A buyers guide for best rolling camera bags 2020, rolling camera bag luggage for photographers for airline travel.
Fed up with back breaking backpacks? Its time to get your gear on a roll.
We are somewhat spoilt for choice when it comes to carrying camera equipment, but most methods demand you shoulder the burden.
So, if you travel frequently or far, or simply need to carry some serious gears, put it on wheel and you won’t look back.
A rolling camera bag I basically a rolling suitcase that contains customizable dividers tailored to support cameras and lenses.
Not only are the more comfortable than a backpack, rolling bags also tend to be tougher.
You can certainly expect a rigid back, base and sides in your roller bag, and most designs also include exterior scuff protection in vulnerable areas.
But if that’s just not rugged enough for your needs, cosset your camera and lenses in a rolling plastic hard case and they’ll be near invincible.
With wheels taking the strain, it’s tempting to buy the biggest bag you can afford. For maximum travel versatility, however, we’ve selected five designs for this Mini-Test that are just small enough to qualify as airline cabin luggage.
However, size limits vary hugely cross carriers, with budget airlines usually having the strictest rules, so make sure you check requirements with your airline before you show up at the airport.
Best Roller Bags For Camera
- Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader 55 Review
- Neewer Rolling Camera Bag – Neewer 2-in-1 Rolling Camera Backpack Trolley Case
- AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack Review
- Peli 1535 Air Case With Trekpak
- Tenba Roadie Universal Rolling Bagpack
- Think Tank Airport TakeOff V2 0 Review
- Calumet RC1188 Rolling Camera Case
Best Rolling Suitcase For Camera
1. Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader 55 Review
Manfrotto pro light reloader spin 55 review, The Reloader 55’s boxy design and 55x35x 23cm dimensions fully use the carry-on size limits of most airlines.
Manfrotto pro light reloader spin-55 carry-on camera roller bag gives it the most practical interior layout here, only rivalled by the Think Tank Bag.
You can also fit a 17in laptop and 10in tablet in slots on the outside of the front flap for easy access, and the underside of the flap contains plenty of pouches for filters and memory cards.
Compared to the feature-packed Calumet bag, the Reloader’s extras are more subtle. One nice touch is an integrated zipper locking point on the side of the bag, which secures the main zippers more elegantly that a padlock.
Unique in the photographic market polypropylene trays. Specifically engineered for supreme strength and stability, with no extra weight.
This bag nails the basis though. Manfrotto’s extra-thick dividers are sized to fit perfectly around full frame kit while giving unmatched gear support and protection.
Outside, the tough exterior is well-reinforced on key wear points, and includes user-replaceable wheel of a common size.
Specifications
DESIGN: Hard-sided, carry-on bag with 4 spinner double wheels, external tripod connectors and lock.
CAPACITY: Can hold 2 DLSR bodies with up to 5 lenses and accessories. Fits drones and mirrorless cameras too.
CUSTOMIZABLE INTERIOR: 14 protective, modular interchangeable flexi dividers and inner cross ribbons.
COMPARTMENTS: Main compartment, laptop pocket and 2 see-through small accessory pockets.
CONVENIENT: External tripod connectors, built-in lock and rain protector .
Best Camera Backpack For Airline Travel
2. Neewer Rolling Camera Bag – Neewer 2-in-1 Rolling Camera Backpack Trolley Case
With multiple locations over three continents, Neewer is a global leader in photography, video, and music equipment.
Neewer 2-in-1 Rolling Camera Backpack Trolley Case – Anti-Shock Detachable Padded Compartment, Hidden Pull Bar, Durable, Waterproof for Camera, Tripod, Flash Light, Lens, Laptop for Air Traveling and out door traveling.
Neewer camera bag review, they are committed to offering professional premium products that have been tested by expert photographers, videographers, music lovers all over the world with great user experience from all of them. Excellent value is a core tenant of the brand.
A perfect and useful travel companion, this convertible rolling camera backpack makes it easy to store and transport all your camera tools, never worry about forgetting or losing some pieces.
Large size accommodates loads of photography equipment and Rollerblade quality wheels ensure effortless mobility, whether it’s through airport terminals, or across uneven terrain to remote photo shoots.
Reinforced structure, keeps your equipment organized and well protected. The rain cover can help you to protect the bag and your valuable equipment from rain, dust, dirt.
The bag has smooth and premium quality wheels at the bottom. Perfect to roll the bag to your destination on the easy glide rubber wheels, which reduce bumps for smooth mobility and light travel and support long time use.
This backpack is designed with the adjustable padded shoulder straps to give you a most comfortable feeling for your shoulder when you carry it on. The shoulder straps can easily tuck away in a back pocket when you don’t need to use them.
The telescoping pull bar can be extended for rolling the camera backpack from one place to another in a very convenient way. It collapses down smoothly for compact storage when not in use.
