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98 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
MINITEST
S ave your back! It ’s time to get your ge ar on
a roll with six of these premium packs
E’RE SPOILT for
choice when it
comes to carrying
camera equipment, but
most methods demand that
you literally shoulder the
burden. So if you travel
frequently, long distances,
or simply need to carry
some serious gear, try
putting it on wheels –
you won’t look back.
A rolling camera bag is
basically a rolling suitcase
that contains customizable
dividers tailored to support
cameras and lenses. Not only
are they more comfortable
than a backpack, but rolling
bags also tend to be tougher.
You can expect a rigid back,
base and sides, and most
designs include exterior
scuff protection in those
vulnerable areas.
With wheels taking the
strain, it’d be tempting to
buy the biggest bag you
can afford. However, for
maximum travel versatility, a
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limits is a smarter buy. The
exterior thickness of a bag
tends to be the toughest
dimension to satisfy when
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with most carriers rejecting
cabin bags over 23cm thick.
To ensure you can keep your
gear by your side on even a
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bag is a better bet.Roller bags
Here are the essential tips to ensure that your chosen roller
bag is a wheely good buy(^01) Flight-friendly
A bag measuring 55x35x23cm or smaller should see you through most
airline check-ins, but be sure to travel light, as many airlines also won’t
allow more than 10kg of carry-on luggage.
(^02) Divide and conquer
Most bags contain a three column layout, so overall interior width is
critical when packing larger-diameter lenses. Well-designed dividers
can adapt to super-telephoto lenses, or even video lighting.
(^03) Built to last
Roller bags can take a lot of abuse. Quality, user-replaceable wheels
should roll with the punches, while reinforced outer corners and
toughened undersides add much needed longevity.
(^04) The complete package
Carrying cameras and lenses is just the start. Look out for bags that
boast a laptop slot and tripod attachment system. Easy-access outer
pockets are a bonus, as is a removable main compartment.
(^05) Little extras
A roller bag with a pair of backpack straps is great when you’re
negotiating stairs or rough ground.
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
£169/$219 http://www.wexphotovideo.com^
£299/$382 http://www.tenba.com^
THIS MAY be one of the
cheaper options here, but the
RC1188 feels nicely rugged. You
get reinforced outer corners, rigid
sides and lots of scuff protection
underneath. But, all this adds up
to 6.5kg, making it the heaviest
case on test, so you’ll have to
pack light to stay within carry-on
weight limits. The bag’s 25cm
girth could also be problematic
at some check-in desks.
The padding and dividers are
decent, but not as impressive as
the exterior. A 30cm internal
width is marginally narrower than
some bags on test, making it a
tight squeeze to fit full-frame
lenses alongside each other.
Calumet claws back ground
with extra features. The entire
padded interior can be lifted out,
IT’S AN unnerving experience:
you’re about to board your plane,
only to be told there’s no more
room for cabin baggage and your
camera gear will have to go
in the hold, at the mercy of
baggage handlers.
This needn’t be a worry if
you’ve got a Tenba Air Case!
Designed as a cross between
a conventional roller bag and a
tough hard case, the Air Case is
exceptionally crush-resistant.
We were able to stand on the bag
and it easily retained its shape.
The secret is a solid internal
construction that encases
the whole bag.
The Air Case range comes in
many sizes: the Roadie Air Case
Roller 21 is cabin-compliant
at 53x36x23cm, and though its
construction restricts interior
space to 46x31x15cm, it’s
still a practical space for gear.
There’s also a removable camera
insert, but no laptop slot.
Calumet RC1188 Rolling
Camera Case
Tenba Roadie Air
Case Roller 21
VERDICT
PROS: Feature-packed; keenly
priced; well-made
CONS: Weight and size make it
problematic as cabin luggage
WE SAY: If you’re not a frequent
flier, this bag offers stunning value
VERDICT
PROS: Strong and well made, yet
light at 4.7kg; cabin-friendly
CONS: No laptop storage; not the
largest interior
WE SAY: Ultimate gear protection
in a surprisingly portable package
and the front flap will expand by
a whopping 19cm, effectively
doubling the capacity of the bag.