Best transport cases for checking in camera equipment for flights

[garymak1]

Here's a two-part question for users of any camera:

1) What do you think is the best camera case - based on your personal experience - for checking in camera equipment for flights?

2) Any tips/tricks on checking in camera equipment?

What I typically carry with me when I travel is a Wandrd Prvke 21 Backpack stuffed with a Canon R5, R8, 100-500 L lens, 24-105mm L lens, 1 or 2 pancake lenses, 470 EXIII RT flash, bounce reflector, GPS, 3 extra batteries for R5, 3 extra batteries for R8, charges, 8 AA batteries, AA charger, SD + CF Express cards, Manfrotto table-top tripod, Manfrotto monopod, frequently a lightweight tripod, lightweight plastic rain hood.

It weights around 18 pounds/8 kilos.  (This is in addition to a roll aboard that contains vital uncheckable items such as laptop+accessory kit, iPad, toiletries, medicine, first aid, other necessities, change of clothes that cannot be out of my possession). The backpack is significantly over the allowance for airlines for a "second, small purse." 🙄 But as I usually travel with one airline for the last 40 years and have status, it's not an issue.

I never check my camera equipment.

However the issue is connecting flights and especially international regional flights on smaller planes or anywhere in Europe where they tend to be a pain-in-the🍑 about such things.  Anticipating trouble, I usually wear my heavy Domke photo vest and, and on several occasions after getting grief, I just left the line and went to a place out of sight of the boarding agent, and stuffed the gear in my vest. (Virtually ALL the above listed major pieces, including the 100-500mm lens fit!)  The backpack being much lighter now, I board, get to my seat, and put the equipment back in my backpack...😉 Really.

But that's not always practical, and I'm wondering if, for those short hop flights where I know it's going they're going to be strict/difficult as they are using really small aircraft, where even my roll aboard might be an issue... I'm thinking of checking my camera gear.

So I'm seeking advice on checking camera gear.  What brand of case? What size case?  What configuration (pre-size compartments or "pinch-out" customized foam?), etc?  

I mean, even Nat Geo checks gear!

Much thanks for your advice in advance!

[TomRamsey]

I've not check gear on a plane, but if I did it would be locked in a Pelican or Nanuk case with pick and pull foam.  Measure so that you have enough foam on the top and bottom of the case along with around the sides.  It's pretty easy to pull the foam blocks out, and you want things to fit snug so they are not bouncing around.  Maybe you could find one to fit your entire pack in, but you would still want that foam all around, making sure nothing could bounce around inside of your backpack.  I've worked with traveling video crews that had large amounts of gear, all packed into Pelican, etc cases.  Good chance of getting tossed around at the airport.

[JFG · Accepted solution]

Hi garymak1,

Why I think the Nanuk 935 Pro Photo Kit Is the Best Travel & All‑Around Camera Case

(Compared to Pelican, Condition 1, and SKB iSeries w/ Think Tank)

The Nanuk 935 Pro Photo Kit stands out because it delivers the best blend of durability, organization, comfort, and  Airline Carry-On Approved travel‑readiness. Pelican, Condition 1, and SKB all have strengths, but Nanuk consistently nails the details that matter most to photographers who fly, roll, and shoot in the real world.

1. Waterproof / Dustproof Standards (ISO & IP Ratings)

WATERPROOF / DUSTPROOF ISO & IP RATING COMPARISON

Case: Nanuk 935
Rating: IP67 / MIL‑STD‑810G
Meaning: Fully dust‑tight; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes; military‑rated impact protection.

Case: Pelican 1510
Rating: IP67
Meaning: Fully dust‑tight; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Case: SKB iSeries (with Think Tank interior)
Rating: MIL‑STD‑C‑4150J (IP67 equivalent)
Meaning: Airtight, watertight, and extremely rugged to military spec.

Case: Condition 1 #300
Rating: IP67
Meaning: Fully dust‑tight; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Bottom line:
All four cases meet IP67 waterproofing, but Nanuk and SKB also carry stronger military‑grade impact certifications. Nanuk delivers that protection without the weight penalty.

2. Travel‑Optimized Design That Actually Feels Good to Use

The Nanuk 935 is built for movement:

• Smooth, quiet wheels
• Two‑stage handle that doesn’t wobble
• Carry‑on compliant
• Lightest feel in its class without sacrificing strength

Pelican 1510 is carry‑on sized but heavier and more industrial.
Condition 1 rolls, but the wheels are louder and less refined.
SKB iSeries is tough but noticeably heavier and the handle isn’t as comfortable for long airport hauls.

