A rolling camera bag is essentially a wheeled suitcase that features customizable dividers specifically designed to support cameras and lenses. Not only are they more comfortable to travel with on trains, planes, and automobiles, compared to taking the weight of all your gear in a backpack, but they also tend to be tougher than other types of camera bags.
With wheels taking the strain, it’s tempting to buy the biggest bag you can afford. However, size limits vary hugely across carriers, with budget airlines usually having the strictest rules, so make sure you check requirements and any excess charges with your airline before you show up at the airport.
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 still not rugged enough for your needs, consider cosseting your camera and lenses in a hard case instead, some of which have wheels like a roller bag. Encased in a hard shell, rather than a padded exterior, your precious gear will be near-invincible. See our separate guide to the best hard cases for more.
Digital Camera World's Guides Editor Adam is an intrepid traveler and is all too aware of the importance of keeping his camera gear safe from knocks and shocks. He's your guide to the best camera roller cases.
Best roller camera bags
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Best roller bag overall
Roller bags are all well and good for getting your gear through the airport, but once you arrive at your destination, you'll need another means of carting your gear around. The Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II aims to solve this by offering dual functionality as both a roller bag and a backpack.
The transition from a smooth-rolling trolley to a comfortable backpack is seamless. The build quality is exceptional, with durable materials and a robust frame that gives confidence that your gear is well-protected. The interior is a dream to organize. The customizable dividers allowed me to create the perfect layout for two DSLR bodies, a 200-600mm lens, and a couple of smaller primes, with plenty of room to spare for accessories like batteries, filters, and a laptop.
One of the standout features is the included AW (All Weather) cover, ensuring your expensive equipment remains bone dry should you be hit by an unexpected downpour. The Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II has been thoughtfully designed, and its blend of portability, protection, and practicality makes it an indispensable companion for any adventurous photographer.
See our full Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II review
Best premium roller bag
From the moment you handle it, the quality of the Think Tank International V3.0 roller case is palpable. The ballistic nylon exterior and reinforced corners should shrug off encounters with even the most aggressive of baggage handlers and rough pavements, with the generously padded interior keeping cameras and lenses perfectly secure. Built to meet international carry-on size requirements, the deep, plush internal dividers are endlessly configurable. It can comfortably fit two pro-spec mirrorless bodies, a 70-200mm f/2.8, a 24-70mm f/2.8, and a wide-angle prime lens, and still have space for a 15-inch laptop in the dedicated padded sleeve.
It's the little details that elevate this case: the TSA-approved zipper locks for the main compartment, the high-performance wheels that glide effortlessly through terminals, and the security cable that enables the bag to be tethered to a fixed object are among its well-thought-out features.
While it represents a significant investment, the robust build and thoughtful, travel-centric features provide an unmatched sense of security. For any serious photographer who travels by air, the Airport International V3.0 isn't just a good choice; it's the professional standard.
Read our full Think Tank Airport International V3.0 review
Best budget roller bag
I was immediately struck by the clever design of the Vanguard VEO Select 55BT. This isn't just one bag, it's a four-in-one system, with the ability to switch between a backpack, a shoulder bag, a carry-on roller, or even just a grab-and-go tote. Tuck in the shoulder straps and it can be used as a sleek trolley, navigating busy streets with ease. Then, when reaching a set of stairs or a rougher patch of ground, the comfortable backpack straps are quick to deploy, enabling it to be hoisted onto your back.
Inside, the space is generous and well-thought-out. I could comfortably fit a professional camera body with a 70-200mm lens attached, plus another three to four lenses, a flashgun, and a 13-inch laptop in its dedicated sleeve. The light-colored interior makes it easy to find those small, dark accessories that always seem to get lost.
Quick side access means the camera is always within easy reach, a four-wheeled design enables supreme maneuverability, and its carry-on-friendly size takes the anxiety out of air travel. The VEO Select 55BT is reliable and adaptable, but it's not the biggest roller bag, and is most ideal for smaller setups.
Read our full Vanguard VEO Select 55BT review
Best lightweight roller bag
Aimed at the traveling photographer who needs a versatile carry-on solution, the Manfrotto Manhattan Runner-50 is a sophisticated and well-designed roller bag. Its key appeal lies in its dual functionality; it operates smoothly as a two-wheeled trolley for navigating airports and train stations, but also cleverly conceals a harness system, allowing it to be converted into a backpack for traversing rougher terrain or crowded city streets where rolling isn’t practical.
