Photo Bags for Small Aircraft
Take a trip to most anywhere off the beaten path, and the airlines may hit you with a severe carry on weight limit. In my travels, 11 or 17 lbs have been the most frequent limits. These restrictions are typical for the small aircraft run by local carriers.
My sense is they're actually more interested in the size - they want to be sure it fits in the limited overhead space. So, the trick is to pack the gear so it looks light.
Most photo bags are heavily padded and bulky. The ones that looks small are small. ThinkTank to the rescue. Their Urban Disguise series of should bags is perfect for this. I bought the Urban Disguise 35.
First, it doesn't look like a photo bag for thieves to target. Fully loaded it looks like it weights maybe 9-10 lbs. Here's what I pack in mine: Nikon D700 with 70-300 mounted, 70-200 f2.8, 12-24, 50, 1.7 tele, SB900 flash, 2 Nexto image backup units, extra batteries, rechargers. And a 13 inch laptop and recharger! There's even room for a Bluetooth mouse. It weighs in at well over 20 lbs, but looks less than 10 lbs. Since it is so small, it fits anywhere once onboard.
No one has ever given it a second glance for weight limits. Remember, though, you have to carry it like it's light! Once you arrive, pull out and attach the optional backpack harness and you're all set.
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