How to Choose the Best Camera Bag in 2020 (Epic Guide!)

Any photographer, whether professional or amateur, considers his equipment to be the most prized possession. Keeping it safe is his priority, especially when traveling. To have a piece of mind, the best camera bag you can find for travel is essential to protect your travel camera and equipment.

With a myriad of camera bags in the market, which one should you go with? A backpack? A messenger bag? The choices can be daunting.

Pro Tip: Check out What’s In My Camera Bag, if you’re interested in my current camera gear choices!

But worry no more! We have gathered a list of the best camera backpacks that can help you keep your equipment safe anywhere and anytime.

If you are planning to fly with a camera backpack, you want to be able to carry your gear with you and handle it yourself instead of the baggage handlers. Check out my Carry On Luggage Size Chart to make sure your bag qualifies as a carry-on.

Types of Camera Bags

Any travel photographer knows that a good camera bag is equally as important as the rest of their photography gear. Camera bags shield sensitive camera electronics and fragile lens glass from shocks, weather elements, and even would-be thieves. If you are seriously getting into travel photography, then you need to make a substantial effort on finding the ideal camera bag that can withstand the rigors of travel and protect your gear.

You have to ask yourself a few questions. Are you a casual photographer who needs something simple? Do you travel frequently and want maximum security for your photography gear? Maybe you like the convenience of a rolling bag? Or perhaps you like to go deep into the jungle with all your camera equipment in tow?

No matter what your needs or taste is, there’s a travel camera bag out there that’s a fit for you, and we are here to assist you in finding it. Below are the main varieties of luggage outlined within this guide.

Padded Inserts:

These can be useful to protect your camera or lenses from shocks. It can be helpful if you don’t want to carry exclusive photography specific bags. You can stow away your gear in any bag.

Camera Holsters:

Great for a single camera and one lens, usually a wide-angle/telephoto zoom. It’s often combined with other camera bags or regular travel backpacks for convenience. Our editor

Waist Belts:

Some photographers prefer accessing gear around the waist.

Shoulder/Sling Bags:

Shoulder bags are the most common bags you can find. Some designs allow you to easily switch positions from back to chest, enabling easy access to the camera like the Case Logic DSS-103 Luminosity pictured on the cover photo.

Backpacks: 

These allow for the most flexibility and carrying capacity. You can practically fit your camera equipment and even laptops on some designs and much more. It is ideally suited for photographers who tote gear like drones, laptops, and the whole kitchen sink.

Roller Bags: 

If you’re carrying a lot of gear and not planning to climb mountains, then roller bags might be for you.

How to Choose the Best Camera Bag

An excellent camera bag ideal for travel is characterized by numerous features that will create or break photography equipment. Travel photographers should think about aspects like substance, size/weight, capability, discreteness, safety, and ergonomics to choose the ideal camera bag.

Protection

The primary purpose of a camera bag is protection. The insides should be full of padding and foam inserts. Your equipment should fit snug and shouldn’t rattle or move around when you move. There should be dividers and barriers that can be adjusted to fit your gear. You should pick a camera bag that has the right compartments to fit your specific equipment. Ideally, it should have pockets to hold extra gear or other incidentals and seal them from the elements.

Storage/Access

You’re going to need a camera bag that is big enough to house all of your gear. Smaller messenger style bags will have the ability to accommodate a tiny mirrorless or compact camera with an extra lens or two while larger camera backpacks will be better suited to full-frame DSLRs with a full set of lenses.

It’s good to figure out just how much camera gear you have to carry and decide how large of a bag you need. Being able to get your equipment at will in a cozy manner is also worth considering. Is it going to be such a hassle for you to take off your bag and take your camera out every single time you want to have a photograph? Would you need an extra holster or small messenger bag?

Size/Weight

Dimensions and weight play an important role in determining what constitutes a good travel camera bag. Depending upon the grade of the design and materials, a tote may or maybe not be too heavy or use space effectively, and you also might want to think about whether it is carry on compliant. Nobody wants to carry around an overly awkward bag or one that wastes space.

Weight is influenced by the amount and type of substances used. Particular materials mentioned previously, such as leather or yarn can be more substantial, but they provide excellent protection and, if used responsibly, may contribute less to overall mass. If a bag is made poorly and contains a lot of excess materials, its weight can rise and for no reason.

Again, if there are a lot of surplus materials used, the size will increase. On the other hand, if every tiny cloth is used Properly and the arrangement is sound, the bag will probably be more streamlined and Offer decent protection.

