netexpress wrote:
I picked up various sizes of the Pelican AEGIS Check-In Rolling Hybrid Duffels & Pelican AEGIS ModPak Packing Cubes more for luggage - but I haven't used them much yet. They seem sturdy although I take care using the top riveted handle. But it was time to replace my old Hartman luggage.
B&H currently has a lot of the AEGIS line, including the duffels, significantly discounted until the 12th. I picked up the 28" a couple months ago during a similar sale looking for an in-between sized suitcase for shorter trips but when a carry-on roller would be too small. I may also adapt it to carry photo gear by dropping in a camera bag or a hard case insert. For example, the padded divider set for the Nanuk 938 fits it well and I'm thinking of using it to carry some of my lightning gear when I don't want the bulk of the 938 case. I was also looking into adapting one of the Shimoda core units to it, but haven't come to a conclusion about that option, yet.
The AEGIS duffels seem decently made but some reviews are not that positive. Earlier in 2025 I bought a Thule Chasm wheeled duffel that is similarly priced to the bigger AEGIS, if both are bought MSRP, but IMO the Thule is better made. It just feels more durable, the wheels are better, the zipper is smoother and you can also get replacement parts from Thule. Not sure if that's possible from Pelican for this product line. I currently mostly use the Thule to carry a Tenba Roadie 22 backpack as a camera insert. This will carry 2-3 bodies, many lenses and even something like a 200-400. Maybe even a 400 or 500 prime. I also like this combo for situations where I need a roller that is better over rough terrain than a typical hard case or Think Tank roller, because the Thule's wheels are larger. And if a roller is impractical, I can easily pull the Tenba backpack out and continue with just it on my back. Plus there's still room in the Thule with the Tenba backpack to stuff in assorted odds and ends. It's more of a 'true' duffel compared to the AEGIS, which is more like a semi-rigid suitcase, in that you can cinch it down somewhat if it's not full, or stuff it and the non-rigid top half will adjust accordingly, within limits. The rigid lower half is a shallow bathtub shell that seems really solid and provides the needed rigidity to withstand airline baggage handling abuse. At least so far on the flights I've taken, fingers crossed.
