Your thoughts on camera bag, backpack or roller

[Viathelens]

I need a new backpack or roller bag for my gear. I bought a Lowepro backpack about eight years ago and since then my gear has grown. I generally split it up into several bags, which works OK when I drive, which I normally try to do. I've even done that on an airplane trip, using the 2-bag policy to carry the gear. I am now thinking a roller bag might work out better and certainly a larger backpack in any case. I carry two camera bodies, sometimes three, and two long lenses and a shorter lens or two and all the extra stuff. My tripod usually goes into the suitcase.

Think Tank appears to be completely out of stock. Peak Design does have several choices but I have to buy extra things to make the pack a camera bag. I did also look at Lowepro and they have a roller back but its over $400, but B&H has it for $355. I'm amazed at how much packs cost these days. All of the companies appear to market their camera bags as suitcases, which is weird to me as they cost so much more than a regular suitcase, even talking about diapers and baby supplies.

Weight is an issue for me as both shoulders have had surgery and I might be headed for a shoulder replacement down the road in five years time. So, any comments, recommendations, experiences you've had and want to share? I have a trip to Africa in August and I'd like it before that trip. My Yellowstone trip is May/June and I'm driving so that's not much of a problem. My pack is old and much too small for what I'm doing these days, although it has served me well and all zippers, amazingly, are intact and working!

 

[Darrellhar]

I know Think Tank has some stocking issues right now but I have several of their bags, including a small roller (that I honestly never use) but I swear by their quality and design. I mostly use two sizes of their Backlight series (26 + 36) and I absolutely love them both. Both have lap belts that help keep weight off of your shoulders. Their customer service is great so if you do decide to purchase from them I would call them to see if they can give you a realistic time frame that they will be back in stock.

 

[KirstyM]

Just a heads up… Check what your internal flights are like in Africa - I’ve always been on very small (ie 4/6 seater) planes, and they do normally ask you not to take hard sided/roller bags as they are a problem to fit into the luggage space (which is often filled with supplies for the safari camp… don’t want to leave those on the runway either!)

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Check with the airline you'll be flying as they have size and weight limits for international travel, then make a choice from there.
https://www.theluggagelist.com/carry-on-luggage-size-chart/

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I posted these links on this forum under

Travelling by air​

• Thread starterMike1941
• Start dateFeb 24, 2022

 

[marklangner]

You might want to consider looking into Guragear.com. The Kiboko 30L holds my 600 F4, 100-500, 2 R5 bodies, and more. I like how the compartments are arranged and has a built in shoulder strap system which includes lumbar waist band support. Meets airline requirements for carry on (It's the bag Steve uses....I just stole his idea). It's what I'm using for Africa in a few weeks. You do have to watch weight though as posted above, I seem to want to pack too much into one bag, and Canon glass is not light !

​

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Have one for sale

BEVISGEAR | The World's Fastest, Open-Layout Camera Bag System

The BEVISGEAR Top Shelf Camera Bag is the best storage solution available for photographers. Its the best way to securely and quickly access your SLR, Mirrorless and Full Frame Camera. With an open-layout design all your gear is instantly available via our unique push button technology

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[Steve W]

My issue with roller bags is that they weigh around 5+ kg empty. In the great land down under airlines typically had a limit of one bag totalling 115 cm (L + W + H) or two bags of 105 cm. Except for Qantas, which is a bit more generous, if you took your roller case and a Z9 with a 14-24 lens you’d be pretty much at or over the limit. Excess baggage isn’t cheap either.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

QANTAS

 

[Abinoone]

I need a new backpack or roller bag for my gear. I bought a Lowepro backpack about eight years ago and since then my gear has grown. I generally split it up into several bags, which works OK when I drive, which I normally try to do. I've even done that on an airplane trip, using the 2-bag policy to carry the gear. I am now thinking a roller bag might work out better and certainly a larger backpack in any case. I carry two camera bodies, sometimes three, and two long lenses and a shorter lens or two and all the extra stuff. My tripod usually goes into the suitcase.