Other Things To Consider

Customizability

Most camera bags have accessories to expand on their functionality. These additions might be possible thanks to extra straps, flexible interiors, special adapters, and/or more found on the bag. The more choices you have when it comes to being able to add accessories, the additional that you’re going to have the ability to pack and the better prepared that your luggage will be. Understand precisely how much it is possible to change your trip camera bag when buying one.

Ergonomics

Like all camera gear, a camera bag is only useful if you use it. How easy is it to access your camera and lenses? The design should be intuitive. You have to take into consideration how easy it is to use the travel camera bag before you buy it. Start Looking for multiple entry points and features, like a layout Layout, which allows for quick and easy access to your equipment. Take note of special incidentals, like the zipper and buckle efficacy, which may play a significant role in getting the tote despite their personal perceived insignificance.

Material/Construction

You want a camera bag that’s constructed with the finest materials possible to take a few knocks during travels. Some bags are made from synthetic and weatherproof material. Some are built like Kevlar – the same stuff they use on bulletproof vests. Most bags, though are likely made of canvas, or a derivative thereof. Canvas bags are cheap enough to make, and the material is durable enough to withstand the weather; some 4-season tents are made with canvas, and they can power through a blizzard.

Leather is also a fantastic material that’s used quite frequently in the construction of camera bags. Leather camera bags are often expensive, and for a good reason, leather is excellent at protecting from the elements. There’s also faux leather made from vegetable or synthetic materials; these aren’t as good though, so be careful about your choices.

Regardless of what you choose, the camera bags on this list are the best of their kind.

Price

Expensive doesn’t always mean better. You might be paying for the name of the brand or prestige. That’s important for some people, but there are some diamonds in the rough out there, and we’re here to help you find those. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. However, with the variety of camera bags out in the market, some manufacturers are forced to slash their prices to stay competitive.

Now that you know what to look for in a Camera Bag let’s go over our picks of the best camera bags for travel in 2019.

1. Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II Backpack

Price: $116.48
Dimensions: 12.20 x 10.24 x 19.69 in
Weight: 3.96 lbs
Style: Backpack
Pros: Great protection for your gear from the elements and shock. Adjustable storage compartments and plenty of room for camera gear.

Cons: Poor circulation – might not be unpleasant to take hiking on very hot days.

Protection:

This bag comes with a built-in, all-weather AW cover that keeps it protected against the harsh weather. Protecting the cameras against weather conditions is essential for any photographer as cameras are expensive and require the utmost care to avoid any damage.

Moreover, it has CradleFit storage compartments, which means your camera and laptop are fitted inside it and won’t move around. Because of all these protective materials, the bag doesn’t have very good ventilation and doesn’t circulate air freely.

If there is a space left on the sides in your camera bag, then chances are your camera will move inside it and there is a possibility that it will get damaged. The straps of this bag are durable. Furthermore, you can make use of the waist belt that comes with it to move around quickly. This next-generation backpack has enhanced protection from the elements with its built-in All Weather AW Cover.

Storage:

The bag has three storage zones that can accommodate not only your camera but your laptop and other accessories too. The space at the top of the bag can store your communication gadgets such as mobile, tablets, mic, earbuds as well as other necessary items such as keys and wallets. The bag has enough room for some essentials, but if you’re carrying a lot of photography gear, you won’t be taking this bag on multi-day trips around the world.

It also has a stretch-mesh side pocket where you can fit either your water bottle or the camera tripod. The bag can fit a DSLR such as Nikon D810 with its lenses attached to it as well as 2 or 3 extra lenses, laptops, and other small gadgets. You can also fit a 15-inch laptop on the dedicated laptop compartment.

Access:

The camera bag has a bright interior, meaning you can see inside it even when visibility is low, this way you won’t be able to drop any essential items while searching for something else. There is the customizable camera zone that includes a padded and adjustable interior to adjust to your preference, a full-access zippered opening, and the bright grey interior offers high visibility.

The side access, as well as the quick strap removal, can help you access your items quickly on the move. It weighs around 3.96 lbs, which makes it easy to carry around in your travels. You can also loop it around your on-wheel suitcases with the help of the straps because of its weight and size.

Size:

The bag can fit a laptop of 15 inches, and its internal dimensions are 11.42 x 6.10 x 10.83 inches. The camera compartment has the same dimensions as the bag’s interior dimensions. The bag can easily fit in the overhead compartment of the plane and if you’re creative enough, you might be able to fit it under the seat. If you are looking for an all-rounder bag that attends to all your needs as a photographer in some way or another, then the LoweproFast pack 250 AW II Backpack is the best choice possible.

