Web: www.fishfoto.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
3/11/2008 – Baggage Locks : Keys vs Combination
All travelers worry about having items stolen from their bags while traveling. Having items stolen from checked baggage is just as frustrating as having items stolen from your carry on bags.
When I travel I keep locks on all my bags, even when only flying with carry-on baggage. Each zipper can be secured, especially when in certain situations, and if I am taking a nap, locks are needed for my PacSafe Anti-Theft Protector.
When you choose your locks, even working within the requirements of a TSA Sentry Approved Lock, not all locks are created equal. Yes, some locks are stronger than others, but that is not what I am addressing. What I am addressing is the security and practicality of using a combination lock instead of a key lock.
Key locks are prone to two significant security concerns.
The first security concern with key locks is key locks are somewhat easily accessible to professional thieves. Most skilled thieves do not need to pick a lock, or even cut a lock. If thieves are not picking or cutting a lock, how are they opening your lock? With a key-ring full of keys.
Open a package of most baggage locks; you'll get two or three locks with only two sets of keys. This is because one key opens all three locks. Keys for many commercial locks are not unique; they will open thousands of locks. A skilled airport, or train station, their can quickly size up the lock on your bag and know which series of potential keys will open the lock.
The second security concern with using key locks is the potential for losing the keys to your lock. Should you lose your keys in transit, you'll be unable to quickly and easily access your bags when you need to. Additionally, should you break a key off in your lock (and yes, I have heard of this happening more often than you might think) your lock will need to cut off. While getting a lock cut off isn't so hard, it is not that easy when you're standing in the airport, at the gate, awaiting an international flight to board and your boarding pass and passport are in your bag............
Combination locks offer more security and considerably more peace-of-mind. A combination is only known to you and those you've told. Given that thieves cannot easily walk through an airport with a lock cutter, and the sound of a battery powered Dremel Tool sawing your lock off next to your head will wake you up, they'll tend to move on to an easier target.
In addition to slightly more security with the use of combination locks, you cannot lose the combination to your locks. Combination baggage locks tend allow the user to set their own combination. All of my locks have the same combination, this way no matter what lock I snatch out of my drawer the combination is always the same.
Yes, TSA Approved Sentry Locks can all be opened with a set of keys that should only be available to TSA baggage screeners. Yes, these keys are available to those who are not TSA screeners. This does defeat the purpose of securing your bag, however a lock is an effective deterrent. A combination lock is a more effective deterrent.
If a professional thief really wants the contents of your bag, they may be hard to defeat.........so ALWAYS try and reduce your chances of becoming a target and be aware of your surroundings.
Happy Flying!
Showing posts with label PacSafe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PacSafe. Show all posts
03 November 2008
11 June 2008
Combining Two Bags To Create A Single Carry On For Flying Photographers
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
11/06/2008 – Combining Two Bags To Create A Single Carry On For Flying Photographers
Photographers on the road often try and sort out how to pack what they need while remaining within the carry-on baggage restrictions. With most airlines limiting your carry-on to a "personal item" and a "carry-on" bag, and many airlines further restricting your carry-on to a single "carry-on" bag the task of packing can be challenging.
Over the past few years I have created different bag configurations for different assignments. In the past two years my goal has been to travel as light and compact as possible. Recently I have begun traveling with a self-made combination of the North Face Surge backpack and the Think Tank Skin kit (with Think Tank 'Belly Dance' belt). The combination of these two bags (and the think Tank Skin really isn't a bag, it's a pouch & belt system) can create a low profile bag that is well under the legal carry on sizes for airline travel.
Combining these two bags is an ideal combination that can be set up in about 60 seconds and torn apart in about 30 seconds. To combine the two you simply need two small (non-climbing grade) carabiners and an ultra small 'carabiner key-chain.'
To put the two bags together I stand the North Face Surge backpack up and lay the shoulder straps of the Think Tank 'Belly Dancer' belt system over the back of the Surge. I place the shoulder straps of the 'Belly Dancer' over those of the Surge and link the webbing of the shoulder straps together with carabiners.
