Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

I was looking for a great rolling case & after reading endless reviews, this is the one I bought. Seemed to have the best reviews, size & features.

However, when I got it, I was immediately struck by the fact that the interior has a HUGE design flaw. Where the telescoping handle goes into the case creates a huge square inside the case that creates a huge gap around it. It was impossible for me to fit my gear in the case.

It's very clear in the product photo and I am surprised I didn't notice this before purchasing.

This design/ledge creates a situation where I could not place my lenses into the lens slots without them being canted because they were half on the ledge & half hanging in the air. And everything was falling down into the gap. And the bottom of the case isn't padded. I was not comfortable placing my gear into this case.

I sent it back in and bought a different brand...

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

This bag is my absolute go to for International travel as well as daily commuting.
I have carried anything from an HD video setup to my photo setup with 2 bodies and an array of lenses. Space is (needless to say) not a big problem normally. I've taken this bag to Africa, Asia, and all thru Europe with no problems.
The only thing I have not tried is really using it as a laptop case!

I rated it 4 stars because this bag is not, however great it is, the end all bag.

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

I'm back. I reviewed this bag a while back, and although I still haven't flown with this bag, I have used it on locations for a wedding. I say 'locations' because my team shot the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, wedding preparations, wedding, reception, and formal portraits at different locations.

The biggest plus to the bag is that everything is at your fingertips on one level - no bridges, no digging required. Once on site, I unzipped the main compartment, lifted out the extra foam padding (still my only quibble wit this thing, and it is more minor than ever), and voila! All my gear was in plain view! No fumbling for a flash or lens. When my partner's flash failed, I simply told her to go the my bag and pull another unit. NO DIGGING. Also, we had just packed up our gear to move to the reception when we were told the game plan had changed - photos needed. Unzip, grab the cameras, and go. No hassles.

The handle on the side, and the handle at the top are, well, handy for getting the bag in and out of vehicles. No problems lifting the loaded bag, as you can do it from any angle.

Some other things I found I really like about this bag's construction - the handle, wheels, and 'bottom'. The telescoping handle is STURDY. This is not the dinky thin pullup handle you see on luggage. This is for the real world. The wheels took the terrain of the field (yes, field) I had to drag the bag through to get to one site. And, don't worry about scraping the bottom edge when you are pulling the bag on its wheels - there is a heavy-duty piece of molded plastic to prevent injury to the bag and its contents.

I am very pleased with my purchase - and wanted to update my review with this one!

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

I would really like to give the bag 4 1/2 stars. I really like it and there is only one minor concern to it.

As a Pro Photographer, I need my gear (two DSLRs w/attached lenses, two flash units, two telephoto lenses, battery chargers, 17" notebook, external hard drive, USB-camera cords, my wallet, notepad, pens, etc.) in one bag - and with all that weight, the thing needs wheels. I want to be able to access any piece of equipment easily without having to dig through layers of stuff.

I researched the available options & bought this one. I love the bag - it took me a while to work it all in, and I admit I cheated & used some dividers from another camera bag. The fully loaded bag does not tip over, the telescoping handle is sturdier than most. The wheels are rugged enough for most terrains, too - not the flimsy ones usually found on rolling luggage. The bag doesn't scream: "I am holding $$$$ of camera equipment!" (a decided plus), and there are two carry handles so you can load the bag into a trunk or overhead bin. Laid flat, one zip and you are looking at the camera gear. The outside pocket will house a tripod or monopod, and there is a strap included to secure them.

The notebook computer compartment is a tight squeeze for a 17", but I don't plan to carry that unless I am flying somehwer and will need it to edit photos. The computer compart could be better padded - I tired adding some thin protection, but it wouldn't quite close. (For non-flight assignments, I have a netbook, which fits fine.)

The only drawback: lack of sufficient padding. I solved this by buying a roll of 1" thick foam sheeting from a crafts store, and sitting down with a pair of scissors to custom pad the areas which need it. You lose a bit of depth, but it's a reasonable sacrifice for peace of mind. Take your time organizing your gear into compartments before you add the padding, and you'll be fine.

I would have liked a few more dividers, but as I said, I was able to use some from the camera bag I am abandoning. The main compartment is designed to accept any of the self-stick dividers that are standard with other bags.

I intend to use the bag for weddings to replace the crammed shoulder bag I have been using. When I fly, it's going to be interesting to see how it goes through security, but the flat 'everything at a glance' main compartment should help. Also, I have seen bigger backpacks carted on board a plane, so this one should easily take the place of a camera bag and separate computer case. And, now with this bag I can carry a handbag!

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

great bag for traveling

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

I have not yet taken the Roadie II on an air trip, so I am not qualified to judge it for that purpose. I use it in my home to protect equipment from dust and damage and also to transport my kit by car for nature shoots.

This mid-sized case may be quite heavy when fully packed. Therein lies the flaw. The case has two hand straps for lifting, one on top (good) and one in back (bad). The second strap needs to be up front where one could use it along with the top strap to heft and gently heave the full case up onto a chair or a tabletop. That action is quite clumsy when one has one hand on the top strap and the other arm is reaching across the case to grip the back strap.

Inconvenience: of necessity, the channels that enclose the collapsible handle intrude into the bottom of the case. They are hard, and they cause the bottom of the case to be not flat. An additional layer of removable, soft insulation of varying thickness on the bottom of the case would fix this problem without compromising headroom. I recommend the user add custom-cut, high quality foam.

Capacity is and configurability are very good; the case gives the appearance of being small on the outside and large on the inside.

The collapsible handle and wheels work well.

The case is well constructed, and if past experience is any guide, I expect it to be very durable. My Tenba shoulder bag, purchased in 1975, traveled the world (Middle East, East Africa, SE Asia) for 20 years and is functionally as good as new. It will certainly outlast me.

Finally, this black-is-cool fashion (electronics to bags to appliances) is worn out. Let's see a couple of other colors, at least tan and olive. My older Tenba case is orange!

I purchased this case from B&H for my own use. I am not affiliated with any manufacturer or vendor.

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

It is a bit bulkier than I thought. So if you had to gate check this suitcase I don't think it has enough protection for all the expensive gear you would be carrying. I would be very nervous.

I returned it and got the original Roadie Universal where it is a bit less bulky and the top cover (zipper) is harder and offers more protection (not to mention $100 cheaper)

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

Because it meets internatinal travel requirements, this is the best case for photo equipment I have flown with.

Only con- a raised section on the inside.

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

Easily accessable and convenient to organize. Sturdy handle and wheels roll effortlessly! Would certainly recommend to a friend.

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

Very well made; sturdy.

Holds a lot but remarkably in a small form factor - will easily fit in the overhead compartment. Even the ever-so-picky Lufthansa airline personnel won't give you a second look.

Modularity is excellent - easy to rearrange interior to fit all my gear - D3x, 14-24, 24-70, 70-300, 50 prime, plus other misc. stuff.

Wheels, handle (retractable and sewn) all well made and sturdy.

Laptop compartment fits my 17" Macbook.

What's not to love.

Comments about Tenba Roadie II Universal Rolling Photo/Laptop Case:

working pro needed a travel case for a 2 cam system. Case was a little smaller than anticipated. Telescope handel is housed in a boxed enclosure that takes away from interior depth. My D700 with battery grip was too high. Also, when I traveled w my laptop, there was no room left for a mouse & power supply. Oh...and it's pretty heavy when fully loaded.