Twin-shank designs and wide shafts will easily hold an extra bag that features a trolley insert on the back (a popular feature on newer bags). Narrow single-shaft supports are not well suited to this task, although they do appear more stylish. Having said that, you do want to be careful not to destabilize the case in the process of piggybacking a second bag. The Pelican suffered from this problem under these conditions.

Naneu UrbanGear U220 (www.naneupro.com)
While this questionably airline-friendly bag doubles as a backpack, it doesn’t go far enough to keep gear secure: I would have liked sturdier vertical dividers and a stiffer outer shell. Prototype examined; production units are expected to improve some features. Holds 15” laptop; side tripod sling. Dimensions: 20x13.8x10.5” (without laptop satchel); $219.

In general, handles on all trolleys vary, with some decidedly more ergonomic. The more stylish, T-shaped handle is normally found on narrow-shaft trolleys. However, I find it less comfortable than a traditional grip handle that accommodates your entire hand. The Crumpler uses a welcome twist: a narrow shaft with a conventional and comfy handle.

Rimowa Tropicana Trolley (www.hpmarketingcorp.com)

This is the only hard case that easily passes most major airline carryon allowances (domestic and international). It is ruggedly constructed and thoroughly protective against shock, vibration, and the elements. However, customizing the well, if sparsely, padded interior of this metal case does take a little time and effort. Dimensions: 14x19x9.5”; $709.

On soft cases, that trolley handle may be hidden by a zippered flap or recessed and out of the way. Only the M-ROCK roller comes with a protruding handle. Handles hidden beneath a zippered flap tend to be annoyingly tough to grasp quickly. I prefer the handle to be recessed in its own storage well for fast retrieval (examples: Crumpler, Delsey, and Naneu). Trolley releases are normally found on the handle. Molded hard cases (Storm and Seahorse) are the exception, placing this release mechanism on the back of the case itself, where a second hand is often required to activate it—a bit of a nuisance.

Seahorse Hurricane SE-920 (www.seahorse.net)

This is an impressive case, with extra padding beneath the fully padded and easily customizable modular insert serving to further cushion gear against shock and vibration, aided by an O-ring seal and tongue-in-groove closure to protect against the elements. Fully loaded, the case may be too heavy for overhead bins. Dimensions: 24x16x10”; $156 (with padded insert).

On hard cases, the trolley frame is entirely outside the case. Soft-sided bags incorporate the frame within the outer shell. As photographers, what really concerns us is the space the internal shaft occupies, since it may adversely impact the gear we carry. The Delsey case, for instance, uses an inwardly bowed interior, limiting user customization and our ability to store lenses on end for maximum efficiency.

Storm Case iM2620 (www.stormcase.com)

This molded case has added depth to hold lots of stuff. On top of solid construction to guard gear, an O-ring and tongue-in-groove closure protect against the elements. However, the modular insert is somewhat lacking, with dividers that are too thin to suit me and not easily customizable. Too big to fly. Dimensions: 21.2x16x10.6”; $179 (with padded insert).

One more notable point: Lowepro has taken the telescoping handle one step further, by adding a user-mountable tripod screw to the handle. While only practical for point-and-shoot cameras, this feature may be useful in a pinch.

Tamrac Big Wheels Rolling StrongBox-LP4 (www.tamrac.com)

Intended for wedding/event photographers who want their gear at the ready, with two cradles that hold cameras with attached lenses, and enough depth for other lenses/flashes to stand on end. I would have preferred a light interior and more padding at the back for gear to rest against. Otherwise, strong and practically as rigid as a hard case, this solid roller holds a 17” laptop, adding side tripod lashings. Dimensions: 30x14.5x13”; $474..

Laptop Portage
Today, for many of us, a laptop is as ubiquitous as a cell phone. Whereas the hard-sided cases I looked at do not provide a separate laptop compartment or sleeve, many soft-sided rollers do have this provision. Of course, you have to consider laptop size. Since laptops with the same screen size vary in overall dimensions (not to mention a protruding battery), we have to make allowances for these variations.

Think Tank Photo Airport International V2.0 (www.thinktankphoto.com)
This sleek roller should give you no trouble as a carryon. On the outside, it is sturdy and protective. On the inside, however, this pricey roller employs a divider system that is difficult to use or explain. Laptop bag optional; side tripod sling. Dimensions: 21x14x8”; $329.

Lowepro, Tamrac, Tenba, and Vanguard house the laptop in the front/top lid, so be careful when opening the case. Delsey hides a removable laptop sleeve on the inside of the bag within that front flap, which is added insurance against theft. M-ROCK slips the laptop into a rear compartment.

Another, arguably more practical, approach involves a removable satchel that can be easily carried separately, as is true of Naneu. But kudos go to Pelican for the highly functional laptop daypack that zips onto the front of the wheeled case. Zip it off and the main roller becomes airline-friendly. Kata also gives you a notebook bag, although the densely padded front sleeve should hold an even larger laptop safely sans satchel. Surprisingly, the Crumpler doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve, but it has a slot that is big enough to hold a “netbook” or compact laptop. Think Tank Photo was thinking outside the proverbial box when it came to this feature, requiring an optional satchel and low-divider set to make room for the laptop—not my ideal solution.

Vanguard Kenline i-Pro 56 (www.vanguardworld.com)
While there was a problem with the backpack harness, which was a gawky design to begin with (and will hopefully be corrected), I found the nicely priced bag easy and comfy to wear, once I fixed the problem. In fact, I feel it’s better as a backpack, although functional as a roller. Accommodates two D-SLRs with lenses and more than enough gear for any adventure. Holds 15” laptop; side tripod sling. Dimensions: 217⁄8x141⁄2x127⁄8”; $199.

My Top Picks
Everyone looks for something different in a roller camera case. I’ve examined and reexamined these cases, and judging by overall features, level of protection, degree of organization (including pockets), design, and even styling, I’ve arrived at a three-way tie for Top Pick: the Crumpler (yes, it’s pricey and lacks a laptop sleeve—but is otherwise commendable for its engineering, utility, and styling), the equally formidable Kata, and the amazingly functional Tenba, with retractable handles adding to its smart look. Whereas the Crumpler is dual-use as photo backpack and weekend roller, the Kata is considerably easier to work out of, although both bags have that brightly toned interior that increases visibility—a highly commendable feature. But the Tenba is easily the most airport-friendly and should make an excellent international traveler. Now, since appearances count in the professional world, the bag I’d take to a job is the Tenba or Rimowa. But if I needed lots of gear, including medium format, on that job, I’d go with the Tamrac, Seahorse, or Storm Case.