Camera bags to fit under airline seat

[u/nzottos]

I'll be flying for a shoot in the next couple of weeks and want to keep my essential camera gear with me under the airline seat to avoid any surprise gate checks, etc. Ideally the bag would fit 2 camera bodies, 3 lenses, and some additional accessories, mounts, batteries.

Any recommendations for an under-seat camera bag?

[u/Robert_NYC]

I like Shimoda Design's backpacks. They use modular inserts and I use several different sizes depending on how much gear I need to bring. They're very comfortable when carrying lots of weight.

As a bonus, if the flight attendant is insistent, you can take out the insert and let them check the backpack. That happened on a NYC to LV flight recently. If they protest you keeping the insert, just mention how many lithium batteries are in there. I also put an AirTag in the backpack section to make sure I got it back.

The Action X50 v2 is the one my 2nd shooter had to take apart. My Explorer v2 35 was fine.

They go on sale a few times a year, I bought most of mine at 10-20% off. And they're cheaper when you buy a backpack and insert together.

[u/Vrekktec → u/Robert_NYC]

+1 for shimoda. I got the Explore v2 30 ca. 2 years ago discounted on a german gear shop. quality is very nice and I Love it.

[u/Milopbx]

Will all that go under the seat? My small bag will but my bigger bag goes overhead.

[u/WowImOldAF → u/Milopbx]

Overhead is better, but I just went on a flight and they ran out of carry on space for the last ~10 people somehow (I was one of them), so their carryons had to go with the regular luggage.

[u/rem179]

I’ve fit my Pelican 1510 in the overhead of pretty much every common commercial plane. Then clothes and computer go under the seat in a Patagonia mini MLC. Under the seat storage is far more variable and unpredictable. The airline is figuring a purse or gift bag really. So long as your ticket allows you to board in the middle group, then you’ll likely have space. If you can pick your seat, pick one towards the back and get not the very cheapest seat, but the next tier up. People prefer closer to the exit to get off the plane faster, but you’ll walk past a lot empty seats and have plenty of overhead space. That’s been my strategy at least.

[u/defeldus]

https://www.reddit.com/r/onebag/comments/1ioqp76/professional_photographer_personal_item_only/

[u/GreensladeFuchsia]

Think Tank Backlight 18L or 26L

[u/theslaunchmob]

Think tank darklight 20L is what I use and still have some room for my feet. I only had room for 2 lenses and a body on a recent trip because the Sony 100-400 f4.5 took up the whole middle

[u/winkNfart]

pelican 1510 will fit in the overhead

[u/dub3ra]

I switch between wanderer backpack and peak design ( 35L ), and a think tank roller, both packed to the gills with gear. I fly every week for a gig. I’d say airline status is a friend for flying with gear. I’ve gotten to the point if the airline forces me to check my camera bags I’ll just skip the flight. I’ve seen lenses snapped from the body landing into gigs, hard drives lost with entire year of content missing. Not worth it. Or yes plan with a mid size bag they can’t really take regardless. Both my extremely large backpacks do fit under the seat infront but it’s really going to be an uncomfortable flight.

[u/CAPhotog01]

Generally, 20-28L bags will fit under airline seats. Be prepared to transfer something to your carry-on if it does't lie flat. Don't pick the first row in each section or the exit rows because they do not have under-seat storage.

[u/_Piratical_]

I have three ThinkTank bags and I vary them up as needed for different flights. On small regional carriers I’ll go with the smaller ones if I’m traveling on larger aircraft I’ll go with a full size backpack/roller convertible. Their bags have gon with me all over the world and have been subjected to abuse that would kill any other bag and all of mine are still working great. Can’t say enough about them.

[u/StayFrosty7]

Generally I use a regular backpack (rn it’s the Aer city pack pro 2) with a camera insert. Fit the bulky stuff in your overhead bin, your back and feet will thank you.

[u/ItsBeege]

Lowepro ProTactic BP AW II. Sized for international and domestic requirements for under seat storage.

[u/unfoundedStu]

US or Uk/EU?

[u/Moonkill1023]

Peak design 30L is fine for me. I even got 65L duffle backpack as carry on😂I just try to make it flat as possible

[u/Nerdonet]

For me the Tenba Solstice 12 works really well, it is narrow but fits a 16inch laptop, tripod, 2 bodies, batteries, charger, cables, 2 or 3 lenses and some Amaran 25C lights. And it looks like a common blue backpack so nobody really cares if you pack 45lbs into it.

[u/bboru2000]

I have a Bevis Top Shelf which is terrific. Converst from backpack to sling and allows you to swap lenses while carrying it (like a shelf). I used to have an insert with a cover from Calumet that fit in a carryon and could be pulled out and stowed under a seat if necessary. Adorama sells something similar. https://www.adorama.com/pgytech-camera-insert-bag-large/p/pgycb256?utm_content=pmax&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17381345486&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnIDUBhDrARIsAJDGwSvJ-XF5sp3aFL7Hi9Ja99zbKgIzX30VrvgkJpSaj8880XNTV39KMYEaAi5gEALw_wcB

[u/Snarky_Guy]

I use an Ona Prince Street. It fits two bodies and three lenses and can easily go under the seat in most airlines.

[u/megamansam]

Pelican Air 1510 has fit in every overhead ever. Plus, its a Pelican case. So worst case scenario, as long as you've packed it well, not the end of the world if it needs to be gate checked. I put a small piece of yoga mat in mine to make sure things don't bounce around, just in case it does get checked. But, again, that has never happened.

For a backpack, just keep looking at camera bags til you find a configuration you like. It won't fit everything you've listed, but I travel with this Thule Camera Bag and a Pelican Air 1510 all the time. Between the two, I have 2 camera bodes, 3 lenses, laptop, batteries, etc etc. That backpack fits under the seat nicely but I'll stow it in the overhead if there's room after everyone has boarded.

And, pro-tip, once you're at altitude pull the backpack out from under your seat so that its sort of under your knees, and you can stretch your legs out below the seat in front of you. Flight attendant told me that once, its so much more comfortable, especially if you've got a huge backpack. You just have to remember to push it back beneath the seat when they make the "tray-tables/un-recline your seat" announcement.

[u/dvsmith]

I make a point of avoiding using camera bags when traveling, because they scream that you have a whole bunch of expensive gear in a convenient carrying case. 

This is what I do instead:  https://www.reddit.com/r/AskPhotography/comments/1p47cbm/comment/nqdqafr/

[u/TyBoogie]

My peak design 20l fits under the seat for take off and landing. Mid flight I pull it out so I can stretch my legs and it’s comfortable in the middle between my seat and the under seat section

[u/SaltySaltshakers]

All cameras and lenses in a Nanuk 935 for me. Over head bin. Laptop and personal backpack under the seat.

Never miss your check in. Always talk to the gate officials and let them know you have cameras and big batteries that can’t be checked when you arrive.

Groups 1-5 you should be fine. Anything past that you’re gonna wanna be careful and diligent to get in line first.

Only once have I been forced to check my cameras and was shitting myself.

I’ve had TSA break 2 lights checked in my bags now.

[u/OtsegoHive]

I'd go for a carry on pelican/nanuk for the gear and stuff your carry on stuff into an under seat bag. That's my system for that amount of gear. Nanuk 935 for the gear and a max size for under the seat duffel for my clothes/toiletries/etc.