Think Tank appears to be completely out of stock. Peak Design does have several choices but I have to buy extra things to make the pack a camera bag. I did also look at Lowepro and they have a roller back but its over $400, but B&H has it for $355. I'm amazed at how much packs cost these days. All of the companies appear to market their camera bags as suitcases, which is weird to me as they cost so much more than a regular suitcase, even talking about diapers and baby supplies.

Weight is an issue for me as both shoulders have had surgery and I might be headed for a shoulder replacement down the road in five years time. So, any comments, recommendations, experiences you've had and want to share? I have a trip to Africa in August and I'd like it before that trip. My Yellowstone trip is May/June and I'm driving so that's not much of a problem. My pack is old and much too small for what I'm doing these days, although it has served me well and all zippers, amazingly, are intact and working!

I had much the same need, and found the Think Tank Airport Advantage to be just the ticket (https://www.thinktankphoto.com/coll...roducts/airport-advantage?variant=22886289155). It's smallish, and I believe that it's also in stock. I selected this roller bag because it fits in the overhead of smaller, regional jets, which allows me to avoid the hassle and risk of having it pulled by flight crews for baggage check. The Airport Advantage holds my two D850 bodies, my 200-500, 70-200, and 24-70 lenses, and my ball head, along with a compliment of accessories. It's a tight fit for sure, but it works well. The bag is very well made. I too check my tripod with my main luggage. Hope this helps.

 

[fcotterill]

You might want to consider looking into Guragear.com. The Kiboko 30L holds my 600 F4, 100-500, 2 R5 bodies, and more. I like how the compartments are arranged and has a built in shoulder strap system which includes lumbar waist band support. Meets airline requirements for carry on (It's the bag Steve uses....I just stole his idea). It's what I'm using for Africa in a few weeks. You do have to watch weight though as posted above, I seem to want to pack too much into one bag, and Canon glass is not light !

​

I'm planning to get a Chobe, which several pros pair with their bigger backpack/pelican case. Depending on strictures of the flight(s) I use a Mindshift 45L Elite, FStop Sukha and have just go a Pelican Air (new lighter model)

scroll down to video review.

Chobe 2.0 16" - Limited Availability

The Ultimate Everyday Carry Bag for Digital Nomads Designed to make organizing, carrying, and traveling with your gear easier - Comes in 2 sizes - Click here for the 13" Product Highlights Quick-access laptop sleeve (large enough for 16" MacBook Pro) Stands independently so you can work right...

guragear.com

Chobe 2.0 16" - Limited Availability

The Ultimate Everyday Carry Bag for Digital Nomads Designed to make organizing, carrying, and traveling with your gear easier - Comes in 2 sizes - Click here for the 13" Product Highlights Quick-access laptop sleeve (large enough for 16" MacBook Pro) Stands independently so you can work right...

guragear.com

 

[fcotterill]

Review: Gura Gear Chobe 2.0 laptop/camera bag - Squiver

Read the latest news about award-winning professional wildlife and nature photographer Marsel van Oosten. Squiver offers exciting nature photography trips to great destinations worldwide. Book your photo safari, photography holiday or photo tour online with Squiver Photo Trips. We offer...

www.squiver.com

 

[GrandNagus50]

Sorry to repeat things already said, but . . .
The problem with roller bags is that when airlines feel pinched for overhead bin space they go after people with roller bags to get them to check (or gate check) the bag. You can refuse in most cases, but it's still a drag. On smaller regional jets sometimes it is REQUIRED to gate check roller bags. Gate checking is not as horrific as regular baggage checking, but again, not something to relish.

I second the suggestion for a Gura Gear bag. I use the older 32l Bataflae, but the 30l Kiboko is very similar. Of course, what you "need" depends on what you need to carry.

The hassles associated with carrying big lenses on international flights with miniscule weight limits for carry on bags led me to branch out from my traditional Nikon gear and to build a Micro Four-thirds (Olympus) rig. That's what I carry on trips where I know there will be at least one flight on a smaller plane. I usually can get all my gear into a Mindshift Backlight 26L backpack. But I digress.

