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!

[garymak1]

I hear you and good advice.  But that assumes I take the same equipment with me all the time.  I don't.  It depends on where I'm going and what I'm planning to shoot. It varies a bit. And having a lot of empty slots on a pinch-out foam (say, for a 100-500 lens that's not there) weakens the overall structure and allows for movement.  Perhaps some foam to stuff into the individual padded divider compartments that are used would be a good combo compromise...

[wq9nsc]

I have a couple of size Pelican cases I use depending upon the amount of gear being transported and I bought enough foam for 3 custom setups for each which has served my needs well.  

Foam is available from multiple sources and it isn't that expensive.  If you have enough space in the case, you can also use variable density foam that provides excellent shock absorption, much like crumple zones in car design where the shock is time spread across the density reducing impact to the protected gear.

Rodger

[garymak1]

Good points!  Thanks!