After the straps are attached I place the pouches that are affixed to the belt portion of the 'Belly Dancer' at the bottom of the body of the North Face Surge backpack. Using the small loop at the top of Think Tank Skin pouches I the most centered position I keep the Think Tank Skin kit centered and in place using a small key-chain sized carabiner. The small key-chain sized carabiner connects the Skin pouch to the top of the outer most lashing-loops on the North Face Surge backpack.
To keep the Skin kit in place I simple click the belt closed under the Surge's bottom lash tabs and cinch them tight.
I have traveled through airport security checkpoints over the past two months in seven countries and one 'Special Administrative Region', as well as five individual US airports (some of these airports were transited multiple times) and I have not been questioned once about these two bags being transported as one single bag. The cosmetic design of the two bags is similar, the colours are a dead match to each other and the low profile lends it's self to never getting a second glance.
The one kicker for this combo is weight. Some airport weigh carry on bags, however in my experience they only weigh larger bags, such as full-size backpacks or roll-aboard suit cases. I have never had a simple 'book bag' sized backpack weighed.
So for those of you looking for ways to travel more effectively check out this combo for a creative way to pack your 'must haves' in a single legal carry on bag configuration.
When traveling I generally have one body out on my shoulder with either a short 'prime' lens, such as a 14f2.8 or 24f1.4, or a short zoom such as a 16-35f2.8. In the pouches generally I carry 5 lenses, a macro extension ring, flash and my second body, table top tripod, as well batteries, ETTL cord, etc. When I show up to shoot I pull the dividers from the Skin pouches, set it up for work and off I go. Generally reconfiguring my Skin pouches to go from transport to shooting takes me about a minute.
For safety and security while in airports, this combo fits inside the PacSafe 85 anti-theft backpack & bag protector.
Below are the descriptions of the six photos of my North Face Surge and Think Tank Skin combo that follow at the end of this post.
Photo 1: View of the Surge and Think Tank Skin combo from behind
Photo 2: View of the Surge and Think Tank Skin combo from the side
Photo 3: View of the Think Tank 'Belly Dancer' straps overlapping the Surge
Photo 4: View of the carabiners attached to both the strap sets
Photo 5: View of the detail of the carabiner connecting the two sets of straps
Photo 6: View of the small key-chain carabiner holding the Skin in place on the Surge
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
11/06/2008 – Combining Two Bags To Create A Single Carry On For Flying Photographers
Photographers on the road often try and sort out how to pack what they need while remaining within the carry-on baggage restrictions. With most airlines limiting your carry-on to a "personal item" and a "carry-on" bag, and many airlines further restricting your carry-on to a single "carry-on" bag the task of packing can be challenging.
Over the past few years I have created different bag configurations for different assignments. In the past two years my goal has been to travel as light and compact as possible. Recently I have begun traveling with a self-made combination of the North Face Surge backpack and the Think Tank Skin kit (with Think Tank 'Belly Dance' belt). The combination of these two bags (and the think Tank Skin really isn't a bag, it's a pouch & belt system) can create a low profile bag that is well under the legal carry on sizes for airline travel.
Combining these two bags is an ideal combination that can be set up in about 60 seconds and torn apart in about 30 seconds. To combine the two you simply need two small (non-climbing grade) carabiners and an ultra small 'carabiner key-chain.'
To put the two bags together I stand the North Face Surge backpack up and lay the shoulder straps of the Think Tank 'Belly Dancer' belt system over the back of the Surge. I place the shoulder straps of the 'Belly Dancer' over those of the Surge and link the webbing of the shoulder straps together with carabiners.
After the straps are attached I place the pouches that are affixed to the belt portion of the 'Belly Dancer' at the bottom of the body of the North Face Surge backpack. Using the small loop at the top of Think Tank Skin pouches I the most centered position I keep the Think Tank Skin kit centered and in place using a small key-chain sized carabiner. The small key-chain sized carabiner connects the Skin pouch to the top of the outer most lashing-loops on the North Face Surge backpack.
