Tripod case for airplane carry-on

[Caps18]

I have a Gitzo GT3541LS tripod, and I am having a tough time figuring out how to travel with it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/567550-REG/Gitzo_GT3541LS_GT3541LS_Systematic_6X_Carbon.html

I have a Pelican case for both my computer and camera that I can carry on to the plane (two small Pelican cases merged into one bigger one due to the carry on restriction), but now I am looking for another Pelican case that could fit a tripod, clothes, and bathroom bag...and possibly a small tent.  My backpack does this, but only because I was able to strap the tripod in the thin bag to the outside of the backpack.


The Pelican 1514 case was just about 2 inches too short to hold the tripod without the head on it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/682483-REG/Gitzo_GS3300_Series_3_Leg_Section.html
Sacrificing one section might be 'extreme' (and would save a little weight), but it might fit.  I would then use the existing camera case (pelican 1450) to carry the 300 f/4, clothes and nylon part of the tent.  That might work...

The other possibility is to get this case:
http://pelican.com/cases_detail_single_lid.php?Case=CL2406-0303
and carry the tripod and small ball head, tent poles, clothes, and nylon tent in there.

The third option is the non-airplane best solution.  If I got the Pelican 1700, it would be the right size for truck and car trips, and allow me to keep the Whimberly head on the tripod.
http://pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1700

Or maybe there is some other backpack that it might fit in that I could use to go hiking/camping?

I have been know to wear multiple layers of clothes through security to save weight.  The TSA loves me...

[Viggo]

I use my backpack as carry-on and strap the tripod to the back of it.

[Flake]

This might seem a little odd, but it's quite easy to make your own!  Just find a carpet fitter, and the cardboard tube from the centre is just the right diameter, plus it's about 16 feet long .  It's very thick, you'll need a saw to cut it.  Thick cardboard end caps, sticky tape & velcro & you can have a rigid tripod case of exactly the right size for little cost.

Most cases I've looked at are designed for legs only, not the head attached.

[neuroanatomist]

My Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 fits inside my Pelican Storm im2500 (equivalent to Peli 1510) with the head removed.  On short trips, I travel with tripod and head, camera and lens in a Lowepro Toploader Pro, and another lens or two in Lowepro Lens Cases, plus clothes and a toiletries bag, all in the im2500. The laptop is in a separate bag (Brenthaven). 

[scrappydog]

The head you choose can make a big difference in the weight.  Try to get a good quality head that is light.  I have the RRS BH-55 with a panning clamp on my big tripod and a Markins Q3T head on my travel tripod.  The BH-55 is wonderful, but it is heavy and feels heavy even on my travel tripod.  In comparison, the Markins is light and it works flawlessly.  Try to stay at or below one pound (16 oz) of weight for the head if you can.  Markins, Acratech, and other reputable companies make good quality lightweight heads.

[D.Sim]

Heres a question though... Can Tripods be carry on luggage? Wouldn't it be considered a dangerous object... what with it being quite close to a stick...

I've always checked my tripod in (In the middle of my hard suitcase, packed around with clothes and fragile stickers all over)...

[neuroanatomist]

Heres a question though... Can Tripods be carry on luggage? Wouldn't it be considered a dangerous object... what with it being quite close to a stick...

TSA doesn't have a specific rule on tripods.  Personally, I've carried on a tripod or a monopod on several flights in the US with no issues, always with camera gear in the case as well.

[candyman]

I have carried a back-pack (containing a tripod) on a trolley and a separate laptop bag both as "handluggage" with me on various flights within Europe and from Europe to the Middle East. Never had a problem.
If it is within size and weight specification, it should not be a problem

EDIT: In my case I covered the tripod so it is not visible as seen in the photo here.

[waving_odd]

My Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 fits inside my Pelican Storm im2500 (equivalent to Peli 1510) with the head removed.  On short trips, I travel with tripod and head, camera and lens in a Lowepro Toploader Pro, and another lens or two in Lowepro Lens Cases, plus clothes and a toiletries bag, all in the im2500. The laptop is in a separate bag (Brenthaven).

Sounds like a nice all-in-one solution!

Mind to take some pictures and show us when you have time?   

Just want to see how people organize their gears and personal items when travelling.

I used to check http://www.cambags.com/ but seems like they don't have much reviews / pictures for new bags/cases.

[scrappydog]

Heres a question though... Can Tripods be carry on luggage? Wouldn't it be considered a dangerous object... what with it being quite close to a stick...

I cannot speak for the tripod, but I was stopped in Baltimore's airport with a RRS BH-55 in my backpack.  The TSA agent scanning bags flagged it, they inspected it, and then let me move on.  I'm not sure what they thought it might be.

[Caps18]

http://www.cambags.com/nikon/d1/backpacks/images/tamrac_5578/Expedition-8-and-tripod.jpg

Here is a picture that I found, but it is what I am trying to avoid.  I like the tube idea, or trying to modify my current backpack to add more protection from the abuse it will get from traveling.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819123-REG/Kata_KT_PL_TLB_300_TLB_300_PL_Telephoto_Lens.html

I'm thinking that a pack like this will work for my tripod, clothes, supplies, tent?, food, and water bottles(on outside).

Here is the 'official' tripod backpack for twice the price.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819975-REG/Kata_KT_PL_TC_30_35_TC_30_35_PL_Tripod.html

But, I will need to get a good lightweight ballhead if I am going to travel/hike/backpack with this tripod and camera.

I am also hoping that this TLB-300 pack will be airline approved, I think it will fit under the seat in front, while my Pelican case with the camera and computer will go overhead.  If I am walking around with the camera and tripod in the packback in a city like London, Paris, or Sydney, it would be light enough, be able to carry other lenses, and allow me quick access to a tripod.  If I go back country hiking, I can fit enough gear on it for a few days.

[StacyC]

Does the TSA actually let you guys carry on a tripod?  I tried that once and was told that the tripod could be sharpened and used as a spear or used as a blunt force weapon.

[Caps18]

Mine doesn't have the metal tips on the feet, and I don't think anyone would be able to use it without lots of people rushing them.

I was able to break it apart and fit it into my old college backpack, which I have taken on planes before.  I need to get the foam leg protectors to help protect it.

I will try packing it for real with clothes and other things I would bring, and it might work.  I will need to figure out a way to carry it on the outside of the pack or when it is all put together somehow so I can walk around with it when I get to my destination.

A small backpack and a Pelican 1514 case would be great. 

[neuroanatomist]

Does the TSA actually let you guys carry on a tripod?  I tried that once and was told that the tripod could be sharpened and used as a spear or used as a blunt force weapon.

I have flown with a tripod in my carry-on case several times, and one occasion with a monopod instead.  No issues.

[scrappydog]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/819123-REG/Kata_KT_PL_TLB_300_TLB_300_PL_Telephoto_Lens.html
I'm thinking that a pack like this will work for my tripod, clothes, supplies, tent?, food, and water bottles(on outside).

Interesting idea.  There isn't enough room inside for a tent, but you could hang one from the bottom of the bag.  The water bottles can be attached to the front loops via carabiners.  The inside would likely need dividers for different lenses that you plan to take.  The center shaft in the large compartment looks large enough to run a smaller travel tripod through it (e.g. Gitzo Traveler), but a 300mm would be out of the question.