Finding the perfect camera bag for traveling is tough. You have to consider so many factors like weight, durability, accessories, comfort and overall features, while trying to keep it in your budget. Whether you are an avid hiker, air-traveler, or the average weekender, there is a bag out there for everyone. Here is a list of our favorite camera bags currently on the market, and how you should go about choosing one.
How to Choose a Camera Bag
Weight
Your go-to travel camera bag should allow you to carry a decent amount of gear without adding too much weight from the bag itself. A lot of bags out there are weatherproof and sturdy, but have added weight because of it. Top-of-the-line bags use lightweight materials that can still protect your gear from the elements. Not only is weight to be considered, but exactly how that weight is distributed.
Capacity
Your biggest decision when choosing a bag might very well be what capacity you need. Camera packs can range from 15L to 50L — sometimes even more. Some of these bags are even expandable, such as the rolltop options, which will give you more versatility depending on your gear needs for each adventure.
Storage and Organization
Sometimes less is more…but not with a camera bag. You will want a camera bag to feature as many accessories, pouches, and side pockets as you can. If you are traveling, you will need to maintain organization. Being able to separate your gear and accessories will allow you to be more efficient. If you often travel with a laptop, you need to ensure your bag will fit whatever size you normally carry.
Weatherproofing
Do you normally travel to more extreme environments, like skiing or perhaps the rain forest? Finding a camera bag that is waterproof and able to sustain cold temperatures will ensure that your gear remains safe. Sometimes finding a more durable bag means adding more weight to it. Although, in the end, keeping your gear safe is of the utmost importance. Finding a bag that includes a rain cover is also a big bonus.
Finding a bag with abrasion-resistant material is also important. I have had waterproof bags that have been torn to pieces by a slot canyon wall. You should plan on using this bag for years to come so the more durable, the better.
Style
I am a huge gear junky. I love having a backpack that not only fits my needs, but looks great too. A lot of bags have sleek and modern design, while others are built to last long and survive the elements. Brands like Peak Design often focus on creating a low profile, modern bag with fewer pockets and features. Meanwhile, brands like Lowepro create bags that will be able to fit larger amounts of gear while surviving extreme weather. Either way, you need to make sure your bag will both sustain the environments you normally find yourself, and then focus on finding the right look. Function over form is the goal.
Best Camera Bags for Travelling Photographers
Vanguard Alta Sky 53 Backpack
The Alta Sky is a dynamic and versatile workhorse that is reliable in the field and will keep your gear safe from the elements. It can hold a fair amount of camera gear, as well as a 17” laptop in the rear compartment. This pack was designed for heavier gear loads for extended periods of time, so you can be sure that they have made the bag as comfortable as possible.
Pros
- Versatile
- Great for heavier loads
- Fits 17” laptop
Cons
- Not great for smaller bodies and lenses
- Straps make it hard to access main compartment
- Not enough accessory pouches
Lowepro Whistler 350 AW II Camera Backpack
I used this bag for three years and loved every moment in the field with it. It’s an absolute tank of a backpack and there’s no way for water to get to your gear with this pack. My only complaint was that the ICU is built in and not removable but, if you have no reason to remove it, then it’s not a problem. This bag can fit any size camera body and lens, and also has a 13-inch laptop compartment, which may be a tad small.
This bag is designed for the most extreme weather environments but isn’t too heavy to take up mountains. It has a max weight capacity of 100kg.
Pros
- Great for large and heavy gear
- Rugged and durable
- Good price
Cons
- Heavy
- ICU is not removable
- Laptop sleeve is small
Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 350 AW II 24L Camera Backpack
Lowepro is a legendary company for crafting amazing packs, specifically designed for travel creators. This bag isn’t an exception. It is one of their smaller models, aimed for day-use and day travel adventures. It is the perfect carry-on size and can hold on4 DSLR body as well as 3-4 lenses. You’ll also find a SlipLock tripod cut that attaches quickly to the side of the backpack. My only complaint with this pack is the zippers aren’t waterproof, but it does come with a rain cover.
Pros
- Space for 15” laptop as well as 10” tablet
- Stowable shoulder straps
- Removable waist strap
Cons
- Boxy design
- Straps aren’t the most comfortable
- Not enough quick-access pockets for accessories
Peak Design 30L Everyday Backpack
Peak Design is known for making contemporary, simplistic bags for the everyday creator. The Peak Design Everyday backpack is designed to give its user quick access to camera gear at any moment. It has multiple access points, dependent on your needs, all while being completely waterproof to protect your gear. This bag doesn’t have any extra frills to it. It is a very simple and sleek design, aimed for day use adventures.
Pros
- Multiple access points
- Lifetime warranty
- Multiple color options
Cons
- Feels smaller than a 20L pack
- Not as durable as competitors
- Shoulder straps are thin
Manfrotto Pro Light Multiloader Backpack
This is a 17L capacity camera backpack which features accessory pockets, straps, buckles and a main compartment that is accessed by the large, front-facing opening. This is an unusual place to put the main access point, as it is normally against your back to give your gear even more protection. It also makes it a bit of a security risk.
There are other access points to the main compartment on the sides, giving you a range of shooting options. The pack can also act as a sling bag and it has a great outer material that will keep your gear safe and dry.
Pros
- Interchangeable dividers
- Multiple access points to camera gear
- Great external material
Cons
- Front access is not the safest
- Expensive for its size
- Not a lot of storage for accessories
Gitzo Adventury 45L Backpack
Though Gitzo is mostly known for their high-end tripods, they have done very well with the design of the Adventury 45L backpack. It can easily hold 1-2 DSLR bodies while also holding 3-4 larger lenses. Inside the bag there is a collection of thickly padded dividers that are easily adjustable. This pack is perfect for those wanting to do longer hiking ventures that need a beefy, yet comfortable pack.
Pros
- Straps and belt are well padded
- Adjustable dividers
- Large main compartment
Cons
- 45L might be too large for most creators
- Rolltop – not everyone likes this design
- Laptop compartment is in the main opening flap
Vanguard VEO RANGE T48 Backpack
The Range T48 is truly a beefy bag that can hold your entire kit if you need it to. Claiming to hold up to 2 DSLR bodies and 9 lenses in the main compartment. The only downside is not enough storage for anything else aside from that compartment. This is a very unassuming pack, which could be beneficial as most people won’t know that you have camera equipment inside. It also comes with a rain cover, which is a bonus.
Pros
- Low price tag
- Low profile
- Comes with rain cover
Cons
- No frills
- Not enough accessories pockets
- Not the most stylish
Manfrotto Pro Light RedBee-310 Backpack
The Manfrotto RedBee 310 is a sleek and stylish backpack aimed at enthusiasts and pro photographers. It is a lightweight, 22L bag with high-quality materials and a simple design. It is perfect for both travel and everyday use. Though it has a lot of storage, it doesn’t seem to disperse the weight as well as it should, so make sure not to overload it.
Pros
- Simple and stylish
- Great price
- Plenty of storage
Cons
- Not the most comfortable when carrying heavier gear
- Chest and waist straps are a little tight
- Only a 1 year warranty
Conclusion
Whether you are needing it for day use purposes or full-time travel, there is definitely a camera bag on this list for you. Finding it may take time and it isn’t something you should rush. I normally read reviews and watch Youtube videos when searching for a piece of gear like this. Getting to see it in someone’s hands and see how they utilize it will help you visualize how and if you can do the same with that particular pack. In the end, my most important advice is to focus on function over form.