If airlines simply charge an overweight fee for carryons the exceed their ridiculously restrictive weight limits, that is ok with me. It's only money. It's the prospect of having to check a camera bag as regular hold luggage that terrifies me.

Another suggestion is that you obtain the bank charge cards for a couple of airlines that you regularly use. This gets you into a priority boarding group (group 2, usually). This eliminates some of the anxiety about limited bin space.

 

[Viathelens]

Thanks, everyone for your insights and comments. It's nice to know that others share that "bin space anxiety," too. Lots of choices here and I'll check everything out. Love the funny airline image!

 

[BirdDogDad]

I use a Vanquest Trident daypack (vanquest.com), intended for tactical use, which is a side-loader with adjustable "platforms" which I can conform to any gear I'm carrying. I've been extremely happy with it--very well made and very compact. No problem fitting it onto any airplane. I, too, have shoulder issues, so the first thing I look for in any pack is a substantial, robust, padded belt strap. Cinching a good belt strap tightly and adjusting your shoulder traps, puts most of the weight onto your hips and not onto your shoulders.

To get the best of both worlds--backpack and rolling bag--I purchased an inexpensive folding luggage cart (search Amazon "hand cart with wheels foldable"), the smallest and lightest I could find. When my backpack gets too heavy--or when I know I have a long walk ahead of me (i.e., large airport), I unfold the little cart and wheel my daypack behind me. The cart folds up small enough that it can be strapped to the daypack, and I've never had an airline question me on it. The little hand carts are not terribly well made, but for long treks in an airport, and during long layovers, they is quite handy.

This has worked out well for me, since I'm not married to the bulk and weight of a rolling bag, but I can convert my pack to one when necessary.

 

[John_DE]

I just want to second all of the good advice already given. I have bothThinkTank’s Advantage and Airport International, use depends on the size of the airplane that I’ll be on. The ThinkTank Backlight backpacks are also excellent and something I use. If you are asked to gate check you roller bag, the fact your gear has Lithium-ion batteries will carry more importance than the cost of your gear.

 

[GrandNagus50]

For a small regional jet like the smaller Embraer planes, they WILL ask you to gate check your roller bag, and as far as I can tell most of the gate agents will turn a deaf ear to pleas for mercy. The consolation is that gate checking is NOT as dire as checking your bag into the regular baggage hold.

 

[GrandNagus50]

Hey there!
I would just like to add my voice to the chorus of wise counsel previously offered. I have both ThinkTank's Advantage and Airport International, and I use one or the other depending on the size of the jet I'll be flying on. The ThinkTank Backlight backpacks are also fantastic, and I own one. If you're requested to ticket check your carry on bag, the fact that your gear is powered by Lithium-ion batteries will take precedence over the price of your equipment.

I would like to know if people have actually gotten a dispensation from a gate agent based on carrying lithium batteries in one's camera bag. It's a good idea that puts the agent in the position of apparently violating an airline rule if they don't allow the bag to be carried into the cabin. But I could just as easily envision the agent directing the photographer to remove the batteries and carry them in his/her "personal item." From what I have seen of the situation with smaller jets, the "no roller bag" rule is enforced pretty strictly, especially on flights that are at all crowded.

 

[AnnetteJane]

One thing I found about roller bags is that sometimes the airlines says not enough overhead storage, one of my flights is generally one of the small planes)and all roller bags need to be checked in at the gate, right before boarding . What I did in this case was have my gear packed in a camera backpack bag IN my roller bag and so I took the backpack part out and checked the rather empty roller bag in as requested, leave my monopod and some misc items in it. I dont want my camera gear out of my sight. I was wanting to make transporting easier with wheels but have the backpack with me anyhow.
Lately, I just do the backpack and skip the roller bag, but I’m keeping it light ( ?) enough with just Z9, 500 pf 5.6 and Z7 with 70-200 ( mirrorless lens). The wheels were nice because I have ipad, chargers AND misc items. On the flip side when I just do the Atlas backpack that fits under the seat, I dont have to worry about the overhead bins at all and everything is quickly accessible ( pillow, ipad ect) from where I am sitting.
I’m packing my 24-70 in my checked luggage. I dont use it often but just in case.

