What’s the difference between purchasing an individual course and signing up for a Planet Handpan Premium membership?

When you purchase an individual course, you'll have lifetime access to that specific course. With a Planet Handpan Premium membership, you'll gain access to the entire catalog, including the Learning Lab, Rhythm Vault, and Groove Engine, for a monthly or annual fee. If you cancel your subscription, you will lose access to all content.

Does the purchase of a Learning Lab course include access to the corresponding Rhythm Vault and Groove Engine pack?

No, the Rhythm Vault and Groove Engine packs are sold separately. However, if you subscribe to a Premium plan, you will have full access to all Planet Handpan content.

Does my handpan need to be in a specific key?

No, the material is designed to work with any key or design of handpan. All exercises, grooves, and songs are pattern-based rather than pitch-specific, and you can use the transpose function in the Groove Engine to match your instrument.

Are your courses suitable for all skill levels?

Yes, the courses are designed for all skill levels, including beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. There is a wide range of content to support different learning needs.

What do I get when I enroll in a course?

When you purchase a course, you receive lifetime access to all course videos and a downloadable guidebook containing notation for the content.

What do I get with a Planet Handpan membership?

With a membership, you get access to all courses, future releases, all Rhythm Vault packs, the complete Groove Engine library, and the Basecamp community.

What if I’m not satisfied with a course?

If you are not satisfied with a course, you can request a full refund within 5 days of purchase by emailing support@planethandpan.com. No questions will be asked.

How to Travel Safely with a Handpan: A Complete Look at Hard Case Technologies Best Handpan Cases

Mark D'Ambrosio
Apr 9
5 min read

If you’ve ever stood at a baggage carousel with your heart racing, waiting for a $1,000+ instrument to arrive safely, you already understand why handpan cases are essential. For those of us who live and breathe handpan music, our instruments aren't just steel; they are our voices, our businesses, and our most prized possessions.

When it comes to protecting that investment, choosing the right handpan cases is essential, and for over a decade, one name has consistently stood out: Hard Case Technologies.

From "Back-Breaking" Beginnings to Industry Standard

I’ve been using HCT handpan cases since the very beginning. I still remember the original Evatek, the classic black hard shell. To put it nicely, those things were a labor of love. They were bulky, they were a bit of a nightmare for your back, and if you used them long enough, you’d eventually find the foam pieces inside starting to make a run for it.

But even then, we used them because they were the only handpan cases that actually kept our pans safe.

It has been incredible to watch the vision of the HCT team evolve. They didn’t just stick with a "good enough" design. They listened to players, traveled with us, and kept improving. Today’s lineup of handpan cases is a world away from those early prototypes, combining high-tech materials with ergonomic designs that actually care about your spine.

Why High-Quality Handpan Cases Are Non-Negotiable

I travel all over the world with my pans, and I’ve seen firsthand how airport ground crews handle luggage. To a baggage handler, your handpan is just another 10kg box that needs to be tossed into a cargo hold as quickly as possible.

I’ve watched "fragile" stickers be ignored and cases stacked under a mountain of heavy suitcases. In that environment, soft bags or cheap alternatives to professional handpan cases are a gamble I’m not willing to take.

You need a case that can withstand a crush, a drop and the general chaos of international transit. That’s why investing in high-quality handpan cases is essential for any serious player.

The "Legacy" Legend: HCT The Flyroll Handpan Case

If you’ve seen me at an airport anytime in the last few years, you’ve seen my HCT Flyroll. While HCT has moved this specific model into their "archives" to make room for newer modular systems, I still can’t imagine my professional life without it.

Among all handpan cases I’ve used, the Flyroll stands out for travel convenience. Having a rolling bag makes navigating a massive international terminal much easier.

There is a specific kind of relief I feel when I’m standing at baggage claim and those bright red wheels finally appear on the conveyor belt. It’s the sign that my instrument has made it, and that my handpan case has done its job.

