Author Topic: Kit: Box vs. Bag  (Read 12565 times)

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mnsalz91

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Kit: Box vs. Bag
« on: Jan 30, 2010, 09:52 pm »
What do you guys think about a box vs. a bag?

I like the idea of a bag w/ adjustable tackle boxes inside.  Is this not going to work as I become a more experienced SM?


Mac Calder

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #1 on: Jan 31, 2010, 02:02 am »
It all depends on your circumstances. A soft-walled bag may fit into your car better, but you may work in theatres where you take your stuff in once, and then don't need to worry about it again, so a box may suite you better.  Maybe you take public transport, so a  milk create on wheels or a roller bag may be what you need.  There is no single best solution.

missliz

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #2 on: Jan 31, 2010, 02:13 am »
I use a box simply because it has a lot of tiny compartments for everything I carry.
I personally would like to bring a tortoise onto the stage, turn it into a racehorse, then into a hat, a song, a dragon and a fountain of water. One can dare anything in the theatre and it is the place where one dares the least. -Ionesco

bull

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #3 on: Jan 31, 2010, 02:43 pm »
I have to carry my things to and from school, and I am also an Lighting Designer/Master Electrician, so I have a LOT of tools to carry along with all of my SM gear. So I carry my enormous bag I carried all of my hockey gear in. It's just overall more convinent for transportation than a box in my case. And I put different boxes within my box, for instance, I reused an old Jacks and Balls tin to put a bunch of basic makeup supplies in, and then an altoids container to carry some sewing supplies. Etc. Etc. It's just whatever happens to be more convinent and efficient for you.

mnsalz91

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #4 on: Jan 31, 2010, 07:34 pm »
well I found a nice sized bag on wheels with plenty of compartments and I really like the adjustable tackle boxes.  I'm currently leaving it in the management room at school and only taking it out for rehearsals so carrying wise it's not an issue.

Escape84

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #5 on: Feb 09, 2010, 06:37 pm »
I've always used boxes in the past, usually tackle box types or craft boxes. My last kit was the kind where the handle's on the side and you lay it down to open it, so when you pick it up, things shift around and out of their compartments and it makes noise. The one before that was a tackle box, and with the handle on the lid I was always scared that when I picked it up the lock would break and everything would come crashing down.

So, I've been using a messenger bag, but it's really not quite right for me either. I'm in the market for something new right now, and have been looking at the rolling suitcase-like kind of craft cases, like these:

  • newbielink:http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP4508808.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google [nonactive]
  • newbielink:http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Crop-In-Style-NaNavigator-Rolling-Tote/2917643/product.html?rcmndsrc=2 [nonactive]

or these box/messenger bag hybrid totes:

  • newbielink:http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/ArtBin-Solutions-Black-Grey-Red-Mega-Tote/4329399/product.html [nonactive]
  • newbielink:http://www.save-on-crafts.com/cropinstyljr.html [nonactive]

Only problem is I would really want to try them out before I buy them, but don't know where to find them other than online (and I've been looking!)  :-\

To the OP: It really is whatever works best for you, on top of whatever resources the theatre you're working for already provides. Some places will have giant, stocked SM roadboxes, making it kind of redundant to have your own kit at all. Others... not so much. I'd say just do some research and pick whatever you like best; if you decide after you've used it for a while to try something else, that's okay too!


Moderator edit:  Cleaned up link formatting and added lists.  -kmc307
« Last Edit: Feb 09, 2010, 07:02 pm by kmc307 »

gotracigo

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #6 on: Mar 01, 2010, 11:47 pm »
The crop in style type bags are very similar to the one I use... I think I just have a different model.  I freelance, and it's been good for taking to theatres I'm going to be working in for awhile and leaving it there, but it is kinda bulky for everyday travel.  I do like it because it had wheels, which is better for me than something I have to lift. 

I do also have a small (8x10") plastic tackle box that I can put in my bag.. it just holds essentials and is also great to have for performances when you sort of know that you don't need the extras anymore.
Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of my employer.

lesliedcole

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #7 on: Mar 02, 2010, 12:16 am »
This is what I am currently using.  I have only been using it for a couple of months.  I think we paid about 20 or so for it at Home Depot.

http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?CATEGORY=ZAG+ROLLING+WORK&TYPE=PRODUCT&PARTNUMBER=018603R&SDesc=Stanley%26%23174;+2-in-1+Mobile+Work+Center


Cedes

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #8 on: Mar 03, 2010, 09:06 pm »
I use a duffel bag I bought at Totes. I use each compartment separately, and have some mini-boxes in the bag to keep it organized. I like it because it fits my personal headset and the side pocket is perfect for putting my steel-toes in.

Tricky86

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #9 on: Mar 30, 2010, 05:50 am »
Hey dear! 8)
i'had found this solution: newbielink:http://www.framvaligeria.it/en/prodotto.php?id=5B916E6C-8886-8E48-D1BE-08F51DBEA501 [nonactive]

Is exactly in the middle from a normal trolley bag and a small flight case.
I'm really very happy!
Let me know!
Best :)

missliz

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #10 on: Mar 30, 2010, 10:45 am »
Hey dear! 8)
i'had found this solution: http://www.framvaligeria.it/en/prodotto.php?id=5B916E6C-8886-8E48-D1BE-08F51DBEA501

Is exactly in the middle from a normal trolley bag and a small flight case.
I'm really very happy!
Let me know!
Best :)

Oh wow, I really love this. It looks like an old train case! (Appeals to my vintage-loving heart!)
I personally would like to bring a tortoise onto the stage, turn it into a racehorse, then into a hat, a song, a dragon and a fountain of water. One can dare anything in the theatre and it is the place where one dares the least. -Ionesco

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Re: Kit: Box vs. Bag
« Reply #11 on: Mar 30, 2010, 07:47 pm »
If you want a great investment, I find scrapbooking storage bags to be incredibly organized and useful. My aunt (who loves scrapbooking) gave me a black bag that has wheels and an extendable handle, like a carry on suitcase. The walls and stiff and it has tons of compartments for keeping things organized.

For instance, one side contains a full first aid kit, extra bandaids, cough drops, hand santizer, etc. The other side has hand lotion, lint roller, lighter, breath mints and other travel sized daily use items. Then inside I have one package for office supplies, one for costume fixes, a lighting wrench, two whole rows of easy access pencils, pens, and sharpies, and everything else I have ever needed mid-production. Plus there is room for all my huge notebooks and legal pads.

No joke, this is the best kit I've seen or worked with and others I have worked with and used my bag have agreed.

I'm still trying to find my version in an online store to show, but here are some links to other bags similar to mine:
http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Advantus-Tote-Ally-Cool-Black-Roller-Bag/4072950/product.html
http://www.createforless.com/Crop+In+Style+Tote+NaNavigator+Black/pid69597.aspx
http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplies/7701_generations-create-a-bag-crop-station.asp
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