Hi All,
For my upcoming trip to Oregon, May 1 to May 23 I am debating as to how to get my tripods to and from Oregon. I have one of the Pelican 17XX series "gun" style shipping cases that I have used several times prior to 9/11. This hard case is heavily padded with the cut foam to house and protect my Gitzo Carbon Fiber 13XX series Tripod with the Gitzo Gitzo 1321 Leveling Base, Gitzo Carbon Fiber 1257LVL Tripod, Markins M20 Ball, Markins Q3 Emille Ball, and my Leitz Table Top Tripod. Additionally, I have 2 TSA locks that will arrive shortly to lock the case. The case would be my second stowed piece of luggage; it meets the Airline onboard stowed requirements and would not incur any charges or additional oversized/overweight shipping charges. My concern is getting the case with the tripods to and from the Eastern PA and Portland, OR. I am somewhat concerned about TSA and the baggage handlers running off with the tripods.
Another option that I have is to ship the tripods via DHL Ground for pickup at the DHL Depot or to have it shipped for pickup at a friends in Eugene, OR. As it is, I will be shipping a 100 Quart Coleman Cooler with Film and Backpacking/hiking equipment back and forth across country. I am not sure if I want to spend the several hundred additional dollars to ship the tripods.
Particularly those that travel much by air, what are your recommendations. If I ship the tripods by DHL, then I will pack my Non-Collapsible Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles (quite expensive and about 3 oz each) in a heavy Duty Cardboard Map Tube as my second stowed piece of luggage. If I take the tripods in the Pelican Case onboard the plane, then I will pack my Collapsible Leki Trekking Poles (about 20oz for the pair) probably in the Coleman Cooler.
Thanks for your comments and recommedations.
Rich
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