Travel Photography - Tenba Roadie II: Compact or Universal

I am looking at roll aboards that will hold two DSLR bodies, two lenses (one is Nikon 70-200), a laptop, and a few miscellaneous items.

The Roadie II roll-ons look good and get good reviews. Will both fit in overhead bins? I am sure the compact will but it seems a bit small. Anything other differences to consider?

Thanks for your advice.

I am looking at roll aboards that will hold two DSLR bodies, two lenses (one is Nikon 70-200), a laptop, and a few miscellaneous items.

The Roadie II roll-ons look good and get good reviews. Will both fit in overhead bins? I am sure the compact will but it seems a bit small. Anything other differences to consider?

Thanks for your advice.

For many years there has been this Tamrac/Tenba thing [kind of like Nikon/Canon] and I have always been a Tamrac [and Domke] guy. That Tamrac is a somewhat rare quality made-in-America product was always a bonus.

Having said that I have a friend who is a pro and uses the Universal [typical 2-DLSR/lenses/flash/laptop kit] when he travels and loves it. I don't know if he has used it internationally but I have never heard him say that he has ever had a problem traveling domestically.

I would also have to say that in this case the Tenba is a more attractive case than the equivalent Tamrac.

Don't know if any of this helps but good luck.

Thanks. That is very helpful. I have read a few of the Tamrac/Tenba debates, and it seems at least some Tamrac people have been swayed.

The claim is that the Tenba Universal meets most international airline standards, with the disclaimer to "check with the airline". I doubt I will need it for international travel so will go with the Universal.

I carry a Tenba mini-messenger, and have been really impressed with the quality of the materials and construction. I had an issue with the swivels on the strap, and they changed it out, no problem. (I noticed the swivels are of a different design, so I must not have been the only one)


As a mini-hijack, in the bottom half of the mini-messenger, I carry:
body with pancake lens (Panasonic DMC-GF1)
Leica D 14-50 f/2.5-3.3 with adapter
Leica 45/2.8 macro
Panasonic G 8/3.5 fisheye
Panasonic G-Vario 45-200
I could easily fit another GF1 or Olympus PEN body .... the size advantage of mirrorless is pretty significant...

I also have wallet, passport, iPad, paper notebook, cards, batteries, etc. My Benro TravelAngel tripod fits in the top half when I think I will need it for long shutter speeds.

I am a frequent visitor to FlyerTalk since I travel constantly, but I am also the product manager for Tenba. So I thought I would answer your question as it relates to our Roadie II cases.

The Universal is by far the best choice for all-around travel with a lot of gear plus a laptop. Or you could use it for a medium size camera kit and a few changes of clothes. The case will fit into the overhead of most jets, with the exception of small regional jets where almost nothing fits in the overhead. But the key point is that you will always get through security with the Universal, and then you can gate-check your case just like everyone else, and your equipment will waiting for you when you deplane rather than being trucked across the airport to some baggage handlers and the evil luggage carousel. We worked with a National Geographic photographer to make sure that the dimensions and functionality would meet the needs of someone who travels to places that don't always show up on maps, and who needs the security of knowing their equipment will never get lost on the way to an assignment. You can't rent replacement cameras in the Arctic.

The Compact case was designed to fulfill the many requests we received for something that combines the protection and security of a rolling equipment case with the extra accessory storage of a briefcase. It has a front section with lots of small pockets to organize briefcase-type items. But carry-on compatible cases have fixed exterior dimensions if they are to fit into the overhead, so that front briefcase section robs the interior of one inch of depth. Because of this, the Compact case will not fit a pro body with a grip (Canon 1D, Nikon D3) standing straight up like the Universal case will, and that makes a big difference in the total amount of equipment that it will fit.

If you are traveling with two bodies and three lenses plus a 15-inch laptop, the Compact case will definitely work. Plus it will fit under the seat of most jets without extending into your foot space. But the Universal is the best choice for all-around flexibility. If you don't fill it with equipment, then use the extra space for clothes. I recommend the Universal as a first choice. If you get it and feel you want something smaller, then return it as new and try the Compact case.