Length: 19.7 inches/50 centimeters; Load Capacity: 132 pounds/60 kilograms; Width: 0.7 inch/23.71 mm; Thickness: 0.5 inch/15.53 mm.
The backpack comes with a rugged top and side handle, which offers secure grip for lifting or carrying in short distances, especially when you face the stairs.
Side straps offer a handy place for holding tripod or monopod. Bottom anti-slip design and one rain cover included provide extra protection.
Specifications:
Material: Nylon
Weight: 9.43 pounds /4.28 kilograms
Color: Black
Outside Dimensions: 24.4 x 14.5 x 11,8 inches/62 x 37 x 30 centimeters
Capacity: DSLR camera with standard lens attached, 15 inches laptop/tablet, 2-4 extra lenses, a flash unit and small accessories such as memory cards, cables, batteries.
Best Rolling Camera Bag For Photographers
3. AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack Review
Large camera go back and forth bag with wheels temporarily converts from rolling case to backpack airplane carry-on compatible.
Can hold a whole DSLR body with lens hooked up; 11 additional configurable compartments for lenses, chargers, batteries, filters, and more.
Padded compartment for a pill or 17-inch laptop; front pockets, aspect straps for a tripod; 2 aspect pockets with area for memory cards.
Wide-base rollerblade quality wheels and telescoping maintain for smooth mobility; convenient most sensible maintain for lifting.
Adjustable padded shoulder straps easily tuck away when now not in use, a rain cover is included.
A premium travel companion, the AmazonBasics Convertible Rolling Camera Backpack stores and transports all your camera gear with exceptional ease and convenience.
The camera bag’s large size accommodates loads of photography equipment and rollerblade-quality wheels ensure effortless mobility, whether it’s through airport terminals, across uneven terrain to remote photo shoots, or simply from your home to an event and back again.
The backpack comes with adjustable padded shoulder straps to ensure a secure fit and maximum comfort.
The shoulder straps clip onto the four loops on the back of the backpack and can be discreetly hidden out of the way in a back pocket of the bag when not in use.
The camera backpack’s internal compartment can hold a full DSLR body with a lens attached, while its 11 additional configurable compartments nicely accommodate lenses, chargers, batteries, filters and other must-have accessories.
Thoughtfully designed, the bag’s padded compartment works well for a tablet or laptop up to 17 inches, and two external side pockets offer additional storage space with smaller pockets for holding memory cards.
Even more, the backpack’s front pockets provide compartments for documents, business cards, and other important information, while its side straps offer a handy place for a take-along tripod or monopod.
An easy-access telescoping handle extends for conveniently rolling the camera backpack from one place to another.
The handle collapses down in one smooth move for compact storage when not in use or when placing in an overhead compartment.
The backpack also comes with a rugged top handle, which offers a secure grip for lifting or carrying the bag short distances.
Best Rolling Camera Case
4. Peli 1535 Air Case With Trekpak
Peli’s entry is sized to fit within most carry-on limits, but should it need to go in the holds, this ultra-tough hard case will shrug off any abuse.
Hard cases are usually for from light, but Peli’s air range uses a clever honeycomb construction and light plastic to reduce weight without compromising toughness.
The result is the 1535 Air weighs less than the Calumet and Tenba bags, including a full foam interior.
This is easily customized to suit your gear and offers great padding, though it’s tricky to adapt to differing kit loads.
Peli does offer a customizable divider set instead, albeit at extra cost.
Other drawbacks with the Air case compared with the other bags on test include a handle that extends around 10cm less, meaning the case is more prone to clipping your heel as you walk.
The hard-utilitarian design won’t suit all occasions, though, and you can forget extras like laptop or tripod pockets.
With inventive features that anticipate the needs of pros from every line of work, the new Pelican™ Air models offer innovation with an equal balance of toughness and lightness.
Every pro will discover a more effortless user experience and the perfect model in the Pelican™ Air line.
Feature
Super-light Proprietary HPX2 Polymer
Proven Tough Double-Throw Latches
Automatic Purge Valve Balances Air Pressure
Watertight O-Ring Gasket • New Style “Conic Curve” Lid Shape
Crushproof, dustproof, with a watertight o-ring gasket and an automatic purge valve that balances air pressure inside the case.
Stainless Steel Hasp Protectors
Rubber Overmolded Handles
New Removable Polycarbonate Card Holder With Front or Side Placement
Best Rolling Backpack Camera Bag
5. Tenba Roadie Universal
Tenba is keen to promote the construction and material quality of the Roadie, and it does indeed feel extremely rigid and robust.
There are features like a weatherproof ballistic nylon exterior, reinforced in vulnerable areas, plus superb handles all around and user replaceable wheels.
Size wise, a 51cm height makes the Roadie a shade shorter than the Manfrotto and Think Tank Bags, but helps ensure it can stay with you as cabin luggage.
