How do you fly with all the gear?

[claudek]

I am wondering what are the best methods to bring a midi controller (Vestax VCI..) and your computer on board without damaging stuff? I travelled this weekend and had a backpack case and put my VCI-300 in it and some clothes to help protect it, but thought it could easily get damaged with a fall or sudden push from an angle or other baggage. Also, can be an issue of weight ..So, what are the best ways? Check on as luggage in a music hard box?

[nemo]

Hand Luggage, and if that is not enough, then you should ask the carrier for CARRY ON BOARD luggage. It costs a bit more, but its the safest bet. Normally, if you have no other luggage, they will let you go pretty cheap. Of course that is my personal experience!

[steveboyett]

I try never to let my stuff out of my sight, even if it means checking my luggage with my clothes & such. I've watched too many baggage handlers who looked as if they were practicing for Olympic discus throwing.

I have a great Targus backpack that holds everything and fits into an overhead, though admittedly it needs more padding & protection. I'm looking at the Namba Studio backpack, which is roomy and well protected, and I want to get my hands on some of the amazingly well-built Kata backpacks for photo gear to see how they'd adapt.

[lofi]

i have 2 carry on bags, my backpack and an m-audio studio bag. my clothes get checked. my backpack carrys 2 macbooks, pioneer 909, audio 8, cables and ts records. my other bag carries the vci100, m-audio 02, triggerfinger and a small samson stereo eq. if the venues turntables suck, i use the vci100. its alot of stuff to lug around but its worth it.

[steveboyett]

Especially when you watch the guy operating the security scanner. It's like Christmas when that backpack slides under that thing.

[j1n]

Those kata bags do seem kinda cool...but they seem to be targeted at the photographers...with a bunch of slots for extra flashes and lenses...not sure how we would utilize all those slots...l

[Tukindz]

Especially when you watch the guy operating the security scanner. It's like Christmas when that backpack slides under that thing.

OMG! I can just imagine the reaction to that if you are of middle eastern descent...

[claudek]

I picked up one of these and very helpful.
I can pack my VCI -300 and Macbook all in one.

http://us.kensington.com/html/11851.html

[steveboyett]

Those kata bags do seem kinda cool...but they seem to be targeted at the photographers...with a bunch of slots for extra flashes and lenses...not sure how we would utilize all those slots...l

The slots on many of the kata bags are reconfigurable.

[nemo]

I can also really recommend case logic for the smaller things:



That one I use for my soundcard and my external soundcard.


This one for my M-Audio Microtrack