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OtterBox
www.otterbox.com
The OtterBox Armor 1910 is an interactive, waterproof case designed to hold the HP iPaq 6500 PDA. The case provides access to all major functions on the 6500, and the clear window on the back allows use of the 6500’s camera and flash through the case. The 6500’s keypad also remains operable with direct-push activation through the 1910, while an external stylus holder adds convenience. The case is made of a glass-reinforced polycarbonate shell with a thermoplastic rubber overmolding for added drop protection. A WL Gore membrane vent enables sound transmission while blocking water and other elements from entering the case.

Pelican
www.bkaphoto.com
The RSV Series cases, designed for the busy digital professional, come with movable dividers for organizing equipment, plus a fully padded computer pocket to carry a full-size laptop. The cases, made of durable, water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon material with full-grain leather trim and molded protective corners, contain an organizer pocket with an AA battery organizer, as well as multiple PVC-lined inner mesh pockets. A nylon storm cover with the Pelican logo in reflective paint is included.

Also from Pelican: the 1640 rolling case, ideal for storing and transporting full-sized hard drive towers and other computer equipment.

Photographers Judy Herrmann and Mike Starke:
When you travel with as much expensive digital equipment as we do, having cases that let you pack the gear intelligently, protect it from manhandling by airline personnel, and don’t add a lot of weight make all the difference in the world. Our Pelican rolling cases are easy to maneuver, hold a ton of gear, and still fit in most airplane overhead compartments. On a recent trip between London and Nice, the puddle-hopper we flew in didn’t allow for any overhead storage. We had to send everything—cameras, laptops, everything—through baggage. We were pretty nervous, especially since we could see the ground crew literally throwing the cases into the plane. Our soft-sided rolling Pelican cases withstood the abuse admirably, and both the gear and the cases arrived in perfect condition. Now we don’t hesitate to send our cameras or other gear into the hold, as long as they’re packed in Pelican.

PROMASTER
www.promaster.com
The Digital Elite Sling Pack is made for the photographer on the go who needs to hold an entire SLR system, plus a mid-range zoom lens, up to five extra lenses, a flash, and other accessories. The large interior space can be rearranged using the protective dividers to suit specific needs. The pack is made of strong ballistic nylon, with water-resistant coatings and a protective overlapping zipper closure; the adjustable ergonomic over-padded shoulder strap leads to carrying comfort, as does the padded handle. There’s also a special hide-away interior accessory compartment and four exterior accessory pockets for additional storage.

Tamrac
www.tamrac.com
Tamrac’s two most popular rollers are the Big Wheels Rolling StrongBoxes: models 691 and 692. The cases’ big wheels allow for smooth rolling on deep carpet, through grass, and on bumpy sidewalks. Both models have adjustable, padded dividers, and a foam-padded front pocket for a laptop.
Also from Tamrac: the Photo Messenger 9, a slim-profile bag that can easily carry camera gear and a laptop. The bag’s unique Piggy-Back Pocket allows it to be carried on top of a Rolling StrongBox or rolling luggage.

Photographer Charles Maring:
I have the Messenger Bag from Tamrac, and I also use their Rolling Strong Box, which is a blessing. The Rolling Strong Box fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane, which is a key feature, and they made the wheels bigger, which is great because it can roll on grass or tough pavement. The Messenger Bag is great because it piggy-backs on top of the rolling case—they look great together, and they’re also very efficient. Plus the Messenger Bag really helps me at celebrity weddings—it allows me to carry everything I need for the event. Just from a security point of view, it’s really helpful to keep things attached to me at all times. I don’t have to worry about people picking it up and leaving with it, since there could be people there interested in those million-dollar photos!

Targus
www.targus.com
The Solitaire Messenger notebook case for women is designed to protect notebook computers with screen sizes up to 15 inches. The front-pocket workstation offers a notebook compartment with a business card holder, compartments for files, a cell phone/PDA pocket, pen and pencil holders, a key clip, and a back pocket for additional storage. The padded shoulder strap provides extra comfort and is removable for an additional carrying option.

Photographer Lee Van Norman:
I recently got one of the Targus backpacks, and I use it with my laptop. My son also carries it with his DVD player when he goes on trips! I don’t like some of the real big backpacks, with too many pockets you don’t need. We also use Targus’ notebook case for on-location shooting—it holds our laptop and CDs and we’re good to go. It keeps us streamlined by not having to carry those big, bulky cases. We also have one of the original cases Targus made when the Macs first came out—it’s 15 years old. We actually use it for camping, it’s so durable and strong! You can’t destroy this backpack; it just holds up.

Tenba
www.tenba.com
The Shootout collection is a lineup of backpacks, waistpacks, and accessories designed for serious outdoor imaging. While the bags are “light on your shoulders,” they’re “heavy on protection, access, and features,” including customizable space for cameras, laptops, and accessories; weather-resistant construction and shock-absorbent padding; an exclusive WeatherWrap cover to protect your gear from the elements; Quick Access pockets; and expedition-ready harness and belt components for comfort, support, and stability.

Think Tank
www.thinktankphoto.com
With its new Airport Security rolling carry-on bag, Think Tank addresses professional photographers’ major fears when traveling with expensive gear. The new bag not only allows photographers to roll their bodies, lenses, and accessories onto a plane and store them in the overhead bin, but it also features front-pocket and main compartment combination locks and a cable from a secret rear hatch that allows them to secure their bag to immovable objects.

Photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice:
The Think Tank Airport Security roller bag is my bag of choice. The one feature I couldn’t live without is the locking system. It has a security cable that allows you to lock the roller to a table or pole. Also, the bag itself can be locked with a built-in combination lock, which is handy for places like hotel rooms, stadiums, and press rooms. The bag is low-key because it doesn’t look like a camera bag. The roller, which rolls easily over gravel or any surface, fits in the overhead compartment of airplanes, which allows me to keep my equipment with me so I don’t have to check it.

Underwater Kinetics
www.uwkinetics.com
The 1022 Dry Transit Case is a tough, injection-molded case with reinforced walls to give maximum protection for even the most sensitive equipment. An optional extendable handle and three-inch wheels make maneuvering easy with heavy loads.