Roller camera carry-on bags make a lot of sense for photographers. Photography equipment can get heavy when you are carting it around an airport, but few photographers feel comfortable storing their expensive and delicate equipment in cargo.

Therefore, a roller camera bag that can also be stowed in the overhead compartment as a carry on is a perfect solution. Here’s what features to consider to help you find the best roller camera bag for your needs followed by our own carry on camera roller bag picks.

What to Look For in Camera Roller Backpacks

Weight

You’ll spend most of your time rolling the bag, so why is weight such a big concern? The heavier the camera bag, the less your equipment can weigh while still qualifying for a carry-on. If you have a lot of heavy equipment to transport, it will be important for you to lean towards the lighter roller bags. .

Exterior Size

Some carry on roller camera bags are small enough to fit on just about any airline, domestic or international, while others are large enough that you should check individual flights ahead of time. If you’re on the go, you may not have time to check individual flight requirements before you are trying to board.

A bag that will always fit may be worth the extra size restriction. Some bags have an extendable portion that allow you to fit more when you want to and still meet airline requirements when you need to.

Protection

If you’ll be taking your roller camera bag with you to the airport, you’ll likely want to use it at your destination as well. The last thing that you want is to be worried about your camera equipment being damaged by a sudden storm or hurt when it is jostled.

You want a bag that is sufficiently padded to allow you to toss the bag around the way you typically would a roller bag or backpack. Very few roller camera bags are completely watertight against a downpour, but they should at least have secure zipper closures that will keep your equipment dry until you can reach cover or put a waterproof cover over the camera bag.

Gear Capacity

When traveling with your camera gear, you don’t want to be any more limited than necessary in what lenses and cameras you can bring. Make sure that the bag you’re considering can fit all of the lenses you intend to bring along.

Another important consideration is whether the camera bag can fit your cameras with lenses attached. If you can fit your DSLR camera with as large as a 200mm lens and be able to pull it straight from the bag and start shooting, you’ll be much less likely to miss a great shot while you are on the move.

Other Features Worth Mentioning

• Security. Features like lock-friendly zippers make it less likely that someone will try to slip some gear out of your bag while it is in the overhead compartment or while you’re not paying attention while you are rolling it.
• Convertibility. A roller camera bag with backpack straps gives you another convenient carrying option for when rolling becomes a drag (pun intended). The best backpack capable roller bags let you stow straps away when you’re rolling so they don’t get in the way.
• Tripod Storage. If you are traveling with a lot of camera gear, especially long lenses, there’s a good chance that you’re going to want a tripod. You want to make sure that the tripod is easy to attach and doesn’t have a tendency to fall out.
• Laptop Sleeve. Whether you want to edit your pictures on your trip or you just want your laptop along, a padded laptop sleeve is a handy feature.
• Small item organization. Batteries, memory cards, lens covers, etc. all need a place to live. Small compartments make it easier to see and organize your smaller gear.

1) Lightweight Pick

Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage Roller Sized Carry-On

Check it out on Amazon

This rolling camera bag is designed to make it as easy as possible for you to carry all of your gear even if you are going on a very small aircraft like a regional or commuter jet. It meets both US and International Airline carry-on requirements.

If you need a bag light enough to take with you anywhere but with rolling capabilities this is the choice for you.

Weight

5.9 – 6.2 lbs., depending on accessories and dividers.

Exterior Size

12.7” W x 19.5” H x 7.3”. It fits in the overhead compartment of nearly all US and International flights.

Protection

Durable water repellent coating and zippers offer some protection, but it is not watertight against heavy storms. A seam-sealed rain cover is included for heavy weather.

Gear Capacity

There is room for two camera bodies with lenses attached. One up to 200mm, along with a couple of other lenses and accessories.

Security

Zippers can be padlocked together for safety.

Convertibility

Handles on three sides make it easy to slip it into the overhead compartment or carry it when necessary.

Tripod Storage

A pocket on the outside of the bag is perfect for your tripod and allows for quick access.

Organization

There is a padded laptop pocket to fit a 17-inch laptop for editing on the go or some basic clothing for overnight trips.

Padded compartments can be customized using the Velcro partitions. Convenient zipper mesh sleeves give you plenty of room to store all of your batteries, SD cards, cords, etc. in a way that is clearly visible.

2) Functional Pick

Think Tank Photo Essentials Convertible Rolling Backpack

Check it out on Amazon

If you want to be able to store your cameras with lenses attached as well as some extra lenses and easily carry them either on your back or rolling, this may be the best backpack for you. It may not be small enough for every flight, but it maintains a relatively low size that is appropriate for most flights while providing you with a lot of storage space.

Weight

7.2 lbs.

Exterior Size

12.6” W x 19” H x 8.3” D. It fits in the overhead stow away for most US and International Airline carry-on.

Protection

Durable water-repellent coating and zippers provide some protection against the weather, but of course, not watertight. A seam-sealed rain cover is included for heavy weather protection.

Gear Capacity

This bag can fit two mirrorless or DSLR camera bodies with lenses as large as 200 mm attached, as well as four to six other lenses and accessories.

Security

Zippers fit together and can be secured with a lock.

Convertibility

This bag is comfortable to use as a backpack or while rolling. A contoured harness system and adjustable sternum strap allow you to carry the weight of your cameras as comfortably as possible.

Rolling this backpack is effortless with the extending handle. There is also a handle on the top and the bottom to make it easy to stow it in an overhead compartment.

Tripod Storage

A slot on the side enables you to bring your tripod and access it quickly.

Organization

You can bring along up to a 16 inch laptop in the dedicated compartment. There are also slots for pens, business cards, etc. in this compartment.

Completely adjustable velcro compartments allow you to structure the inside of the bag however you want it.