To keep the Skin kit in place I simple click the belt closed under the Surge's bottom lash tabs and cinch them tight.
I have traveled through airport security checkpoints over the past two months in seven countries and one 'Special Administrative Region', as well as five individual US airports (some of these airports were transited multiple times) and I have not been questioned once about these two bags being transported as one single bag. The cosmetic design of the two bags is similar, the colours are a dead match to each other and the low profile lends it's self to never getting a second glance.
The one kicker for this combo is weight. Some airport weigh carry on bags, however in my experience they only weigh larger bags, such as full-size backpacks or roll-aboard suit cases. I have never had a simple 'book bag' sized backpack weighed.
So for those of you looking for ways to travel more effectively check out this combo for a creative way to pack your 'must haves' in a single legal carry on bag configuration.
When traveling I generally have one body out on my shoulder with either a short 'prime' lens, such as a 14f2.8 or 24f1.4, or a short zoom such as a 16-35f2.8. In the pouches generally I carry 5 lenses, a macro extension ring, flash and my second body, table top tripod, as well batteries, ETTL cord, etc. When I show up to shoot I pull the dividers from the Skin pouches, set it up for work and off I go. Generally reconfiguring my Skin pouches to go from transport to shooting takes me about a minute.
For safety and security while in airports, this combo fits inside the PacSafe 85 anti-theft backpack & bag protector.
Below are the descriptions of the six photos of my North Face Surge and Think Tank Skin combo that follow at the end of this post.
Photo 1: View of the Surge and Think Tank Skin combo from behind
Photo 2: View of the Surge and Think Tank Skin combo from the side
Photo 3: View of the Think Tank 'Belly Dancer' straps overlapping the Surge
Photo 4: View of the carabiners attached to both the strap sets
Photo 5: View of the detail of the carabiner connecting the two sets of straps
Photo 6: View of the small key-chain carabiner holding the Skin in place on the Surge
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
07 May 2008
Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@flyingwithfish.com
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Traveling with bags can be a challenge in any environment. An experienced traveler knows the safer locations to rest and can sense when a location is not ideal. At times we all end up in the "not ideal" situation. I have ended up overnight in New York's Penn Station waiting for a train and I have overnighted in airports that I felt unsafe in. I have also had moments were I was sure someone was trying to set me up to rob me in places where I normally felt very safe and comfortable. While a location and its environment can remain stable, the change of people in that environment can alter its sense of security very quickly.
For many quick situations I use three or four small "Sentry Locks" with a short cable to secure my bags to an immovable object. While the lock & cable combination works often, there are times I want a nearly impenetrable security system to protect my bags and my equipment. When I want significant security of my bags, such as when sleeping in airports, I use the PacSafe line of Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is an ingenious, compact, light weight, way to not only prevent a thief from entering your bags or leaving with your bags, but it is an outstanding on-sight deterrent. PacSafe's design uses its "eXomesh" system to create a complete barrier between the outside world and your bag, while also securing your bags to an immovable object with an integrated locking cable. This design blocks nearly any chance a thief could have to unzip your bag and remove items through the eXomesh exterior, especially if you lock the zippers within the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector and lock the zipper lock to the eXomesh it's self.
Using the Anti-Theft Protector is simple, you open the case, you slide out the Anti-Theft Protector, you slide it over your bag, secure it tightly, use the integrated cable to secure your bag to any immovable object. The sheer sight of the Anti-Theft Protector should deter nearly any thief. While you should never get up and walk away from your bags in an airport or a train station, having your bags enveloped in this simple item should allow you to put your head back and sleep soundly knowing that your bags next to you are not going anywhere.
