Best Rolling Camera Bags [2022]

Researching rolling photography bags is typically not at the front of your to-do list if you’re new to photography or, dare I say if you’re not a professional photographer.

I’ll confess that I’ve always been curious for why so many photogs would go for these odd two-wheeled devices, particularly with so many attractive standard camera bags readily accessible.

Dragging my photography equipment beside me in a suitcase didn’t seem practical. Wasn’t it the greatest method to carry everything on your back or perhaps just one shoulder?

I advise you to read this article even if you are not looking for a rolling camera bag. A backpack with wheels may be the finest choice you will make for your back if you often carry over than one photo body.

Let’s take a brief look at my picks for the year’s top “rollers,” as longevity in this profession is something we’re all looking for.

Best Camera Rolling Bags of 2022

This post’s objective was not to identify a particular mobile camera bag superior to all others. This is difficult since everyone has different demands; for example, a rolling camera bag that is bulky and unwieldy for one photographer can be the ideal shock-resistant, long-lasting rolling photography bag for another.

Instead, I want to highlight the rolling camera bags that, in my view, are the finest on the market right now.

They all perform admirably in the task of enabling you to store and roll your photographic equipment. Still, they each have somewhat different functions, so you must first evaluate your demands before choosing which is best for you.

Why Would You Use a Rolling Laptop Bag?

It may be essential to briefly explain why a rolling bag is an excellent alternative for transporting and storing your camera equipment before I get into our overview of the best roll camera bags.

I used to ask why photography would choose ugly, cumbersome rolling camera bags over fashionable camera backpacks or shoulder bags.

My perspective immediately altered when I attempted to take my camera bag on my first international trip. My back continued to hurt despite picking up, setting down, and carrying more than 10 kg of gear on US planes with no weight restrictions for carry-on bags. I had to divide my luggage into two bags on other flights since the restrictions were harsher; I had to carry one bag on my back and the other in my arm or draped over my shoulder.

Then I saw the obvious: having a roll camera bag specifically for transporting camera gear was a tremendous weight off my shoulders, both physically and metaphorically. I would no longer try to cram all my camera and non-camera stuff into one knapsack but instead pack my clothing in one bag and my photographic gear in a rolling bag.

My most crucial camera equipment could go with me as a carry-on in the rolling carrying case, and I could check my clothing and non-breakable camera equipment if I encountered problems at the check-in counter. I could easily glide through the airport while keeping everything inside the rolling camera case safe.

If you’ve never traveled with rolling baggage for your photographic equipment, you missed out on the most relaxing and effective experience.

The capacity to store and ‘show’ all of your equipment at once, without a need to remove things to view other ones (that which is sometimes required with bags and backpacks), is another benefit of a moving camera bag.

I like how my rolling photo bags at home keep my photographic equipment organized and readily accessible when the front flap is opened.

Recommendations for a light rolling camera bag

Think Tank Airport Advantage

7.3 x 12.5 x 19.5 inches in size (18.5 x 32 x 49 cm)

6.2 lbs. in weight (2.8 kgs)

The Think Tank Airport Advantage (reviewed below) was my first experience with rolling camera bags. My decision to go with Think Tank was easy because of its unmatched quality, guarantee, and usefulness. While many more appealing camera bags may be available, Think Tank products remain the top option for serious professionals.

After using the bag for a year, I discovered that the bag alone was using over half of my carry-on weight allowance (7kg in Australia). Although the Research Group Airport Take-Off’s backpack straps are sometimes handy, they significantly add to the weight.

The Think Tank Airport Advantage is now available. You must carefully consider your equipment options because of the thinner, lighter rolling camera backpack.

Although the Think Tank Airport Advantage is slimmer than most other rolling cam bags available in 2022, this does not mean you should sacrifice the amount of photography equipment you carry. Here is what I was able to squeeze in mine:

Canon 90D x2
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 ART
35mm f/1.4 Nikon lens
85mm f/1.4 Nikon lens
Neewer CN-160 LED Panel
Yongnuo YN-622 x2
2x Nikon SB-70
Magmod kit
WD External Hard Drive
Holdfast Money Maker Dual leather camera straps.
Manfrotto tripod
Asus 13″ laptop computer

Batteries, gels, letterheads, and other little trinkets also fit within the bag.

The inside of the Think Tank Airport Advantage may be customized thanks to the padding’s Velcro fasteners. One minor drawback of the Think Tank Airport Advantage’s size/weight gain is that the depth changes around the edges due to where the wheels and carrying handle are placed.

