Converting carry-on luggage to a camera case

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I have a Rally 7 camera bag that practically fills my carry-on case when I'm travelling.

The next flights need a reduction in the weight of my carry-on so I'm planning to leave the Rally 7 at home and use foam to create secure 'niches' for my camera and lenses inside the carry-on.

Can anyone advise on where I can buy slabs of foam which I can cut to create the various niches?
 
Faced with the same problem I bought one of these cases for my 5DmkII and 24-70L lens, ro place inside my carry on bag: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260921650722

However, I've now bought a Lowepro Sling Passport instead: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130708445363

It features an internal padded 'box' for the camera gear. I could either use the whole bag as my cabin bag, oor take out the box with camera and pack it into a different cabin bag, and then pack the rest of the lowepro into my baggage, as it would just fold down.
 
Thanks, but I wanted to create something bespoke that actually fits the carry-on case so that would involve buying slabs of foam and then cutting them.
 
You just need high density foam then, rather than from an upholsterer, although that stuff would probably suffice for your needs too. I went to a bespoke flight case supplier in West London for some HD foam. Pretty easy to pick up anywhere though I would have thought..
 
I've seen kneeling pads and camping mats/sitting pads used before (on a forum - can't remember which one). The thicker kneeling pad foam was used for the outer walls and camping-mat foam to line the inner and create the divisions. I tried a quick search for the link but couldn't find it.

P.S. I believe both can be had from poundshops (might be easier to find in the Spring though).
 
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You could always invest in a 'photographers' waistcoat with loads of pockets and a pair of cargo trousers - your luggage doesn't count if it's in your pockets.
 
weybourne said:
You could always invest in a 'photographers' waistcoat with loads of pockets and a pair of cargo trousers - your luggage doesn't count if it's in your pockets.
Click to expand...

I like this idea! I have an old gillet which is basically a wearable set of pockets! When not in use it can be folded up like a napkin. Screw you Ryan air :thumbs:
 
weybourne said:
You could always invest in a 'photographers' waistcoat with loads of pockets and a pair of cargo trousers - your luggage doesn't count if it's in your pockets.
Click to expand...

I already have! Two! One heavier one for colder climes and one lighter one for warmer climes. And a very thin anorak type raincoat to wear over them and make them less obvious to the jobsworths.

It's surprising how much weight you can get into them.
 
weybourne said:
You could always invest in a 'photographers' waistcoat with loads of pockets and a pair of cargo trousers - your luggage doesn't count if it's in your pockets.
Click to expand...

I do this when I travel for diving, I fill my pockets with as much camera equipment as I can, then fill my bag again once through weighing stations

Also for protection in bag I use 'posh' bubble wrap, it also weighs next to nothing!
 
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I've found a couple of sources for pick 'n pluck but am a little concerned about the protection it might (not) offer to my fairly heavy Sigma 150-500. Would it be better to go with a closed cell foam?
 
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