See The Lowepro Fastpack 250 AW II

2. Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack

Price: $115.99
Dimensions: 13 x 7.9 x 22.8 inches
Weight: 7.1 pounds
Style: Backpack/Shoulder Bag/Waist Bag
Pros: A very roomy backpack that can carry a lot of photography gear.

Cons: Heavy and bulky due to all the materials

Protection:

The bag protects against harsh weather as it comes with rainproof cover. It can also withstand sand, dust, and saw. If you have fragile or sensitive items, then you can fit it in the PVA armored compartment that is hard and can provide protection against sudden drops or falls.

It is important to note that since the product is made for those who are always on the move or go to difficult places, it has adjustable shoulder straps as well as comfortable and ventilating back padding; this bag is great for carrying all your gear in longer hikes where you can start to get warm. It can also be worn as a shoulder bag, and the straps can be adjusted according to your needs.

Storage:

The bag can fit a 15.6-inch laptop (and perhaps a 17 inch as it is pretty roomy!) as well as a DSLR with different size lenses. It is essential to know that the bag has two adjustable compartments that come with adjustable dividers that you can move and remove to fit your needs. It also has an organizer pocket where you can keep your items like keys, wallet, cards, pens, etc.

For its purpose of carrying camera gear, this bag can carry a lot if you have a 6oo mm lens, no problem. The flip-side integrated tripod holder can carry a full-sized tripod. There are even camera buckles to hang a video camera on shoulder straps to alleviate neck pain.

Access:

As mentioned above, the bag is easy to carry around as it is designed to accommodate someone who is always on the move. The bag is well- protected, and that’s why you cannot access your camera as fast. You practically have to take it off your back to get to your gear. Even then, this bag provides better accessibility than most of the other camera bags. There is an included single camera bag that you can wear as a waist bag and shoulder bag; this allows easy access to your camera gear.

Size:

It can fit a laptop of 15.6 inches, and its dimensions are 13 x 7.9 x 22.8 inches. This size indicates how this backpack is larger than the most camera bags. Due to its size, it’s quite a bulk bag, and with all the protective materials, it’s also quite heavy at 7.1 lbs. You can fit this bag on the overhead compartment on any domestic flights but will probably run into some issues on international budget flights. If you are keen on living a life on the edge as an adventure photographer and are always on the move, then this camera bag might be perfect for you.

See The Endurax Camera Backpack

3. Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 Camera Backpack

Price: $145.00
Dimensions: 12.20 x 9.45 x 21.26 in
Weight: 3.72 lbs
Style: Backpack
Pros: Great weather protection that has plenty of room to carry all your photography gear and the flipside access allows easy access to your gear without putting the bag down.
Cons: No way to carry bigger laptops for editing photos on the go.

Protection:

The camera bag protects against the weather as well as sudden drops and falls. Lowepro is known to feature CradleFit, MaxFit, FormShell, UltraCinch and DryZone technologies. All of these provide maximum protection against every potential safety hazard. The ActiveZone suspension system and straps make wearing this backpack comfortable during long treks. It also helps keep all your camera gear in place and from moving around.

Storage:

The bag is truly a blessing for people who do not want a bag dedicated solely to the safety of their camera but want one that can be easily used during their travels. It can not only fit your camera and lenses but also things like a compact tripod, travel gears, and other accessories that you can fit in the front pouch and side mesh.

It is important to note that the bag can provide a 10-inch tablet or solar panel only. If you can edit your photos on a table or a tiny laptop, then you’re good to go. We would have liked to be able to carry a more substantial laptop for editing photos during more extended travels but alas that feature isn’t available here.

Access:

Lowepro has always been keen on providing better and easy access to your items as it has a patented front opening which you can access without putting down your backpack. The company has been on the camera bag making business for years and have just about made accessing your gear easier. You can attach your tripod, trekking poles and hold your water bottle in place to the bag with all the right mounting points, so you have easy access to it.

Size:

The backpack comes in several sizes: 250 AW, 350 AW, and this one the 450 AW. The 450 AW has a total of 21L capacity with interior dimensions of 10.2 x 6.7 x 12.2 inches. Though the bag is extra-large and can fit several traveling items with your camera, it still might not be able to fit your laptop. This backpack is for those who do not just want a camera but need an all-rounder bag that can also accommodate their essential traveling gear.

