Another "packing for trip" thread

**Mallee Boy** · 04-23-2008, 09:55 PM

Can not wait for Monday.....3 weeks off.....you little beauty!!! We are bound for the Sth Island of NZ.

So, to lighten the day, (after a frantic morning in the office its now quiet), you can help me pack.

So far I have the *ist DS & DL and the K20D, think that should be enough bodies

Also going is the Sigma 18-125, which will live on the DS.

Currently the Pentax DFA 100mm f2.8 sits on the K20D, which will alternate with the Sigma EX DG 24mm f1.8.

Now I know a lot of you boys (& girls) don't like Sigma but I must say I am yet to strike a bad one and almost bought another one the other day, the Sigma EX 14mm, which was going at about 1/3rd the price of what it was a few years ago....but I bought the K20 instead.

My lens buying disease can wait until I get to Hong Kong later this year.

Anyway, back to packing, also going is the Sigma (

another one!!) 135-400. We plan to drive South from Christchurch and I am told we will see lots of penguins etc, so the 135-400 should be in its element.

Also packed is the Trekpod Go!, if you haven't checked this out, do yourself a favour, its a very clever piece of equipment.

Not going is the Tamron 70-300 & 18-55....just dont see the need for them.

Have about 20gig of storage, spare batteries, K20 Users Manual, so....

......what have I missed?

Cheers
Grant

PDL · 04-23-2008, 11:25 PM

On my 4 week trip to the South Island in 06 I took two bodies. My *ist Ds and a Toshiba P&S - the P&S broke so I shared the Ds with my son - just swapped out SD cards. I am not sure if you really need to carry all those bodies - be sure to carry your photo equipment on - do not check it.

I took the Kit lens, my DA 50-200 and a manual 300mm Vivitar. I mostly used the Kit lens but brought home many shots with the 50-200 and a handfull of 300mm. I did not take a laptop - I used my Wolverine flashpac 7000 card reader (40GB). Between my son and I we burned up 21GB of images on the Wolverine. I had 3 1GB, 1 2GB and 1 4GB SD cards - swapped them in order as needed. I let my son use the 2GB when we got to that stage. So 20GB - if it all SD cards, you might want to go get just a few more. I had my ultrapod II with me, but I did not use it at all as I remember. My wife and I took REI walking sticks that had camera mounts - so it became a monopod, very helpful in shooting Cricket, Seals, Penguins and Mt. Cook with the 300mm.

We spent two weeks in Christchurch (side trips to Akaroa, Kiakoura and Arthurs pass) and a few days (3-4) at Mt. Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau and the last few days at Kaka point. (Penguins down in the Catlins - really cool). Get up early, stay out late drink all the Mac's Black you can get and take a lot of images. Trust me, you are going to have a great time.

The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

christinelandon · 04-24-2008, 12:07 AM

Grant, sounds lovely. Are you taking any external flash(es)? Since you mentioned trekking poles with camera mounts, may I ask about your camera backpack(s) for those times on the trail(s), since shoulder bags won't do nearly as well, or as comfortably? Finally, since it's fall, what about rain protection for the *ist models and those Sigmas?

**Mallee Boy** · 04-24-2008, 12:50 AM

Originally posted by christinelandon

Grant, sounds lovely. Are you taking any external flash(es)? Since you mentioned trekking poles with camera mounts, may I ask about your camera backpack(s) for those times on the trail(s), since shoulder bags won't do nearly as well, or as comfortably? Finally, since it's fall, what about rain protection for the *ist models and those Sigmas?

Hi Christine,
I use a Delsey Pro back pack, that will hold the three bodies (one stays over there for my daughter), and all lens' except the 135-400 which has its own carry case, there is plenty of room in the Delsey, but 'carry on' weight is the issue. Once over there it will be re-organised for car travel. The Delsey has its own rain coat built in, so coupled with a large dose of common sense, weather shouldn't be a problem.

