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Backpack / case for lightweight travelling Scarlet kit?

Ben Scott

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Hi all,

Going to be in Vietnam for three weeks in September and (if my Scarlet has been delivered by then) I'll be taking it with me for some fun shooting.

We'll be travelling light and so I was wondering if any of you chaps could recommend a backpack or something relatively light that could fit the following that would be very much appreciated.

I'm thinking

Scarlet + side handle + lightweight 15mm rails setup
Shoot35 Follow Focus
Charger
Zacuto EVF Pro (figured this would be more helpful in the nright dunlight than the Touch LCD?)
3 x Lenses
As Many Redvolts as possible (5 or 6)
2 x Redmags
2x G-Tech G Raid 2 TB backup drives
Macbook Pro 15"


As for tripod, I just don't think I'll be able to carry it and as it is just me and the girlfriend going I doubt she'd enjoy that too much either. So I'm thinking...

Konova Slider
Large Gorilla Pod Focus (holds up to 5KG)

I'm figuring on having the camera in a peli case for flights and then switching it to the backpack while we are out and about.



Any thoughts on what I'm missing?
 
thinkTank StreetWalker

thinkTank StreetWalker

Bought this originally for my DSLR but it seems to fit most of what I may need with my Scarlet. I would always like to take the camera as a carry on.

photo.JPG
bought this but didnt test it yet on the field http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004C563DW/
if you looking for more room and roller bag i can recommend this --> http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-security-v2-roller-camera-bag.aspx
 
I have the Satori EXP, it is large but you can swap out the internal camera units to fit the size of the camera package you are carrying on. It is very well made but you have to pay for it. I like the zipper on the side that faces your back so if you were in a place where it is sketch you don't have to worry as much. See, http://fstopgear.com/en/product/mountain/satori-exp. For smaller packages the Lowe pros are great. Don't forget the computer space is imperative.
 
Hi Peter, I've seen those before but can never really work out, would they be large enough to carry the kit mentioned above PLUS some shorts, a change of clothes and some shower gel? :)

If so I could maybe do away with having a separate bag. Problem is we are winging it a bit and just booking flights and planning on booking the rest once we get there to save money. As such I see myself having to take all my belongings with me whenever I want to shoot something!
 
I was given one of these Dakine bags:
http://www.dakine.com/p/skate/packs/reload
great bag, solid construction, well padded. My scarlet feels secure and i have plenty of room/compartments for accessories as well as a front compartment for a 17" laptop. I had an older Dakine bag and travelled extensively with it, can't really think of a single complaint.
 
Hi Peter, I've seen those before but can never really work out, would they be large enough to carry the kit mentioned above PLUS some shorts, a change of clothes and some shower gel? :)

If so I could maybe do away with having a separate bag. Problem is we are winging it a bit and just booking flights and planning on booking the rest once we get there to save money. As such I see myself having to take all my belongings with me whenever I want to shoot something!

The amount of extra room in the back pack is relative to what size internal camera unit you have inside the backpack. They make about 4 different sizes so if you use the small camera unit you will have a lot of room left over in the back pack for clothes, gear or what ever else you want to bring along. I prefer the largest size internal camera unit as i can travel with a full epic/ canon kit, 5 lenses, filters, a bunch of SSDs, my custom loupe that fits over the LCD, 15" mac book pro and 2 red bricks on the plane. There is room left over for a couple of shirts pants and various sundries. If they weigh it you are going to have to do some fast talking and while they have always let me go if they wanted to it could get ugly. It is tsa approved for carry on. When i get to the locations I unzip the internal camera unit and tuck the flap under the unit while leaving the main flap that goes against your back zipped. You can be very stealth with it as people think you are going on some kind of hike or camping excursion. also the smaller backpacks they make may be more suitable for your needs. I also have someone else on the crew carry on 2 more red bricks, enough to get me through 2 days of shooting.

Good shooting, p
 
Something to consider adding onto any backpack: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/backpack-connection-kit.aspx

Allows you to hang a holster from the front. Quicker access for run and gun as long as you can find a bag that can hold your minimal shooting setup. If you put the camera, a lens and some accessories in it, you could carry it on as a handbag, possibly helping to get past uncooperative airline personnel. For years (since before TT started selling these straps) I've used a similar setup for backpacking with a Lowepro Toploader75 and homemade straps. Another advantage is balance. Moving 5-10 pounds from back to front works wonders. You generally don't need all those straps shown in the photo-just the ones that hang down from the shoulder straps. Depends on how the camera hangs.

The other travel/weight tip I've heard of, but never used, is to wear a camera vest and load it up with lenses and accessories. A tip from Thom Hogan IIRC.

As far as equipment, I'd seriously consider a monopod. This is my favorite: http://www.monostat.us/index.html

Have a great trip!
 
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