You've probably heard this tip a few times, but it's another great post for those who might be looking into an inexpensive travel bag for lightstands, tripods, jibs / cranes, or anything else that has some length to it [Thanks svem]. I'm currently using Heavy Duty Speaker Stand Bags (found here) for my equipment, but they don't come with rollers.
If you're looking for an inexpensive long bag with rollers to make things easier on your back, check out the Golf Travel Roller bags that are about 50" in length and have enough room for several tripods, monopods, lightstands, or a folding jib, and an extra pair of shoes (for golf).
Golf Travel Bag Roller
Emm
Post author@VictorD - Yes people have mentioned they use those too.
VictorD
Travelling to NorCal for a wedding shoot soon...
How about snowboard bags - Southwest Airlines allow 2 checked in luggages up to 62 inches. If you get a snowboard bag 62 inches or under should be free for travel. Any thoughts Emm?
Kriston
I haven't heard this tip before, so I'm glad you posted it. I'm worried my current bag is going to rip from all my lighting gear.
Josh
Also, Drum gear/hardware bags work very well too. Heaps of companies make them, in various different shapes. Anything from cheaper plain bags, to molded plastic cases.
svem
It seems from the pictures here that the T03 A99 Golf Bag opens up fully for good access.
https://www.amazon.com/A99-Golf-Travel-Wheeled-Rolling/dp/B004IV5K0M
marshall baker
Dang! I wish they had one that was 72 inches long for my jib. I have been searching for months and can't find any good way to protect it when I go to shoots
Richard
I have been using a rolling golf bag for 12 years, its been great but be sure and look at several because some of the cheaper ones will fall apart, you can add a little bit of foam ( like the camping pad foam) around the sides when you use it for flight..
Emm
Post author@saul - Very true about oversized bags and flying. I think some of us (like myself) just use it to haul equipment on to a local set.
saul
Just be aware that I did this to help protect my gear when flying and they considered it an oversized bag which is $200 to check each way. So if you think you're saving money and being economical by fitting all your tripods and stands in one bag, it can bite you back.
Nitsan
one more tip, looks like the cheap ones are all unpadded or partially padded.
so pick up a yoga/camping mat from the local dollar store/pound shop for some cheap DIY padding. XD
Nitsan
found them super cheap in the uk. £15 new, shipped. 😀
Thanks again! Your blog is the best. 😀
ONE THING TO CONSIDER PEOPLE:
if you get one that only opens from the top it's gonna be a bitch to work with!
I have a lighting bag this size that only has a top opening and it's terrible!
I can't even describe how horrible it is to work with! ;d
Nitsan
AWESOME IDEA EMM!
I've been looking for something like this for AGES!
Something for lighting gear, slider etc. I hate carrying six smaller bags!