Peak Design on a Roll: The Peak Design Roller Pro Has Landed - An In-Depth Review

Peak Design has been known for uniquely and cleverly designed multi-functional bags for both camera carry and general travel. It just makes sense for their travel lineup to be topped off by a carry-on-sized rolling bag, and here it is—four years in the making.

Rolling camera bags are probably the most underrated kind of bags used by photographers. Not all photographers actually need rolling bags, but those who do—especially those who bring a lot of gear to professional engagements—would definitely agree that they impact workflow and logistics significantly in terms of efficiency, comfort, and even the creative aspect. Peak Design’s travel lineup has grown into a wide range of carrying options and modular accessories. The new Roller Pro is here to complete the range.

The Peak Design Roller Pro

At first glance, the Roller Pro looks pretty much like the Peak Design Travel Backpack on wheels. Its exterior is made of the same moisture-resistant polyester from recycled fabric, reinforced internally with a polycarbonate shell and EVA foam. The zippers are made with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, ensuring smooth motion, and all pullers can be aligned together for use with standard luggage locks.

The Roller Pro measures 553.7 x 355.6 x 228.6 mm (21.8 x 14 x 9 inches) and weighs 3.99 kilograms. It comes in black, eclipse, and sage colorways. On each side of the Roller Pro are conveniently placed elastic handles that flatten onto the surface when not in use, similar to those found on the travel backpacks.

Between the two common styles of roller bags—soft cases and hard shells—the Roller Pro is designed as a mix of both. Hard-shell bags are generally known to be more durable (if made with the right material) but are often inconvenient to use because of access limitations. The Roller Pro is instead an internally reinforced soft case that provides multiple quick-access compartments for convenience, whether for travel or professional use. A total of six pairs of accessory attachment loops (identical to those found on other Peak Design bags) can be found near each corner of the bag. These loops can be used to mount other packing tools such as pouches and packing cubes, as well as to secure elongated items like a tripod or small light stand onto the sides of the bag.

Unique Trolley Handle

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Peak Design Roller Pro is its custom carbon fiber trolley system and handle, called SlimDrive. The handle securely holds and controls two very thin but durable carbon fiber arms that take up significantly less space inside the bag when retracted. Aside from being thin, the fact that the trolley does not use traditional telescopic tubes also eliminates one of the most common pain points of using a roller bag—when the telescopic tubes get stuck over time. Peak Design identified this as a weak point in traditional roller bag design and removed the literal weak link. The trolley also has two stages or height options for when the user needs it to extend higher.

Wheels

Aside from the Peak Design logo, the wheels initially look like standard ones found on rolling camera or carry-on bags. However, two design aspects make these wheels unique and superior. First, the wheels are generally larger than those on most other rolling cases. With a larger diameter, the bag is less sensitive to rough ground textures and can more effectively roll over floor obstacles. Second, these wheels are easily replaceable with a single-screw installation. The wheels are undoubtedly the most banged-up parts of any rolling bag, and while they are made to endure impact and weight, the ability to replace them easily over time adds significant longevity.

Front Compartment

On the top edge of the front surface is a zipper made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene thread, opening into a seemingly small but actually large pocket. The more anterior half houses a 15–16-inch laptop compartment, reinforced by EVA foam and secured by a magnetic Snap Tent that keeps the laptop in place even when the lid is open. Behind the laptop sleeve is a smaller pocket for quick-access items, while the posterior surface contains additional smaller pockets for objects like coins, earphones, or keys. One of the pockets also includes an attached key tether for user convenience.

Expansion Zipper

A zipper runs around the perimeter of the bag, allowing expansion when opened. This adds an extra two inches of width, increasing capacity.

Main Lid

Behind the front pocket’s zipper is a larger zipper that moves anteriorly toward the bottom. This opens the main lid, revealing the bag’s primary internal compartment. This uniquely designed lid allows all contents to be in the bottom part of the bag instead of the usual clamshell design, which splits compartments into two sides. The lid uses a specially tuned hinge to hold itself at an angle when there isn’t enough space to fully open the bag, reinforced by a drawbridge-type system with removable cables to prevent it from falling backward.

Inner Pockets

The inner surface of the lid has three zippered transparent pockets for small to medium-sized accessories. The inner layer of these pockets is made of elastic mesh that expands toward the back when filled, preventing the pockets from protruding into the main compartment. Above the three pockets is a large zipper opening into a bigger open space that serves as another compartment. Alternatively, the zippered pocket flap can be rolled down and secured with a strap at the bottom to provide more space when the main compartment needs additional height.