Beyond the dimensions, you always need to be aware of the weight limits when you travel, especially outside the U.S. Just on the top of my head I know that Lufthansa's carry-on weight limit is 8 kilos (17.5 lbs.) which is basically nothing. I just flew Cathay last week and theirs was only 7 kilos (15.5 lbs.). But they may make concessions for camera systems, you would have to check with your airline directly.

I hope that helps. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have.

Best regards,

Peter

I have intended to report back on this topic. Purchased the Tenba Universal (directly from Tenba since they seemed to be back ordered everywhere I checked). Used it on a trip to Alaska a couple weeks ago and was very pleased with it. Easily fits in the overhead bins. It seems very solid and easy to handle, even when full and, therefore, heavy. Carried my laptop separately, but I don't think it would have been a problem in the Tenba.

I really like the full option to arrange the compartments anyway you want them - no limitations. Could easily imagine taking a small amount of camera gear and use the rest for other carry on items.

Bottom line: a strong vote for the Tenba.

And thanks to p787656 (Peter) for his help and advice!

Plus it will fit under the seat of most jets without extending into your foot space.

Peter

Sorry to revive an old thread. I'm wondering if you can tell me the true depth of the Compact Roadie II. Not sure how much depth the wheels add but I was wondering if you can actually put a ruler next to it. I ask because I fly southwest a lot and its depth limitation under seat is only 8.5 inches with some wiggled room as the seat bottom is soft. For example I can fit my lap top which is 9.5 inches deep under the seat if slightly slanted. Therefore I know that if the bag is even just a hair above the published depth it will be hard to fit under seats

Sorry to revive an old thread. I'm wondering if you can tell me the true depth of the Compact Roadie II. Not sure how much depth the wheels add but I was wondering if you can actually put a ruler next to it. I ask because I fly southwest a lot and its depth limitation under seat is only 8.5 inches with some wiggled room as the seat bottom is soft. For example I can fit my lap top which is 9.5 inches deep under the seat if slightly slanted. Therefore I know that if the bag is even just a hair above the published depth it will be hard to fit under seats

Sorry for the late reply. I've used the Compact Roadie under the seat of a Bombardier Q400 with only 36 seats, so it will definitely fit under a small seat. But I cannot guarantee it will fit under all seats, of course. It is 9 inched deep if you don't overfill it.

Reviving an old thread here....

I'm considering either the universal or compact but the weight worries me. Has anybody had any problems with weight limits on various airlines? My Kata digital rucksack is about 8 kg fully loaded. I fear a roller bag that starts off at 4 kg before anything is put into it will cause me grief at the airport.

Reviving an old thread here....

I'm considering either the universal or compact but the weight worries me. Has anybody had any problems with weight limits on various airlines? My Kata digital rucksack is about 8 kg fully loaded. I fear a roller bag that starts off at 4 kg before anything is put into it will cause me grief at the airport.

Answering on behalf of Tenba, I can tell you the following:

1. For serious travel, I would recommend the Universal size since it is the thinnest of the rolling cases. We have not had a single report of anyone having issues with it around the world.

2. Regarding the weight — a typical high-end 20-inch Travelpro or similar suitcase weighs about 9 lbs., so the Tenba case only adds 1.5 lbs. on top of that for camera and laptop protection, and still uses the same ballistic nylon and ball bearing wheels as any serious luggage. Some companies achieve a small weight reduction by switching the materials to thinner polyester, but any potential weight savings would be offset by an extreme sacrifice in durability and protection that we would frankly never be able to live with.

I'm happy to answer any additional questions either in this forum or by PM.

Peter

Thank you Peter. I ordered a Universal one. I'm hoping it gets delivered today.

Thank you Peter. I ordered a Universal one. I'm hoping it gets delivered today.

Great news. Let me know if you have any questions once you receive it.