Table of Contents
Why Careful Travel Matters
Polygraph instruments and sensors are precise, delicate, and costly. Proper packing, shock protection, and climate awareness help prevent calibration drift, physical damage, and costly downtime—especially when flying or moving between client sites.
Core Principles for Safe Transport
- Impact protection: Use padded or semi-rigid compartments; isolate sensors from hard edges and heavy items.
- Organization: Keep cuffs, tubing, and cables in separate pouches to prevent abrasion and tangles.
- Checkpoint-friendly access: Choose luggage that opens flat so laptops/devices scan without removal.
- Climate control: Avoid heat, cold, and humidity; never leave equipment in vehicles for long periods.
- Security: Keep critical components in carry-on; use lockable zippers and discreet, professional bags.
- Insurance & tracking: Insure high-value gear and consider Bluetooth/GPS trackers in your bags.
Useful Bags & Cases
Depending on your kit size, travel frequency, and working environment, the following categories are worth considering:
Lafayette Storage Backpack — Model LX-1050BP
The Lafayette-branded Storage Backpack LX-1050BP is a practical, checkpoint-friendly solution for examiners carrying a laptop, tablet, paperwork, and accessories.
- Checkpoint friendly: Patented split-zipper system for easy airport scanning while items remain inside.
- Capacity & organization: Spacious file compartment; small zip pocket for quick-access items; dual water-bottle pockets; multiple accessory compartments.
- Device fit: Fits laptops up to 16″; dedicated tablet sleeve.
- Dimensions: 12.50″ × 16.50″ × 8.00″ (31.75 × 41.91 × 20.32 cm)
- Laptop compartment: 10.25″ × 14.75″ (W × H)
- Tablet compartment: 9.00″ × 13.00″ (W × H)
- Weight: 2.09 lbs (0.94 kg)
- Price: $200.00
Rugged / Semi-Rigid Backpacks
- Pelican Aegis (18–25 L): Hybrid hard-shell design for enhanced impact resistance; good when you expect rough handling or variable environments.
- Thule Aion 40 L: Durable fabrics, large carry-on capacity, and smart internal dividers for sensors and cuffs.
Professional Travel Backpacks
- Travelpro Executive Choice 3 (Large): Airline-friendly layout with quick-access tech pockets; solid protection for daily flights.
- Victorinox Altmont Professional Deluxe: Clean, professional styling with quality padding for client-facing days.
High-Organization / Photographer-Style Packs
- Peak Design Travel Backpack (≈30 L): Excellent modular organization for separating sensors, cuffs, hoses, and cables.
- Herschel Kaslo Tech: Tech-focused organization with protected sleeves; good for moderate gear loads.
Large-Capacity Carry-Ons
- SWISSGEAR 45 L Travel Laptop Backpack: Extra space for clothing and paperwork—ensure delicate components still have padding and stand-off space.
Quick Comparison
| Model / Type | Strengths | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette LX-1050BP (checkpoint-friendly) | Opens flat at security; well-organized; professional appearance | Frequent flyers with laptop + sensors in one carry-on |
| Pelican Aegis (semi-rigid) | Hybrid hard-shell protection; rugged exterior | Tough travel conditions; extra impact resistance |
| Travelpro Executive Choice 3 | Airline-oriented layout; quick-access tech pockets | Weekly flights; streamlined checkpoint experience |
| Peak Design Travel Backpack | Modular dividers; excellent internal organization | Multiple small components; tidy cable/sensor management |
| Thule Aion 40 L | Large carry-on capacity; durable build | Carry everything in one bag (gear + clothing) |
| SWISSGEAR 45 L | Budget-friendly; high capacity | Longer trips; ensure added padding for delicate parts |
Packing Checklist for Examiners
- ✔️ Laptop (and charger), tablet (if used), USB hubs/adapters
- ✔️ Instrument interface unit (if separate), cuffs, pneumo tubes, EDA sensors
- ✔️ Spare sensors and consumables; alcohol wipes; cable ties/Velcro straps
- ✔️ Padded pouches for each sensor type; foam inserts for fragile items
- ✔️ Surge-protected travel power strip; international adapters (if applicable)
- ✔️ Desiccant packets for humidity control; microfiber cloth
- ✔️ Printed forms, consent documents, and secure storage for completed paperwork
- ✔️ Insurance details and a small inventory list with serial numbers
Airport Screening & On-Site Storage Tips
- Before security: Place laptop/tablet where you can open the bag flat; remove metal objects from pockets.
- During screening: If asked to separate devices, keep sensors in their pouches so they don’t snag on bins.
- After landing: Avoid leaving gear in vehicles; take equipment into climate-controlled spaces promptly.
- At the venue: Store equipment off the floor, away from vents/heaters, and out of direct sunlight; lock doors when stepped away.