See The Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450

4. Beschoi Waterproof Camera Backpack

Price: $68.99
Dimensions: 17.3 x 11 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 2.31lbs
Style: Backpack
Pros: Waterproof, good protection, compact, cheap, good size for a carry on.
Cons: Can only carry a very small laptop or tablet.

Protection:

The backpack is waterproof and made up of durable nylon material that has foam underneath. It can withstand harsh weather and unfortunate drops. The zips are anti-theft as you can use a small lock with it as well as attach it with your luggage while traveling. The manufacturer has reinforced the stitching at stress points, so it has long term durability and is equipped with antitheft zippers in the main compartment.

There is also the dual zipper sliders connect that are compatible with standard luggage locks for extra security. They went to great lengths to make this backpack great at protecting your camera gear.

Storage:

This backpack is truly the best choice for professional travel photographers as it can accommodate a DSLR camera plus 2-3 camera lenses as well as a tripod or monopod with shoe-mount flash. There is also room for a 10-11 inch tablet and other additional accessories. However, if you want to edit your photos while traveling, you can’t carry a bigger, more powerful laptop.

Access:

The bag weighs around 2.3 lbs. Which makes it easy to carry around as well as the shoulder straps and the side pockets can hold lenses and pods respectively that you can access on the go in the field, you typically have to put the bag down to get to all your gear. The tripod holder on the bottom of the bag can fit smaller compact tripods and provides external access, but again, you do have to take the backpack off your body to have access.

Size:

The backpack can only hold a 13.3-inch laptop or tablet and its held in place by a velcro strap. In practice, the compartment isn’t made to carry hefty things, so you’re probably not going to put a heavy laptop in it since it’s the flip-top of the bag and is flimsy. Most of your photography equipment can fit right as the bag’s interior dimensions are 12.2 x 9.4 x 5.3 inches. On domestic flights, it can easily fit under the seat, so it is an ideal companion to your carry on rolling luggage if traveling long-term is your agenda.

See The Beschoi Waterproof Camera Backpack

5. PRVKE Travel and DSLR Camera Backpack

Price: $289.00
Dimensions: 20 x 15.5 x 8 inches
Weight: 5.35 pounds
Style: Backpack
Pros: Built like a tank, can expand to 36 liters and allows you to access your camera without putting the bag down.
Cons: Expensive and the zippers aren’t as durable as the rest of the bag.

Protection:

The camera backpack is made up of water-resistant cloth and ballistic nylon that makes it weather resistant. The zippers are also water-resistant, so there is no risk of water getting into your bag, and your bag’s content is safe even during the most torrential downpours; we wish the manufacturer put a little more effort on the zippers as it seems to be the Achilles heels of the bag. The award-winning design is built out of very durable and water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon dobby, so your attention is focused on photography and on where you are and not what you’re carrying in your back.

Storage:

The camera bag allows not only room for your camera and eight additional lenses, but it can fit your tripod (when folded) well enough with items like water bottles on its sides. You can also remove compartment partitions to turn it into a regular travel bag. Moreover, it also has rainfly and accessory straps for storing additional items. The bag’s roll-top not only helps keep unexpected water out of the bag, but it also provides extra space when you need it.

Access:

This bag has truly made accessing your backpack’s components easy as it has three points of access such as Quick Side Camera Access (this allows you access the camera without putting down the backpack), Lay-Flat Clamshell opening, and Adjustable Roll Top. The laptop sleeve makes it easy to take out at security points – a very convenient feature. There is a removable camera cube that allows you to convert the backpack into a regular day bag easily. The customizable dividers create endless configurations for whatever your camera setup may be.

Size:

The backpack size is 20 x 15.5 x 8 inches which can fit almost all of your photography equipment but not your massive laptop, a 15-inch Macbook pro can fit snuggly. This backpack is a 31-liter bag that quickly transforms into 36 liters with the roll-top fully extended which gives you plenty of space for your jacket or souvenirs that you pick up along the way, or just anything else you might want.

See The PRVKE Travel and DSLR Camera Backpack

6. Mountainsmith TANUCK 40L

Price: $239.74
Dimensions: 13 x 23.5 x 15 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Pros: A catch-all backpack that is built like a tank and is made to be hauled around for long distances and duration of time. It can also hold a lot of gear.
Cons: Bulky and heavy.

Protection:

The bag is also known as T.A.N which means “Tough as Nails” as the bag is made up of sturdy and durable material that protects against extreme weather and torrential downpours. This backpack is made for adventure photographer who wants to haul their gear further off the beaten path.

