Big Wheels Rolling Strongbox. Anyone use one or another like it?

Hello,

After using many versions of shoulder, hip and back carrying options I am interested in

knowing more abot the rolling bags. I am looking for a bag to get me to and from my

destination. Thru lots of airports (thus the strict carry-on size.) Once I reach my

destination I'll switch to something else. I'd like to be able to carry a lot (100 rolls or more

of 35mm out of containers in baggies) of film in the front pocket or someplace where it

will be easy to remove for hand checking.

I think this type of bag will be great for airlines where you can only carry-on one bag. With

my Domke F-2 I need a second bag for film.

Does anyone use the Tamrac Big Wheels Strongbox-LP1 (691) or have another to

recommend?

thanks,

Cathy

Cathy,

Like you, I have tried many different types of bags and so far, I have ended up with two that I use the most.

I purchased a Tamrac 767 rolling case last year and really like it. However, it is a little large for most carry-on standards. I measure it to be 24x11x14. Delta list their requirements as 22x14x9.

It's a great case, well built, with plenty of room, but it's a little much for shooting around town or out in the wild. It now is used to store my equipment in the house.

My most used bag is the LowePro Mini Trekker. I carry 2 Canon bodies, a 70-200 f4, 17-40 f4, 24-85, 550ex flash, battery and charger, film and media cards. It's packed, but it's all there when I need it.

You may want to look at something a little smaller than the 767. LowePro now makes a rolling Mini Trekker... Good Luck!!

I have a LowePro Pro Roller I and II. While they fulfill certain needs, they are not as useful as they might appear.

A roller case is good for transporting equipment in an urban environment where you can use it as a portable locker. Weddings and events are good examples. I keep extra equipment in a roller, heavy flashes, etc., but carry a shoulder bag for convenience. On the whole, a large case is more useful than a smaller one, even though it is not acceptible for air travel.

You pay a heavy weight penalty for the rolling feature: the Pro Roller I weighs 15 pounds empty, and the II weighs over 20 pounds. Off the starting block, you are near the weight limit enforced rigorously in Europe and by Quantas. If you go off-road (or face cobble stone pavement) you have to carry it. Uftuh!

A roller sized for carry-on (eg, the Pro Roller I) doesn't hold very much for it's size. On the other hand, it is solid enough to check if you aren't allowed to board with it. It works best for travel if accompanied by a shoulder bag, which is usually allowed here and abroad. You can also attach a slim laptop case to the roller and get away with it as a single carry-on. You get from here to there with the help of a roller, and pack a shoulder bag day use, leaving the roller in the car or hotel room.

For air travel and general use, a backpack is more useful, holds more for the same size, and weighs 10-15 pounds less than a comparable roller. If you can truely carry only one bag, a backpack is the way to go. Carry it by one strap for short distances (in the airport, for example) and two for comfort, and add the belt for hiking.

Thanks for answering.

In my catalog the Tamrac 767 is a Photo trail backpack. I don't see any mention of rolling,

am I missing something?

The catch with the mini trekker (I think) and others like it is that I'd need another bag for

carrying 2 months worth of film. I'm hoping the rolling bags will have room enough for

equipment AND film.

"You get from here to there with the help of a roller, and pack a shoulder bag day use,

leaving the roller in the car or hotel room."

That's exactly my plan.

I'll have to look into the weight issue though.