Jeff: I routinely load SS reels in a changing bag. There is no need to have a table top to roll the reel on; just hold the film in one hand and the reel in the other.(posted 8347 days ago)Along time ago I stumbled upon a method of loading stainless reels that forever changed any difficulties I had: As you wind the film onto the reel, push slack into the spool as you feed the film. Most of the problems with SS loading is caused by too much tension. There should be NO tension on the film as it lays in the reels.
One other thing, there are SS reels and there are SS reels. The same for tanks. You can certainly go cheap and get two new reels and a 500ml tank for about $20-25 total. But I strongly urge you to get Hewes reels (also marketed by Jobo, Omega and a few others--they will all say "Hewes" on the SS tap at the spool core, however). These reels are noticably heavier than other brands, they are finished better (no sharp edges), they load more smoothly and they have a unique anchoring system that positively centers the film on the spool at the outset (miscentering the film is the other major reason people have difficulty with SS reels). As for tanks, the best are made by Kinderman; they are considerably heavier than others (which means more stable temperature), the tops fit very snuggly, and they have a larger opening to fill and empty faster. These reels and tank will mean an investment of about $75, but they are superbly made and a pleasure to use. Check ebay for bargins on them as many people are selling off darkroom equipment. I recently bought 8 Hewes reels for $40.