Choosing the Best Handpan Cases: The 2026 HCT Lineup

The current catalog of HCT handpan cases is more specialized than ever. Whether you are hiking into the mountains or boarding a long-haul flight, here is how the lineup stacks up:

HCT Protection Comparison Chart

Case Model	Protection Level	Best For...	The "Special Sauce"
Smarty Bag	Light	Hiking & Daily Commutes	Built with a trekking-style metal frame to keep weight off your spine; incredibly comfortable for trails.
Airtek 2.0	Moderate	Local Gigging / Public Transit	Uses inflatable "AirPad" technology to create a pressurized cushion around the pan while staying ultralight (~1kg).
Evatek 2.0	High	The Every-day Professional	The industry standard semi-rigid shell. Now refined with waterproof zippers and a foam interior that actually stays put!
Cargo	Ultra (Flight)	Air Travel (Checked Bag)	A rigid, high-impact polycarbonate/PP shell designed to withstand the "toss and stack" of airport crews.
Rolltek	Maximum	Touring & Multiple Pans	The "Mother Ship." A modular rolling shell that holds your pans inside their own cases for double protection.

The Rolltek: The Two-Pan Travel Hack

For the multi-instrumentalist, the Rolltek is a miracle. Fitting two handpans into a single rolling unit is a massive logistical win, but a common worry is that the "case-in-a-case" design will trigger those dreaded overweight/oversize baggage fees.

Since you are putting your handpans inside a Cargo case and then sliding those into the Rolltek, the math matters. Based on current specs, here is how a "Two-Pan Touring" setup typically weighs in:

Rolltek Shell (Empty): ~3.3 kg
2x Cargo Inner Cases (with foam): ~7.6 kg total (~3.8 kg each)
2x Standard Handpans: ~9.0 kg total (~4.5 kg each)
Total Setup Weight: ~19.9 kg (Approx. 43.8 lbs)

While this math suggests you'll stay under the standard 23 kg (50 lbs) limit, always double-check your specific airline’s weight and size policies before you travel. Dimensions can be just as important as weight, and you don't want any surprises at the check-in counter.

One pro-tip from Alessio: it is often worth checking the "sporting equipment" box when booking tickets (like you would for snowboards or skis). Airlines recognize these as unusual sizes and often handle them separately from the standard luggage "tumble," usually for just a small additional fee. It’s a great way to ensure your gear gets a bit of extra specialized care and avoid unexpected fees at check-in.

Final Thoughts

At Planet Handpan, we believe that the best instrument is the one that stays in tune and out of the repair shop. HCT has spent years perfecting the best handpan cases that our instruments deserve.

If you’re serious about your handpan journey, don’t skimp on the protection. Invest in high quality handpan cases —your pan (and your back) will thank you.

Explore More: Check out our latest tutorials and handpan reviews over on Planet Handpan and see why we trust Hard Case Technologies for our global travels.

Handpan Case FAQs:

What are the best handpan cases for air travel?

For checking your handpan on an airplane you'll need a high quality hard case. The "Cargo" from Hard Case Technologies is a good option.

Are soft cases safe for travel?

Yes, for some situations. Never check a handpan in an airplane cargo hold in a soft case as this is not nearly enough protection. However, for a quick trip to the park or your friends house to jam a soft case is a great option.

How much do handpan cases usually weigh?

The weight of a handpan case usually depends on the level of protection it offers. Simple soft cases can weigh less than 1lb while heavy-duty flight cases can get up to 10lbs+.

Do handpan cases fit in the overhead compartment on an airplane?

They can, but not always. Make sure to check with your airline to know their carry-on bag size limits and if needed check for the overhead compartment dimensions for the specific plane that you will be flying on.

How do you choose the right case for a handpan?

Finding the right handpan case depends on your individual needs. While casual players could think about lighter solutions for portability and convenience, frequent flyers should prioritise durability.