Certainly, your camera gear always feels tight after several hours of putting it on your back, regardless of whether you’re spending the day shooting Barcelona’s historic district or exploring the Grand Canyon.

When everything is packed, you’ll be fortunate to have enough left over for sunscreen or snacks! You would be better off getting a cab if you need to transport a bulky tripod set, but you can usually do just fine with such a backpack.

The issue is that since many backpacks aren’t made to safeguard delicate items, they aren’t ideal for carrying cameras and photographic equipment.

If you’re hunting for a top camera backpack model for your equipment, I’ve researched and tested the best options.

This is the list I wish I had while picking out my gadgets and photography bag since I’m a backpacking photographer who is always on the go. I’m making your search a little bit simpler now, at least!

A Buyer’s Guide to the Top Camera Backpack Features

Finding the ideal camera backpack mostly relies on how you want to use it and the equipment you’ll be carrying. In this brief guide, we’ll go over a few key factors to bear in mind while looking for camera backpacks.

Size

The finest camera backpacks will include a dedicated laptop pouch and additional compartments for lenses, SD cards, connections, external hard drives, and other photography gear.

Of course, you’ll need some personal items, such as your phone, passport, and paperwork.

Typically, a tripod mounting point will be there, along with cushioned storage spaces for more sensitive equipment like lens filters, the camera body and lenses, and safe storage for the tripod.

Check the measurements to discover whether your camera backpack qualifies as a personal item and carry-on bag if you want to travel by flight.

Typically, the carry-on is kept in the overhead bin, and the personal item is tucked beneath the seat in front of you.

Litres are often used to describe backpack sizes. They may be little (15L) backpacks that only hold one camera or big (40L or more) packs that allow you to carry many cameras, other travel essentials, and even your clothes!

If you’re planning lengthy excursions or multi-day picture sessions, larger packs are more costly but ultimately worthwhile investments.

On my word! Comparatively speaking, carrying one camera bag with room for your apparel is much more convenient than carrying two. The finest camera bag that accomplishes this is what I’ll provide below.

Weight

Electronics and photography gear is already hefty, so your backpack must be as light as possible if you carry your gear around on your back.

Due to the padding and tougher construction of photography backpacks, they tend to weigh a little bit more than standard hiking and travel backpacks, while there are still light ones available that weigh between 1.5 and 5 pounds (1kg to 2.5kg)

To avoid any nasty surprises at the airport, it’s also a great idea to weigh the rucksack that contains all of your belongings.

I aim to keep my camera bag under 15 pounds (7 kilograms), which is the most restrictive weight restriction on Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Carriers, Jet Airways, and a few other airlines. However, the weight limit varies per airline.

Urban versus rural

Your choice of camera backpack will be greatly influenced by the photography you’ll be undertaking.

Depending on how adventurous you want to be, taking photos outside often necessitates going on many hikes and even spending the night on the path!

You should generally choose a little larger backpack with more comfortable shoulder straps if you want to perform any outside shooting.

Smaller and lighter camera backpacks are normally preferable in the city, particularly if you’re traveling by public transit.

When moving through busy spaces, try to clear any excess hanging straps, buckles, and loops that might be easily hooked and snagged.

A water bottle compartment in your camera backpack is a wonderful addition in either scenario to make it simpler to remain hydrated while capturing pictures.

Versatility

Even though it is designated as a camera backpack, it may be used to carry items other than cameras. On some days, you may want to leave your camera and equipment at home or even in the hotel room so you can go forth and engage in other activities.

Additionally, carrying more bags than necessary when traveling is a hassle, so it’s ideal if your camera backpack can also serve as a day bag for everyday usage.

Price

Always crucial to consider, the cost may have the last say in whatever bag you choose to carry your photographic equipment. Certain camera backpacks might vary based on the features, but many are still fairly priced.

Investing a little extra money on a high-quality item that will last a long time if you’re an avid photographer who never leaves home without your camera may be worthwhile.

On the other hand, if you’re on a week-long trip and want a backpack to carry your camera while there, you may locate a high-quality, inexpensive bag that would work just fine.

Construction and Materials

Suppose you’re anything like me and you travel a lot. In that case, your camera bag will be subjected to all sorts of scenarios on aircraft, buses, hostels, and other places where it could be bashed, touched, scratched, etc., in addition to being exposed to the weather pretty often.

You must thus get a strong bag with long-lasting components and top-notch workmanship and seams. It should be weather/water-resistant to shield your equipment from rain or a rare water accident.

Due to its toughness, water resistance, and affordability, canvas and variations are among the most popular fabrics for travel camera bags. Newer synthetic materials provide the same results, although they are often slightly more costly.

