Flying with Camera Gear - Shimoda Designs Explore v2
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- Опубліковано 30 лип 2024
- Though I fly out of necessity to make the most of my landscape photography trips, airplane flights make me nervous. Flying with camera gear used to just cause me even more anxiety. However, as I've done it more and more, I now have a few tips to help make the experience easier. In this video, I talk about the two big things that seem to make most people nervous when flying with camera gear - getting through security and making sure you can carry on your camera bag.
I also talk about how I pack my Shimoda Designs Explore v2 35L for landscape photography trips that involve flying across the country.
🎥 Videos Referenced
Shimoda Designs Explore v2 - 6 Month Review - • Shimoda Designs Explor...
Three Underestimated Features of Shimoda Designs Explore v2 - • 3 Underestimated Featu...
Five Gift Ideas for Landscape Photographers 2021- • Five Gifts Ideas for L...
Five Practical Holiday Gift Ideas for Landscape Photographers - • 5 Practical Gifts for ...
Content:
00:00 - Intro
01:40 - What do I carry on?
02:20 - TSA
03:23 - Camera bag as carry on
05:42 - They want to check your bag
08:50 - Outside the bag
12:09 - Inside the bag
18:58 - Wrap up
🛠️ Photography Workshop Information
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📸 GEAR LISTS - PHOTO and VIDEO
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MY PHOTO GEAR
Main Photography Camera - geni.us/zkJs
Backup Photography Camera - geni.us/s1O2ME
Wide Angle Lens - geni.us/9LNFdRE
Telephoto Lens - geni.us/sX0yX
Super Telephoto Lens - geni.us/dHVL
Magnetic Filters - geni.us/vy0O
Main Tripod - geni.us/VfrVK
Current Ballhead - geni.us/9AKK87
Travel Tripod - geni.us/8jzZ
Main Camera Bag - shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/3eOBvd
Travel Camera Bag - shimoda-designs.j8ujgp.net/6eq0YG
L-Bracket - geni.us/hfiM
Cleaning Accessory - geni.us/nf0wV
MY VLOGGING GEAR
Main Video Camera - geni.us/7FfZv0
Vlogging Camera - geni.us/mCWakh
Action Camera - geni.us/wKIpbNS
Drone - geni.us/QZwLB
Wireless Audio - geni.us/khU7AKX
Backup Audio - geni.us/EFuiEg
Travel Video Tripod - geni.us/NisMl
Office Video Tripod - geni.us/Ag9F
MISC TOOLS AND SERVICES
Epidemic Sound - share.epidemicsound.com/7j7f0v
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Great video, Jeff! Always love seeing how people pack their gear when they travel. This is good food for thought when I fly next.
Thanks Jared! I always like to see how people pack their camera bags as well - especially when it is the same bag as I tend to carry. Always looking for cool tricks to make the most of the space!
Great idea for video Jeffery. Thanks, I'm going to share this on our channel - Ian
Awesome, thank you!!
My experience exactly. I do like the idea of having the separate insert cover. I’ll have to get one. I also try to get a rear seat unless I have a tight connection. Much less competition for the overheads during loading.
Having the insert cover is nice to have as a backup plan! Makes me relax just a little bit more!
I tend towards rear seats as well, but when flying with my wife - she wants to be as close to the front as possible so she doesn't have to wait as long for people to exit the plane!
Nice to see what is in your bag! I recently posted a video of my Shimoda bag set up for a trip. Thanks for sharing!
I think it is fun to see how folks pack their bags! I added your video too my watch list - I'll be curious to see! Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I got some good ideas from yours!
Jeff, good video very informative. I travel a lot with my camera gear both domestically and internationally. I like a bag that will fit under the seat if possible. I had the bag you are using but sold it and replaced it with a Think Tank 18 L bag. It will fit both my 24-120 and the 100-400 S lenses as well as the 14-30 wide if needed. I can also carry two Nikon Z bodies. Southwest Airlines is not a problem but when you fly any other airlines out of Columbus more often than not you are flying on a regional jet (RJ) for the first leg of the flight. The bins on the RJ's are much smaller than on SWA. Also when I am traveling internationally unless I am going specifically on a photo trip I would not take a tripod. If I did it would be a gorilla pod of some sort. If I did take the tripod I would put it in my passthrough luggage. I have 20+ years of travel experience with camera gear and internationally it is a lot more challenging. It is so much better to use one camera, and one lens. The 24-120 S Nikon is a perfect travel lens. More often than not you can get 90% of your images with that focal length. Of course if you are going to Africa, it is a different story and a longer focal length would be necessary. Once again thanks for sharing. Eric
Lots of great advice Eric! I used to have a ThinkTank (well, still do - I just don't tend to use it for landscape photography) - and it did fit under the seat , just barely - but that was a nice option to have!
