Here is a couple of cents worth on tripod bags. While packing tripods can become quite elaborate as noted in previous posts, I thought I'd pass along what has worked for me on trips that involved air travel and checking baggage.
I have an old Navy sea bag (duffel bag) made of heavy canvas. The top has a number of metal eyelets around the circumference, and when closed, provide a means of locking the thing with a padlock. It also has a sewn-on handle in the middle of the bag and a large shoulder strap at the locked end. My tripod, with head removed, fits into the bag with a few inches to spare at the top and bottom. Beneath it, and around it, I pack heavy clothing; down jacket (winter), boots, gloves, etc. This provides all the cushioning required to protect the tripod and an easy way to take all the bulky clothing that I can't pack into a suitcase or carry-on luggage. As described, it is virtually indestructible and unique in identifying at baggage claim. It ain't fancy, but it works. John C. Lucas --> SPORRS: Serious Photographers of Railroad Related Subjects X-Mozilla-Status: 0011 Content-Length: 2032
