Africa trip: What do I carry on?

Bill Ward · January 28th, 2008, 05:09 PM

Well, you're supposed to. Check out the thread in this section for some exhaustive info but basically:

1. No lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, unless they are installed in the device they power. It's recommended you take action to prevent accidental power-ups for those devices.

2. There is a 100-watt hour apiece limit for the batteries you bring on board..that's about the size of an 80S or 10S IDX brick. Some of the bigger bricks like the monster AB bricks may be too large. If you stay under the limit, you can pack as many of those in carry-on as you want, but they must be wrapped individually, or have their contacts covered.

3. If you have larger bricks, you can bring up to 2 of them in addition to the smaller batteries. There's a total limit of grams of lithium allowed in these larger batteries, but I'm too lazy to go look it up.

If you're using the type of batteries that normally snap into your Canon...you should be just fine carrying them on.

Most of us haven't had much of a problem with the TSA folks over this yet, but it would truly suck to arrive in Africa and find that the TSA X-ray machine guy pulled all your batteries out of the Pelican case in Sacramento!!

Larry Huntington · January 28th, 2008, 05:34 PM

Wow thanks Bill! I am only using the regular Canon batteries- 3 BP-945 Sized and 3 smaller sized Canon. I am going to protect each individually and pack them in my photo trekker that I will carry on. They all have the plastic cover with a rubber band around each one to hold it on. 2 of those batteries will be in the cameras, so I will have 4 extras in the case. I think that is the best scenario, so thanks for the heads up!

Larry Huntington · January 28th, 2008, 05:59 PM

Bill, what about taking a big pack of Duracell 9 volts and AA's in original unopened packages? Can I check those you think?

Bill Ward · January 29th, 2008, 12:17 AM

Don't see why not, as long as they're regular, non-lithium batteries!

It's always a good idea to keep the 9V batteries from metal contact, but I don't believe they go as incendiary as the L-ion batteries can.

How are you recharging in the field?

Larry Huntington · January 29th, 2008, 12:21 AM

Yes I am. Why do you ask?

Bob Safay · January 29th, 2008, 07:31 AM

Larry, I imagine you are taking two voltage adapters for you chargers. I strongly suggest you also pack a car charger and, a small, cheap electric appliance like a small hair drier to test your current BEFORE you plug your charger in. Thank God I did this in africa. The hotel I stayed in (one of the best in Nirobi) fried the hair drier, even with a regulator. Good thing it was NOT my charger. Also, cut the leg off an old pair of pants (or take a pillow case) and use this to stuff your cam into while on the road, it really helps prevent dust from getting into your equipment. Another great item is a small bean bag to rest the cam on while videoing from a vehical. Bob

Larry Huntington · January 30th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Bob,
I am taking the voltage adapters (not the converters) as the canon/lenmar charging bricks can handle 240v. I've tried this when I went to South America and that method worked good. For the cameras, I will have Porta Brace rain slickers on both for added protection against dust. Your idea of the pillow case was a great idea. I will consider the bean bag for traveling shots on a car. Another great idea Bob, thanks.

Michael Dalton · March 26th, 2008, 11:04 AM

seems like you prepared well. I second the bean bag, I use them all the time.

The one thing that may fail you is Air Morocco, as they are the worst for canceling flights! I never fail to see half the flight cancelled on the boards. Was in gabon, so may be different.

For anyone travelling to Africa, it is worth it to pay extra to have a direct luggage check through, and to fly with the Majors. There are several really good African carriers like South Africa, Ethiopian, and despite having a crash recently Kenyan Airways (not because they sponsor my series either) They fly regular routes and have modern fleets that have fewer problems. I have to fly Air Canada to get the check through, and I hate them!! I always enjoy my K.A. flights. Air France, BA, Virgin and KLM all have routes to Africa.

Good luck!!

Michael

Shaun Roemich · April 23rd, 2008, 04:46 PM

When traveling abroad I always bring a 12v power inverter (cigarette lighter end) with for charging. You can't count on the grid staying up everywhere we go but drivers will ALWAYS it seems keep the cigarette lighter functioning. A great back up for charging cells.

Jack D. Hubbard · April 23rd, 2008, 08:10 PM

Hi Larry,

Maybe you are back by now, but what was the gig you were packing for? I travel a lot - just got back from Indonesia and Cambodia, and I am always interested what other people do.

Incidentally, I have carry three NP970's in a STRUT bag for a Z1 with a mattebox. Bag fits in the overhead perfectly. Also carry two shot guns, radio mics, a two small Litepanels digital lights, small beanbag and tools. French Flag small reflector and one extra mic cable and one small square digital flashlight that won't roll downhill. And I always, always take the camera manual. It all seems to fit. I carry a second camera in a Tarmac backpack; this trip it was a Sony A1 which came in very handy tight spaces. I pack a charger that services both cameras and a WA lens. Tripod goes in the baggage hold with one big duffle. If I get separated, I am still in business.