It's been awhile since I've been on a regional jet ( I try to fly non-stop as often as possible - nervous flyer here ) and we're often headed west, so we skip the regionals. Been on a few though, especially to Chicago and even to Florida. Definitely a good point on their even smaller overheads.
Agreed on airline travel that wasn't specifically for photography. A tripod becomes a much tougher call. I've been known to put a tripod in my daughter's checked luggage before. And I would try to cut down on lenses as well. I don't have a 24-120, but I'd likely seriously consider only taking my 24-200. It is a pretty versatile lens.
I think where it would get tricky is when you're trying to go to Iceland for example and want all that gear, but are getting into international travel and space constraints!
Thanks for the comment - love hearing what tips and such people have when they travel with camera gear!
Thanks :) useful tips there!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I recommend the shimoda 4 panel wrap aswell - try it :) not that expansive but so nice to have. water proof aswell
@@architecture_logs I’ll need to check that out! Thanks!
All great tips. I had no idea that bag has that removable compartment. My mindshift bag fits just barely under the seat in front of me, so that's nice. But it's really close and does make me nervous in case they would say that it doesn't fit 100% for some reason
I'm a nervous flyer to begin with - so the added stress of making sure my camera bag remains with me/in the overhead adds to it! So far, so good. And I do like that if I absolutely had to, I could use that small cover for the ICU to quickly convert it into something that kept the really valuable, sensitive gear with me.
Flying to Death Valley in just over 2 weeks! Fingers crossed for another successful flight with that bag!
Thanks for watching!
thats the last bag you'll ever need to buy. it's just incredible.
@@architecture_logs just lugged it through all sorts of places in Death Valley and it held up fine! Even through some tight slot canyons where the bag definitely rubbed across some rock!
Good Job Jeffrey. Plane travel with photo gear is always a concern of mine. Good tips and well presented.
Thanks John! It always makes me nervous - but I think I'm starting to get a system that works pretty well. I'm sure you have more flying experience than me - I bet you have some handy tips as well!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography I haven't had to fly with camera gear very much. I did make a mistake on my last trip and used a bag that I thought was more airline friendly and I hated using it as my camera bag while on photo locations. Airtags are great for peace of mind for any travels with gear.
@@johnrobertsonphotography I forgot about mentioning AirTags! I keep one in my camera bag as well!
thanks for the backpack tour lol. Has your bag ever been weighted and you have been above the allowed weight? btw I actually put my tripod inside the bag, with a small icu, placed vertically you can slide the tripod right next to it and pull it out from the top. Makes the bag look much more low key, not just for airlines.
It did turn into a bit of a camera bag tour! I've never had to weight the bag or even have its measurements checked at the airport so far. I did weigh it before Ieft at home though, and I think it was right around 35 pounds fully loaded. It actually appears that for US travel they only care about the dimensions of the bag and not weight for carry-on. Which I found odd - I just try to act like it isn't heavy! :D
I like that trick of putting the tripod inside with the small ICU. I suspect that would definitely makes things look a little more low key than with the tripod strapped to the outside.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the video Jeffrey, I’m surprised they let you carry the tripod as a carry on ! Have they ever stopped you with the tripod outside your bag? Thanks again Rick
I have not ever been stopped or asked about my tripod with it on the outside of my bag. I do remove the ball head so it isn't taller than the bag and I try to cinch it in pretty close to the bag, to help keep the profile down as much as possible. I have only flown domestically with this setup. So far, so good!
Thanks for watching!
I run a 30L Explore V2 as my EDC. Fully loaded down. I travel constantly for work so I find myself in planes quite a bit. It will fit under most seats if you don’t mind a little reduced foot room. On longer flights I will gate check my duffel and toss the V2 in the overhead so I have more foot room.There are some aircraft will this will not fit under aisle seats due to width of seat braces.
All in all, it is the best I have found on the market for my EDC needs. I do wish the 25L would fit a 14” laptop and I would have gone that route…I think? Wish there was a divider in the laptop compartment so it is easier to run and laptop and iPad. I stick the iPad in the front pouch when I need quick and easy access.
