Traveling with expensive gear - Carry on or pack

Curious if there is a better way to travel with good gear, when its almost too much to carry on. I have always been reluctant to check it, Even in a Pelican case. I have had socks stolen, I cant imagine packing some of my good gear, but sometimes its too much to carry on. Im sure this has been easily solved and I just dont know via /r/photography https://ift.tt/Pd5WXNu