When staying in a hotel you can also use the Backpack & Bag Protector to secure your camera equipment, computer or other valuables. What I like to do is place anything of value in a single bag, often a North Face Offsite bag, secure the bag inside the Backpack & Bag Protector, lock the bag zippers shut, place part of the eXomesh inside the lock it's self, then lock the Backpack & Bag Protector to the bed frame or the desk. By securing my bag in this manner, unless someone enters my room with a bolt cutter, I can go out and do my job without worrying about what I left behind in my room.
For those of you trekking through a high-risk area, you can also place the Anti-Theft Protector around your bag, loop your shoulder straps through it, and wear your bag while it is inside this protection system. I don't personally travel this way, but I have tried it out, and if you are wearing a shirt you'd never feel a difference between carrying your backpack without the Backpack & Bag Protector.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from a smaller backpack to a large duffle bag. The lightweight compact design of he Anti-Theft Protectors makes them simple to use and extremely easy to travel with. With basic packing skills these Anti-Theft Protectors, made from PacSafe's eXomesh, take up virtually no space in your bag.
For me this item is a must have for all travelers.
You can check out the PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector, in sizes 55, 85, 120 and 140 on PacSafe's web site at www.pacsafe.com
Below are four photos of my PacSafe 55 with the Mountainsmith Parallax (it's a very tight fit) and with my North Face Surge Backpack. The PacSafe 55 and North Face Surge bag show my bag secured to a bench I was napping on at Amsterdam-Schiphol Int'l Airport (AMS) two nights ago.
**As a slight disclaimer to the photos below, the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector normally fits on my bag in a MUCH more snug manner, I threw mine on after being awake more than 24hrs, on only 2 hours sleep, and just wanted to secure my bag quickly while sitting down for a few minutes. When I am going to sleep I make sure the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is on completely correctly and as snuggly as possible.**
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
7/05/2008 - Protecting Your Bags In The Airports 101 – Part 2
Traveling with bags can be a challenge in any environment. An experienced traveler knows the safer locations to rest and can sense when a location is not ideal. At times we all end up in the "not ideal" situation. I have ended up overnight in New York's Penn Station waiting for a train and I have overnighted in airports that I felt unsafe in. I have also had moments were I was sure someone was trying to set me up to rob me in places where I normally felt very safe and comfortable. While a location and its environment can remain stable, the change of people in that environment can alter its sense of security very quickly.
For many quick situations I use three or four small "Sentry Locks" with a short cable to secure my bags to an immovable object. While the lock & cable combination works often, there are times I want a nearly impenetrable security system to protect my bags and my equipment. When I want significant security of my bags, such as when sleeping in airports, I use the PacSafe line of Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is an ingenious, compact, light weight, way to not only prevent a thief from entering your bags or leaving with your bags, but it is an outstanding on-sight deterrent. PacSafe's design uses its "eXomesh" system to create a complete barrier between the outside world and your bag, while also securing your bags to an immovable object with an integrated locking cable. This design blocks nearly any chance a thief could have to unzip your bag and remove items through the eXomesh exterior, especially if you lock the zippers within the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector and lock the zipper lock to the eXomesh it's self.
Using the Anti-Theft Protector is simple, you open the case, you slide out the Anti-Theft Protector, you slide it over your bag, secure it tightly, use the integrated cable to secure your bag to any immovable object. The sheer sight of the Anti-Theft Protector should deter nearly any thief. While you should never get up and walk away from your bags in an airport or a train station, having your bags enveloped in this simple item should allow you to put your head back and sleep soundly knowing that your bags next to you are not going anywhere.
When staying in a hotel you can also use the Backpack & Bag Protector to secure your camera equipment, computer or other valuables. What I like to do is place anything of value in a single bag, often a North Face Offsite bag, secure the bag inside the Backpack & Bag Protector, lock the bag zippers shut, place part of the eXomesh inside the lock it's self, then lock the Backpack & Bag Protector to the bed frame or the desk. By securing my bag in this manner, unless someone enters my room with a bolt cutter, I can go out and do my job without worrying about what I left behind in my room.