I'd be very tempted to try the 30L out if I didn't also carry video equipment for the channel in addition to my normal still photo gear. I'm pretty sure it would work out really well in that situation. The option to fit under a seat is a nice one - helps make sure your gear comes in the cabin with you.
I've stuck an iPad in the front pouch many times - handy pocket for that!
Thanks for watching and the comments!
I have been searching for the answer to whether a 30L will fit under the seat 😅. I’ve been trying to decide whether I want a 25 or 30. I’ll be flying internationally so I need something that will fit under the seat if need be and be comfortable to carry.
@@selvaggianozomi 30L is really good, they made it so it fits most european and asian flights, which have tighter restrictions. If you can make 25l work though I heard they fit everywhere.
That's a great idea, keeping the ICU bag in the backpack to stow it separately - thanks! Slightly unrelated question (this is your most recent Shimoda video): in your experience with the Explore V2, have you noticed issues with water getting in through the back zipper that leads to the main compartment? I've seen a couple of mentions online of people having that problem, but that may just be people not admitting they didn't zip properly. I can't tell if that zipper has water resistance built in or not, especially since I assume the rain cover wouldn't cover that zipper.
Thanks for watching!
So - I have not had an issue yet, but the rear panel is not a waterproof zipper.
The one big rain I was in (enough to put the rain cover on) did not get in. I was wearing a rain jacket with a hood ( that was not up) that I suspect helped divert some of the water from between me and the pack).
So personal experience it has been fine. But a friend/fellow UA-camr in Scotland has had troubled with that in extended downpours.
Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thanks so much for the reply. Great feedback. I have the 25L on the way.
@@JUnderstudy awesome! They are great bags. I’m just getting back from using and abusing mine in Death Valley and it did great!
Solid tips! Thank you! Could you fit the bag underneath an airline seat if the only thing in the bag is the cube insert?
…And a laptop?
It might do in a pinch. The bag has a rigid frame insert in it that keeps the top from collapsing down even when it is empty at the top.
When I've flown with the bag I've had it pretty loaded up, so when I tried to put it under the seat it was fairly obvious that it was sticking out a bit. With nothing up there, it might squash down a bit to not look as obvious.
I feel like if I really wanted to put the bag under the seat, something like the 30L might be a better fit.
Hope that helps!
The laptop sits lower in the bag, so if the top part of the bag isn't full the laptop won't get in the way of that area.
Thanks Jeff! I really appreciate your response! That’s the challenge evaluating the bag with these videos, everybody always illustrates how much stuff the bag can hold but never how much the bag can get compressed if you want to use the bag as a personal item and stuff it underneath a seat, for example. I think you’re right about the frame though. Regardless of how much stuff is in the upper part of the bag, that frame is still going to be limiting. I think the frame on the 35L is a whole 3 inches longer than the 30L so I think that’s going to be a major hurdle if trying to stuff it under a seat, where a few inches can be the difference. I want to go with the 35L but might have to settle for the 30L just so ensure that I can stuff it under a seat as a personal item when I travel. Thanks again!
No problem. Trying to buy a bag is tough. When I bought my 35L I *hoped* it would fit under the seat. I tried on my first flight and it was just pretty bulky. Granted - my bag is usually packed full when I take it, so I didn't try to compress it down a lot.
I wish I had opportunity to try more of these bags in different sizes, so I could talk more about direct size comparisons from actual use and out in the field. Both for what you can fit in it and how well it travels.
Hi Jeff! Do you also bring a carry-on luggage with your Shimoda Explore when you do longer travels?
I was thinking of getting the Explore 35L to pair with a carry-on luggage, but i’m just worried about the Explore fitting under a typical airplane seat on most North American planes.
Unfortunately the 35L won’t fit under the seat well - sticks out just a bit to much. Enough that I think a flight attendant might say it’s too big.
So I typically plan for it to go in the overhead - it has always fit there with no issue. Though I’m usually on larger cross country planes - not regional jets.
I believe some folks have said the 30L will fit under the seat. If I didn’t carry all the video gear with me on trips a 30L might have worked well for just my still camera gear and lenses.
Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography thanks Jeff! You’ve made my decision a lot easier 😄 I’ll most likely just opt for the 30L then just to be safe and just so I don’t get into any snags with flight attendants haha
I only have 1 mirrorless body, three lenses and a drone anyway, so I hope all of those can fit in the Explore 30L and under an airplane seat.