Nanuk 935 simply travels better.

3. Best‑in‑Class Latches and Everyday Usability

Nanuk’s Power Claw latches are widely considered the most user‑friendly on the market:

• Easy to open
• Secure when locked
• No finger‑pinch, no wrestling

Pelican’s latches are strong but stiff.
Condition 1’s are functional but not premium.
SKB’s are secure but require more force and feel more “industrial case” than “photographer’s tool.”

When you’re opening your case dozens of times a day, this difference is huge.

4. Purpose‑Built Interior That’s Ready Out of the Box

The Pro Photo Kit includes a genuinely excellent divider system and a well‑designed lid organizer—no sagging mesh, no wasted space.

Pelican requires aftermarket upgrades to reach this level.
Condition 1’s dividers are serviceable but not as refined.
SKB iSeries with Think Tank interiors is the closest competitor.  Think Tank’s padding is excellent—but the SKB shell is heavier and less ergonomic, making the whole package feel bulkier for travel.

Nanuk gives you the complete, photographer‑optimized setup immediately.  

5. The Perfect Balance of Strength and Weight

Nanuk’s NK‑7 resin hits the sweet spot:

• Tough enough for serious travel
• Lighter and more ergonomic than Pelican
• More premium and confidence‑inspiring than Condition 1
• Less brick‑like than SKB’s ultra‑dense shell

Pelican is the “indestructible tank,” but you pay for it in weight.
SKB is extremely rugged but similarly heavy.
Condition 1 is lighter but not as durable.

Nanuk threads the needle better than all three.

6. The Most Photographer‑Friendly All‑Around Experience

When you combine:

• Travel comfort that's Airline Carry On Approved
• Smart interior layout
• Excellent hardware
• Waterproofing
• Carry‑on compliance
• Lighter weight
• Premium feel

The Nanuk 935 Pro Photo Kit simply delivers the best total experience for photographers who travel and shoot in varied environments.

Pelican is the toughest.
SKB is the most industrial.
Condition 1 is the most budget‑friendly.

Nanuk is the most balanced, refined, and photographer‑centric.

In my Nanuk 935, I accommodated the following: 

[] = Dividers

Row 1 = [] RF70-200mm lens & Charger []  ______________RF200-800mm lens __________[]

Row 2 = [] R5 MK2 & HS507C, Extender 1.4x  []  RF24-105mm  []  RF15-35mmm  []  R6 MK 2  []

In the Lid Organizer I accommodated cables, extra batteries, extra straps, remote shutter release, wipes, tools and other miscellaneous. 

Nanuk 935 True Interior Dimensions =  20.5 L x 11.3 W x 7.5 H (inches).  You can design your own layout, it comes with more than enough dividers [].

I'm glad I chose the NANUK 935 Pro Photo Kit - Waterproof Travel Camera Case.  I recommend it 👍

[garymak1]

Wow! Thank you! Such a detailed analysis!  (And thanks for the time to put it together!)

Quick followup question: what about the less-than snug fit of the compartments. Do you think there is minimal “sloshing around” of the gear, esp. lenses?

[TomRamsey]

If you use a case with compartments you should probably add packing around each item because airline baggage handlers aren’t gentle.  But measure out what you need, they make lots of sizes.

[JFG]

Hi garymak1, 

I've love the Nanuk 935 Pro Photo kit. It came with plenty of Great nylon padded dividers with repositionable hook‑and‑loop fasteners (Straps) that you can move and adjust to any configuration.  They fit snuggly, keeping your gear from shifting around.  The hook and loop fasteners (Straps) further secures the heavier gear keeping it tightly in place from shifting around.  The Nanuk is manufactured in Canada and the manufacturing quality and design is outstanding.  The Nanuk 935 Pro Photo Kit is Airline Carry-On Approved.  So when I fly I don't bother to check it in.  However, I also put "FRAGILE HANDLE WITH CARE" tape on both sides, just in case I'm transferring to a smaller airplane ✈️ that doesn't accommodate regular overhead carry-on luggage.  I usually plan ahead and in those instances I usually take a smaller case that will fit in the smaller airplanes.  If I take the Nanuk 935 and it needs to be checked in, I do it at the gate where the baby seats and wheel chairs are checked in as they are more careful with the luggage. The orange/Yellow tape "FRAGILE HANDLE WITH CARE" on both sides of the Nanuk, alerts the handlers to be more careful with it.  I also found that it will fit under the sit of most smaller airplane ✈️.  

BTW,  they come in different colors.