Protection

The foam inserts safeguarding your equipment inside a camera bag set it apart from other bags.

Your luggage should ideally have many foam dividers and the foam cushioning surrounding it to prevent your equipment from slamming against one another while you’re traveling.

Convenience and ergonomics

Your purse must be comfortable! As a vacation photographer, you’ll probably roam about the city all day while carrying your equipment on your back. Your equipment will seem much lighter or heavier depending on how comfy your backpack is.

Take note of the shoulder straps. How thickly are they cushioned? Are hip straps included to aid with weight distribution as well?

Hip pads are not required if the camera bag is tiny, but they become more beneficial as the bag becomes larger and heavier.

How accessible is everything in terms of ergonomics? Are your access points built to function the way you require them to, and how many do you have?

Discreteness

No matter where you are—in a place with few minor crimes or one where there are many—cameras are always a target for thieves.

In a perfect world, your backpack wouldn’t shout, “I’m carrying a camera!” Even so, does it provide any safeguards against pickpocketing? Are there latches, locking zippers, or other materials or features that might make it more difficult for someone to take your equipment?

Customizability

It is one of its finest qualities to adjust the inside of a decent camera bag so that it can hold your gear precisely as you need it.

Padded dividers may conveniently fit your equipment snugly within your bag to accomplish this.

How adaptable can it also be? Is it possible to reorganize the backpack to accommodate one or two cameras and a few lenses? What about a drone-mounted camera? Add some hard disks and a lens, please.

Type of Bag

The kind of bag you need will depend on how you use your camera gear, how accessible it is, how well secured it has to be, how much gear you have, & how you want to carry it.

Although there are many distinct kinds of bags, they are often grouped into one of these six categories:

The most popular and best travel camera bags for DSLRs are backpacks, which often feature a lot of inner room for cameras and lenses. They often also have a compartment for a laptop and tablet. If they are made well, backpacks may evenly distribute the weight of your goods so that you don’t feel it completely on your shoulders.

In terms of capacity, roller bags are comparable to backpacks; however, rather than being carried on the back, these bags are rolled on the ground. These backpacks work well in urban settings but are less convenient to transport in rough, far-off terrain.

Shoulder Bags: Shoulder bags are often smaller bags worn over the chest or on one shoulder. Although they are often relatively portable and light, shoulder bags have little capacity.

Messenger Bags: Messenger bags resemble shoulder bags but are a little bigger and have a longer strap. They often hang about the hip and may be crossed over one shoulder or both.

Bags called holsters are designed to be fastened to a piece of clothing, such as a belt or chest strap. These are designed to handle only a camera and a lens and are often considerably smaller than shoulder backpacks.

Backpack inserts are mostly accessory packs designed to fit within a bigger backpack. They are practical if you already have a roomy, big travel bag that can include an insert to safeguard your photography equipment.

2021’S TOP 12 CAMERA BACKPACKS

Here are the best all-around bags for traveling photographers we’ve chosen after going over some key elements to think about while looking for a camera backpack.

This list is presently regarded as the top backpacks for adventure photographers who want to transport their critical camera equipment in the most practical, organized, and comfortable manner possible.

WANDRD PRVKE 21L Travel and DSLR Camera Backpack

The greatest camera bag overall and the most popular option for most intrepid photographers.

Adventures in the great outdoors provide some of the finest picture possibilities and the largest hazards for expensive camera gear. But as long as you have the PRVKE Travel Camera Backpack, no worries!

I’ve loved having this bag for the last four years. It is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. It also provides outstanding protection, flexible gear arrangement, and simple access. I also like how slim, simple, and tiny it is.

Depending on the trip, I bring my laptop, additional accessories, four external hard drives, my camera with up to 3 lenses, and so on. I sometimes even manage to fit my DJI Mavic Pro Drone in it if I’m not hauling around too many lenses.

Ballistic fabric and a strong, water-resistant tarpaulin make the bag waterproof. In bad weather, the PRVKE also has a rain cover, although, to be quite honest, I’ve never used it since the PRVKE is already very water-resistant.

This is a particularly adaptable bag in capacity since the rolltop cover may be enlarged as required for an extra five liters of storage.

A laptop up to 15 inches and a tablet may be stored in the PRVKE’s specialized compartments. A second pocket is included for your phone and/or sunglasses.

The bag has three access points for fast and easy access to your camera: the top, the rear, and the side.

Having a passport pocket is one of my favorite features. Since it is outside and in the back, it is convenient to access when necessary but difficult to pickpocket while carrying a bag since your body is hiding it.

