How do YOU pack your lighting gear for shoots?

[vroom]

I'm still piecing together my kit, but I'm at the point where I need to start thinking about packing it and transporting it to and from shoots.

I'd like to pick up a separate bag or two for light stands. I've got seven stands up to 43" in length, so I'll probably have to use two bags, and throw my tripod into one of them. Unless there's a single bag that could carry all of it. Suggestions for light stand bags?

Also, I'm wondering about ways to keep my lights safe without springing for the spendy flight cases, as I'm only doing local shoots for now.

Let's hear about and perhaps see some pictures of how you pack your gear!

 

[ZazaCast]

I have a great Kata bag: http://www.kata-bags.com/kata.asp?Version=Video

...but I don't see it here anymore? It holds 4 lights, 4 light stands, accessories and it rolls.

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

Arri cases on wheels.

 

[CameronMcC]

you can both wooden and plastic trunks from places like wal mart or target for around 15-20 bucks, and line them with either spray on bed liner or use a foam top for a matress and some glue to get you by. The Hinges on these things usually suck, so its good to wrap them with a tie down strap or similar before being rough with them.

 

[NextWaveG]

Pelican cases are nice when you need them to be tough.

 

[October Black]

I use these and thy rock.

Samsonite 4-Piece Travel Set (Red)

Plano Golf Guard Standard Case

I used bins for a year, what a pain in the ass that was. All of these cases roll on wheels and boy does it make easier.


.

 

[vroom]

I use these and thy rock.

Samsonite 4-Piece Travel Set (Red)

Plano Golf Guard Standard Case

I used bins for a year, what a pain in the ass that was. All of these cases roll on wheels and boy does it make easier.


.

That golf bag case looks like it might be the ticket for my light stands. How many stands are you able to fit in yours?

 

[Paul Hudson]

On three taco carts in a 5-ton. Sorry, I just had to )

 

[RyanT]

Honestly, I've done away with most bags and cases that I come across. Even the Arri case I feel like is a little heavy and too much. The problem I usually find is that the cases are 3x heavier than the lights.

I just got a bunch of milk crates...it's pretty easy and they're pretty light. My light stands and C-stands always just go in without a bag or case...it's working pretty well for me and it keeps any one thing from becoming too ridiculously heavy.

The only thing I'd love to get is just a magliner cart. I do admit if you can't park right outside where you're shooting, the milk crates suck a bit. If I had a cart though it'd be easy to throw a bunch of em on there with some light stands and be good to go.

 

[CameronMcC]

I've also seen people using the mid size Rubbermaid trash cans with the wheels and lids that are attached.

 

[chromeboy007]

I use my soft case that came with my Lowel set.

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

Non plastic/metal cases will start falling apart repetitively quickly. The Arri cases are a bit heavy but they are also durable and have wheels.

 

[MadHMC150]

I use one of these for my smaller lights... I fit a few totas, mini 650's, dimmer what not..

http://cgi.ebay.com/XL-XXL-Photo-Vi...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item23067f53ab

But I do need to get something bigger for my mole 2k and arriites

 

[gclark]

Kata OC-97 GDC Organizer Case. I can fit 5-6 stands and 5 lights with grip equipment, it has wheels, and it fits into the trunk of small cars.