 

[Calson]

I need a new backpack or roller bag for my gear. I bought a Lowepro backpack about eight years ago and since then my gear has grown. I generally split it up into several bags, which works OK when I drive, which I normally try to do. I've even done that on an airplane trip, using the 2-bag policy to carry the gear. I am now thinking a roller bag might work out better and certainly a larger backpack in any case. I carry two camera bodies, sometimes three, and two long lenses and a shorter lens or two and all the extra stuff. My tripod usually goes into the suitcase.

Think Tank appears to be completely out of stock. Peak Design does have several choices but I have to buy extra things to make the pack a camera bag. I did also look at Lowepro and they have a roller back but its over $400, but B&H has it for $355. I'm amazed at how much packs cost these days. All of the companies appear to market their camera bags as suitcases, which is weird to me as they cost so much more than a regular suitcase, even talking about diapers and baby supplies.

Weight is an issue for me as both shoulders have had surgery and I might be headed for a shoulder replacement down the road in five years time. So, any comments, recommendations, experiences you've had and want to share? I have a trip to Africa in August and I'd like it before that trip. My Yellowstone trip is May/June and I'm driving so that's not much of a problem. My pack is old and much too small for what I'm doing these days, although it has served me well and all zippers, amazingly, are intact and working!

I use one of the cheap folding trolley/carts as they are rated for 50 lbs or more. They fold up flat so after I remove the bungee cords and fold the cart is fits inside the overhead compartment on a plane and my backpack goes on top of the cart.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBHXP6P/?tag=backcogaller-20

The large 32L backpack goes on the cart and is held in place with a bungee cord and then I out a smaller 18L backpack is place on top of the large backpack and I have a hand free and can wheel it all through the airports and across the jet bridge. Not good for dirt or sand or bouncing off curbs but fine for general use on hard surfaces.

I use a Tamrac roller case locally but not for air travel post 9/11 with the crazy restrictions by the TSA and the airlines. Soft pliable backpacks work much better and can be put in nooks where a hard case will not fit. This works better when hauling gear in cars or a taxi as well.

 

[jeffnles1]

I would suggest looking for used whatever you decide. I bought my LoweLro 450 backpack used for about 1/3 cost of new. It looked like it has never been used. Be best the heck out of that pack and it is still going strong.

 

[agdoherty]

Just an FYI to anyone still interested, the GuraGear 30L holds both the nikon Z 400 2.8 and 800 6.3 with their lens hoods reversed and with soft covers, but only one can be mounted on a Z9 body while packed in the back. Both lenses + both bodies is just a bit too much to manage. Weight is 22lbs with one body packed.

 

[PGS]

I had much the same need, and found the Think Tank Airport Advantage to be just the ticket (https://www.thinktankphoto.com/coll...roducts/airport-advantage?variant=22886289155). It's smallish, and I believe that it's also in stock. I selected this roller bag because it fits in the overhead of smaller, regional jets, which allows me to avoid the hassle and risk of having it pulled by flight crews for baggage check. The Airport Advantage holds my two D850 bodies, my 200-500, 70-200, and 24-70 lenses, and my ball head, along with a compliment of accessories. It's a tight fit for sure, but it works well. The bag is very well made. I too check my tripod with my main luggage. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the suggestion. The length of my Nikon z180-600 lens attached to Z8 is 16”. I checked this bag has interior lengthwise clearance of 17.99”, so it appears it should accommodate my z180-600 lens attached to Z8, but wanted to confirm if that is the case. Also, I believe the bag will have additional space for a 2nd camera and a lens or two in addition to Z8/180-600 (attached).