Do you think it's possible to use it as a travel bag? meaning you can pack light gear like a tripod, 3 lenses, a body, some filters and so on but also like 4 changes of clothes? The main doubt I have with this bag is that I don't want to be carrying my camera bag AND also another bag just for my clothes and toiletries.
Thanks for your insight!
It can easily handle the camera gear and have room to spare - but 4 changes of clothes might be a bit tight, something more like 2 changes would probably be closer. (Note: I tend to check a bag of clothes when flying, so really haven't packed clothes for travel in the bag - but I do usually have layers of clothing stashed in the bag for hiking).
You may want to look at the Action Series of bags from Shimoda. They just released their v2 line that has several of the Explore features. And the Action Series has a roll top, that I feel like would add some flexibility to packing. They also have a large array of sizes in that line - so maybe a small bump to the 40L would be all you need. (of course, once you bump up in size - not sure how that will impact still being under carry-on limits).
Hope that helps!
Good tips, have you ever been told to check your tripod?
Thank you! I have not been told to check my tripod yet. I do use a slightly shorter tripod (FLM CP-30 S) which helps it keep fairly compact for a tripod when collapsed. I also remove the ballhead, so the tripod doesn't stick up higher than the bag itself. I also really cinch it tight to the bag (with a lower and upper strap to try to make it "look small". I also don't take the spiked feet. So far, no troubles.
Because of doing videos, sometimes I take 2 tripods on trips. And I actually typically put it in checked luggage. My video tripod is a MeFoto Globetrotter, the aluminum version. It folds up pretty small. I've flown with it that way several times and that's always been fine as well.
Hope that helps!
I just gave up and bought TSA Precheck just so I wouldn't have to unload my bag at all while going through TSA.
I'm so close to going that route. For my last trip a few week ago, it was easier than normal - didn't have to take anything out of the camera bag (I stopped taking a laptop and only traveling with an iPad now). Had to take my shoes off en route to my destination, but on the way back they had the dogs out - so didn't even have to take the shoes off.
Of course, I forgot to take my phone out of my pocket, so got "selected" for a quick pat down, but still not too bad.
TSA Precheck would be nice though for a more consistent experience!
I might have missed this but what is the size of your main ICU, please?
The main is a Medium ICU. I have a small that I will occasionally use when I need just a bit more ICU room (add it in with the medium so both the medium and small are in the bag).
The medium by itself is what I use the majority of the time though.
Hope that helps!
Where didbu get the cover for the core?
It came with the Explore 35L v2 starter kit. A Large Core I bought for my Action 50 also came with the cover.
What is the largest tripod you’ve carried attached to this backpck? Not sking with regards to flying with it, more related to carrying the tripod while out photographing on shorter hikes. I have a long legged tripod
When flying, the FLM CP30-S4 which is 18.88" when collapsed without the ball head.
When photographing regionally and no flights involved, I've been using an FLM CP30-L4.
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotographythanks, I’ll look up the soecs on the flm
I've been very happy with mine. I've been using the S4 for a little over 2 years, and just picked up a little bit back.
I did this video on the S4 and L4 that might help, and it links to some other FLM videos:
ua-cam.com/video/7uZspeQSiB4/v-deo.html
Nick Page has done some good videos on them as well. Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Thank you Jeffrey, I have the Leofoto LM-324L, folded it's about 4 inches longer than the FLM L4, so I don't think it will be much of a problem, however I might consider taking the head off, will have to try it out once I decide on which bag to get. Looking at the Shimoda Explorer 35L v2 or the Shimoda 40L Action v2
Yeah - I think if you take the head off, you won’t have much issue. No one has ever bothered me or even asked about the tripod on the side of the bag.
I’ve been using the 35L Explore v2 for travel. Picked up a 50L Action v2, I like it, but a bit big for airline travel in my opinion. I think the 40L is the sweet spot and sort of wish I’d gone with it instead of the 50L.
Does anyone fly with the Shimoda x50? I just ordered one and I am already having anxiety about an international flight in august.
I have not flown with an x50. I did find this thread from DPReview, but sounds like it was a friend of friend type thing saying it was fine (and didn’t mention if it was an international flight or not):
www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4659415
I’d check the bag measurements against the airline regulations you’ll be flying with and see how close it is. And since it is roll top, maybe try not to overpack so it looks a little smaller. (Even when I travel with my Explore v2, I try to cinch things down pretty tight while flying just to help make it look a little less big).