3) Flexible Pick

Shimoda Designs Carry-On Roller (Blue Nights)

Check it out on Amazon

This unique bag offers a very versatile design that many photographers find ideal for airport travel. The doctor style bag enables easy access to equipment so that it can be used or transferred from roller to backpack. A five year warranty can make you feel confident about this purchase decision.

Weight

7.4 lbs.

Exterior Size

15.4W x 20.5H x 9.8D in

You can get more space from this bag as needed. Easily expand the upper section and increase the volume in the main compartment. This will make it too big to fit in the overhead compartment of the airplane, but you may not need to stow this bag in an airplane every time you want to use it. The expandable volume enables you to make the most of this bag, using it for more local travelling as well as when you are going on an airplane.

Protection

A carbonate ether resin-coated shell provides excellent water resistance. A sturdy but cushioned organization system and inner layer keeps equipment safe from jostling.

Gear Capacity

Works with other Shimoda modular core unit inserts that allow you to easily move cameras and equipment from the roller to the backpack. Depending on your needs, this bag can carry several cameras and lenses, attached or unattached, in addition to any other accessories you want to bring along.

Security

Double zippers can support a padlock and velcro wraps the handles together which provides an additional layer of security.

Convertibility

The contents of the bag can easily be lifted out and inserted into the backpack in one smooth motion, saving a lot of time on equipment transfer.

Tripod Storage

You can secure a tripod to the outside of the bag using the convenient strap. It is relatively easy to get to the tripod while on the go.

Organization

The modular construction enables you to customize both sides of the interior so that you can put your camera in with lenses attached or fit in all of your gear as needed.

You can store all of your smaller camera accessories like battery packs, cords, and memory cards in the side panel pockets. Each side has a full-length pocket that opens and closes using a convenient zipper. There is a passport pocket on the outside that is very easy to reach while you’re on-the-go.

4) High Capacity Pick

Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage XT

Check it out on Amazon

If you have a lot of camera equipment to bring along, this may be the right carry-on for you. It is designed to provide as much available space for your gear as possible. If you want just one bag that can carry almost all of your camera equipment at once and you’re not as worried about size or weight, this is a great choice.

Weight

7.0 – 7.8 lbs. depending on accessories and dividers

Exterior Size

14” W x 21” H x 8” D

Protection

Water-repellent coating and zippers provide some resistance to weather, but it is not watertight in a drenching storm. A seam-sealed rain cover is provided for heavy weather conditions. Closed-cell PU foam protects against bumps.

Gear Capacity

You can stow two DSLR or mirrorless cameras with the lenses attached in this bag, making it easy for you to grab a camera and shoot quickly. As many as eight additional lenses along with the cameras with lenses attached can fit, enabling you to bring your entire lens collection.

Security

Sturdy zippers meet together, enabling a luggage lock.

Convertibility

There are two convenient side handles to help you put a bag into an overhead compartment.

Tripod Storage

A side compartment is designed to hold your tripod while making it easy to access.

Organization

The roomy front pocket can fit a 17-inch laptop and a 10in tablet simultaneously. The internal organization is completely adjustable with velcro compartments.

Mesh pockets on the inside of the camera bag lid hold all of your cords, memory cards, batteries, etc.

5) Overall Pick

Lowepro Pro Trekker RLX 450 AW II Backpack

Check it out on Amazon

If you want a superb camera bag that can go with you effortlessly on all of your adventures, including the airport, this might be the one for you. It features a sturdy construction that is covered by a limited lifetime warranty. This convertible backpack/roller features a unique design in which the roller slides down into the body of the backpack, making it almost invisible.

Weight

8.45 lbs.

Exterior Size

14.17 x 9.84 x 20.47

Protection

Durable nylon and polyester keeps it weather resistant in all but the harshest conditions. When heavy rain is a problem, a seam-sealed cover is provided to provide complete protection.

Gear Capacity

The spacious case has enough room for two mirrorless or DSLR bodies, one of which fitted with a 200 mm lens as well as three or four other lenses and accessories.

Security

Zippers meet together, allowing for luggage locks.

Convertibility

A top inside grab handle makes it easy for you to slip this bag into the upper compartment on the airplane. The backpack straps can be neatly stowed away so that you won’t have to worry about rolling over the straps. When you’re using this case as a backpack, waste and sternum straps keep it firmly placed on your back and prevent it from slipping around.

Tripod Storage

If you’ve been frustrated by the tripod holder in other roller camera bags, you will appreciate the very secure double straps to hold the tripod against the front of this backpack.

Organization

You can also fit a 15 inch laptop, a 10 inch tablet, and a smaller tablet in the dedicated tablet case. Sturdy velcro compartments makes it easy for you to customize the case exactly how you need it. Zipper patches on the front give you somewhere to stow your additional accessories.

Other Travel Friendly Accessories

TSA Locks

You probably won’t be checking your roller camera bag in luggage, but even in the overhead compartment someone could try to tamper with it. A quality TSA compatible luggage lock will keep your equipment safe.

Luggage Tag

You aren’t likely to let your roller camera bag and all of your equipment out of your sight, but on the off-chance that something does happen to it, make sure you have a luggage tag attached so that whoever finds it can contact you.

Compact Tripod

Quality camera bags typically give you the capacity to carry a full-sized tripod, but when you’re photographing on the go, you’re likely to find a tabletop tripod to be very convenient as well. For times when you want a steady shot or an interesting angle but you don’t want to deal with pulling out your big tripod, it’s good to have a small, handy compact tripod on hand.

Find the Best Roller Camera Bag for You

A good roller camera bag can take a lot of weight off of your photography adventures, both literally and figuratively.  There are lots of options in size, convertibility, and extra features, so consider your options carefully as you decide what bag to travel with.