Problems Cameramen Encounter While Travelling & How to Solve Them
Travelling with a camera is not easy. I once had an experience at the airport when someone ahead of me in the queue was being checked for their heavy gear, and we had to wait so long because of it. That’s when I realised how much extra trouble it must be for people carrying camera equipment; it’s definitely something to stress about, especially when you’re travelling for a shoot.
A heavy camera can make an already stressful situation worse. So I started looking for bags made specifically for photographers and cameramen. Let me make one thing clear here that I’m not into this field, but I have a friend who faces the same problem while travelling with a camera, and I wanted to find a solution for her.
The Major Problems Cameramen Face
Before we jump to the solution, let’s take a look at the problems people (especially my friend) face while travelling with camera gear.
Airline and Airport Headaches
Most airlines allow only 7–10 kg for carry-on bags, and once you add camera bodies, lenses, batteries, and accessories, you’re already over the limit. This can mean paying extra fees or, worse, being forced to check your gear in. Unfortunately, checked baggage is often handled roughly. That same friend of mine, whom I was planning to get a bag for, got her expensive camera damaged due to poor airport handling.
Packing and Mobility Struggles
There’s no such thing as the perfect camera bag. Backpacks are great on location, but hauling a heavy one through long terminals or sprinting between gates can leave your shoulders aching. This aspect leaves many people with camera gear tired even before getting ready to travel for hours.
Theft Concerns
Professional camera gear is eye-catching, and that’s not always a good thing. In busy airports, tourist spots, and hotels, visible equipment can attract thieves. I mean, having a not-so-appealing bag means you are investing in something inconvenient, and the ones that are made for them tend to be very eye-catching.
Organization Chaos
At some point during a trip, every cameraman ends up standing there with their bag wide open, thinking, “Where did I put that?” A spare battery should take two seconds to grab, but instead, you’re digging past lenses, cables, and chargers while your stress level climbs. The worst thing is when security asks you to open your bag, you pull things out in a rush, and then you’re left repacking everything on the floor or a tiny counter while people wait behind you.
How Think Tank Solves These Challenges
To avoid all these problems and keep your camera gear safe, you need the right bag, one that also doesn’t attract unwanted attention from pickpockets. That’s where the real challenge begins. After a lot of research, I finally came across a brand that understands the needs of cameramen while travelling. When my friend’s camera got damaged during air travel, I decided to get her a bag from Think Tank that would actually protect her gear, since she carries it with her everywhere she goes.
Think Tank has a wide range of durable camera bags and accessories for people who travel frequently with their equipment.
Airport Roller Derby™ V2
The Think Tank Airport Roller Derby V2 is a rolling camera bag made for people who travel with a lot of gear. It’s designed so you can pull it through airports easily without struggling with heavy backpacks. The bag has four smooth wheels and a strong handle that makes it easy to push or pull in tight spaces.
Benefits
Here are the following benefits:
- Lots of Space: Can fit two cameras with lenses, extra lenses, flashes, and even large telephoto lenses (up to 400 mm f/2.8) comfortably, without needing to remove your laptop.
- Airline-Friendly: Sized to fit most carry-on rules for U.S. and international flights, so you don’t have to check your gear.
- Easy to Roll Around: Four smooth wheels that spin in any direction and a sturdy handle make it simple to move through airports.
- Super Organised: Lots of compartments for batteries, memory cards, filters, and even laptops or tablets, so everything has its place.
- Safe & Tough: Strong zippers you can lock, reinforced body, travel-approved locks, and a rain cover to keep your gear safe in any weather.
If you keep worrying about all the problems, they just feel bigger and bigger. Instead of stressing, why not focus on a solution? That’s exactly what this Think Tank bag does. My friend, whom I gifted this bag, is completely in love with it; she doesn’t plan on ever changing it. She loves that she never has to check her gear at the airport, and everything fits perfectly in the compartments without her having to cram or stuff anything. If you, or any of your friends, struggle with carrying camera gear while travelling, this bag is the real solution.
And if you want to get one, we can help you grab a discount through this link. Since we’re affiliated with Think Tank, it won’t cost you anything extra, and we might earn a small commission.
Stay tuned to TheSmartUse for more tips on travelling safely and stress-free.