The camera backpack may be worn on your back or used as a handbag depending on the circumstance, thanks to the magnetic tote handles.

This bag may be a personal item while flying since it fits neatly beneath the seat in front of you. It also comes in a 31L size. However, I have the PRVKE 21L.

Even though I admire this bag, I believe it is best suited for photographers who don’t have a lot of equipment or just need to carry what they need for a given task.

Additionally, this bag is large enough to hold your photographic equipment, so if you’re traveling, you must carry your clothes separately.

The following bag is my top recommendation if you want to travel with a lot of stuff or if you want to pack both your clothing and gear in one bag.

Nomatic McKinnon 35 Camera Bag

The ideal camera backpack can hold everything a photographer needs when traveling.

By itself, Nomatic is a top-notch backpack manufacturer. Nevertheless, they developed an incredible photography backpack when they collaborated with Peter McKinnon, one of the greatest and most well-known photographers on YouTube!

The Nomatic McKinnon 35 L Camera Bag is a completely travel backpack designed to hold all the equipment that photographers need to transport while being flexible and incredibly organized.

The bag’s design incorporates McKinnon’s attention to detail and obsession with organizing.

Your camera, lenses, batteries, filters, and other accessories are accessible from the main compartment. Similar to the PRVKE, there is side access for quick access to your camera while you’re on the road without opening the main compartment.

The Nomatic McKinnon includes a battery case, filter case, & memory card case, depending on your chosen bundle. Depending on how you organize your gear, these cases may be safely stowed in the main compartment or the rear see-through mesh pockets.

A 15-inch laptop, a tablet, and other papers may all fit in a separate side compartment on the Nomatic McKinnon bag.

The 35L capacity of this backpack is more than sufficient for carrying one or two camera bodies with a few lenses, hard drives, a laptop, and a small drone for most photographers.

A hip strap is also included with the bag to aid in equally dispersing the weight, but it is a lovely touch that it is quickly detachable (Velcro) when not required.

However, one of the finest features of this Nomatic bag is its expansion capacity, which can be increased to 42L to accommodate enough clothing for a journey lasting one to five days. This is one of my favorite aspects of this bag when I don’t want to carry two bags on a short trip.

It is still tiny enough to be a carry-on bag on a plane, even at 42L.

The Cube Pack is an included attachment, now my favorite aspect of this backpack.

If you don’t want to purchase the McKinnon backpack, at the very least, purchase the McKinnon Cube Pack separately. This is a compact 21L daypack that fits within the larger backpack, giving you the option to transport your camera and lens (or a drone) safely inside a day pack.

You won’t have to carry all of your things around if you don’t have to. Also, carrying this around all day is considerably lighter and simpler.

The Nomatic McKinnon backpack’s sole drawback, in my view, is that it pushes a little too far, particularly for someone as petite and short as I am.

Its 5.75-pound average weight is on the bigger side (but expected given the generous padding and size). So, when it’s full, your luggage may weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.

The Nomatic is my #1 pick for trips when I won’t have to trek with this, such as city trips. However, if I knew I was going trekking, I would probably just choose the McKinnon Cube and take it in my Gregory Z40 travel backpack.

It’s also important to point out that Nomatic unveiled the New Daily Camera Line, a 25L capacity product ideal for anyone seeking a middle ground between the 35L and the Cube.

Even though the 35L bag is one of the priciest choices on our list, the Nomatic McKinnon is a great pick for any photographer and is at the top of its game.

Monarc Settra Duffel 40L

Excellent, spacious carry-on bag constructed entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

Given that it is the world’s first certified plastic negative bag, the Settra stands out from the other bags on our list regarding sustainability and environmental concerns.

Why does this matter? Since 2020, Monarc has helped eliminate hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from our seas and landfills thanks to the Settra, which is constructed from 50 recycled plastic bottles.

Beyond its positive environmental effect, the Settra is a great camera bag. It may be used as a duffel bag in addition to a backpack by altering the straps.

I have the gray Settra Series (bundle), which comes with a wash bag, a big and small compression pack, a camera cube, and a tech pack. One hundred recycled bottles total in each bundle.

It has enough compartments to arrange everything, and I like the style, which is contemporary, sleek, and extremely clean. Seriously, I was blown away by how many concealed compartments and storage areas this bag had. Featuring a cozy shoe storage area.

This water-resistant bag has 40 liters of capacity, making it large enough to fit everything in the bundle, along with your photography equipment, a 17-inch laptop, and enough clothing for a week (assuming you’re a light packer) and still pass as a TSA-approved carry-on.

This is a great bag for me to utilize if I need to carry many items while keeping them compact enough to fit in a carry-on.