You’ll still be able to carry a couple of bodies and up to eight lenses, with enough width to fit typical full frame lenses three abreast.
Ample interior padding offers good kit protection, if not quite up there with the Reloader-55.
Out on the front panel there’s an easy-access slot for a 17in laptop, along with all well-designed tripod attachment system.
Round the back, a rear pouch containing a steel security cable can tether the bag with an optional padlock.
The Universal Roadie II has top access to the computer sleeve that can help speed through airport security. The quick-connect tripod carrying system will hold virtually any size tripod or light stand tight to the case for travel.
A quick release tripod collar stows away in the rear pocket when not in use. There is an exterior front pocket that holds an included 4-pocket media wallet that fits either CF or SD cards, airline tickets, passport or other items.
It has large, laminated mesh interior storage pockets for cables, filters, tools and other accessories.
A rear pocket includes a steel-braided security cable that can be fed through the built-in, welded steel D-ring; wrapped around anything solid and stationary on location; and secured with an optional padlock.
The Photo/Laptop case is made from weatherproof ballistic nylon exterior, with an EVA molded interior and a heavy-duty tricot interior.
The case is transported by a padded, custom-sewn, massively reinforced handle, heavy-duty, four-section retractable tow handle and heavy-duty, ball bearing wheels.
Padded, custom-sewn, massively reinforced handles enable comfortable carrying even when the case is fully loaded.
Heavy-duty, four-section handle extends to full, comfortable walking height, easing the strain on the back and shoulders when wheeling through long airport stretches.
Heavy-duty, ball bearing wheel assemblies feature smooth-rolling, user replaceable wheels.
Best Small Rolling Camera Bag
6. Think Tank Airport TakeOff V2 0 Review
Recognizing that wheels aren’t always the best mode of transport. Think Tank has come up with a roller bag and backpack in one.
Simply open the rear pouch to reveal two backpacks straps, and the pouch’s padded flap folds down to offer lower back cushioning.
This set-up is fairly comfy, although without a hip belt, you’ll only want to wear the bag as a backpack when wheels won’t d.
Store, protect, and transport up to 3 DSLR cameras, 5 lenses, a flash, and related accessories with the black Airport TakeOff V2.0 Rolling Camera Bag from Think Tank.
As one of the largest bags here, there’s plenty of space inside for various kit configuration, while still staying within most airlines carry-on limits.
A decent set of dividers includes three with U-shaped cutouts to cradle cameras with attached lenses.
“The Airport TakeOff V2.0 features a custom designed retractable handle with inset channel on aluminium tubing for added strength and durability, making it easier to roll down the street,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer.
Think tank airport takeoff v1 vs v2, premium fabrics and fitting help justify the price, but some corners have literally been cut. A lack of exterior corner reinforcement is surprising.
Think tank airport security v2 the overall toughness doesn’t feel quite on a par with the Tenba Roadie, though the TakeOff is noticeably lighter at just 3.9kg.
Tall skid plates help protect the back and bottom of the bag from moisture and abrasion. This protection is complemented by water-repellent, coated fabrics, 1680D ballistic nylon, and YKK RC Fuse zippers.
Carry your Airport TakeOff V2.0 with the top and left side grab handles or roll with the retractable, telescoping handle and smooth 80mm, sealed ABEC, quiet-rolling wheels. Bottom feet opposite the wheels allow the bag to balance upright.
The bag may also be worn as a backpack with tuck-away straps located under the rear panel covering. Included with the bag is a rain cover with its own storage pouch.
Best Rolling Carry On Camera Bag
7. Calumet RC1188 Rolling Camera Case
This may be by for the cheapest option here, yet the RC1188 feels very bit as rugged as pricier rivals. You get reinforced outer corners, rigid sides, and plenty of scuff protection underneath.
Although all this toughness adds up to a 6.5kg unladen weight, making this the heaviest case on test.
Its 25cm thickness could also be problematic at some check in desks, one of the best waterproof carry on luggage with wheels.
Inside, the padding’s and dividers are adequate, if not as impressive the exterior quality. A 30cm internal width is about 3cm narrower than a case like the Manfrotto Reloader.
That’s enough to make it a tight squeeze to fit fast full frame lenses alongside each other.
But calumet claws back ground with extra features. The entire padded interior can be lifted out and has its own lid and carry handles.
The practicality doesn’t stop there, the front flap will expand by a whopping 19cm, effectively doubling the capacity of the bag.
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With a lightweight rolling bag, I can easily move around the airport and don’t worry if my gear is protected.
Another important reason to buy a rolling bag is the possibility to get all the equipment at once. You don’t need to remove all the items if the necessary one lies at the bottom. You just open the rolling bag and take what you need.
When I return home, there is no need to arrange my equipment, as everything is already neatly stored in my rolling bag. Besides, I can see all the tools with the opened front flap.
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