photographers travel bag

The Best Travel Camera Cases and Backpacks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Keep your cameras and lenses organized and protected while on the go

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TripSavvy / Debbie Wolfe

Cameras are still essential travel gear, but unlike flip-flops and toiletries, cameras require special handling and, ideally, a dedicated camera case. If you’re hitting the road (or tarmac) with expensive camera gear, it’s worth investing in a camera-specific travel bag or case that not only protects your investment but has a home for each camera, lens, and accessory you might bring along.

To help you find the perfect travel camera case, we had more than a dozen testers get hands-on with 21 of the most popular camera-specific travel cases and narrowed it down to our nine favorites. We reviewed bags on their design, layout, comfort when carrying, and even tested the waterproofing on bags that advertised it. These nine travel camera cases fit different niches within the category, giving you a wide range of options since not all photographers and videographers travel the same.

Our favorite camera bag overall was the Thule Aspect because of its smart design and layout and its minimalist, streamlined style in a size that should work for most photographers on the go. And because it doesn’t scream “photo case,” it can be used as an everyday pack even when leaving the camera gear at home. Read on for more about the Aspect and the eight other camera cases our testers found were worthy of your consideration.

TripSavvy's Picks

Other camera cases we tested, how we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, thule camera bag backpack.

Camera accessible while wearing

The understated design doesn't scream "camera bag"

Fits under airline seats

No cover, not fully waterproof

While they’re not an endemic camera brand and are probably best known for their ubiquitous roof racks and bike carriers, Sweden’s Thule makes exceptional camera luggage. Their XX-liter Aspect strikes an outstanding balance of simplicity and functionality and is unassuming enough to work great as an everyday carry pack even if your camera stays at home. The primary camera and lens storage area has a convenient side entry zip and enough space for a DSLR body with a lens attached and two to three additional lenses and accessories. Our testers loved the placement of this side access compartment because it’s accessible without removing the pack to unzip and pull the camera out quickly if needed.

You can easily rearrange the padded internal dividers to fit your specific gear needs, and there’s a mesh zippered pocket on the inside of the opening flap to hold loose items such as extra batteries and cables close at hand. The top-access compartment provides a separate area to carry extra equipment if you’re gear-heavy or miscellaneous non-camera gear, such as layers, snacks, and water. The laptop sleeve holds up to 15-inch laptops or tablets and is roomy enough that you don’t have to fight to get your device in properly, like some similar sleeves. Like most camera bags, your tripod storage is along the side and uses a mesh pocket and strap to secure it.

The Aspect is water-resistant, not waterproof, but stood up to direct water exposure in our testing. It also wears like a standard daypack and has a sternum strap and substantial hip belt if you fully load the pack. The hip belt also has mesh quick-storage built-in, so you don’t have to overload pockets with things like lens caps and batteries when you’re in the thick of shooting. There’s plenty of room for gear for your average photographer, but the size and shape are small enough to fit under most airplane seat storage areas, so you don’t have to worry about contents shifting during flight.

Capacity: XX liters | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15.6-inch | Materials: 100 percent nylon

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Peak design everyday backpack 20l.

Peak Design

Innovative design touches

On-body access

Pricier than similarly sized bags

Peak Design started as a Kickstarter launch, and their camera bags and accessories are now some of the most sought-after camera equipment. Their Everyday Backpack (now in its second iteration) isn’t just another camera backpack and has loads of intelligent design features you’d expect from Peak Design. Our tester appreciated the ambidextrous side access that lets you into the main compartment from either side by removing one arm from the shoulder strap and slinging the bag around to your front. Inside, Peak’s innovative, origami-like FlexFold dividers keep your camera items from bumping into each other. 