And what could be better than having an effect by lessening your environmental footprint?

Brevite The Runner 18 L Backpack

Perfect for short excursions or running around the city with little luggage.

Given its deceptively compact size and ability to fit plenty of photography equipment and more in addition to other items, The Runner has been an unexpected addition to my collection of backpacks.

Because it seems to be a typical, well-designed backpack that any professional would use in the city, this is a small, smart camera backpack that can be used regularly.

It is practical, portable, and small. The Runner configures your camera equipment in an orderly manner using cushioned dividers.

The top half of the bag may be used to hold additional devices or extra clothing for a short weekend trip (if you’re a light packer – I’ve done it!). The camera compartment takes up the bottom half of the bag.

A Full Frame DSLR + 3 Lenses or a small drone (think DJI Mavic or smaller) with an additional lens and camera body may be stored in the bottom half thanks to its front and side zippers, which are both simple to reach.

The front bag is thoughtfully structured to carry your SD cards and other tiny papers. Additionally, the bag contains a difficult-to-pickpocket passport pocket that is “hidden.” It features a strap for a tripod holder outside.

A 16″ laptop fits well within the laptop bag. I was able to use the same bag to transport both an iPad Pro and a 13-inch Macbook Pro.

Warned you! This little purse may fool you.

Oh, and Brevity also offers The Jumper Backpack, their best-selling item, in addition to The Runner.

TropicFeel Shell 22L to 40L Backpack

Excellent Backpack if you want further add-ons and size flexibility.

I’ve been wearing TropicFeel shoes for a while, and I like them. They are designed to be worn when trekking, crossing rivers, or even on a casual night in the city since they are very light, strong, and manufactured from recyclable materials. Yes, they have a wide range of uses.

It’s not surprising that TropicFeel expanded its range of backpacks to include the same adaptability and environmentally friendly design. I’ve had a few excursions using their Shell bag, and I have to say that I adore it!

The Shell has a 22-liter capacity, which is ideal for day trips. Still, it can be expanded to a 40-liter capacity by using its attachable add-ons and hidden expandable pouch at the bottom (the best use I’ve found for this bottom pouch is to separate my dirty and clean clothes from the rest of my belongings).

To give you an idea, my “large” bag, which I used to live out when traveling across the globe, is 40L in size.

One of the best features of the Shell is that it has a “wardrobe” that allows you to arrange and carry up to 20% more clothing, but once you get there, you can take it off and hang it anywhere you like in your room.

This makes it easy to keep your items sorted and accessible.

The toiletry pocket, which fastens to the bag’s outside, is one of my favorite extras. Whether I’m using the Shell or not, this little toiletries bag has been my go-to option.

There is also the camera cube and tech bag to keep your camera equipment organized. The laptop compartment on the Backpack has enough for a 16-inch laptop and is waterproof.

I could say a lot more about this bag, but I suggest visiting their website for more information.

Thule Aspect DSLR Camera Backpack

An excellent camera bag for outdoor activities, including trekking.

A comfortable, reliable backpack like the Thule Aspect is a must if you anticipate trekking while carrying your photographic equipment.

The camera backpack from Thule, renowned for producing high-quality outdoor gear, is no exception. So it’s not surprising that their camera bag is a popular trekking option.

The instant I first saw the Backpack in the shop, I knew I had to buy it since it is so well made, in my view.

A DSLR camera with many lenses and accessories may fit the roomy, cushioned storage pocket. Additionally, there is space for a drone the size of a DJI Mavic Pro to be carried and a separate cushioned laptop storage pouch.

On extended excursions, a padded hip belt may be worn for increased support, but it can also be taken off if you think it would obstruct your movement in congested areas or when not required.

It contains a side pocket and straps to carry your tripod, much like any well-designed camera bag, and a front pocket with a quick-access zipper to keep food and essentials.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

The best option for a general-purpose everyday camera bag.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack lives true to its name by being a perfect size—neither too huge, too tiny, or too pricey. It’s a great camera backpack for general daily usage since it has plenty of storage space without being too big.

I like the style of this camera bag. It is trendy, small, and quite urban. Additionally, it boasts excellent weatherproof zippers and a 400D nylon canvas exterior that is waterproof.

Because of its expanding nature, it just takes up the room you need. A full-frame DSLR camera body and three to four lenses can fit inside.

Computers up to 16 inches in length may fit within the inner protected laptop sleeve.

Three Flexfold Dividers are located inside to keep your camera and other equipment secure and organized while you’re traveling. These Flefold Dividers can be changed to provide the ideal room for your lenses, drone, or camera bodies.

