Best Roller Bags For Your Camera

Top 10 Rollers Bags for Your Camera Gear

There are many roller bags you may use to carry your equipment. Everyone needs a safe, compact rolling bag made of quality material that you can use to transport your expensive photography equipment without damages.

How to choose it? An average roller bag may seem bulky and impractical for some photographers, so if you are in search of a good bag, read this post.

1. Think Tank Roller Bag

Best rolling suitcase by FixThePhoto

External dimensions: 14x21x8 in | Weight: 8.7–9.7 lbs.

You may have seen the backpacks with wheels but they differ greatly from a rolling bag, which is equipped with the backpack straps. Think Tank rolling bag belongs to the latter category.

The back-straps are accurately made and almost invisible behind a flap if you don’t use them. The flap is visually separated into two halves; the first is soft nylon, while the second one is tough plastic.

Think Tank roller is a great example of hard-bodied products, which you can use as a backpack. The straps are durable and are very useful when the ground is too rough to drag this roller bag on the wheels.

Judging by my personal experience as a wedding photographer, I can say that I’ve used straps not very often. Still, if the photo session was at the beach or on the rock mass, I was so glad that there are sturdy straps and I may not drag the bag.

If I use a scooter or a motorcycle to get to the wedding venue, Think Tank Airport Take Off is easily transformed into a regular backpack. Actually, this was the main reason why I bought this model.

Think Tank roller bag functionality is really important for me and if you travel in a similar way, you’d probably like it.

2. Lowepro Rolling Bag x200 AW

Best size roller bag

External dimensions: 13.98x9.02x19.29 in | Weight: 10.12 lbs.

This rolling bag may be considered as the universal model, and that is the reason I added it to the list of recommended bags for travel. To see what I mean, let’s have a closer look at Lowepro rolling bag.

First of all, I’ll pay attention to the build of the bag, which is really quality similar to other products of the company. The manufacturer used quality ballistic nylon for the hardshell exterior.

It serves as a reliable protection and you can carry the bag in your hands or wheel it.

Lowepro rolling bag resembles other products of this type, has a neutral color pattern and looks like an average suitcase. In such a way, you may eliminate the possible theft, as people around will have no idea that there is expensive equipment in your bag.

3. Amazon Basics Convertible Rolling Bag

Budget rolling bag

External dimensions: 15.3x21.8x10 in | Weight: 9.4 lbs.

AmazonBasics Convertible Roller Bag has lots of compartments. The zipping system enables you to get the necessary gear very quickly, as everything is accurately arranged inside.

It is also very convenient when you need to overweight carry-on luggage at check in. The outer shell is done in a shedding technique, making the roller bag lightweight, which is great when there is a luggage weight limit. The significant advantage of this bag is the elaborate organizational feature for the non-camera equipment (documents, clothes, books etc.). Other rolling bags have nothing similar.

If there is something you need to quickly access, you can benefit greatly from the interior zippable pockets.

You have probably understood why AmazonBasics rolling bag is so popular. Besides, the price makes it even more appealing for the beginning photographers.

4. Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader-55

Solid bag with lots of customization options

External dimensions: 13.98x7.87x19.69 in | Weight: 7.14 lbs.

This roller bag is equipped with the mobile harness, which will keep the bag straps safe all the time when you use the wheels along with the folding handle. The breastbone strap will help you carry your rolling suitcase and keep it stable.

There is also a top handle designed especially for the moment when you have to grab the bag quickly.

In order to provide you with fast access to the tripod or some stand, the manufacturers invented quick access system. Now you may not worry about the severe weather conditions during your trip, as this pack has a deployable rain cover.

Thus, Pro Light Reloader-55 is the best rolling bag for enthusiastic photographers, who really like hiking. Moreover, you get a 5-year warranty on this bag.

5. Tamrac Roller Bag 5797 Evolution Speed

Roller backpack for beginners

External dimensions: 9x14x21 in | Weight: 7.8 lbs.

With Tamrac suitcase, you have two possible ways to transport all your photography equipment. You can carry it on your back, or you can roll it on its ball bearings built-in wheels.

Anyway, this rolling bag will enable you to get to the place of destination with comfort. This functional product is designed for storing different necessary equipment, starting with a camera and an attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and ending with a second camera with a 6" lens.

You can also fit two spare lenses, flash and even a 15.6" laptop, which can be placed in a separate packed pocket.

Tamrac roller bag is split into half with the top compartments for individual stuff and lighter camera gear, and the bottom one for storing your main camera and its lenses. You can also find a lot of additional pouches for different stuff.

At the front side, there is a Windowpane mesh pouch for SD cards, charger, and other small things. There is another Windowpane mesh pouch in the top lid. It can be used to hold some other necessary light items.

Two mesh compartments outside are created for the water bottles, an umbrella, a map etc. There are also two additional zippered pockets for your accessories, including your ID, wallet, or papers.

6. Pelican 1510-SC

Waterproof rolling suitcase

External dimensions: 19.75x11.00x7.60 in | Weight: 3 lbs.

Pelican bag may be considered to be the best rolling bag for the photographers, who need firm camera packs to cope with all the traveling difficulties easily. Of course, many people choose it to protect their photography equipment from various rough conditions, but this bag is also frequently selected for its design and comfort.

The photographers are very pleased with how resistant this roller bag to harsh environmental conditions is. Moreover, if you happen to be in a war zone, at least out equipment will be safe and sound in the Pelican bag.

