Coroplast, bobby pins provide low-cost alternative to Pelican case dividers

Camera bags and cases are where our gear “lives” when it’s not in use.

We count on these cases to hold everything safely rather than just let it roll around banging into each other. I had someone who thought moving my camera gear from one bag to another could be done in a few minutes, just like she just dumps the contents of her purse into a new one.

Frankly, I’m still configuring my bag as time goes by and I try to keep the gear I use most in the most easily accessible parts of the bag. In that case, it’s a matter of moving hook-and-loop style dividers around the bag.

If you use a hard case, similar to Pelican (you can get some decent generic Pelican-style cases at Harbor Freight), you know that the “pluck and pull” foam inserts are great for holding your gear safe and snug — until you get something new and need to reconfigure it.

Pelican offers an alternative in the form of dividers that can be configured to the inside of the case, or even a drawer. But it will set you back close to $200.

There is a way to get around this for far less money.

Tom Buck on YouTube is one of several people showing how to replicate the Pelican dividers using coroplast, adhesive foam sheets and bobby pins.

https://youtu.be/87sSMFX7y9g?si=nuZxl4IAhu40hTQ0

If you remember, I showed you how to make a speedlight grid out of coroplast, taking advantage of the holes in the material to restrict the light. Those same holes will allow you to secure your dividers by inserting the bobby pins between segments.

The foam goes on the outside of the coroplast to provide cushioning for your gear. And the nice thing is, if you need to reconfigure, you’re not going to be out a lot of money.

I’m considering using this approach for a case for my speed lights and triggers. Is this something you would try?

#Coroplast #DIY #PelnicanCase #photography