GEAR
BUYERS’ GUIDE
We explore the range of bags and cases ideal for taking out in the big, wide world WORDS ADAM DUCKWORTH
A fter more than a year of lockdowns and travel restrictions, it seems the world is slowly getting back to some sort of normality. It’s time to prepare for getting out and about once more – and you’ll need something to transport your kit. Whether packing light to cram your filmmaking equipment into an aircraft carry-on, keeping it safe for the cargo hold, carrying on your shoulder or in a
Traditional plastic cases are popular, due to the immense protection they provide, but they can be heavier than padded, material bags. Rucksacks are useful, spreading the load over your back – but aren’t the most robust or safe from thieves. It’s all about picking the right bag for each individual shooting opportunity. Let’s take a look at the best bags and cases, covering different price points and sizes to suit just about every scenario.
backpack, there are lots of options to get you on your way. Everything is a trade-off between protection and portability. This is crucial when travelling, as heavy and bulky bags or cases not only cost a lot to transport, they’re also awkward to move about. Nobody wants to be that person taking up all the space on the railway carriage luggage rack with a monster-sized hard case full of heavy kit.
1. MANFROTTO PROLIGHT RELOADER TOUGH-55 HIGHLID £229/$279 manfrotto.com
Manfrotto continues to expand its range of bags, with roomy, well-built hard cases that provide lots of protection. The Manfrotto ProLight Reloader Tough-55 HighLid roller case is a decent size, with internal dimensions of 26x17x50cm/10.2x6.7x19.7in. It fits two mirrorless or DSLR bodies, three pro lenses, an external hard drive, spare batteries and radio mics. You can even pack in a gimbal, small slider or monitor with a bit of tweaking. The case also carries a tripod, using the included accessory strap mounted on the lid. The case’s lid locks open to prevent it falling or blowing closed, while its locks are big and strong. Overall, it is solid and takes plenty of punishment. The depth of this HighLid is greater than the LowLid version by 3cm. That’s welcome, though if you’re using a cinema camera, it will need to go on its side. The interior is easy to modify and comes with some layout ideas for typical gear, including drones. The internal dividers are thick, attaching securely with Velcro. You can also remove the inner entirely. At 4.6kg/10.1lb, the Tough-55 HighLid is already not light while empty, so it’s pretty heavy when fully loaded. It is carry-on size, but as for all cases, check for airline weight restrictions.
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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