Storage:

The bag can fit a laptop with a 17-inch screen as well as your essential camera equipment such as a DSLR and additional lenses. This backpack is made to be taken deep into the wilderness so you can carry just about everything. The MOLLE attachments also add options for you to strap extra gear, whatever they may be.

There’s nothing to gripe about this bag in terms of storage. It’s an adventure pack that is geared more for protecting your camera gear so it’s not a dedicated multi-day outdoor backpack, but it comes very close; you can trek with this pack without issues.

Access:

This bag is genuinely best for capturing the world on the go. It has removable top lid clips that you can attach to D-rings on the shoulder strap to safely carry your camera while on the move.
Not to forget, it has side panel webbing that comes with custom attachment as well as side compression straps that again help you in storage and provides you with easy access to your go-to camera equipment.

Size:

The product dimensions are 23.5” x 15” x 13” that can fit your laptop and photography equipment and the side pockets, and webbings can hold your water bottle and camera pods. If you are habitual of taking pictures on the go and do not like to sit down to access your equipment, then this backpack is made for you. The bag is made to carry a lot of gear and also other adventure gear, so it’s quite bulky and indeed on the heavy side; it might prove to be too bulky and heavy for smaller frames.

See The Mountainsmith TANUCK 40L

7. Think Tank Airport Roller Derby Rolling Camera Bag

Price: $399.75
Dimensions: 17.7 x 21.6 x 29.5 inches
Weight: 11.02 pounds
Pros: Excellent carry on made for a city to city travel and made to protect camera gear.
Cons: Limited in its use, you won’t be carrying this bag on your outdoor photography forays.

Protection:

This Airport travel carry-on is designed to protect your camera equipment by using durable material and foam paddings in its structure. It fits almost all international airlines’ carry-on requirements. Designated compartments for laptops and cameras are padded and provided with necessary protection in the form of durable material. TSA approved zipper locks are there for the main compartment as well as combination locks for the laptop pocket to maximize security.

Storage:

It has a sufficient space that can fit tablet, laptop, 2 DSLRs (1 gripped and the other being the standard one) with lenses as well as an additional 6 to 7 zoom lenses. It can store a 15-inch laptop and a 10-inch tablet, as well as 2, gripped DSLR with additional zoom lenses and tripods.

Access:

Since the camera bag is designed for long air travel, so there are not many options available for quick accessibility, but you can still reach your equipment with ease. It is significant to note that the bag has speedy wheels that can easily change direction due to its multiple rolling positions which help you save your physical energy. The bag is not provided with multiple access points as it will increase the risks of damage and theft.

Size:

The bag’s size is 17.7 x 21.6 x 29.5 inches is more than enough to house plenty of your photography equipment. Buy this carry-on for easy travel during long airport flights. The bag’s dimensions are 17.7 x 21.6 x 29.5 inches which explains why it can accommodate so much equipment. This roller bag fits most international carry on requirements so you don’t have to check it in. If you travel a lot and are habitual of taking your camera equipment with you, then do buy this carry-on as it can fit most of your gear easily.

See The Airport Roller Derby Rolling Bag

8. S-ZONE Waterproof Waxed Canvas Camera Backpack

Price: $85.99
Dimensions: 17.4 x 14.4 x 3.5 inches
Weight: 2.9 pounds
Pros: Rugged and great organization with the bottom and top compartment. Also, reasonably priced.
Cons: Not that great for quick access to gear and it may be too small to hold extensive photography gear collection.

Protection:

The bag is made up of high-density waxed canvas and crazy horse leather that is stitched expertly to hold your equipment safely even in rainy conditions. It’s also very scratch resistant and the padded cotton dividers inside the bag protect fragile things like your camera, lens, flash, and other photography equipment from shocks.

It’s a very rugged camera bag and looks like it belongs in the Desert Storm campaign. The zipper is designed so you can lock with an external luggage lock to keep thieves from getting into your things.

Storage:

The bag’s compartments are divided in such a way that you can store your camera at the bottom and space above can accommodate your daily belongings. It can hold your camera, 14-inch laptop, and other accessories in different compartments. The S-Zone is not the most significant bag on this list so if you’re planning to travel long-term, you will have to have another luggage. As a companion backpack, however, it’s perfectly fine.

Access:

The camera bag is not as accessible as the rest of the backpacks mentioned above and resembles a regular backpack more. You’ll have to put it down or place it somewhere to gain access to your gear, however, there is a side door for quick access to a mid-sized DSLR with a lens attached.