As for the cameras, well the K20D shouldn't be any problem

if I am to trust the weather sealing. Otherwise its under the jacket....nothing scientific there I'm afraid. The poor 'ol DS has been in just about every climate condition imaganeable and its still going.

A couple of zip lock bags and a dry cloth are also in the Delsey. No external flashes, enough is enough.

Cheers.
Grant (formerly GWP)

philmorley · 04-24-2008, 06:00 AM

do a steve parrish. apparently he does the should i take this or this? and eventually goes oh bugger it, I'll take the lot

LDB · 04-24-2008, 09:13 AM

I was going to say you seem "body poor" taking 3 of them. Then I read 1 stays behind with your daughter. Then I thought, why couldn't you use the K20 and whichever one stays behind on the trip and when you leave to come home only the K20 returns. So I'm back to "body poor" again, thinking 2 bodies should be sufficient and choose one of the orphan lenses to go in it's place, probably the 70-300 just in case there's an issue with the 135-400. Maybe you'll never use it but better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Enjoy your incredible sounding trip.

**mike.hiran** · 04-24-2008, 09:13 AM

I think you're missing one very important thing. I know of a specialist in Portland who is very qualified to be of assistance to you. He's able to change lenses, hold umbrellas, carry things, make stupid comments and can even unintentially take you on "scenic" routes (no gaurantees on getting you back on the original route however). My understanding is he is willing to work for cheap too - just transportation costs! Let me know if you're interested since this person apparently is making his services available to many people who are traveling to exotic locations. If you want to travel without backaches from carrying all your gear and like seeing the unexpected, this will be a perfect compliment to your vacation.

ps - my uncle just took a trip to that island a couple months ago and toured on a motorcycle and his pictures looked amazing. he was telling me how cool it was to be able to travel into different climates and geographical zones in a short distance. have a great trip!

rormeister · 04-24-2008, 09:43 AM

Originally posted by Mallee Boy

so....
......what have I missed?

ER.....me? Never been to that part of the world, but would love to see it. Have fun and share some pics on your return!

**Mallee Boy** · 04-24-2008, 03:04 PM

Fun replies, thanks for picking up on the spirit of the post.

Phil: Haven't left yet mate & there is still enough room in the Delsey, plus the wife has commented how empty her back pack is.........

......

LDB: meeting up with daughter about half way into the trip, so will just have to lug it around. What are parents for anyway?

Vagrant: What a great idea,

my wife has been complaining about carrying my backpack..

....so I think your suggestion has great merit.
But I wonder who I could find to undertake such an arduous task.....

oh but wait....rormeister: you busy for the next three weeks??......Vagrant has had a great idea....

Cheers people.

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-24-2008, 08:30 PM

Underwear, socks, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor (hey, you are on vacation!). I have a good friend who travels on business a lot. He never takes the above items, other than the first day's change out.

According to him, the hotel's charges for laundry are higher than the price of a decent pair of socks, and you don't need decent to wear it once and throw it away.

Think of all the space and weight you can save!

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-25-2008, 05:33 AM

I see 3 potential missing things.

You are not taking a computer, so some form of photo backup shoudl be considered. I use a SansDigital self powered photo vault, It has built in card reader, and one button transfer of card contents to haerd disk. only drawback is it works with FAT32 format disks only so limited to 32GB for card reading. (although it can use larger disks they must be partitioned)

You might want a 1.4x TC because you never know when you need extra reach (i guess that depends on your photography tastes, but I do a lot of wild life and find 400mm a little limiting at times)

You may also want a flash, again for wild life, because combinbed with a 400mm lens, where you can be light limited, a flash can do wonders.

I am surprised you will take 3 bodies, I would think the DL is redundant.

**Mallee Boy** · 04-25-2008, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

I see 3 potential missing things.

