airplane on-board bag

what is the best on-board bag only allowed 7kg but still keep my gear safe?

How much does the gear you need to take weigh, then work backwards from that. Also remember that you can stow some of the solider, less obvious stuff in your checked bag(s) (chargers, tripod, filters). If you keep the bag small enough you won't be asked to check it, then you don't really need padding - stow it under your seat where you'll be the only person kicking it. If you want something you can check if pressed, you'll blow your weight limit with a single body and small lens. Don't forget the carrying capacity of photographers' vests and cargo pants as you board. Once the plane is in the air you can redistribute things more comfortably. I can carry more than 7 kg. in a Domke F-2; you'll find them hard to get I suspect though.

Only had my carry on weighed twice in more than 50 flights. (Was more than double each time).

Pelican 1514 is the maximum dimensions for most airlines for carryon but think it comes near that weight limit empty. It is a very sound case if your gear ends up being checked luggage.

Not sure where your flying but if you know they weigh then you might want to carry more on your person - otherwise as mentioned - you wont be carrying much on board!

I have the Pelican as well, and have NEVER had it weighed in over 50 flights... BUT!

I live in NYC area, and we have three major airports, JFK, La Guardia and Newark, and I have used all of them with the Pelican. ALL the airlines are now overbooking every flight, which means the overhead compartments FILL UP very fast. If you are bringing camera gear, try to get your seats as close to the front of the plane as possible - because they load those passengers FIRST. So the overhead compartments are first come, first served. Airlines USED TO load the back passenger first - which makes more sense, since it takes time to get seated, the people in the back don't block the aisles. Why they have switched to seating the FRONT passengers first is beyond me.

If you get a seat in the back of the plane, you can almost guarantee that ALL the overhead compartment space will be filled, and then they make you place your camera bag or case down below! That is the last place you want your expensive camera gear.

I have had this happen to me three times, and I even pleaded with the airline that I have over $20K worth on lenses in the Pelican case, and it still needed to be checked in, in fact they were actually rude about it -- they give you a rush ultimatum, like "get off the plane now" if you don't check the bag. They don't care the value of anything in a bag, it's just another bag to them, and they don't want any discussion.

I just flew last weekend to Atlanta... the last 10 people on board had to check their bags.

We have the Lowepro proroller 200. Great bag to roller through airports. The only time we have been asked to weight it was in Cape Town ZA at South African Airlines check in. If you bag is over weight, wear a vest and load it up. After going past checkin and security...reload the bag.

10 trips had mine pulled twice but i was just in i would like to take more and would not mind paying for the extra weight but i do not want to put in the hold

I'm on a plane now with my lowepro flip side 300. I've got a 7d, 70-200 2.8, 10-22, 15-85, batteries, couple of b+w CPL filters, hoods, remote trigger, cables and I don't know what else in it. Never been hassled over size/weight.

i just came back from the philippines carrying a 400d 70-200 f2.8 lens, 430ex2 flash, 15inch dell xps laptop and a tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lens on a 350 fastpack lowepro bag and had LOTS of hassle at heathrow airport flying from uk where i live to philippines. They wanted me to put some of my stuff eitehr my laptop or camera inside my checked in luggage. i made 4-5 trips to the check in desk and each time said the same crap. i then went to a different check in desk and no problem whatsoever! diddnt even weigh my bag.

From philippines there was no problem either but the woman behind the counter asked her boss if its ok for me to bring in my 350 fastrpack as a handcarry and she explained i had a DSLR with me.

Also note that i also had a roll on hand carry bag as well that was below 7kg. The airline in cathay pacific and in there it states your allowd one piece of hand luggage 7kg or less plus a handbag, laptop bag or camera bag.