How Can I Safely Travel with My DSLR Camera and Photography Gear?

Dear Lifehacker,
My DSLR isn't huge, but it's still pretty bulky. When you add in a few lenses, a flash, and a variety of other peripherals, I end up with a lot of fragile items that take up quite a bit of space. This makes travel difficult, and I'm worried about breaking something. How can I travel with my photography gear safely?

Sincerely,
Stuffed Suitcase

Dear SS,
You'll never find a completely hassle-free way to pack your photography gear. Even if you're able to pack it all in a comfortable bag, that bag will likely be pretty large and unpleasant to carry. Basically, you have to accept that there will always be a downside to bringing a high-end camera and its peripherals. That said, there are several things you can do to minimize these annoyances. First, let's talk about some general rules and then take a look at a few safe ways to pack your stuff.

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The Rules

When packing your photography gear, you really only need to follow six rules. We'll get into the details of how to pack safely later on, but if you remember these six things you'll be in pretty good shape:

1. Use sufficient padding for all fragile items (e.g. the camera body, lenses, filters, etc.).
2. Don't pack your photo gear in a checked bag if at all possible. (If your bag ends up getting checked beyond your control, make sure everything is insured for loss and damage.)
3. Disassemble everything. In other words, don't leave a lens attached to your camera.
4. Pack lens wipes and cleaning supplies. You never know what may happen on your trip and being prepared with wipes and a brush takes up very little space in your bag.
5. Don't overpack. You might think you need every single bit of gear you own, but you'll hate lugging it all around. Pack one or two versatile zoom lenses instead of six primes. Basically, take as little as you need to get the job done.
6. Don't forget your charger, but do forget too many extra batteries. TSA regulations limit the amount of lithium you can take on a plane, and your camera's batteries likely take a lot of lithium. For DSLRs, this usually maxes out at around two batteries. While you'll probably get on the plane with more, seeing as the TSA doesn't really enforce their own guidelines too often, it's not worth the risk of having to throw out an expensive item. Just bring a charger. Two batteries should be more than enough for one day and you can charge them at night.

As far as packing goes, you don't need to remember much else. That said, read on for some detailed suggestions on keeping your gear safe.

Secure Your Gear in a Camera-Friendly Bag

Buying a travel bag for your photography gear makes traveling a heck of a lot easier than any other option. These bags come as suitcases, backpacks, and messenger bags of all sizes. LowePro has long made a reliable set of bags. Personally, I like Tenba as I've found them more versatile because they offer a better layout of storage space with the right material for even unpleasant circumstances (e.g. rain and mud). Regardless of what you choose, most photography-centric bags offer sufficient padding and integrated storage for your camera gear so that it'll stay safe and travel neatly with your other belongings.

Of course, if you buy a photo-friendly suitcase you won't want to lug it around during your trip. If you get a smaller bag, you're adding additional luggage you may not be able to fit as a carry-on. This is where things get frustrating even if you have the proper gear. If you run into this problem, or fear you will, read on for a solution.

Secure Your Gear with Any Bag by Using a Padded Camera Sleeve

Many photography bags, such as the Tenba Messenger, come with removable sleeves that organize your camera and lenses. You want removable sleeves because you can pack them in any bag and keep your gear safe, so make sure you purchase a bag that has one if you foresee the need to move your gear around. UNDFIND makes bags designed for swapping out various storage compartments and even the front flap. This way you can take what you want in the bag when you're traveling and swap it with other stuff that you packed in a suitcase (or another bag) easily. When you get a bag with removable parts, you provide yourself with a modular system that allows you to adapt to various needs.

Create Makeshift Padding Out of Your Clothing

Camera bags and sleeves cost money, and you may not want to spend it. You can't travel around with a camera without protecting it, however, unless you want to take a large risk. If you only intend to take your camera body and a lens or two, you can create sufficient padding with clothes you'll likely have in your suitcase already. Just wrap your camera body and lenses separately in several shirts (or other soft apparel, like a non-abrasive sweater) and pack the items in the middle of the bag. So long as you take one lens with your camera, you won't really need a bag to carry it all around when you actually arrive at your destination.

Ultimately, your main concern should be keeping your gear safe when you're not in full control of it. If you take enough care to ensure it won't break on a bumpy ride?whether that's in the air or on the ground?your gear will travel with you safely.

Love,
Lifehacker

Images by Maridav (Shutterstock) and Leo Blanchette (Shutterstock). Product photos by Tenba.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/jpNIqxBFaqE/how-can-i-safely-travel-with-my-dslr-camera-and-photography-gear

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