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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Securing your equipment on the road

Luc Bouvrette

Luc Bouvrette

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I do a fair amount of fieldwork, solo more often than not. I've stayed in all sorts of accommodations from communal trailer, tents, apartments to motels and hotels.

Securing my stuff on the road is a huge preoccupation of mine. When it's absolutely necessary that I leave some equipment behind in my room, I've done everything from locking pelican cases to bed frames and plumbing to hiding gear under piles of dirty laundry.

How do you guys secure your stuff on the road? Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
Luc:

While scuba diving off of Cocos Island, I met a guy who had about $100K worth of equipment (video camera, housings, strobes, you name it). He used to own the best Pelican cases for his equipment, but after several thefts in hotels, boats, airports, and even at local markets at knife point, he decided to change his approach. He believes that Pelican cases, although great, call too much attention to themselves; "something expensive" most be there.

Instead, he had this method to conceal his precious equipment:

Bought cases, not Pelican, and used medical waste tape and rolled it around his bags; NOBODY HAS MESSED WITH HIS EQUIPMENT SINCE.



Luc Bouvrette said:
I do a fair amount of fieldwork, solo more often than not. I've stayed in all sorts of accommodations from communal trailer, tents, apartments to motels and hotels.

Securing my stuff on the road is a huge preoccupation of mine. When it's absolutely necessary that I leave some equipment behind in my room, I've done everything from locking pelican cases to bed frames and plumbing to hiding gear under piles of dirty laundry.

How do you guys secure your stuff on the road? Any feedback would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
#1 Rule: Keep the Red camera with you at all times. I never, ever, ever leave my Epic sitting in my car unattended.
 
Thanks for your feedback guys, it pretty much amounts to what I've been doing all along. Although I have to give the used medical waste tape a try! Hehehe...

Josh, I already own a Lowepro Super Trekker and I love it. Think Tank systems look pretty nifty too, especially their rolling camera bags for air travel.

I guess my dilemma is often when, after a day's work, I'm invited somewhere, a bar or a party for example. That's when I ask myself "should I bring as much gear as I can with me or try to hide it / secure it in my room?". I've had several close calls in the past and I'm trying to avoid those as much as I can.

But I do agree with Tom and Ketch, I never leave anything in a car unattended.
 
Hotel rooms; if you have to leave the room, DND sign on door, TV on some violent channel (hard to find, I know), bathroom door closed w/light on.

I use a hard case padlocked to the bedframe, if an amateur wants it, he's going to have to make a lot of noise.

If the pros want your gear, they're going to get it, no matter what. So, the best you can do, non-descript cases, one eye on gear at all times, and up-to-date insurance policies.
 
Tom Lowe said:
#1 Rule: Keep the Red camera with you at all times. I never, ever, ever leave my Epic sitting in my car unattended.
Click to expand...

Gear stolen from an unattended vehicle is usually not covered by insurance. Hence, you will see ads on CL for people to do an overnight "firewatch" so that, in the event that something is stolen, the vehiicle was "watched". Or you will have a dedicated night watch crew position.
 
Amaury Bargioni said:
This is a great idea. But what did he do in airports? (I guess someone would find suspicious a guy travelling with cases written "medical waste" on them)
Click to expand...

Before you get to the airport, you take the tape off!
 
This is why I think the Red Epic case is a terrible idea....for traveling at least. Local studio jobs its nice. The premise being when to advertise and when not to advertise.

+1 on insurance
+1 on firewatching
+1 on padlock to beds etc.
+1 on pro's get what they want when they want it.

Would love to see someone's hotel "rig" - for entertainment's sake.

Edit: this post has my wheels turning though...i think ima look up motion camera/alarm with ipod app

p.s. I love James Bond. I think this is why I love electronics too...

Edit: what about Lojack for cameras?
http://www.tracking-system.com/surv...page/67-silvercloud-gps-tracker.html?sef=hcfp
 
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