At the top is a hidden pocket ideal for securing important items such as a passport or wallet. Alongside this pocket is another hidden compartment perfectly sized for an Apple AirTag or a similar tracking device.

Main Compartment

The main compartment is a 540 x 333 x 149 mm (21.26 x 13.11 x 5.8 inches) open space that is lined with automotive-inspired felt matting. It is apparent at first glance that, though the trolley system still has an indentation on the back panel, it doesn’t take up as much space and allows the user to maximize the compartment altogether. The compartment is also lined with a cord system with movable hooks that can be used to secure objects or packing tools placed inside through a combination of multiple sides of the cords. Along with the cords are attachment loops that can be used with C-clips, typically used to secure the Peak Design camera cubes onto the sides of the compartment.

The XL Camera Cube and Capacity

Along with the Roller Pro, Peak Design is also launching an extra-large (XL) camera cube that perfectly fits into the dimensions of the Roller Pro’s main compartment. It follows the same form as the smaller camera cubes, with handles on all sides and plenty of attachment loops, but slightly tapers toward the upper part to keep a low profile.

When fully maximized, the XL camera cube (and, subsequently, the Roller Pro) can carry a combination of two camera bodies and up to 10 standard-sized lenses, which can include a compact telephoto lens. The long side of the XL camera cube can hold a full frame camera body and a mounted large telephoto lens (in this example, the Sony 200-600 mm super-telephoto zoom) with a couple more inches to spare. With that combination, it can hold another eight lenses positioned vertically when the bag is set down. Aside from the Roller Pro, the XL camera cube also fits perfectly inside the 45 L Travel Backpack.

Other Packing Options

Realistically, not all users will carry that much gear when they travel, especially if they plan to switch to a backpack or a sling upon reaching their destination. With that in mind, the Roller Pro is, of course, compatible with all other sizes of the camera cubes, with the smaller cubes fastened to the sides for better organization. It can also hold other packing tools such as the tech pouches, Field Pouch, and travel packing cubes. As a container, it is also compatible with packing tools from other bag brands, though not all of them may be compatible with the attachment points. Another alternative would be to place clothes and personal items directly inside the compartment and secure them with the cords and hooks.

Application and User Experience

In actual use, the biggest question would be the implications of this bag’s design for both travel and professional use. Previously, professional rolling camera bags were made without the intention of being convenient for airline travel, while most travel-centric carry-on luggage wasn’t made to hold delicate camera gear.

For professional use, the bag’s capacity with the XL camera cube is quite extensive and can definitely be convenient for photographers and filmmakers across many different genres. Off the bat, if the bag can secure even a large super-telephoto zoom lens, it can pretty much hold any combination of cameras and lenses. Of course, it is a huge bonus that the camera cubes and other packing tools can very easily be moved onto a smaller travel backpack or carried individually with a strap, leaving the Roller Pro as a workstation when set down. The front compartment is also very conveniently placed for quick access to the laptop or other smaller tools that might be needed on the fly.

In terms of travel use, the design has very straightforward benefits. The front pocket is accessible and convenient when going through a security check, where the user would have to empty their pockets and remove all accessories. At the same time, it’s easy to reach for the laptop, which is typically scanned separately from the bag. Upon reaching the destination, the bag can be left behind in a hotel room or wherever the user is staying, and necessary contents can be easily moved into a smaller camera cube for easier and more comfortable carrying.

In the bigger picture, the modular design can be beneficial for many different uses, but what definitely stands out is the potential longevity of the bag. The soft polyester exterior protects against the elements, while the polycarbonate shell maintains its form. More than that, the trolley system, while conveniently thin, has less potential to deteriorate because of the lack of telescopic tubes, and the wheels can be easily replaced when worn out. Overall, the Peak Design Roller Pro seems to be a great combination of design and functional features that can make traveling with camera gear or shooting with your entire arsenal much more comfortable and efficient.

The Peak Design Roller Pro is now available through Kickstarter and now with a unique option to get one right away through this link.

What I Liked

• Unique form factor
• Modular use options
• Thin and light carbon fiber trolley
• Large and smooth wheels
• Large capacity and abundant accessory pockets
• Quick access front pocket

What Can Be Improved

• More color options
• More accessory strap options