Wish I could be of more help!
I've flown with an Explore 40 to the Caribbean on a charter flight and they didn't care about the bag. But they tested every single lens for explosives :D. An X50 is way above the limits though so I wouldn't try it personally.
Where did u get the cover for the core?
See other reply above/below - came with the kit. Hope that helps!
@JeffreyTadlockPhotography thank you, i ordered the bag, and im just surfing youtube how to travel with it.. lol thank you for a great video, i never read comments lol
Anyone knows which ICU unit is this? The Medium DSLR one? Or Medium Mirrorless?
It is the Medium DSLR. Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotographythanks for sharing Jeffery!
1. That DSLR ICU is taller I understand. So you may be able to stack more things on top, but does it have any cons? There's no pushing into the laptop space which may harm it?
2. I'm trying to understand how much space indeed is left for misc stuff. The top two compartments feel like they're sharing the same space actually. So it might be misleading a bit...
3. P.S- that ICU Pouch/cover - does it come with the bag? Or sold separately? I dug your tip a lot btw, thanks for sharing :)
No problem - hopefully some of the info helps!
Re: DSLR ICU - use it is a little taller than the mirrorless. I like it because even though I use Nikon mirrorless, even my 24-120 lens can be put in the bag vertically, essentially saving space and keeping the lens protected. My 100-400 has to lay sideways, but there is room for my filter pouch still. So I like the extra height of the DSLR version. I wouldn’t say there is a significant con - the bag will always be a little thicker (from front to back) with the taller ICU in it I guess.
Oh - laptop space, so I have carried a MacBook Pro 15” in the laptop sleeve. I feel okay about carrying it there and have not had any issues with it. These days I try to only take an iPad, but there are certain trips where I have to take a laptop.
Re: Misc.Compartment - yes, that area just above the ICU is essentially shared. So if you stuff it full of things, it will squeeze out some of the other compartments. It all works out and I still feel like the bag can carry a lot. For example, I’m getting set to head out on a trip and will carry my normal stills gear (a z7ii and 3 lenses, plus filters), plus my YT video and audio gear (Nikon Z30, audio mics, a small DJI Action camera, etc), and a small drone, plus some small snacks, and miscellaneous things like rocket blower, Allen keys, spare batteries, etc. The bag gets full, but it holds it all.
Re: ICU Cover - it comes with the ICU. When I bought the Explore v2, it was a this Starter Kit and it came in that bundle. But if you buy just the ICU it should also come with that pouch/cover.
Hope that helps!
@@JeffreyTadlockPhotography Sharing from your experience really helps. You raise valid points!
1. I tried searching the web to see if people modified somehow the bag"s laptop pouch, adding some kind of latch so it doesn't slide over but I didn't see anything :)
2. Regarding the ICU, I'll definitely get the medium DSLR, and boy, will it be interesting to see if I could actually squeeze in 3 bodies (vertically) F100x2 +5D4+3-4 small lenses+ Super8 camera+Instax Square+film+batteries etc+ Alpake tech pouch. Well, I might have to give it a test at a store that sells the bag.
The real question is how much stuff is left for misc items. Snacks, a thin Uniqulo jacket and such. Shimoda's X50 series seems inviting for that, yet, I feel like you will be asked to check such a bag in. It's too bulky.
3. To be honest, I felt like camera bags are too focus centric on camera equipment only, and that those ICU's may take up all space so better somehow throw it all together in a more freeform bag, but the 35L model seems to be somewhere in the middle and checks many boxes, so I'll wait for Black Friday to see if any deals come up...
P.S- Matador Seg45 felt very intriguing conceptually, yet I realized it has no backbone, nor structure or padding, and that with such heavy load, I need something like the shimoda that won't kill my back (+hip straps!)
In Australia tripods aren’t allowed through airport security
I didn't know that. In the US I've never had a problem with it on my camera bag.
Since this video was made I've only got pulled out at TSA once for my camera bag and they just had me take a couple of things out (camera body, tech pouch) and they rescanned the bag and the two items sepearately and let me on through.
Have you ever had problems with TSA when traveling with tripods?
I have not had any issues so far.
I do use the FLM CP30-S4 when traveling, which is a slightly shorter tripod than my L4 so it fits nicely alongside my bag. I also remove the ball head to help it look smaller, and I don't use spiked feet when traveling.
But so far, so good.
By the way they are flight attendants not stewardess.
Ah yes, outdated terminology! Thanks for watching!