Regards,

Jack

March 26th, 2008, 11:04 AM	#23
Michael Dalton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Torotnto, Canada Posts: 139	seems like you prepared well. I second the bean bag, I use them all the time. The one thing that may fail you is Air Morocco, as they are the worst for canceling flights! I never fail to see half the flight cancelled on the boards. Was in gabon, so may be different. For anyone travelling to Africa, it is worth it to pay extra to have a direct luggage check through, and to fly with the Majors. There are several really good African carriers like South Africa, Ethiopian, and despite having a crash recently Kenyan Airways (not because they sponsor my series either) They fly regular routes and have modern fleets that have fewer problems. I have to fly Air Canada to get the check through, and I hate them!! I always enjoy my K.A. flights. Air France, BA, Virgin and KLM all have routes to Africa. Good luck!! Michael __________________ www.digitalcrossing.ca www.4kafrica.com documentary filmmaker/screen writer

April 23rd, 2008, 04:46 PM	#24
Shaun Roemich Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (formerly Winnipeg, Manitoba) Canada Posts: 4,088	When traveling abroad I always bring a 12v power inverter (cigarette lighter end) with for charging. You can't count on the grid staying up everywhere we go but drivers will ALWAYS it seems keep the cigarette lighter functioning. A great back up for charging cells. __________________ Shaun C. Roemich Road Dog Media - Vancouver, BC - Videographer - Webcaster www.roaddogmedia.ca Blog: http://roaddogmedia.wordpress.com/

April 23rd, 2008, 08:10 PM	#25
Jack D. Hubbard Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Menlo Park, CA Posts: 342	What's the job? Hi Larry, Maybe you are back by now, but what was the gig you were packing for? I travel a lot - just got back from Indonesia and Cambodia, and I am always interested what other people do. Incidentally, I have carry three NP970's in a STRUT bag for a Z1 with a mattebox. Bag fits in the overhead perfectly. Also carry two shot guns, radio mics, a two small Litepanels digital lights, small beanbag and tools. French Flag small reflector and one extra mic cable and one small square digital flashlight that won't roll downhill. And I always, always take the camera manual. It all seems to fit. I carry a second camera in a Tarmac backpack; this trip it was a Sony A1 which came in very handy tight spaces. I pack a charger that services both cameras and a WA lens. Tripod goes in the baggage hold with one big duffle. If I get separated, I am still in business. Regards, Jack

January 28th, 2008, 05:09 PM	#16
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Well, you're supposed to. Check out the thread in this section for some exhaustive info but basically: 1. No lithium-ion batteries in checked luggage, unless they are installed in the device they power. It's recommended you take action to prevent accidental power-ups for those devices. 2. There is a 100-watt hour apiece limit for the batteries you bring on board..that's about the size of an 80S or 10S IDX brick. Some of the bigger bricks like the monster AB bricks may be too large. If you stay under the limit, you can pack as many of those in carry-on as you want, but they must be wrapped individually, or have their contacts covered. 3. If you have larger bricks, you can bring up to 2 of them in addition to the smaller batteries. There's a total limit of grams of lithium allowed in these larger batteries, but I'm too lazy to go look it up. If you're using the type of batteries that normally snap into your Canon...you should be just fine carrying them on. Most of us haven't had much of a problem with the TSA folks over this yet, but it would truly suck to arrive in Africa and find that the TSA X-ray machine guy pulled all your batteries out of the Pelican case in Sacramento!!

January 28th, 2008, 05:34 PM	#17
Larry Huntington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grass Valley, California Posts: 350	Wow thanks Bill! I am only using the regular Canon batteries- 3 BP-945 Sized and 3 smaller sized Canon. I am going to protect each individually and pack them in my photo trekker that I will carry on. They all have the plastic cover with a rubber band around each one to hold it on. 2 of those batteries will be in the cameras, so I will have 4 extras in the case. I think that is the best scenario, so thanks for the heads up!

January 28th, 2008, 05:59 PM	#18
Larry Huntington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grass Valley, California Posts: 350	Bill, what about taking a big pack of Duracell 9 volts and AA's in original unopened packages? Can I check those you think?

January 29th, 2008, 12:17 AM	#19
Bill Ward Major Player Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 580	Don't see why not, as long as they're regular, non-lithium batteries! It's always a good idea to keep the 9V batteries from metal contact, but I don't believe they go as incendiary as the L-ion batteries can. How are you recharging in the field?

January 29th, 2008, 12:21 AM	#20
Larry Huntington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grass Valley, California Posts: 350	Yes I am. Why do you ask?

January 29th, 2008, 07:31 AM	#21
Bob Safay Trustee Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1,557	Larry, I imagine you are taking two voltage adapters for you chargers. I strongly suggest you also pack a car charger and, a small, cheap electric appliance like a small hair drier to test your current BEFORE you plug your charger in. Thank God I did this in africa. The hotel I stayed in (one of the best in Nirobi) fried the hair drier, even with a regulator. Good thing it was NOT my charger. Also, cut the leg off an old pair of pants (or take a pillow case) and use this to stuff your cam into while on the road, it really helps prevent dust from getting into your equipment. Another great item is a small bean bag to rest the cam on while videoing from a vehical. Bob

January 30th, 2008, 03:16 PM	#22
Larry Huntington Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Grass Valley, California Posts: 350	Bob, I am taking the voltage adapters (not the converters) as the canon/lenmar charging bricks can handle 240v. I've tried this when I went to South America and that method worked good. For the cameras, I will have Porta Brace rain slickers on both for added protection against dust. Your idea of the pillow case was a great idea. I will consider the bean bag for traveling shots on a car. Another great idea Bob, thanks.