Backpack: Roll or no-roll?

[Daniel W.]

Hey everyone,

As I have a few travel assignments, I'm looking into getting a backpack to hold my (entire) kit:
- 2 Bodies, 1 with 24-70/2.8 and 70-300/4-5.6 attached
- 28/1.8
- 50/2
- 70-210/4 (redundant but has better glass than the 70-300)
- 135/2.8
- 180/3.5
- 2-3 Portable flashes (1 Sigma 500, Vivitar 283's)
- Powerbook 15"
- Change of clothes, cords, chargers, a book, iPod.
- Possibly a small portable HD like the HyperDrive. USB powered.

I've been looking at the Tenba Shootout Series, the quick-access pocket seems to really appeal to me - I'm all about speed (ironic given my size.) The large size, comes in rolling and non-rolling versions with a almost-negligible price difference (about $30 between the rolling and non) with the same capacity. If you had an alternative backpack, I'm all ears too.

(Tenba video here)

My question is, I would have to use the pack in going through airports, buildings, streets, walking around, etc. I've had bad experiences with rolling backpacks in general with muck on the wheels getting all over me in backpack mode and the hard plastic wheel area digging into my back. Would I miss the wheel-function with such a heavy kit? The backpack itself would be my carry-on, keeping it to one bag (and one assignment where I would be carrying a violin, don't ask).

I'd also be carrying two checked pieces of luggage - a rolling Pelican 1620 for external hard drives, blank media, tripod, extra cords, and a large hiking backpack with my clothing and personal articles. Typically I can strap the personal-article bag to the handle of the Pelican handle (it rests nicely) for travel to the hotel or between airports.

Thanks everyone, this forum has provided so much help!

[Daniel W.]

No one?

[Pascal]

That's a lot of stuff for a camera bag. However, I would recommend you look at Thinktank Photo.

I recently got a Thinktank backpack and from the last 2 months of travel , I have yet to see anything that comes even close to the build quality, finish, protection, and space as I have seen in the thinktank. Lowepro and Tamrac, etc.... can't come close.

It is a bit pricey and might be lacking a few safety features I find in some lowepro's and tamrac's, but this can be added on with some minor mods on the thinktank. I feel any bag that can fit 3 pro bodies and 4 lenses, flash units, etc. should have reenforced locking mechanisms than just a zipper. However, check them out. Of all the bags I have tried, nothing has been as good as the thinktank.

[AndrewCCM]

I LOVE my ThinkTank Airport Security Roller. I have a bunch of cases and bags (Pelicans, etc..).. I personally don't think I'll ever get another without wheels. LOL

[jhom]

I agree with Pascal and Andrew with products from Think Tank. Here is what I do when I travel with alot of gear. I use a TT Airport Security to tote my gear to site. The TTAS is specifically designed as a roller carryon bag for domestic commerical flights. It will hold all your gear without problems. In the TTAS I pack a TT Change Up and several Modulus components such as a Chimp Cage and Lens Changers or a Speed Belt. When I get on site or event or for personal use, I pack the TT components to hold my gear that I'm going to use. I find this configuration extremely versatile and flexible. I can pick and choose as required by the situation.

I find carrying all the gear on my back extremely fatiguing especially when travelling. I think a backpack with all the gear you want to carry will be very heavy and will get old immediately. Go with a roller no matter what configuration you choose.

[Daniel W.]

The ThinkTank products are great, I've heard only goood things about them but spending over $300 on something devoted to travel pushes the bar a little for me. I couldn't see myself using their rollers for everyday stuff. In the future when more of my work is devoted to travel, TT will be at the top of my list though. Their gear looks really square, and I know that looks aren't supposed to matter but they do... I guess that's a personal thing I'm going to have to get over.

Thanks everyone! Once I get the item I end up choosing, I'll let ya'll know how things go.