You are not taking a computer, so some form of photo backup shoudl be considered. I use a SansDigital self powered photo vault, It has built in card reader, and one button transfer of card contents to haerd disk. only drawback is it works with FAT32 format disks only so limited to 32GB for card reading. (although it can use larger disks they must be partitioned)

You might want a 1.4x TC because you never know when you need extra reach (i guess that depends on your photography tastes, but I do a lot of wild life and find 400mm a little limiting at times)

You may also want a flash, again for wild life, because combinbed with a 400mm lens, where you can be light limited, a flash can do wonders.

I am surprised you will take 3 bodies, I would think the DL is redundant.

Hi Lowell,
The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now.

If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance

Hi Canada Rockies,
Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!!

Cheers

rormeister · 04-25-2008, 03:01 PM

Since you're now on the topic of attire, here's a good one for ya. When I traveled to Italy last fall, our trick was to roll the clothes up to conserve space. Well, rather than roll say 2 shirts up together, toss one aside and roll a couple lenses inside. Wifey will be clueless until she sees you in the same shirt for the 15th day

**Lowell Goudge** · 04-25-2008, 03:57 PM

Originally posted by Mallee Boy

Hi Lowell,
The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now.

If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance

Thats why I recommend a self powered HD photo vault. I bought the case for $50, and used an old HD that was sitting at home no big expenditure but it does let me download my cards as back up

Quote:

Hi Canada Rockies,
Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!!

Cheers

at least she is not complaining you stink (yet)

**Canada_Rockies** · 04-25-2008, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by Mallee Boy

Hi Lowell,
The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now.

If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance

Hi Canada Rockies,
Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!!

Cheers

Tell her that she is lucky you are not a Canadian. Tilley makes more than hats - including pants that zip down to shorts and everything else you need, ALL of which is designed to be sluiced out in the sink and hung on the shower rod overnight, ready for next day's wear. The sluicing is optional, depending on how good your wifey's smeller works.

04-23-2008, 09:55 PM	#1
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904	Another "packing for trip" thread Can not wait for Monday.....3 weeks off.....you little beauty!!! We are bound for the Sth Island of NZ. So, to lighten the day, (after a frantic morning in the office its now quiet), you can help me pack. So far I have the *ist DS & DL and the K20D, think that should be enough bodies Also going is the Sigma 18-125, which will live on the DS. Currently the Pentax DFA 100mm f2.8 sits on the K20D, which will alternate with the Sigma EX DG 24mm f1.8. Now I know a lot of you boys (& girls) don't like Sigma but I must say I am yet to strike a bad one and almost bought another one the other day, the Sigma EX 14mm, which was going at about 1/3rd the price of what it was a few years ago....but I bought the K20 instead. My lens buying disease can wait until I get to Hong Kong later this year. Anyway, back to packing, also going is the Sigma ( another one!!) 135-400. We plan to drive South from Christchurch and I am told we will see lots of penguins etc, so the 135-400 should be in its element. Also packed is the Trekpod Go!, if you haven't checked this out, do yourself a favour, its a very clever piece of equipment. Not going is the Tamron 70-300 & 18-55....just dont see the need for them. Have about 20gig of storage, spare batteries, K20 Users Manual, so.... ......what have I missed? Cheers Grant

04-24-2008, 03:04 PM	#9
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904 Original Poster	Fun replies, thanks for picking up on the spirit of the post. Phil: Haven't left yet mate & there is still enough room in the Delsey, plus the wife has commented how empty her back pack is............... LDB: meeting up with daughter about half way into the trip, so will just have to lug it around. What are parents for anyway? Vagrant: What a great idea, my wife has been complaining about carrying my backpack......so I think your suggestion has great merit. But I wonder who I could find to undertake such an arduous task..... oh but wait....rormeister: you busy for the next three weeks??......Vagrant has had a great idea.... Cheers people.

04-24-2008, 08:30 PM	#10
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Things not to take Underwear, socks, toothpaste, toothbrush, razor (hey, you are on vacation!). I have a good friend who travels on business a lot. He never takes the above items, other than the first day's change out. According to him, the hotel's charges for laundry are higher than the price of a decent pair of socks, and you don't need decent to wear it once and throw it away. Think of all the space and weight you can save!