Size:

The bag’s internal dimensions are 16.5 x 11.8 x 6.3 inches, and anything exceeding this won’t fit in it. It can be considered as a cheap alternative to those expensive backpacks. It can be used in daily travels and provides sufficient storage and protection. You shouldn’t any issues carrying this on most domestic airlines but for more extended travels, you have to carry all your other belongings in different luggage.

See The S-ZONE Waterproof Waxed Canvas Camera Backpack 

9. Abonnyc DRLBP-CZ Waterproof Anti-shock Backpack

Price: $69.99
Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches
Weight: 3.45 pounds
Pros: Unique design makes it impossible for thieves to get your camera and it’s weatherproof/shockproof.
Cons: Poor straps build quality and don’t allow for quick access to your gear.

Protection:

The bag is made up of a strong and durable Oxford material that is resistant against abrasion, extrusion, and water. It has deluxe padding at the back that protects your equipment when you are on the move. It’s waterproof with the included weather cover and is built to withstand shocks. As far as durability goes, the straps aren’t built like they’re meant to last – this was our only gripe. This bag also offers excellent protection from theft. The design is such that the zippers aren’t on the back of the backpack, exposing it to pickpockets and thieves. Instead, the main zipper and compartment are resting against your back so there’s no way anybody next to you can tamper with the bag without you noticing.

Storage:

It has customizable dividers for your equipment as well as side tripod and bottle storage. You can fit a medium-sized DSLR with a lens attached, a couple of telephoto lenses, and other accessories. At the front of the bag, there’s more room to put things like logbooks and other accessories you might need for your fieldwork.

There is also a side strap for a tripod or a large monopod. However, even though there is a lot of storage space, they are mostly in the four big pockets: two tablet/laptop pockets, the open front pocket, and the big zippered pocket inside the front flap. These four aren’t good choices to store small items and there are only two small pockets for a smartphone and pens.

Access:

Unlike some camera backpacks mentioned above, this bag doesn’t provide several access points. Besides, due to its design, you can only access your camera and lenses if you take it off your back. While this is great for security, it’s not so great if you want to be in a hurry to access your gear. Through practice, however, we found that this isn’t such a big deal. You have to plan your shoots a little bit ahead.

Size:

The bag’s size is 20 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches and weighs around 3.45 pounds. It can easily fit on any international flights but, if long term travel is the purpose you’ll need more than just this bag. The size is good for being able to carry as much as it does.

See The Abonnyc DSLR Camera Backpack

10. Neewer Pro Camera Backpack

Price: $84.99
Dimensions: 14.2 x 12.2 x 9.4 inches
Weight: 4.94 pounds
Style: Backpack
Pros: Great all-around daypack you can trek with and carry all your photography gear, all for under $100.
Cons: Flimsy combination lock and though huge, you wouldn’t be making multi-day treks with this backpack.

Protection:

It is made up of waterproof polyester and nylon that is stitched skillfully to avoid wear and tear while traveling in extreme conditions. Moreover, it comes with anti-theft locks and memory foam technology which helps to protect your LCD screens from cracking. The customizable padded dividers will keep all your lenses and cameras from banging on each other. There is a combination lock on the backside of the backpack meant to deter thieves but it’s a little flimsy in design.

Storage:

The bag can accommodate standard DSLR cameras such as Nikon and Canon as well as zoom lenses, DJI Phantom 1,2,3 professional quadcopter, and other accessories. This backpack can carry not one, but two tripods easily. There’s a nice mesh expandable pocket on the side to store a water bottle or anything else you might need quick access to.

Access:

There are not many access points, but there are side pockets where you can put items like umbrellas and tripods that can be easily accessed on the go. But it’s not as easy to access most of your camera gear without putting the backpack down like the Case Logic and Lowepro Top Loader below.

Size:

The backpack’s size is 14.2 x 12.2 x 9.4 inches that can fit a fair number of your photography equipment safely. It’s meant to be a small companion pack to a suitcase or a larger backpack, this is meant only for your photography gear so you can leave all your non-photography stuff at your hotel and go out shooting.

See The Neewer Pro Camera Backpack

11. Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 AW Camera Backpack

Price: $264.58
Dimensions: 7.1 x 19.5 x 13.7 inches
Weight: 5.9 pounds
Pros: The Pro Tactic is one of our favorite camera bags, it’s got almost everything a photographer would want in a camera bag.
Cons: Expensive and it’s a little stiff to carry for longer periods due to its armor design.

Protection:

The product comes with a built-in AW weather cover that protects your gear from the harsh weather. Furthermore, ActivZone technology helps to protect your body and provides ventilation. It is essential to mention how CradleFit technology helps to protect your laptop and other equipment by engulfing it like a second skin.

