My Gear: Bags & Cases

Comments: Given how gently the airlines treat our bags – this is our workhorse.  We pretty much put everything in this case.   I can put a Canon 300mm + 500mm in lens bags + chargers.   Or an entire Redrock Micro kit.   We also commonly put the Think Tank rollers in this with all of our still or video gear INSIDE these cases.  So everything gets overseas in one piece – and then you pull the roller (or Petrol backpack) out of the case and are ready to go the second you hit the ground.  We’ve travelled the world with these cases – literally.   And they are just as dependable as ever – almost as dependable as the look of confusion on the porter’s/skycap’s/Fedex’s person’s face – when they try to figure out the way to retract the useful handle back down 😉

Description (from Pelican): This Pelican 1620 Black Case comes with Pelican unique Pick ‘N Pluck foam. This foam is pre-cut which allows you to customize the interior by half inch cubes. Trace out the item you want in the case and simply pluck the foam out by hand, no tool required. You can customize your case in less than 15 minutes.  Unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof. It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it strong and durable. Its exclusive 1/4" (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. It is equipped with 2" (5 cm) hard rubber transport wheels, a retractable extension handle and multiple fold down carrying handles. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam or padded dividers for total subjection and protection against impact, vibration or shock. This case is tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-67 (Ingress Protection) and ATA (Air Transportation Association).

Comments:  This case is awesome.   The one danger:  it can get overweight super quick (over 50lbs.)   So pack carefully – or make sure you use and airlines that has "media rates" to accommodate 50 – 100 lb cases at a reasonable price.   We’ve put monitors, entire studio Redrock Micro kits – you name it in here.  It almost all fits!

Description (from Pelican): This 1650 CASE comes with Pelican’s unique Pick ‘N Pluck foam. This foam is pre-cut which allows you to customize the interior by half inch cubes. Trace out the item you want in the case and simply pluck the foam out by hand, no tool required. You can customize your case in less than 15 minutes. Unbreakable, watertight, airtight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof.  It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it extremely strong and durable. Its exclusive 1/4" (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam for total subjection and protection against impact, vibration or shock. This case comes with 2 transport wheels. This case is NATO codified and tested to MIL C-4150J (Military Standard), IP-67 (Ingress Protection) and ATA (Air Transportation Association).

Comments:  I fly with this case with the partition insert (not foam.)  And pretty much all of my Canon prime lenses (under 200mm) go into this one (YIKES!) case.   Never had anything damaged – and it’s incredibly convenient to have you favorite dozen lenses in just one case.   You can knock it around and feel safe – and it has wheels + a handle which is nice.

Description (from Pelican): Complete with front handle and convenient extension handle, it is the perfect rolling travel companion. An added value to this case is the effortless release latch for the extension handle. Also, the padlock protectors provide added strength and extra security against cutting and theft. Also includes standard Pelican® case features like the water and dustproof neoprene o-ring seal, Automatic Purge Valve with Gore-Tex membrane, and easy open Double Throw latches.

Comments:  This has become one of our favorite HDDSLR video travel cases.  It’s sleak, has great wheels and handles – and protects out equipment incredibly well – without having a hard exterior (see Pelicans above.)  We put everything in these – and there is a top shelf to the interior of the case – so you can put filters  / cords etc on top – and the big stuff below.  I.E. it’s VERY easy to work out of in the field.  Highly recommend this case.  Another cool thing:  the interior is RED – ergo – no black or dark grey…ergo:  you can find all of those small black cables/caps/you name it – easily!

Description (from Petrol): The Petrol Red Bag is an innovative new camera carrier specifically designed to transport and protect the RED One digital camera. Petrol’s exclusive thermoformed panels of cold-molded laminate and injection-molded polypropylene legs safeguard the bottom of the bag from dirt or water. The exterior is constructed of black ballistic nylon and Cordura.

Comments:  A nice quick small bag for those looking to travel light.