You can reach your camera directly via a side panel, and within that panel is another pocket where you can keep your batteries and other accessories organized.

With the help of one of Peak Design’s camera attachments, you may attach a tripod and even your camera to the exterior.

This is a wonderful option if you’re searching for a tiny day bag with plenty of space!

Think Tank Photo Streetwalker Pro V2.0 Backpack

A simple and discreet camera backpack.

The Streetwalker Pro V2.0 has the nice feature of not necessarily seeming like a camera backpack. If you don’t want to draw attention to your carrying a lot of photographic gear, you’ll like the simple but really useful design.

Due to the lack of loops or straps that may tangle, this is a great option for urban picture sessions. Although there isn’t a waist strap, there is enough padding on the shoulder straps to keep you comfortable.

The bag allows you to completely remove the dividers to accommodate larger goods or use them as you see. The two-column internal pouch can accommodate two full-frame cameras, one facing up and the other facing down. Additionally, there is a place to attach a tripod and a tablet bag for up to ten-inch tablets.

Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30

Best messenger bag for cameras.

The roomy Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 is your best option if you’re seeking something more casual-looking, compact enough, yet with enough capacity for your photography gear – the ideal option for someone who doesn’t want to carry a backpack.

Our travel camera bag is bigger than some of the earlier choices on this list, even though it seems smaller. A mirrorless camera and two or three extra lenses fit comfortably and securely in the main compartment, measuring 15″ x 6″ x 9.5″.

The Retrospective is still manageable to carry over your shoulder at 3.2 pounds.

Several more compartments provide space for all of your extra accessories, and features like the rain cover increase the usefulness of this bag.

The Retrospective 30 bag may seem plain and simple, but it is solidly built with a robust canvas to safeguard your equipment.

MindShift Gear Backlight 26L Outdoor Adventure Camera Daypack

A reliable camera bag with several uses.

If you want to take your photographic equipment on extended or multi-day trips, you’ll need more room for your stuff. In addition to the camera equipment, the MindShift Gear Backlight offers many front pockets with a 9L storage capacity.

The main compartment can accommodate a single normal-sized DSLR camera and up to six standard zoom lenses. A cushioned compartment with enough for a full-sized tablet and a laptop up to 15 inches is also included.

This camera backpack’s well-cushioned shoulder straps and back ventilation makes a long, hot day more bearable. There is a sternum strap and a cushioned waist belt for increased support.

If you enjoy the look of the Backpack but want even more storage capacity, MindShift also produces a 36L Backlight camera backpack. The 26L is a better choice if you want something that will fit under an aircraft seat.

Manfrotto Bumblebee-230 PL Camera Backpack

A camera bag of exceptional quality and style.

Another outstanding manufacturer of photographic equipment is Manfrotto, which offers tripods, stabilizers, camera bags, lights, and much more.

The Manfrotto Bumblebee receives high points for looks without a doubt. This camera backpack is elegant, fashionable, strong, and cozy. It is composed of a breathable fabric to keep it light while keeping all your stuff secure.

There are extra storage compartments for personal goods, the primary camera bag, and a strap for a professional tripod. A lens bag connected to the waist allows for simple lens switching while on a picture session. A laptop up to 17 inches may fit in the cushioned rear pocket.

If you are caught in a deluge, the Manfrotto Bumblebee comes with a rain cover. This is a wonderful alternative if you’re searching for a bigger camera bag for traveling because of the size and the spacious laptop compartment.

Other Manfrotto backpacks include the Aviator Drone Backpack for DJI Phantom, which I loved using when I had a DJI Phantom 4.

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Pro Camera Backpack

A fantastic little camera bag.

Not to be forgotten: a Lowepro backpack! No top camera backpack list would be complete without Lowepro, as they are widely renowned for their high-quality photography backpacks.

If you don’t want something too large or heavy, the Lowepro Flipside 400 AW is a great choice. Although it may seem tiny from the outside, this bag can hold a fair number of equipment.

A DSLR camera, four lenses, and other equipment may fit in the main pocket. Similar to most camera backpacks, it is simple to add a tripod. The rear unzips for convenient access to your stuff and includes a front compartment for personal belongings.

SlipLock connectors on the Backpack’s exterior where you may hook on additional things if you need to carry more goods than the Backpack can accommodate. Even while a packed public transport may not be the best place for this, it can save you the additional bag you need.

Even though the Backpack is not waterproof, it comes with a rain cover that you may quickly cover the bag with in the event of an unexpected downpour. To assist balance the weight and improve comfort, the waist belts and shoulder straps are cushioned.

The Lowepro Flipside is an excellent option for photographers looking for a compact, reliable camera backpack at an affordable price.