By Betsy Finn, CPP
I recently had the opportunity to try out Tenba’s Small Photo/Laptop Roadie. In addition to cramming it chock-full of equipment, I was curious to see if it would really fit under the seat on an airplane.
©Betsy Finn
The Small Roadie has a lot of features and enough compartments to satisfy most pocket fanatics. According to Tenba, the Small Roadie holds 1 or 2 SLRs with 5 to 6 lenses (up to 300mm 2.8). Your mileage may vary, but here’s a list of the equipment I was able to cram (in an organized manner) into this functional studio on wheels (see photo below).
• 15-inch widescreen laptop, power cord, and travel surge protector
• Nikon D3 body with 70-200mm f2.8 VR lens
• Nikon D200 body
• Nikon 55mm f2.8 micro lens
• Nikon 50mm f1.4 lens
• Nikon 28-70mm f2.8 lens
• Nikon 14-24mm f2.8 lens
• Two Nikon SB-800 Speedlights
• Light meter
• Battery + CF card cases
©Betsy Finn
The main compartment of the bag contains a padded equipment organization system that can be removed completely from the main compartment. You’ll appreciate this feature if you want to convert the Small Roadie into a standard travel/overnight luggage case, or if airport security wants to do a thorough inspection.
The two front sections include the laptop pocket and a smaller compartment with mesh pockets, a key fob clip, pen slots, a business card slot, and even places to hold memory cards. I found these sections easy to access while the bag was stowed as a carry-on.
©Betsy Finn
Another feature worth mentioning is the secondary hand grip on the bottom of the case. I didn’t even notice this feature until I was lifting the bag by the main handle and trying to find a second handhold to support my gear. The guys at Tenba thought of everything!
The Small Roadie comes with a removable strap (in case you can’t roll it somewhere), but I’d definitely recommend rolling it around when possible. The collapsible handle, when extended fully, can be locked at two different lengths. I was glad to see this design feature, as both tall and short photographers can “roll” comfortably.
On a recent flight, I tested the Small Roadie’s ability to stow under a window seat, since Tenba states it “fits under most full-size airline seats.” As you can tell from the picture below, it did fit on its side. On my return flight, I found it easier to just put the Small Roadie in the overhead compartment, as the aisle seat’s space wasn’t much bigger. I can see it being easier to stow it under the seat if you had a middle seat, or business and first class seats.
©Betsy Finn
One final finishing touch that will help set your carry-on apart from the rest is your own customized nameplate. You can get your nameplate personalized with your name, studio number, or even a logo. Several color choices are available.
©Betsy Finn
Overall, I enjoyed traveling with the Small Roadie. I’ve always been a fan of traveling light, and the Small Roadie allowed me to combine my camera bag and computer case into a single piece of luggage. When fully loaded, the Small Roadie is a bit heavy to carry around comfortably; but then again, that’s why it was made with wheels.
The Small Photo/Laptop Small Roadie retails for $274.94 and can be ordered from the Tenba website.
Betsy Finn, CPP, is a photographic artist and a PPA Councilor (’09-’12). Her educational website for photographers is learnwithbetsy.com.
Comments (6)
Good for times when a plane does not have overhead storage but otherwise the airlines count this as your one piece of luggage and I would prefer to take the largest roller case that will meet airline regs. Gives me room for toiletries and other items I will need if my checked baggage does not arrive with me. At the destination a roller case is not going to be useful so a camera bag or photographers jacket or vest is needed as well.
Posted by Bruce | December 10, 2009 2:40 PM
Posted on December 10, 2009 14:40
Bruce,
good points. I should add that Tenba does have a larger Photo/Laptop case Roadie that still meets the carry-on requirements. That Roadie would be able to hold more equipment (or the toiletries, equipment vest, etc).
For me, at least, this bag already did reduce my luggage by one piece -- I didn't have to carry a separate laptop bag.
Posted by Betsy Finn | December 10, 2009 4:22 PM
Posted on December 10, 2009 16:22
Also, I should add...
This looks very similar to a laptop rolling case, which does count as a "personal item" (not a carry-on). I was able to travel through the airport with both the Tenba Roadie and a backpack -- and was not forced to check either piece on either flight.
Posted by Betsy Finn | December 10, 2009 4:33 PM
Posted on December 10, 2009 16:33
See also our Tenba Universal Roadie review in the December issue of Professional Photographer (available to subscribers and members online at http://www.ppmag.com/digital/ ).
Posted by Joan Sherwood | December 10, 2009 4:42 PM
Posted on December 10, 2009 16:42
It is good to see these bags assessed from the female perspective. I also read your review of the Tenba Shootout Sling. Most gear seems to have been designed for tall men. When you are a short female it makes a huge difference. I am looking for a decent wheelie for my stuff and trying to decide which Tenba Roadie to go for. Am thinking I will go for the Roadie Universal.
Posted by Barb Obrai | April 24, 2010 10:40 PM
Posted on April 24, 2010 22:40
Barb, Betsy has upcoming reviews of three more Tenba bags coming in the May Web Exclusives. You can also search for bag reviews done by Cheryl Pearson, another one of our petite female writer/photographers. Just use the Search field near the top of the page to search on Pearson and you'll get a list of all of her gear reviews.
Posted by Joan Sherwood | April 26, 2010 12:04 PM
Posted on April 26, 2010 12:04