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04-23-2008, 11:25 PM	#2
PDL Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: PNW USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,128	On my 4 week trip to the South Island in 06 I took two bodies. My *ist Ds and a Toshiba P&S - the P&S broke so I shared the Ds with my son - just swapped out SD cards. I am not sure if you really need to carry all those bodies - be sure to carry your photo equipment on - do not check it. I took the Kit lens, my DA 50-200 and a manual 300mm Vivitar. I mostly used the Kit lens but brought home many shots with the 50-200 and a handfull of 300mm. I did not take a laptop - I used my Wolverine flashpac 7000 card reader (40GB). Between my son and I we burned up 21GB of images on the Wolverine. I had 3 1GB, 1 2GB and 1 4GB SD cards - swapped them in order as needed. I let my son use the 2GB when we got to that stage. So 20GB - if it all SD cards, you might want to go get just a few more. I had my ultrapod II with me, but I did not use it at all as I remember. My wife and I took REI walking sticks that had camera mounts - so it became a monopod, very helpful in shooting Cricket, Seals, Penguins and Mt. Cook with the 300mm. We spent two weeks in Christchurch (side trips to Akaroa, Kiakoura and Arthurs pass) and a few days (3-4) at Mt. Cook, Queenstown, Te Anau and the last few days at Kaka point. (Penguins down in the Catlins - really cool). Get up early, stay out late drink all the Mac's Black you can get and take a lot of images. Trust me, you are going to have a great time. The Elitist - formerly known as PDL

04-24-2008, 12:07 AM	#3
christinelandon Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle, Washington, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 812	Grant, sounds lovely. Are you taking any external flash(es)? Since you mentioned trekking poles with camera mounts, may I ask about your camera backpack(s) for those times on the trail(s), since shoulder bags won't do nearly as well, or as comfortably? Finally, since it's fall, what about rain protection for the *ist models and those Sigmas?

04-24-2008, 12:50 AM	#4
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904 Original Poster	Originally posted by christinelandon Grant, sounds lovely. Are you taking any external flash(es)? Since you mentioned trekking poles with camera mounts, may I ask about your camera backpack(s) for those times on the trail(s), since shoulder bags won't do nearly as well, or as comfortably? Finally, since it's fall, what about rain protection for the *ist models and those Sigmas? Hi Christine, I use a Delsey Pro back pack, that will hold the three bodies (one stays over there for my daughter), and all lens' except the 135-400 which has its own carry case, there is plenty of room in the Delsey, but 'carry on' weight is the issue. Once over there it will be re-organised for car travel. The Delsey has its own rain coat built in, so coupled with a large dose of common sense, weather shouldn't be a problem. As for the cameras, well the K20D shouldn't be any problem if I am to trust the weather sealing. Otherwise its under the jacket....nothing scientific there I'm afraid. The poor 'ol DS has been in just about every climate condition imaganeable and its still going. A couple of zip lock bags and a dry cloth are also in the Delsey. No external flashes, enough is enough. Cheers. Grant (formerly GWP)

04-24-2008, 06:00 AM	#5
philmorley Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: in a house in Armidale, Australia Posts: 472	do a steve parrish. apparently he does the should i take this or this? and eventually goes oh bugger it, I'll take the lot

04-24-2008, 09:13 AM	#6
LDB Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 63	I was going to say you seem "body poor" taking 3 of them. Then I read 1 stays behind with your daughter. Then I thought, why couldn't you use the K20 and whichever one stays behind on the trip and when you leave to come home only the K20 returns. So I'm back to "body poor" again, thinking 2 bodies should be sufficient and choose one of the orphan lenses to go in it's place, probably the 70-300 just in case there's an issue with the 135-400. Maybe you'll never use it but better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Enjoy your incredible sounding trip.

