Protecting Expensive and Fragile Equipment While Traveling

When flying, we are limited in the number and size of the bags we’re allowed to bring on board. But sometimes it’s worth dedicating one of those bags to our expensive or fragile equipment in order to keep it safe.

My own dive camera setup has been growing in size and I was at the point where trying to wrap it up in blankets in my carry-on was becoming impractical. I needed a solid travel camera case to protect the fragile lights and lenses I bring with me along with my camera. The thought of someone trying to squeeze their bag into the overhead bin next to my setup, or someone inadvertently kicking or bumping my bag made a soft bag a non-starter. Aside from the cost of repairs, imagine you are heading out on an exotic dive trip to a remote destination where there are no spare parts to be found. A hard case would be a good investment!

Nanuk Hard-Shell Cases Features

We came across the line of Nanuk cases thanks to my father that uses these to build custom equipment testing devices. We found that not only were they made to TSA carry-on specs at 21.5 inches. They were also solid, well made, reasonably priced, and came with foam inserts from which you can pluck out the shapes you need for your devices. A perfect travel case for my camera!

Customizable foam padding

The case comes with a top and bottom foam pad, and inside you have two thick ‘pluckable’ foam pads from which you separate and remove small sections of foam to make room for your equipment. This essentially makes a custom case, which fits your accessories and equipment like a glove. We set out to create the perfect case for my dive camera and fisheye lens.

Tip: You can’t glue the foam back so think carefully about your layout before you start customizing!

I wanted to save some room for a future video light and a possible frame extension, so we grouped the camera to one side with the strobe light and put the fisheye lens in the middle. Note that there’s still plenty of room for accessories like battery chargers and cables or spare parts. You can also make pockets under the first layer, which will be covered by equipment that does not require the full depth of the two inserts. This makes for two convenient layers.

February 2024 update: After using this system for a few years, I’ve now replaced the top foam layer with a custom-fit organizer. It’s very convenient to have room for spare camera equipment such as batteries, silica gel packs, spare O-rings for the camera housing and lighting equipment, and an extra fiber optic sync cord for my strobe. There was also plenty of room left for our certification cards, logbooks, dive computer charger, and a small fish ID book.

Hermetically sealed case

Once closed, the case becomes hermetically sealed—airtight and waterproof—protecting your fragile and expensive equipment from outsides elements.

Sturdy locks and rugged wheels

There’s even two pre-made holes to insert TSA locks.

Sturdy Lock

Sturdy Wheels

I’m excited about trying out my new setup on our next trip to the Cayman Islands. I’m happy that I won’t have to worry about my dive camera and accessories along the way in its new travel case.

*Please note that we are not paid for this write-up, we simply want to share our findings in the fast moving field of travel tech and travel gear.

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