Storage:

By making use of UltraCinch, CradleFit and MaxFit technology, you can make the most of the available space. UltraCinch helps to fit in tripods, and other long equipment on the sides as well as MaxFit accommodates most of your equipment as you can adjust the space by moving dividers.

In practice, we were able to fit a Canon 5D MK4 DSLR with a battery grip and an Arca plate. We carried a telephoto-zoom 70-200mm, A mid zoom 24-70mm, and a Superwide zoom 16-35mm. This is along with a DJI Mavic 2 Pro with 4 batteries, a 15-inch laptop, and a whole host of other accessories and there’s still room for more! This bag can hold a lot.

Access:

The camera bag comes with four access points from left, right, back and top opening. The top opening’s selling point is the quick access to your gear for the run and gun type of situation. Still, it’s not shoulder or front top loading bag where you don’t have to take it off your body to get to your gear. However, it’s one of the best backpacks on this list for grabbing your gear quickly out of the bag.

Size:

The bag’s dimensions are 12.52 x 7.80 x 17.32 inches that can conveniently fit your laptop, cameras, tripod, and other accessories. This can always go in the overhead bins on any airline, domestic or international so you don’t have to worry about it having to be checked in. This bag is truly the best among its comrades in terms of storage, protection, size, accessibility and more importantly in pricing.

See The Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 AW

12. BAGSMART Camera Backpack with Laptop Compartment

Price: $85.99
Dimensions: 19 x 15 x 9 inches
Weight: 4.01 pounds
Style: Backpack
Pros: Highly versatile backpack with great padding and very flexible, configurable dividers.
Cons: To access things from the back you have to lay it down on its front which is made of thin material.

Protection:

The bag uses 800D water repellent polyester material that is padded throughout to protect against sudden drops and tears. If it does pour, you can cover the bag with the included durable rain cover. The bottom of the bag is covered with a highly durable, scratch-resistant material so you can put the bad down just about anywhere without worry. It great padding and comes with padded dividers you can configure to keep your internal gear from banging on each other.

Storage:

It can accommodate one DSLR without a camera hood as well as 3 to 4 additional lenses and a 14-inch laptop. All these compartments are well padded to provide an extra layer of protection.

Aside from the above-mentioned items, it can also fit accessories like keys, batteries, and cards as well as camera pods in the side pockets. You can configure the dividers in a myriad of ways to give the back some limited ways to compartmentalize your gear. There is a hidden pock on the right side of the bag where you can stow away a tripod.

Access:

It has front and back access; the whole front panel unzips so you can get to all of your gear quickly. However, there are no features where you can access your gear on the sides for quick access without putting the bag down. To get items out of the back, you have to lay on down on its front (which doesn’t have the bottom material) and you have to put somewhere it doesn’t get dirty or scratched easily.

Size:

The product’s external size is 12.2 x 17.9 x 7.1 inch that means internally it can fit only a 15-inch laptop and other items similar to its size. This bag will have no issues going on top of the overhead compartment on any airline. The size is just about the right size so you can even make it an everyday backpack if you like, but that’s to some degree. It might be a little bulky and heavy for everyday use. This product is affordable, durable and efficient for daily use.

See The BAGSMART Camera Backpack

13. Evecase Extra Large DSLR Camera Daypack

Price: $89.99
Dimensions: 10 x 19 x 12 inches
Weight: 6.06 pounds
Style: Backpack
Pros: Huge backpack that can fit in most overhead bins and can carry a substantial amount of equipment for under $100.
Cons: Sometimes too big for international airlines and the straps aren’t built as great.

Protection:

The Evecase is constructed of high-quality nylon materials that are water-resistant and scratch-resistant. Internally, it is fully padded with closed-cell dense foam that is shock-proof and provides secure protection camera gear. There is also a rain cover for rainy days. In terms of workmanship, the bag is pretty spot on with durability but there are notable areas where it could use some improvements; mainly the straps, they are a little flimsy and we could see some slight wear and tear with continued use.

Storage:

The dual-layer design allows you to get creative in storage capacity. The Top Layer has a removal padded divider that can hold one DSLR and two to four lenses. While the Bottom Layer has a removable carrying insert that can also hold one DSLR and two lenses.

The versatile design allows you convert the backpack to a regular backpack by unzipping the middle compartment and removing the camera inserts; though we note that’s probably better as a camera backpack than for anything else. There is also a dedicated padded laptop compartment that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop.