Will appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Thanks

 

[JimmySchoster]

I absolutely love my WANDRD backpack for travel. In the recent past for 4.5 years I traveled every other week from Mpls to Dallas wearing my https://www.wandrd.com/products/prvke?variant=39289416089680 Extremely well made.
Very comfortable fit. I walked a long distance with it loaded to the max through the airport and to the car rental locations, etc. with no problem and it fit well in the overhead compartment. I have never used it in the field doing photography but purchased it for travel on airline. After about 3 years one of the zippers was separating at a seam a bit and they replaced the entire unit in a flash with a new backpack after I returned it for their inspection.

 

[gmart7717]

I really like my Tenba Roadie Roller 24. It's probably a little big for what you want. However, if I was a frequent flier, I would really look at the Tenba Roadie Hybrid Roller. Here's some more information on what it can carry.

• Camera/Laptop Gear Capacity – 2 Mirrorless or DSLR cameras (up to Pro size w/ grip), 8-10 lenses (up to 400mm 2.8), laptop up to 17 inches (43 cm).
• Removable Padded Camera Insert – Allows a camera and 2-3 lenses to be carried independently inside any bag of your choosing. Insert can be paired with Tenba's Packlite 10 travel bag (636-228) to create a portable camera bag solution.
• Fast-Deploying Backpack Harness – Allows the Roadie to be carried comfortably when the terrain is not "wheel friendly," such as on stairs or over sand or dirt.
• International Carry-On – Complies with most international and U.S. domestic carry-on regulations.
• Sleek, Discrete Case for Photographers and Filmmakers – Clean lines and a high-end luggage aesthetic with minimal branding ensure a professional look without drawing unwanted attention to the gear inside.

1. HOME
2. SHOP BY CATEGORY
3. ROLLING CASES
4. ROADIE HYBRID ROLLER 21 - BLACK

 

[Abinoone]

Thanks for the suggestion. The length of my Nikon z180-600 lens attached to Z8 is 16”. I checked this bag has interior lengthwise clearance of 17.99”, so it appears it should accommodate my z180-600 lens attached to Z8, but wanted to confirm if that is the case. Also, I believe the bag will have additional space for a 2nd camera and a lens or two in addition to Z8/180-600 (attached).

Will appreciate your thoughts and comments.
Thanks

I think so, but I couldn’t be sure - everyone’s needs are a little different. I’m able to fit two D850 bodies, and 500, 70-200, and 24-70 lenses into the pack, along with a few other accessories. I believe that Think Tank’s return policy is pretty good, so if the Airport Advantage doesn’t work for you you can always return it. Check out the photos on their website to view what they’re able to fit into the bag https://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-advantage

 

[Calson]

Two changes helped me shoulder the load so to speak. First move was to buy a $30 Samsonite folding cart and I use it with a 32L size backpack when going through airports and hotels. It folds flat and so can fit in the overhead bin of a passenger jet and there is space to put the 32L backpack on top of it.

Second big change was after returning from a trip to Costa Rica with the 32L backpack weighing 37 pounds to add a second "personal item" bag. Quite a good size bag can qualify as a "personal item" bag and it goes under the seat in front of me. I put a netbook and batteries and gimbal head and smaller but heavy items in this bag. It reduced the weight in the 32L backpack by 15 pounds. A big difference lifting 22 lbs up into the overhead bin as compared to lifting 37 lbs.

The second smaller backpack also is carried on my back when getting on and off the jet. This keeps both hands free with one for the side handle on the 32L backpack and the other for grabbing the tripod by one of its legs.

With the 32L strapped to the Samsonite cart and the 18L backpack on my back it is very easy to move along jet ramps and airports and hotel parking lots with my photo kit. The only other bag is a large checked hard case for my clothing and toiletries and this case serves as a large safe in my hotel room. I put an empty duffel bag in the hard case and at my first destination I put my clothes inside the duffel bag and my photo gear in the hard case.

The best alternative would be a MFT kit as the one my wife uses takes half as much space and is half the weight of my full frame camera and lenses kit. My large hands find the Olympus E-M1 and similar cameras to be too small for extended use. Same problem I had with the D300 and D750 cameras.