For those of you trekking through a high-risk area, you can also place the Anti-Theft Protector around your bag, loop your shoulder straps through it, and wear your bag while it is inside this protection system. I don't personally travel this way, but I have tried it out, and if you are wearing a shirt you'd never feel a difference between carrying your backpack without the Backpack & Bag Protector.
The PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protectors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate everything from a smaller backpack to a large duffle bag. The lightweight compact design of he Anti-Theft Protectors makes them simple to use and extremely easy to travel with. With basic packing skills these Anti-Theft Protectors, made from PacSafe's eXomesh, take up virtually no space in your bag.
For me this item is a must have for all travelers.
You can check out the PacSafe Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector, in sizes 55, 85, 120 and 140 on PacSafe's web site at www.pacsafe.com
Below are four photos of my PacSafe 55 with the Mountainsmith Parallax (it's a very tight fit) and with my North Face Surge Backpack. The PacSafe 55 and North Face Surge bag show my bag secured to a bench I was napping on at Amsterdam-Schiphol Int'l Airport (AMS) two nights ago.
**As a slight disclaimer to the photos below, the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector normally fits on my bag in a MUCH more snug manner, I threw mine on after being awake more than 24hrs, on only 2 hours sleep, and just wanted to secure my bag quickly while sitting down for a few minutes. When I am going to sleep I make sure the Anti-Theft Backpack & Bag Protector is on completely correctly and as snuggly as possible.**
Happy Flying!
--Click Images To Enlarge Them--
25 April 2008
Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
Web: www.fishfotoworldwide.com -- E-Mail: fish@fishfoto.com
25/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
To kick off the Weekly Roundup, I have been asked to be a featured guest on the talk radio show Inside Digital Photo (www.insidedigitalphoto.com). Inside Digital Photo airs weekly in a number of U.S. metro markets, and can be found on iTunes following the broadcast. I'll be taping my segment this evening and will post an update when I have a broadcast/air date or when I find out where you can download the Podcast.
Elsewhere in the world of Flying With Fish, we had a busy week in news with two stories that affect all travelers in the United States. One works in your favour with new "passenger bumping rules," the other works against you if you are a foreign visitor to the United States with the new "US DHS foreign visitor proposal."
The new rules for passenger compensation kicked off the week and details the new compensation allowances for those passengers who have been 'involuntarily denied boarding,' from their flights. The new rules finally update the previous rules that were instituted in 1978. Read more on this topic here: 21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Recently the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a new "security measure" to positively identify foreign travelers as they depart the United States. Not only is this proposal full of considerable flaws in terms of implementation and effectiveness, but also it places the financial burden of US$2.7 billion on the airlines and cruise industry (with the majority of the financial burden falling on the already financially strapped airlines). To find more information on this subject check here: 23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
This week was Earth Day, and Flying With Fish reminded you that you could help equalize your environmental footprint when traveling by purchasing Carbon Offsets. We only have one Earth and we need to protect it! To find out how you can help preserve our environment while traveling click here: 22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
To meet our gadget needs, Flying With Fish reviewed the incredible pocket sized Manfrotto 3007 tripod kit. I was completely blown away with this "table top" tripod. The Manfrotto 3007's strength, size and versatility was well beyond what I expected. Even better is that this little wonder if outstanding for not only professional use, but also point-and-shoot use while on family vacations. You can learn more about the Manfrotto 3007 in this posting: 23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
Finally this week I published the top three packing tips submitted by the readers of Flying With Fish. With nearly 200 submitted tips (194 to be exact) it was hard to select the three most effective tips and award them the three PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps. The winners of the straps were Anna Kuperberg, Petra Hall and Jonathan Adams. I'd like to thank everyone who submitted their tips (i'll do a follow up with 10 more in the next few weeks) and I'd like to thank PacSafe for supporting the readers of Flying With Fish. To read the Top Three Packing Tips, click here: 22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
Finally, we round out the week with five hidden airline fee that really tick me off! I know the airlines are in financial trouble. I know the cost of fuel is going up and there are other factors contributing to these financial troubles. With all of these financial issues airlines need to generate additional revenue, however some of these hidden fees are just aimed at angering their customers and making it more difficult work with these companies. To find out the five hidden fees that irritate me check here: 24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
Happy Flying!
