying domestically to Florida you probably have no real problems, unless part of your trip is in a small regional jet with limited overhead bin size. On a flight from Dallas to Houston last spring I had to gate check my ThinkTank International, which was a bit stressful. Otherwise, on standard to large jets the Think Tank Airport Security should be fine on all US domestic airlines with which I am familiar. However, before crowded flights, the gate personnel will pressure people with large rolling bags to check them (for free!) You want to avoid this and one usually can by pointing out the fragile and costly nature of camera gear, but to avoid the issue completely it's good to ensure that you are in the first few groups to board the plane. If you have a credit card for the airline you are flying that puts you automatically into a favorable boarding group, and if you fly Southwest you can pay a little extra to get bumped into a higher priority number for boarding.

That said, I am wondering how you would plan to use a 600mm f4 lens without a tripod and gimbal (or sturdy ballhead). I would plan on packing tripod, tripod head, and also the lens hood for the 600mm f4 in my checked bag. What size checked bag you need depends mostly on the folded length of the tripod. If you need a long rolling duffel, TravelPro makes some good ones.
Flying southwest and have status so not worried about carry on luggage. As for a tripod I’m not sure I’ll take one if I do it would have to be checked in a bag. I’ll take my monopod with wimberly if I find I need an extra hand.
 
I used to use a 37L Battaflae but it was hard on the body. Switched to adding a 18L backpack that fits under the seat in front of me on the plane and qualifies as a "personal item". The 18L holds heavy items and my netbook and reduces the weight of the Bataflae 37 by 14-15 lbs which is a big difference for travel. Lots of options for bags that will fit under the seat and qualify but it does vary airline to airline and some of the older planes provide a narrower space for the aisle seats. Boarding a plane I have the 18L on my back and the 37L is in one hand and my other hand is free for a tripod sans gimbal head.

I pay for business class or at the very least a premium coach seat that allows for early boarding so no issues with full overhead bins. For me the premium for the better coach seat is worth the cost which has averaged around $150.
 
I used to use a 37L Battaflae but it was hard on the body. Switched to adding a 18L backpack that fits under the seat in front of me on the plane and qualifies as a "personal item". The 18L holds heavy items and my netbook and reduces the weight of the Bataflae 37 by 14-15 lbs which is a big difference for travel. Lots of options for bags that will fit under the seat and qualify but it does vary airline to airline and some of the older planes provide a narrower space for the aisle seats. Boarding a plane I have the 18L on my back and the 37L is in one hand and my other hand is free for a tripod sans gimbal head.

I pay for business class or at the very least a premium coach seat that allows for early boarding so no issues with full overhead bins. For me the premium for the better coach seat is worth the cost which has averaged around $150.
we spend a lot of equipment, tours (in some cases), and travel. What is a few extra $ (okay an extra 100-150) :LOL: But seriously the reduced stress and increase in comfort helps with the trials of travel ..
 
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