Access:

It can be accessed from the top and back. A 15-inch laptop can be inserted from the top and a 13-inch laptop from the back, showing the difference in size if these two points are used for access. As far as backpacks go access to your gear is pretty standard with this bag; not as fast as a top-loader or shoulder swing bags but not as slow as rolling bags.

Size:

The bag’s size is 12 x 10 x 19 inches (304.8 x 254 x 482.6 mm) which makes it a convenient camera as well as an everyday travel bag with its stylish snaps and padded interior. It’s perfectly fine as a carry on for domestic flights and some international flights; however, there are some budget international airlines where this backpack might be a little too big to fit in the overhead compartment. Due to its size, it’s a little bulky and heavy when fully utilized.

See TheEvecase DSLR Camera Daypack

14. Lowepro Toploader Zoom 75 AW II

Price: $78.38
Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.5 x 12.7 inches
Weight: 1.76 pounds
Style: Chest Pack/Should Pack/Waist Pack
Pros: Extremely versatile pack that’s meant to give you quick access to your camera gear.
Cons: It’s small and not meant carry-all solution.

Protection:

The bag has an All-Weather Cover that prevents rain, dust, saw and from harming your equipment. Lowepro makes awesome camera bags and this Toploader is no exception to their craftsmanship. It has a well-padded divider system to protect your gear from drops and shocks as well as soft tricot lining on the inside lid to help protects screens and filters.

Storage:

It can accommodate a single DSLR with a lens and some small accessories. It’s not meant to be a carry-all bag and as a companion bag to a bigger backpack or suitcase, this bag shows its true value.

Access:

It has quick over the top access, and you can wear it three different ways that are either around your body, waist or at your back. This bag is made for quick access to your gear wherever you are. For quick tours around the city or short hikes, you can’t beat this bag’s insanely quick access and versatility for said access.

Size:

Its dimensions are 7.48 x 7.80 x 10.63 inches, meaning it is smaller in size compared to other bags mentioned so far. You can stow this bag in the under the seat in domestic flights so that means you can have a more significant carry on bag that can fit in the overhead compartment. This bag is made for quick trips and comfortable travels so it can accommodate only a few things, which makes it easy to carry around.

See The Lowepro Toploader Zoom

15. Case Logic DSS-103 Luminosity

Price: $93.00
Dimensions: 11.4 x 9.4 x 19.7 inches
Weight: 2.66 pounds
Style: Quick Acces Sling Pack
Pros: Our editor in chief’s top pick. It’s ergonomic design and rapid access to your camera gear without taking it off your body.
Cons: The design isn’t for everybody, and it can some time getting used to when accessing your camera gear.

Protection:

Weather hood protects the bag from rain and the elements which can then be tucked away when not in use. It’s reasonably well padded so your camera gear can take a few tumbles or so while inside the bag without being damaged.

Storage:

It can accommodate a single Mirrorless Camera or DSLR and some small accessories. It can even stow a small tablet if you’re creative enough. However, that’s not that intent and design for this camera bag. It’s meant to be a companion camera bag to a bigger suitcase or backpack. For this purpose, this camera pack excels.

Access:

Transform bag from a sling to backpack by merely adjusting the strap to the preferred way. You can access the camera and your gear without taking the bag off your body. The bag’s front zippered organizer panel with slip pockets and pen loops provides easy access to small items such as a notebook, wallet or keys without ever taking it off your body or putting it down somewhere. Our editor in chief noted that it took some time, in practice, to access the camera quickly without taking the bag off.

Size:

Dimensions: 11.4″ x 9.5″ (w) x 18.7″ (h). This is a medium-sized bag able to carry a DSLR with an attached lens and maybe an extra lens or two. There’s a top compartment that can handle extra accessories. You can fit this under the seat on domestic airlines but will likely have to stow it in the overhead compartment on during international flights. Overall, it’s a very compact bag that you can keep with you at all times when you travel.

See The Case Logic DSS-103 Luminosity

Bottom Line

Regardless of the type of camera bag you own or will own and no matter the size, there is an ideal one to keep your expensive camera gear protected from harm. Again, protection is critical when picking the right camera bag and then from there work your way towards the ergonomics of the pack.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our list and armed you with the knowledge to pick the best camera bag for travel. Whichever you choose, we’re sure you will have the pleasure of using that camera bag on your trips.

Now that you have a cool camera bag check out our take on the best travel tripod, the best mirrorless camera for travel, and the best polarizers, best full-frame travel cameras, best travel cameras, Canon lenses for travel, and Sony E Mount lenses for travel.

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