Carry-On Bag Suggestions?

Looked around the forums but couldn't find anything adamant on solid suggestions for carryon bags. Will be doing my first few desti weddings this year (all within US so far..), so am looking for some good options. The first wedding I'll be flying is Southwest, with a 10 x 16 x 24 in carry-on restriction. Preferably something under $150.

I am planning on carrying 2x 5D Mark II bodies, Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC, Sigma 35mm f1.4, Canon 85mm f1.8, Rokinon 14mm, & 4x Speedlites. (Probably will have to check the speedlites?)

Also I wanted to ask how people traveled with lighstands? I have some cheap PBL lighstands which work great, but don't seem to fold up. What are some solutions for speedlite lighting for desti weddings?

I typically carry on a Think Tank Photo Airport International roller with my gear in modular pouches and a Think Tank Photo Shapeshifter backpack with my laptop. The backpack also doubles as a last resort camera bag in case I have to gate check the roller.

I check a duffel bag for my clothes and any other stands/modifiers that I may need.

Pelican 1510 with padded dividers.
22.00" x 13.81" x 9.00"

http://www.pelican.com …etail_specs.php​?Case=1510

Ratjack wrote in post #16857331
Pelican 1510 with padded dividers.
22.00" x 13.81" x 9.00"

http://www.pelican.com …etail_specs.php​?Case=1510

+1.

I like the Think Tank and I looked at it really hard, but I got the Pelican and I'm super happy with it. I would have no concerns gate checking it as long as it's securely locked.

Q- if you gate check, could you slap a non-TSA lock on one lock slot and keep a TSA lock on the other? I have 1/4" shackle TSA locks but it would be a bit more reassurance.

JacobAllison wrote in post #16857371
+1.

I like the Think Tank and I looked at it really hard, but I got the Pelican and I'm super happy with it. I would have no concerns gate checking it as long as it's securely locked.

Q- if you gate check, could you slap a non-TSA lock on one lock slot and keep a TSA lock on the other? I have 1/4" shackle TSA locks but it would be a bit more reassurance.

Technically no, but you can slap on some zip ties to stop the convenience thieves.

I use a regular roller carry on that we've had for years with pelican pick and pluck foam. I can't see why you would need to check the speedlights.

Never gate check. If asked, explain the contents and that you'd hate for anything to happen and mess up a wedding.

When I travel with my photo gear, I always take my Think Tank bag. It holds all my gear and then some.

http://www.thinktankph​oto.com …v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx

I haven't traveled with strobes, but people I know that do, use Pelican cases.

Another vote for the Pelican 1510/1514. Literally bulletproof and solidly protective of your gear. I can travel with three bodies and six lenses in that case.

I use my Lowepro Flipside 500AW, fits overhead, fits two bodies with lens attached plus a bunch of more lenses and flashes, ipad, cables etc. I put it on a luggage caddy. I've looked at Pelikans for years, but never could convince myself that something I always have to roll is all that handy, and the floor clearance is not great. They are extremely sturdy, so sturdy that I think they are almost made to be checked in and thrown around.

I just prefer the backpack idea, no way I'd want to roll one of these all over the place, or even could out in nature. Great if you just need it on location though.

Another vote for the Thinktank Airport as carry-on. Very, very, very nice bag. I personally feel like a hard sided Pelican is overkill for checking, and adds unneeded weight.

As far as the light stands go, I'm in the same boat. I need to be able to check light equipment and underwater equipment as well. I'm currently deciding between the Thinktank Logistics Manager and a similarly sized Pelican (keeping the total size under 62" to avoid oversize charges). The main issue I see (besides the huge price) is the fact that the Pelican weighs 28# and Thinktank 20#. I'd rather avoid the overweight charge once you reach that 50# mark, and doing so once negates the cost savings of the Pelican.

TT Airport Takeoff. Some rolling bags freak TSA out and they might make you gate check it. Throw it on your back to go thru checkpoint then roll it. It really is the best of both worlds

I believe all the ThinkTank Airports mentioned are above your $150 budget. The Pelican 1510 with foam however is at that price point.

Another option is the Lowepro Pro Roller Lite 150AW. BHPhoto currently has a deal on it for $150. The 250AW is the next size up at $295.

Ah yeah sorry didn't see the budget. 1510 is your best bet in that price range.

tvphotog wrote in post #16859090
Another vote for the Pelican 1510/1514. Literally bulletproof and solidly protective of your gear. I can travel with three bodies and six lenses in that case.

+1, love it! Lifetime warranty, and water resistant, etc.

I'll throw another vote in for think tank. High quality bag and amazing customer service.