The bag’s interior is spacious and highly protective, featuring Manfrotto’s Flexy Camera Shell system. This allows for significant customization to securely house a pro-level DSLR or mirrorless camera with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, alongside several additional lenses and accessories. It also accommodates a 15-inch laptop and a 9.7-inch tablet in dedicated, padded compartments, making it a comprehensive mobile office for the working creative.
Constructed from high-quality, water-repellent ballistic fabric, the Runner-50 is built to withstand the rigours of urban travel. Its design is discreet and stylish, avoiding the look of a typical camera bag. One of its standout features is the 'NeverLose' tripod strap system, which securely fastens a tripod to the front of the bag. While the harness system is more suited for short-term use rather than extended hiking, its inclusion provides crucial flexibility. Meeting most airline carry-on size requirements, the Runner-50 presents a strong case as a durable, secure, and adaptable travel companion for photographers who demand both style and substance.
Read our full Manfrotto Manhattan Runner 50 review
Best protective roller bag
Aimed squarely at professional photographers and videographers, the Tenba Roadie Roller Air Case 21 is a premium carry-on roller engineered for maximum protection and travel efficiency. Its standout feature is a unique hybrid construction, blending the robust, crush-proof protection of a hard case with the lighter weight and external pockets of a traditional soft-sided roller bag. This design ensures the case meets the strictest international carry-on regulations, a crucial factor for travelling creatives. A notable innovation is the inclusion of a pressurised air shipping capability, allowing the case to be safely shipped as cargo via services like FedEx and UPS.
The Roadie Roller’s exterior is crafted from durable ballistic nylon, while its interior boasts a cavernous and highly customizable space. The padded main insert is completely removable, allowing it to be used as a standalone storage cube. It can comfortably accommodate two mirrorless or DSLR bodies, a range of up to eight lenses, including a 400mm f/2.8, and a 17-inch laptop in a dedicated front sleeve. The case is also designed with practical details in mind, featuring a side pocket ready to house a mobile power bank with a cable pass-through, smooth-gliding wheels, and a sturdy, extendable handle.
Security is a key focus, with a TSA-approved combination lock for the main compartment and a rear security cable for tethering the bag to fixed objects. While it comes with a high price tag, the Tenba Roadie Roller Air Case 21 justifies its cost with exceptional build quality, thoughtful design, and an uncompromising approach to protecting valuable camera equipment on the move, making it a top-tier choice.
Read our full Tenba Roadie Air Case Roller 21 review
How to choose the best roller bag
Is it flight-friendly?
A bag measuring 55 x 35 x 23cm will see you through most airline check-ins – but some budget airlines are less generous. Also, many airlines won’t allow more than 10kg in weight for carry-on luggage, so always check the flight restrictions when you book.
Is it built to last?
Roller bags can take a lot of abuse. Wheels should be replaceable, while reinforced outer corners and undersides add longevity. All roller bags tend to be shower-resistant, but some go further with additional rain-proof covers that you can slip over the entire bag.
Is the interior adaptable?
Interior width is critical when packing larger lenses. Well-designed dividers can adapt to super-telephotos. Removable, adjustable dividers enable you to tailor the main compartment to accommodate your personal camera setup. Additional internal and external compartments can be good to have; a popular option is a dedicated compartment for holding a laptop or tablet.
What extras should I look out for?
Look for bags that boast a laptop slot and a tripod attachment system. A roller bag with a pair of backpack straps helps with stairs or rough ground. Expandable compartments or easy-access outer pockets are also useful to have.
How we test camera bags
The Digital Camera World team are all camera enthusiasts, and between us we have tested hundreds of different camera bags over the years – and owned a fair few of them too!
For us, a good camera bag keeps your photographic gear safe and secure when not in use, but also easily accessible for when you need to take pictures. The particular requirements of a bag will depend on its type; with roller bags, in particular, we look for toughness, maneuverability, and flexible internal storage, awarding extra points for tricks like the ability to double up as a backpack.
We test our bags in real-world scenarios – assessing how much kit you can fit into each, so we can give a clear idea of which type of photographer each is best for. The design and look of a bag can be equally important to the photographer, so we ensure we take this into account.
Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World