However, you can generally get around this by strategically arranging your equipment. In my situation, I set up my flashes such that the higher “wall supports the top region,” and the lower “pointed” piece rests in the lower “well.”

The Think Tank Airport Advantage includes two inside, zippable, semi-transparent compartments. Both zips and also the plastic is of high quality.

I like the attention to detail on the zip enclosure, which enables the metal portion of the zip to be stowed away to protect your camera equipment from scratches when the lid is closed.

I can’t think of a better way to operate than the Center For strategic and international Airport Advantage.

The Think Tank Airport Advantage has high-density plastic wheels similar to those found on inline skates, making it smooth, sturdy, and durable. Because of this, it can safely navigate harsher outside terrain and glide over airport floors like ice.

A sturdy rolling camera bag to consider

PL 1510-SC Pelican

Size: 19.75 x 11 x 7.6 inches (49 x 27 x 19 cm)

Twelve pounds (5.4 kgs)

Pelican has long been the top brand on the market for photographers who require the toughest camera covers to endure almost any amount of damage.

Many photographers chose Pelican rolling camera bags primarily based on their appearance and feel, except for a select few traveling photographers whose equipment must often be protected from the sea and other hard handling.

Similar to G-Shock watches, Pelican cases are hefty and tough, which appeals to us photographers. Additionally, it’s comforting to know that our video equipment would be safe if there was a 0.1 percent possibility that we ended ourselves in a conflict zone.

The Pelican 1510-SC is my favorite rolling camera case from Pelican (reviewed in-depth here).

The Pelican 1510-SC strikes the ideal combination of size, weight, strength, and utility if you’re looking for a sturdy rolling camera bag that is also completely waterproof.

The Pelican 15010-SC has a little surprise hidden within its lid, hence the “SC” in its name, which stands for “Studio Case.” A cushioned laptop container and another soft padded case for additional accessories are included on the lid of the Pelican 1510-SC, in addition to the customizable velcro pockets that typically enable you to arrange your camera equipment where you want it.

People who have used Pelican rolling camera cases are aware that they are fairly basic—not in a negative way, but that they only include what is necessary to perform the job.

That is why the Pelican 1510-SC’s extra cushioned compartments in the lid are so welcome. Pelican has now realized photographers may wish to carry more than just cameras and lenses in its rolling cases!

What I was able to fit in my Pelican 1510-SC rolling camera case is listed below:

x2 Nikon D750
20mm f/2.8D Nikon
35mm f/1.8G Nikon lens
35mm f/1.4 Nikon lens
85mm f/1.4 Nikon lens
x2 Nikon SB-700
CN-160 LED Panel from Neewer
x2 Yongnuo YN-622
13″ Macbook Pro
+6 business cards, gels, batteries, and other trinkets.

Let’s simply say the Pelican 1510-SC rolls solidly when discussing its handling. There are no moving components to bend, break, or scratch the handle since it is composed of a single piece of high-density plastic. Either way, it’s up or down.

The handle was just long enough for my frame; sometimes, but not often enough to disturb me, the heels of my feet would touch the front of the case.

The wheels, which are likewise composed of durable plastic, move over most surfaces easily. They are the type of sturdy, straightforward wheels that you could never imagine breaking.

The air-tight sealing created when the latches are closed the key selling point of the Pelican 1510-SC and many other Pelican products. And what a gratifying feeling it is to snap those latches shut!

It includes a number system that guarantees that personal gear is sealed away by both the air and the water; it’s like opening the front door of a space shuttle.

Since the bag could instantly float on top, the Pelican 1510-SC’s pressure rating of 1 meter for 30 seconds of submersion isn’t as significant.

However, it is useful in the cargo hold of an aircraft, where the pressure equalization valve ensures that any sensitive photographic equipment is protected from the effects of outside air pressure.

The Pelicans 1510-SC is a large rolling camera backpack, so this degree of toughness comes at a cost.

This won’t be an issue for you if you plan to check the Pelican 1510-SC or if your airline is tolerant with carry-on weights, but for everyone else, keep in mind that the Hurricane 15010-SC may be more than half your weight limit.

The final line is that if you were heading to a tropical island for business as a photographer, you could be uneasy about your camera bag being crammed behind 20 other bags on the front of the boat and being wet by the waves.

