I've been meaning to do this for awhile now, but have just got around to it. If anyone has any questions feel free to PM me or just post them here.
Pelican 1610 Review:
I looked long and hard for the right size and finally decided to go with the 1610. Just large enough to fit my Tamrac Expedition 7 backpack and a little extra. I'm really happy I picked this one and not one larger (or heaver)!
 | HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
(I decided to have a piece of plastic laser engraved for identification. If anyone else is interested in having something like that done, send me a PM and I can get you a price.)
I decided to go without the dividers since I would use my backpack as removable dividers. The only time my bag would be in the case is during travel and times it needed the extra protection from water, sand, dirt, animals, kids, handling, etc...
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
I also have a small survival kit in it's own waterproof container (you wouldn't believe the places weddings will take you in the Southeast), and a small bag for backup lenses, caps, cleaning cloths, pens, glasses, extra contacts, a couple tools, and anything else that I need with me, but not necessarily on me at all times. I'll probably upgrade that bag to a small canvas shoulder bag to make use of some of the extra space in the Pelican case.
One of the main reasons for my purchasing this case was for a large waterproof case. It has been in light mist, to completely submerged (with all of my gear inside)!!! This has worked flawlessly! It is just large enough that I can squeeze my tripod and monopod inside with my bag inside as well (I can just drop them in if my bag is out).
I mainly use this to quickly transport all of my gear at weddings regardless of weather or other conditions and I don't have to worry about it. it also doubles as a table or stool for the times when nothing else will work. This thing is virtually indestructible.
There are a few things things I don't like so much about it though. Number one is definitely the weight. If it weren't for the wheels, this case would be totally impractical. The wheels are made of a hard rubber and amazingly will roll over anything I've thrown at it which include mud, sand, grass, gravel, everything! The wheels could use a bit more clearance on rough surfaces because currently I am wearing out the bottom of the case.
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
Also the bottom handle (left side when the front is facing you) gets in the way when you set the case upright when rolling if it isn't folded in towards the case. It is hard to see from photos, but it makes a very rough surface to hold onto when trying to use the handle. I will also soon wear through the plastic to the latch, and I'm not sure how well the latch will hold after being rubbed on concrete for a year or two. I don't have any current problems, but I definitely think I will have some within a year. Pelican could have easily added a bit more material on this side.
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
The handle and wheel part of the case look like an after thought. If the case was originally molded around them and incorporated into the design, there would probably be a little more room inside the case (about 1/2" of depth for about 1/2 of the bottom of the case). It also makes it hard to clean around the wheels and handle.
One last thing with the Pelican. The seals are very tight where it comes together. So if you have anything even a thin strap hanging out, the case will not close fully. And if you have anything hard in the way of the seal, you will probably deform the plastic possibly compromising the sealing of the case.
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
Tamrac Expedition 7 Review:
I included this with the pelican review since I use them both together. Without this bag, my Pelican wouldn't get used. I could have opted to go with the foam or the dividers, but I would be out of luck if I wanted my camera somewhere I couldn't take my Pelican (hiking, up several flight of stairs, etc), and sometimes I just don't have time to deal with the Pelican.
Anyways, there are many reviews on this as a backpack, but none of this backpack as a "removable divider system" for a Pelican case. it fits perfectly in my 1610 with a little room to spare at the top. It currently holds a 20D, 30D with grip, 24-70L, 70-200L IS, 17-40L, 85L, 430ex2, 580ex2, Canon 2x teleconverter, and Kenko extension tubes in the main area and a couple tools (knife, Allen wrenches for RRS brackets), weather resistant rain cover, a couple large Ziploc bags, flash holder, and 23132 in the clear zippered areas in the lid. It is currently arranged so I can store all of my gear in the case with any two lenses attached to my camera.
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
I also have spare batteries for the cameras and flashes along with extra memory cards in a front pocket. In the front pocket (not shown) is a L.L.Bean Gore-Tex lightweight jacket that keeps me dry when I need it. There is also a place to hold a monopod or tripod that works very well. If I need to carry both, I normally put my monopod here and the tripod through the loops on the side of the bag.
| HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' |
The bag has been with me on many weddings and hiking trips. it has kept my gear safe and dry. This case is quite comfortable even when loaded down. The waist strap is a little large for me and doesn't fit snug enough on me (5'10" 160lbs). Unless you are quite a bit larger, then you may not want to use the Expedition 8 and maybe not even this one as it is quite heavy fully loaded. I need to give the case a new coat of weatherproof spray, but besides that, it is the best case I've tried for this amount of gear.