Description (from Petrol): The Petrol PD331 Digiback D-SLR Backpack is designed to carry and protect a D-SLR camera with attached lens and accessories such as; a mattebox, camera plate, follow focus, extra lenses, minilight, spare batteries, viewfinder, etc. It has an upper compartment contoured to fit the camera gear and a lower chamber has ample room for important accessories. It has space for holding a laptop computer with a screen up to 12”. The exterior is constructed of 900 denier nylon and ballistic nylon. The gear is cushioned by layers of soft padded easy-view red fabric.

Comments:   This is what I consider a small bag … seriously.  Sad but true.   This is what I bring w/ my on vacation – and on shoots.  On shoots we put everything in there.   On vacation I’ll put 1-2 cameras, 2-3 lenses, my 17" laptop, hard drives, headphones, iPad etc etc – basically all of my "stuff" that I need to shoot and stay connected.  GREAT bag.  What makes this stand out from the rest – is that it fits all of this stuff + a 17" laptop w/o a problem.  It does NOT have wheels however…  that’s when I use my Think Tank rollers… when I just don’t want to lug things around on my back.  This fits perfectly in the top Pelican case btw.

Description (from Petrol): The Petrol PD332 D-SLR Cam ‘n Go Backpack is designed to carry a D-SLR camera with an attached lens. It also holds accessories such as; mattebox, camera plate, follow focus, light, viewfinder, cables, etc. It has removable internal dividers that help secure the contents and create pockets. The pack has a main compartment that is contoured to fit the camera gear. There is a smaller, zippered front compartment and a removable padded neoprene pouch that provides storage space and extra protection for a personal computer with a screen up to 15". It is carried by a backpack harness consisting of; adjustable shoulder straps, sternum straps and a waist belt that provides correct weight distribution and ensures easier carrying.

Comments:  i love this for a still or small cinema package – especially when you don’t want to worry about overhead space and /or weight restrictions on international flights.

Description (from Petrol): A 2-in-1 professional camera trolley/backpack that offers a host of industry leading advantages. The main chamber is contoured to fit a video-enabled DSLR camera with lens attached, a padded rear pocket holds a laptop computer with up to a 17" screen.

Comments:  You can fit an entire RedRock Cage system w/ C Series camera "built" in here.  Not for airline travel necessarily but perfect for "local" travel.

Description (from Petrol): Inspired by the traditional doctor’s bag, this semi-rigid equipment bag is designed to hold a video-enabled DSLR camera and accessories comfortably and securely. A hinged, extra wide opening provides fast, easy access. The interior is contoured to fit a DSLR camera with lens mounted.

Comments:  We have two of these.  Each with its own mattebox – and set of filters.  Perfect.

Description (from Petrol): This lightweight, rigid case is the ideal carrier for Chrosziel, Arri, Vocas, Red Rock, Petroff 4X4 and 4X5 matteboxes. Twin straps of hook and loop material – one on each side of the case – anchor the top in an open position to allow quick and easy access. The main compartment is fully padded to cushion and safeguard contents. Petrol Bags’ exclusive thermoformed laminate panels provide an extra level of equipment protection and unprecedented durability.

Comments:  Really really cool.  So simple – yet so ingenious.  No more digging around in the bag with your hands for that small black/dark grey piece of equipment in the dark!  How often has that happened?!?!?

Description (from Petrol): The Petrol PA1013 Deca Removable LED Lighting System is designed to light the interior of any Petrol Deca series equipment bag. It makes the contents much easier to identify and organize. The LED lights are replaceable and easily installed. The light can be removed from the bag by hook and loop material. Power is supplied by 2 standard AA batteries

Comments:  This is what we use for our audio kit.  Perfect.

Description (from Petrol): The PS601 Deca Eargonizer Bag from Petrol is a professional-quality mixer bag ideal for sound recordists. It is designed to keep your equipment safe, organized, and accessible. The bag is constructed from heavy-duty water-resistant Cordura, and can carry a mixer/recorder, up to 7 transmitters and receivers, headsets, and accessories.