However, if your video equipment was in a Scorpion 1510-SC, you would probably be enjoying the trip.

Recommended Rolling Backpack

Think Tank Airport Take Off

Size: 23 x 16 x 10 inches (58 x 40 x 25 cm)

All-purpose Rolling Camera Bag

Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW

Size: 23.5 x 9 x 15.4 inches (59 x 23 x 39 cms)

Weight: 12.7 lbs (5.7 kgs)

In our list of the best rolling camera bags, the term “multi-purpose” may seem a little nebulous, but when we examine the fairly unique Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW in more detail, you’ll understand what I mean.

First, let’s discuss Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW’s standard features. As with all Lowepro goods, the build quality is superb.

If you check the case while flying or must take it as a carry-on (as the size indicates), the hardshell exterior is composed of high-quality waterproof nylon to provide protection.

The Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW maintains a very covert appearance, seeming to untrained eyes simply like a typical suitcase like other rolling camera cases do.

This should assure you that, despite your photographic equipment’s doubtlessly valuable contents, it won’t draw any unwanted notice!

The TSA-approved locking zippers are a lovely feature that makes through customs quick and easy. The Lowepro Pro Roller x200 AW wheels are fantastic, constructed of sturdy urethane that glides smoothly with no vibration when the surface is not airport terminal-flat, much like the wheels on the Research Group rolling camera cases.

Recommended Rolling Camera Bag for Lighting Gear

Think Tank Production Manager 50

12.6 by 17.3 by 53 inches (32 x 44 x 134 cms)
Weight: 29.1 pounds (13.2 kgs)

We’re now moving on to more specialized rolling camera bags designed for larger-scale projects where the efficient and safe transportation of lighting gear is a need.

You’ll need a bigger rolling camera backpack, like the superb Think Tank Production Manager 50, if you’re a photographer who has to travel with an Elinchrom, Broncolor, AlienBee, or most of the other semi-portable studio-lighting setups.

The Think Tank Production Manager 50, the biggest of Think Tank’s rolling containers, has a very particular purpose: to be packed with equipment to fly to bigger scale production.

Of course, the various cushioned velcro dividers in the bag enable you to organize your equipment and lenses. Still, the Think Tank Production Manager 50’s deeper “wells” are used to carry lighting equipment.

Three to four flash heads, two to three power packs, monoblocks, umbrellas, sizable softboxes, and sizable light stands or C-stands are a few examples of carrying loads.

The Think Tank Project Manager 50 will undoubtedly be rather hefty when fully laden, which is where the strength and durability of Research Organization products truly shine through.

The Think Tank Production Team 50 has special shock absorbing casters that are wide-set to prevent the bag from twisting when pushed; in place of the conventional urethane wheels found on the smaller Think Tank rolling camera bags. Once the bag is tugged over obstacles, the wheels bend to provide your goods with the smoothest journey possible.

The Think Tank Production Manager 50 case has protective skid rails on the rear for increased protection when transported. These skid rails also make it simple to unload the container from a vehicle.

The case may be lifted rather than dragged when required, thanks to strong, padded grips on all four sides. When the weight becomes heavier, the ergonomically top handle is broad enough to enable two persons to move the case simultaneously.

In addition to providing security and safety for delicate lighting equipment, its Think Tank Production Manager 50 is made of high-quality materials, including YKK RC Fuse buckles, 1680D ballistic nylon, and super-stick flex.

Additional features include both side light stand holders, a cable lock, several inside compartments, an ID panel for user registration, a user-replaceable wheel and gear, and supports that keep the lid open so you can quickly and simply add and remove gear. Even a (huge!) seam-sealed rain cover is included to protect your priceless lighting equipment from the weather.

The Think Tank Production Manager 50 is a specialty item for journalists who need to move bigger lighting gear, as I said at the beginning of this article. The case doesn’t have much, but it does an excellent job transporting and safeguarding delicate stuff.

Last Words

Rolling camera luggage may not have been on your radar anymore, but as I said at the beginning of this article, they’re likely to start looking quite tempting at some time in your photographic adventure!

Particularly if you photograph in warmer regions, being able to simply drag your camera equipment behind you rather than carrying it on your body is quite freeing.

Regardless matter what you decide, I hope you liked the collection.

Do you have any suggestions for quality rollers that I may have overlooked?

Best Rolling Camera Bags [2022]

Best Camera Rolling Bags of 2022

Why Would You Use a Rolling Laptop Bag?