25/04/2008 - Weekly Roundup: New Passenger Bumping Rules, & Other Travel, News, Earth Day!, A Pocket Sized Tripod, Flying With Fish On The Radio
To kick off the Weekly Roundup, I have been asked to be a featured guest on the talk radio show Inside Digital Photo (www.insidedigitalphoto.com). Inside Digital Photo airs weekly in a number of U.S. metro markets, and can be found on iTunes following the broadcast. I'll be taping my segment this evening and will post an update when I have a broadcast/air date or when I find out where you can download the Podcast.
Elsewhere in the world of Flying With Fish, we had a busy week in news with two stories that affect all travelers in the United States. One works in your favour with new "passenger bumping rules," the other works against you if you are a foreign visitor to the United States with the new "US DHS foreign visitor proposal."
The new rules for passenger compensation kicked off the week and details the new compensation allowances for those passengers who have been 'involuntarily denied boarding,' from their flights. The new rules finally update the previous rules that were instituted in 1978. Read more on this topic here: 21/04/2008 - Passenger "Bumping Rule" Compensation : New Rules For Passenger Compensation!
Recently the US Department of Homeland Security proposed a new "security measure" to positively identify foreign travelers as they depart the United States. Not only is this proposal full of considerable flaws in terms of implementation and effectiveness, but also it places the financial burden of US$2.7 billion on the airlines and cruise industry (with the majority of the financial burden falling on the already financially strapped airlines). To find more information on this subject check here: 23/04/2008 - Proposed US Department of Homeland Security Visitor Identity Scheme To Further Place Financial Burden On Airlines & Alienate Foreign Visitors
This week was Earth Day, and Flying With Fish reminded you that you could help equalize your environmental footprint when traveling by purchasing Carbon Offsets. We only have one Earth and we need to protect it! To find out how you can help preserve our environment while traveling click here: 22/04/2008 - Purchase Carbon Offsets & Celebrate Earth Day!!
To meet our gadget needs, Flying With Fish reviewed the incredible pocket sized Manfrotto 3007 tripod kit. I was completely blown away with this "table top" tripod. The Manfrotto 3007's strength, size and versatility was well beyond what I expected. Even better is that this little wonder if outstanding for not only professional use, but also point-and-shoot use while on family vacations. You can learn more about the Manfrotto 3007 in this posting: 23/04/2008 - Incredible Pocket Sized Tripod : The Manfrotto 3007 Kit
Finally this week I published the top three packing tips submitted by the readers of Flying With Fish. With nearly 200 submitted tips (194 to be exact) it was hard to select the three most effective tips and award them the three PacSafe CarrySafe 100 camera straps. The winners of the straps were Anna Kuperberg, Petra Hall and Jonathan Adams. I'd like to thank everyone who submitted their tips (i'll do a follow up with 10 more in the next few weeks) and I'd like to thank PacSafe for supporting the readers of Flying With Fish. To read the Top Three Packing Tips, click here: 22/04/2008 - Top Three Reader Submitted Packing Tips : Three PacSafe Carry Safe 100 Strap Winners
Finally, we round out the week with five hidden airline fee that really tick me off! I know the airlines are in financial trouble. I know the cost of fuel is going up and there are other factors contributing to these financial troubles. With all of these financial issues airlines need to generate additional revenue, however some of these hidden fees are just aimed at angering their customers and making it more difficult work with these companies. To find out the five hidden fees that irritate me check here: 24/04/2008 - Five Hidden Airline Fees That Really Annoy Me
Happy Flying!
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