David Clapp's travel photography bag Review

1. The Pelican 1510 - This is the heaviest of the three. This roller carry-on (it has wheels at the back) is dust proof, water proof and literally bullet proof. Its the toughest, safest legal hand luggage there is.

Empty Weight - 6 kilos (13.2lb)

 

2. Think Tank Airport Acceleration - This bag is the tardis of camera bags, it can hold a ridiculous amount of equipment inside, far more than the Pelican 1510 despite its smaller physical size.

Empty Weight - 1.5kg – 3.1kg

(3 lbs. 5oz - 7 lbs.)

 

3. Lowepro Mini Trekker - Can hold a surprising amount of equipment inside. My bag looks old, tired and usually rather dirty, very good for keeping low key (which is virtually impossible with a tripod)

Empty Weight - 1.4kg (3.6lb)

Which one(s) to take? Well I have realised over time that this depends on the amount of hold and hand luggage. The Mini Trekker is my main travel day bag, but which one I choose as my transit luggage depends on the type of trip. Let me strip it down by examining some destinations I have been to recently and how this affected the choice.
 

• Main Camera Charger - also include a lead and a plug converter.
• Tripod head + plates - make sure you pack a few spare plates. I use a L bracket system so this is not necessary.
• Extra Batteries - one in the camera is not enough, keep the spare with you at all times.
• Flash Cards - I have 48Gb of Lexar Cards, SD and Compact Flash (Canon 1Ds MkIII is dual socket) so if my operating system, hard drives or external storage fail I can keep shooting for at least a week without the need to download a single shot.
• Polarisers/Filters - As I dont use graduated filters in favour of exposure blending my images, all I need is a few polarisers and a couple of step rings. Do not risk losing them.
• Card Readers - can be replaced, but try sourcing an SDHC reader with ease, pack it don't lose it.
• Hard Drive - A Freecom 320Gb USB drive is wallet size and ideal. I have two of these. I carry one with me all the time and another stays with Rachel, just in case my laptop is stolen from the hotel or God forbid I'm mugged for my camera bag. That way I am pretty well covered for every eventuality. It is also great for carrying films/documentaries to inspire you back at the hotel.
• Passport, Driving License Copies - Did you know you can get home on an A4 copy of your passport? If you lose you passport, you stand a 99% chance of getting home without it as long as you have a paper copy. Rachel and I also have copies of each others passports/driving licenses so should the worst happen we can get home safe.
• Equipment Receipt Copies - Ever been pulled by customs for a bag inspection? Neither have I yet. Keeping copies of equipment receipts will help to validate that your cameras and lenses were purchased in the UK, not in the country you're returning from. Keep them in your camera bag at all times.

SYSTEM 1 - No hand luggage weight restrictions (Easyjet's relaxed weight policy). ThinkTank Airport Acceleration v2.0 Hand Luggage.

Weight with laptop = 15.2kg

Weight without laptop = 13.2kg

UK Price = £180

 

One of the most complicated and harrowing decisions to make when travelling is what equipment you can afford to lose. I know that sounds somewhat negative, but imagine turning up at your dream destination only find out your hold luggage is now 8000 miles away in New York.

 

The best thing to do is take look at the kit I packed for an easy trip such asIstanbul, to highlight some important equipment choices I took with me on the plane.

 

Easyjet are the Eurpoean photographers airline of choice. With a sensible policy they allow hand luggage that can be lifted into the overhead luggage on their planes. How refreshing.

What's the worst thing about backpacks on a plane? Straps. The seem to get everywhere. Smiling nervously at other passengers on a trip to Guernsey, trying to shoe-horn a larger oversize photo-rucksack into the overhead lockers is not something I want to repeat. I could barely pull it out when we landed. Thankfully I will never have to again.
 

Peel the velcro back panel support away and the straps slide out of the way- totally ingenious. It slots perfectly into the cradle and works brilliantly when placing the bag into the cabin lockers or underneath the seat in front.

Having a large storage case like the ThinkTank Aiport Acceleration v2.0 or indeed the Pelican 1510 means you can not only leave lenses and other equipment somewhere safe, you can also leave money, passports and other important items without fear. Lockable zips are a standard feature unlike other camera bags, but even after clipping the zips together with a travel padlock how do you keep the bag in your room? The answer is a PacSafe 55L.

This ingenious piece of equipment is so utterly useful. It's a mesh bag with a large loop of steel wire. Drop the bag into the mesh and pull the loop tight. Wrap the extra around a bathroom fitting of your choice and lock tight with the padlock. The bag is now staying put. This system is a superb and lightweight method of ensuring your gear and valuables are safe.

It is not going to deter a thief from getting their hands inside the loops and opening unsecured pockets so be sensible. It's also not going to deter a thief with cutting gear or a serious knife from slashing the bag open - lets be realistic. That's what insurance is for.

If you need the best protection then I can thoroughly recommend the Pelican 1510. This case and the PacSafe are the perfect combination.

 
System 2 - 10Kg weight restrictions (Ryanair / Flybe policy), Lowepro Mini Trekker Hang Luggage/ Day Bag.

Weight with Laptop: 10.4Kg
Weight without Laptop: 8.8Kg
UK price = £79