Comments:  This is THE way to fly with gear onto the plane – and fit it in the overhead compartment.  I’ve used these bags for close to a decade to travel the world.   I put all of my camera gear in it when I can’t afford to get my gear lost on deadline assignments.   It fits in almost all overheads (except real small ones and definitely not commuter planes…) and things are kept safe.  The bags last forever.   Beware on international flights:  although the bag fits, it may be overweight for certain airlines…and some won’t bend! (i.e. Lufthansa!!!)

Description (from ThinkTank): The Think Tank Airport Security V2.0 Carry On Roller Bag is designed for USA domestic carry-on, this roller provides advanced security features for traveling with the maximum amount of equipment

Comments:  Same as above but built to meet international restriction – fits perfectly in the Pelican 1620 case so you can ship, and be read to roll when you arrive btw… I’ve used this combination for YEARS.

Description (from ThinkTank): Designed for INTERNATIONAL carry-on, this roller provides advanced security features and peace of mind.

Comments:   Have 2-3 of these w/ my computer bag at all times – great for cables and hard drives.

Description (from ThinkTank): Finally, one bag for quick access to cords, cables, AC adapters, and other photographic and computer accessories.

Comments:  Perfect for cables – when you think of the small fortune you spend on cables:  buy a few of these to protect them and keep them from getting lost!

Description (from ThinkTank): The Cable Management™ 20 is a small zippered pouch to compliment our other cable management bags.  It is sized to keep small cables, adapters, and accessories organized with your gear.  The clear window helps to identify immediately what is stored inside.  Three elastic cable ties are included

Comments:A bigger version that can include camera / monitor / wireless accessories.

Description (from ThinkTank): The Cable Management™ 30 is a medium sized organizer pouch to compliment our other cable management bags. It has internal dividers to keep your gear organized and it can accommodate various photo accessories in the main compartment. It has a clear window located on the front of the bag for business cards or other identification, a zippered front pocket, and a built-in carrying handle.

Comments:  I used to live by this – but not I tend to travel lighter.  That being said if you want to transfer ALL of your computer accessories (hard drives, cables, charger) quickly from one bag to another… it’s hard to beat this!

Description (from ThinkTank): Clear organizer with internal dividers for AC adaptors, Fire Wire cables, CF card readers, batteries, and all other photography essentials.

Comments:  Nice an compact!

Description (from ThinkTank): Inconspicuous, soft-sided shoulder bag with a simple exterior that blends into the environment. Carries 1 pro size DSLR plus 2 – 4 lenses. Taller size to fit a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached to camera.

Comments: It’s the small details like this that have you avoid killing a $200+ headphone set.

Description (from ThinkTank): Designed to keep large, over-ear headphones easily accessible on a belt.

Comments: I use this for still work, time lapse, and video – I stuff it in any case and it give me tremendous mobility when I land.  

Description (from ThinkTank): Beltpack camera bags designed for capturing stills, audio, and video.

Comments:  Great for motors/  accessories / hard drives in a case.

Description (from ThinkTank): Beltpack camera bags designed for capturing stills, audio, and video.

Comments:  Better than having a key credential ripped off when you’re running and being in a real tight spot when you have to get through stadium security!

Description (from ThinkTank): Convenient pouch for carrying a press credential, or trade show pass, with other necessities

Comments:  Nice little case to keep your passport and travel papers together.

Description (from ThinkTank): Sleek leather case for carrying a passport and other identification

Comments:  So simple – yet so incredibly useful!  no more loose batteries!

Description (from ThinkTank): Soft, compact case for carrying eight AA batteries

Comments:   I’ll simply finish this section by saying:  you can NEVER have too many bags 🙂  

Description (from ThinkTank): The perfect tool for changing your batteries, teleconverters, small lenses and other SLR items on the fly.