In case you're looking for a perfectly firm and waterproof roller. Pelican 1510-SC is an ideal combination of size, durability, weight, and functionality.

The abbreviation ‘SC’ means ‘Studio Case’ as such a rolling bag has a pleasant surprise in the lid. Apart from common compartments equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners so you can pack all your equipment as you want, there are also two padded pouches for your laptop and other small accessories.

7. Tenba Roadie Roller 18

Best roller bag for long-term trips

External dimensions: 9x14x18 in | Weight: 8.8 lbs.

Those who have some experience of using Tenba bags know that it can be called basic, but not in bad sense. It means that such bags are designed with only the necessary features in order to help you do your job.

This is the reason why extra padded pockets in the lid look very refreshing. It seems that Tenba Company decided to please the photographers, who want to fit something else apart from cameras and lenses.

The peculiarity of such a rolling bag, like a variety of other products created by this company, is an air-tight seal when all the fasteners are locked. The two-position locking mechanism guarantees that your equipment is protected from water and air.

Thus, during your trips even to some tropical countries, you don’t constantly need to worry about your gear. Tenba roller bag will keep your stuff safe and to make you concentrate on the work.

8. Neewer Rolling Bag 2-in-1

Backpack trolley suitcase

External dimensions: 21.3x5.7x4.9 in | Weight: 9.44 lbs.

This is a great version of the rolling cases for the travelers. Neewer rolling bag will give you a chance to store and transport your equipment simply and with comfort. Great size and capacity enable you to load all the gear you need, and high-quality rolling balls provide you with mobility wherever you're.

The adjustable padded straps ensure optimum comfort and keep your stuff safe. This bag is also equipped with an anti-slip bottom and built-in rain cover for super protection.

In addition to its nice design, such a lightweight rolling bag is considered to be really handy, as it also has a front pouch for your documents, side straps to pack something like a tripod, convenient shoulder straps and a handle that can be easily removed if needed.

Another advantage of this suitcase is its strong antiskid foot design. Watertight high-density nylon is the basis of such a rolling bag. The adjustable straps will guarantee maximum comfort.

9. Vanguard Xcenior 41T Rolling Bag

Intelligent design

External dimensions: 11.4x16.9x19.1 in | Weight: 8.66 lbs.

This is ideal for those who do not take too much equipment with them on a trip. Small size, comfortable capacity, the basic design of this bag will help you with a comfortable flight.

I really like the extendable handle. It is done in the same manner as in other Vanguard bags for travel. It is durable, smooth, lightweight and convenient to access.

The length of the handle is quite convenient.

All in all, if you are looking for a quality rolling bag, but worry if it will endure different surfaces, you definitely should have a closer look at Vanguard.

10. Think Tank Advantage Roller Bag

Light and small roller bag

External dimensions: 12.7x19.5x7.3 in | Weight: 5.9 lbs.

According to reviews, this one is much thinner than the other bags of such type. However, that does not mean that you will have to reduce the amount of photography equipment you want to fit.

Think Tank roller bag has an adjustable padding, which gives you an opportunity to arrange the bag insert as you want. The only minor defect is the edges, as the depth tends to vary because of the position of the handle and the wheels.

The Think Tank roller consists of two translucent pouches with zippers. The plastic and zip fasteners are both really quality.

I especially like how the zip fasteners are designed. The metal part of the zip may be hidden to prevent any scratching.

As for me, this rolling bag is really good. It is reliable, firm and stable. What can be better? Using this pack, you won’t have any problems while transporting your equipment even on the imperfect surfaces.

It is one of the lightest bags DSLR, moreover, it is really affordable in comparison with other models.

During your trips, you may face different situations. Thus, this Think Tank roller suitcase will be the best decision for you if you are searching for an ideal balance of weight and protection. That’s why I recommend taking a closer look at this bag.

Why Do You Need a Roller Bag?

I remember my first trip abroad when I traveled with a backpack. I failed to check if the US flights had a luggage weight limit, and fortunately, there were none.

Though I felt really tired, carrying more than 10kgs of the gear. On the other flights, there were stricter limits. So, I had to fit my equipment in 2 different bags.

After such an experience, I start thinking about possible alternatives to “lighten” my back without spending large sums on the best camera bag for women. Having a standard roller bag, I may forget about a backache, which always appeared if I traveled a lot with all the gear.

Besides, I couldn’t fit all the necessary equipment and personal things in one bag. A camera roller is perfect to store my gear, while clothes and additional accessories will be safely kept in an everyday bag.

If I had any problems at the check in desk, I would have all the gear within an easy reach in a rolling bag. So, any time I wish, I may check my equipment.

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.

How to Choose the Best Roller Bag for Photographers?

Size and Capacity. Assess the amount of camera gear you typically carry and ensure the roller bag can accommodate your camera bodies, lenses, accessories, and even a laptop if needed.

Build Quality. Look for a roller bag made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your equipment.

Interior Layout. Opt for a bag with customizable dividers and padded compartments to organize your gear effectively and prevent items from shifting during transit.

Wheels and Handles. Check the quality of the wheels and telescoping handle – they should be sturdy and provide smooth maneuverability.

Security. Look for roller bags with lockable zippers and security features to keep your gear safe from theft.

Weight and Size. Ensure the roller bag complies with airline carry-on size restrictions if you plan to travel with it. Also, consider its weight, especially when filled with gear.

Comfort. Check if the bag has comfortable padded handles and straps for times when you need to carry it manually.

Aesthetics. While not a primary concern, a bag that suits your personal style can be a bonus.

Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more