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If you’re a frequent traveler, especially one who lugs around camera gear or tech equipment, you know the value of good luggage. And when I say “good,” I mean something that doesn’t just survive baggage claim but actually makes travel easier. That, friends, is the Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On. We got our hands on this sleek, high-end carry-on before it officially launched, and after putting it through the paces on a few trips, we figured it was time to tell you all about it now that it’s officially available for purchase.
But let’s get one thing out of the way right off the bat: this isn’t a budget bag. At $600, the Roller Pro is clearly designed for a very specific audience: the frequent traveler who flies often, carries expensive or delicate equipment, or simply wants one piece of luggage they’ll never have to replace. If that’s not you, no worries. But if it is? Well, keep reading.
First Look: Not Your Average Carry-On
Peak Design has a reputation for gear that balances style, function, and durability, and they nailed that trifecta again here (check out our review of their Outdoor line here or their older Travel Backpack here). And true to form, from the moment we unboxed it, the Roller Pro felt different. The materials are rugged yet elegant, the details thoughtful. And while it’s tangentially aimed at photographers and filmmakers, the truth is it works equally well for anyone who wants to keep things organized, accessible, and secure—whether you’re hauling a DSLR and drone or just trying to avoid checking a bag.
Traveling With It: What Works
As soon as we took the Roller Pro out, we immediately noticed how smoothly it moves. I’m not always a fan of the four-caster wheel setup since it can roll away on ramps and takes up more space than a two-wheel design. But the casters on this bag glide like butter—smooth, nearly silent, and incredibly well-engineered. We’ve never used a carry-on that rolls quite this effortlessly.
The carbon fiber telescoping handle also stands out. It’s lightweight, strong, and surprisingly thin, which has a real impact on interior space. Most rolling bags lose valuable interior storage space because the handle housings extend into the main compartment. Not here. The handle’s minimal footprint (less than 1″ deep) means there’s more actual usable space inside the bag—and when you’re trying to pack light or fit everything into a bag that fits in an overhead bin, that matters.
We also loved the rugged fabric grab handles on every side of the bag. Whether you’re pulling it from an overhead bin or tossing it into a rental car trunk, there’s always a grab point. And the external cord hook attachment loops make it super easy to attach things like a toiletry bag, a tripod, or anything else you’d rather not–or couldn’t–cram inside.
Thoughtfully Designed Storage
Now let’s talk storage—and there’s a lot to cover. The exterior features a front pocket that’s more than just a place to stash your boarding pass. There are compartments for accessories, a key leash, and even a padded laptop sleeve that fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro with room to spare. It’s all tucked behind a magnetic flap that keeps everything sleek and discreet.
The interior is where this bag really shines, though. It opens clamshell-style and—this is key—the lid stays open on its own thanks to an adjustable drawbridge. Anyone who’s struggled with a suitcase lid flopping over while trying to pack on a hotel bed or has to search through their case in the airport knows how annoying that can be. It saves space, makes the bag easier to pack and unpack, and I don’t know what all luggage doesn’t have a feature like this. The drawbridge cables are adjustable and even removable, giving you control over how wide it opens.
Inside, there’s a flexible bungee system that helps keep things in place. It’s not rigid enough to compress overpacked contents, but it’s perfect for bulky items like jackets or loose clothing that you want to stay put. There are also multiple mesh zipper pockets, which let you see what’s inside without opening them. That alone saves time when you’re digging for a charger or a battery.
You’ll also find a drop-down mesh divider that adds another layer of organization for slim items like large hats or a document folder, a hidden AirTag pocket if you’re into tracking your bags digitally, and a tucked-away pocket that’s just big enough for your passport and some emergency cash. There’s even an expandable zipper if you need some extra packing space or need to zip it closed to compress everything when you need your bag to fit in a smaller overhead bin. It’s all really well thought out and feels like it was designed by someone who actually travels.
For Photographers: Camera Cube Compatibility
If you’re a photographer, this bag is basically built for you. Peak Design’s extra-large camera cube was designed to fit this roller perfectly. You don’t even need to unzip the expansion panel—it just slides right in and stays put. Technically, there are clips to secure it in place, but we found that with the cube filling the compartment completely, those clips weren’t really necessary (and they were kind of a pain to use, honestly).
The medium and small cubes also fit well if you want to divide the space between gear and clothes. And if you’re using Peak Design’s ultralight packing cubes, you’ll have no trouble cramming everything in. We packed for a short trip using just the carry-on and had space left over.
Again, a lot of that comes down to those super slim carbon fiber handles. Because they don’t eat up interior real estate, the whole bag feels more spacious than similarly sized rollers.
Sustainability and Durability
One of the things we really appreciate about Peak Design as a brand is their commitment to sustainability. This bag isn’t just durable—it’s responsibly made. It’s built from recycled materials, is partially solution dyed, and is bluesign® approved. The company itself is a member of 1% for the Planet, is B Corp certified, and was a founding member of Climate Neutral. Those are more than just feel-good buzzwords. They reflect a real effort to produce gear in a way that minimizes harm and supports long-term impact.
And like all Peak Design products, this carry-on is backed by a lifetime warranty. If something breaks, they’ll fix it. Which makes that $600 price tag feel a little more reasonable when you consider the bag might last you an actual lifetime.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy This Bag?
The Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On isn’t going to be for everyone. If you’re the kind of traveler who packs light a few times a year and tosses your bag in the trunk, there are definitely more affordable options out there, including duffels. But if you fly often, carry expensive gear, are a photographer, or just want a high quality piece of luggage that makes travel easier, this might be the best rolling carry-on we’ve ever tested.
It’s well-built, thoughtfully designed, sustainable, and surprisingly spacious. Whether you’re a filmmaker heading to a shoot, a travel blogger with gear in tow, or just someone who’s tired of carry-ons that fall apart after two years and don’t help you travel and pack efficiently, the Roller Pro truly delivers. As long as you have the budget for it.
Want to see how it stacks up against the Pelican Air 22″? Watch our comparison video.
Then get out there, travel to your heart’s content, and wander on.
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