Camera backpack and tripod - how do you fly?

[MiqsPix]

I have the Lowepro Fastpack 200 which suits my needs but every time I travel abroad I have to leave my tripod behind because of flight luggage restrictions. I have a Gorillapod which I have used before but does not quite cut it when a large tripod viewing angle is desired. I have tried to pack my tripod into a case to go into the hold .... but it creases my wife's dresses! My tripod is a Giottos MTL 9351B which is "sturdy" to say the least. I have considered smaller lighter tripods but always found them too light for a DSLR with zoom attached. How does anyone cope? Do you take your tripod on flights or leave it at home? I understand there are bags available with a strap to carry a tripod but still think it will be outside the hand luggage size limit. Is there a solution to this or do I make do with my Gorillapod?

[Nicole]

I think the solution is change how you pack your suitcase I throw my tripod in my checked bags all the time. The best way I've found is to throw a shirt or two on the bottom of the suitcase then throw the tripod between the two ridges caused by the inevitable bag handle that slides up. Throw a pair of pants or jeans over that then pack the suitcase normally, nothing else winds up creased that way

[Hill Country Hack]

Originally Posted by Nicole

I think the solution is change how you pack your suitcase I throw my tripod in my checked bags all the time. The best way I've found is to throw a shirt or two on the bottom of the suitcase then throw the tripod between the two ridges caused by the inevitable bag handle that slides up. Throw a pair of pants or jeans over that then pack the suitcase normally, nothing else winds up creased that way

I used Nicole's way last time I travelled with a checked bag. On my recent trip I only had carry on so I bought a gorillapod. It worked ok for what I was trying to do. Not optimal, but can be workable.

[SwissJon]

I travel quite a lot, in fact I'm off again on Sunday. I have a large tripod that I take any time I'm going anywhere interesting, and a smaller one anytime I might just need one on the off chance. I have a gorillapod, but with a 24-70or 70-200 it's pointless. The other thing I use occasionally is a small beanbag which works ok on all lenses but restricts the angles you can shoot at.

I have found a suitcase that's exactly the right length for my tripod at a diagonal. I pack socks and pants and other stuff that doesn't matter if it creases and then lay the shirts on top.

[MattG]

Ditto with the tripod in the checked luggage. To prevent or limit your wife's dresses from creasing, try and get hold of some of those protective covers that dry cleaners use, before folding, else use tissue paper.

When you arrive at your hotel, hang the creased clothes (if any) in the bathroom whilst you have a shower and the steam will help the creases fall out.

[Biomech]

Or wrap some corregated cardboard around it...

I always leave my tripod and then spend the holiday complaining that I don't have it :P I do try and take a bean bag though.

[NathanFranke]

I leave the tripod at home and then improvise with walls, tables, fences, iso, etc. So far it's worked pretty well, but I also haven't travelled that much since picking photography back up.

[MiqsPix]

Thanks for all the replies. The reason I want to take the tripod is that I want to get an ND110 filter and then hopefully some long exposures. In the past I have managed to use my Gorillapod for various extended exposure times reasonably satisfactory but it is not an ideal solution.

I strap my tripod to my backpack.


Only hit one guy in the face!! New record for me

[MiqsPix]

Yes .... I had considered using some velcro tape and making a strap as you mention but didn't have the absolute confidence in it!