04-24-2008, 09:13 AM	#7
mike.hiran Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: portland Photos: Albums Posts: 1,491	I think you're missing one very important thing. I know of a specialist in Portland who is very qualified to be of assistance to you. He's able to change lenses, hold umbrellas, carry things, make stupid comments and can even unintentially take you on "scenic" routes (no gaurantees on getting you back on the original route however). My understanding is he is willing to work for cheap too - just transportation costs! Let me know if you're interested since this person apparently is making his services available to many people who are traveling to exotic locations. If you want to travel without backaches from carrying all your gear and like seeing the unexpected, this will be a perfect compliment to your vacation. ps - my uncle just took a trip to that island a couple months ago and toured on a motorcycle and his pictures looked amazing. he was telling me how cool it was to be able to travel into different climates and geographical zones in a short distance. have a great trip!

04-24-2008, 09:43 AM	#8
rormeister Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 626	Originally posted by Mallee Boy so.... ......what have I missed? ER.....me? Never been to that part of the world, but would love to see it. Have fun and share some pics on your return!

04-25-2008, 05:33 AM	#11
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	I see 3 potential missing things. You are not taking a computer, so some form of photo backup shoudl be considered. I use a SansDigital self powered photo vault, It has built in card reader, and one button transfer of card contents to haerd disk. only drawback is it works with FAT32 format disks only so limited to 32GB for card reading. (although it can use larger disks they must be partitioned) You might want a 1.4x TC because you never know when you need extra reach (i guess that depends on your photography tastes, but I do a lot of wild life and find 400mm a little limiting at times) You may also want a flash, again for wild life, because combinbed with a 400mm lens, where you can be light limited, a flash can do wonders. I am surprised you will take 3 bodies, I would think the DL is redundant.

04-25-2008, 02:43 PM	#12
Mallee Boy Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,904 Original Poster	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge I see 3 potential missing things. You are not taking a computer, so some form of photo backup shoudl be considered. I use a SansDigital self powered photo vault, It has built in card reader, and one button transfer of card contents to haerd disk. only drawback is it works with FAT32 format disks only so limited to 32GB for card reading. (although it can use larger disks they must be partitioned) You might want a 1.4x TC because you never know when you need extra reach (i guess that depends on your photography tastes, but I do a lot of wild life and find 400mm a little limiting at times) You may also want a flash, again for wild life, because combinbed with a 400mm lens, where you can be light limited, a flash can do wonders. I am surprised you will take 3 bodies, I would think the DL is redundant. Hi Lowell, The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now. If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance Hi Canada Rockies, Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!! Cheers

04-25-2008, 03:01 PM	#13
rormeister Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 626	Since you're now on the topic of attire, here's a good one for ya. When I traveled to Italy last fall, our trick was to roll the clothes up to conserve space. Well, rather than roll say 2 shirts up together, toss one aside and roll a couple lenses inside. Wifey will be clueless until she sees you in the same shirt for the 15th day

04-25-2008, 03:57 PM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,888	Originally posted by Mallee Boy Hi Lowell, The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now. If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance Thats why I recommend a self powered HD photo vault. I bought the case for $50, and used an old HD that was sitting at home no big expenditure but it does let me download my cards as back up Quote: Hi Canada Rockies, Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!! Cheers at least she is not complaining you stink (yet)

04-25-2008, 06:49 PM	#15
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	Originally posted by Mallee Boy Hi Lowell, The DL isn't coming back, its going to a new home home. I agree with your comments on storage, but will satisfy myself with another SD card for now. If I go looking at laptops now the K20D expenditure will pale into insignifance Hi Canada Rockies, Mate I have packed the 'bare' essentials now as far as clothing goes....my wife is already complaining she is going to be tired of seeing me in the same get up for three weeks....and we haven't even left yet!!! Cheers Tell her that she is lucky you are not a Canadian. Tilley makes more than hats - including pants that zip down to shorts and everything else you need, ALL of which is designed to be sluiced out in the sink and hung on the shower rod overnight, ready for next day's wear. The sluicing is optional, depending on how good your wifey's smeller works.