The side-access panels have zippers, but the top flap closes with a dead-quiet MagLatch closure that can clamp down less or more depending on how full that compartment is. The laptop sleeve holds up to a 16-inch size but can be adjusted for smaller computers so they don’t fall down, making them harder to dig for. We tested the 20-liter model, but for a modest additional $20, you can get the same pack in a 30-liter version if you carry more gear than average. If you occasionally need even more capacity, stowaway external carry straps permit multiple configurations for lashing things like jackets, tents, or whatever your adventures call for. There are smart travel features as well. The pack’s back has a sleeve that slides over a roller bag’s handle, and there’s a quick stash top pocket for miscellanies such as phones, chargers, and passports.

Capacity: 20 liters | Weight: 4.43 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 16-inch | Materials: 400D recycled plastic

Tripsavvy / Robert Caponetto

Best Budget

Bagsmart photo camera backpack.

Stylish non-techy look

Built-in rain cover

The top compartment lacks padding

Despite being one of the few bags we tested that retails for less than $100, this is a stylish backpack you could use for everyday carry without anyone knowing you're wearing a camera pack. Our tester said, "It looks like a nice, modern backpack that doesn't scream, 'I have expensive equipment in here!'" Inside the water-resistant canvas, however, is a large lower compartment with padded dividers that holds a camera with a lens attached and three to four additional lenses or other gear items. And like more expensive camera bags, there's a side access pocket that lets you quickly grab your camera while keeping the bag slung on one shoulder.

The expandable top compartment captures the rest of your stuff with a water-resistant cinch top beneath the canvas flap that closes securely with belt-like leather straps. Side pouches with elastic hold water bottles or tripods, and the laptop sleeve keeps your computer up to 15 inches secure against your back. The canvas is water-resistant but also has a pull-out cover in case the weather takes a serious turn.

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: Not listed | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Canvas

TripSavvy / Abby Mercer

Peak Design Everyday Sling

Easy on-body access

High durable exterior

Collapsible for travel

Not fully waterproof

If you want to travel light with a stripped-down camera gear kit, a bag or pack can be overkill, making it harder to access what you need. For situations like this, I’ve used an earlier version of Peak Design’s 6-liter Everyday Sling for years, and it’s durable enough that it still looks like new. The updated version remains largely unchanged but comes in additional sizes (you can get it in 3-, 6-, or 10-liter versions) and new color options. The latest version also adds more durable zippers and uses recycled materials. The 6-liter is only big enough to hold a tablet, but you can use the external carry straps to bring a tripod when necessary.

The collapsible sling is thick, padded, and fairly stiff and can flatten enough to store inside a larger suitcase. Alternatively, you could pack the smaller sling sizes with your gear and place it inside other luggage to keep your equipment protected in transit and ready to be deployed for lighter trips at your destination. Our tester loved carrying the smaller pack when traveling, taking just enough equipment, and quickly swinging it around to access gear.

Capacity: 3-liter, 6-liter (tested), 10-liter | Weight: 1.72 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 11-inch tablet | Materials: 400D recycled plastic canvas

TripSavvy / Mariah Tyler

Most Durable

Neewer rolling camera backpack.

Three carry options

Large capacity

Attached rain cover

Shoulder straps aren't removable

If you carry a lot of gear, many travel camera packs can make you feel cramped trying to fit Speedlites, large telephotos, and extra camera bodies. Not an issue with Neewer’s luggage-style roller bag that converts to a backpack and also has a regular suitcase carry handle and plenty of interior room and is rated to handle over 120 pounds of gear. The non-removable wheels and telescoping handle give your back a break when navigating airports and city streets, but the backpack straps (including a waist belt) let you go off-road when needed.

Our tester loved the solid structure and substantial padding to protect their gear and felt the bag could withstand drops and other abuse in transit. The exterior is made from waterproof nylon but has an attached rain cover, just in case. This extra-large backpack is just small enough to fit in overhead storage on a plane, but our tester found a few downsides. Because of the size and weight, it’s not the most comfortable for long-term wear as a backpack, and the backpack straps aren’t removable to prevent snagging when used as a roller bag.

Capacity: 60-kilogram weight-rated | Weight: 9.43 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Nylon

TripSavvy / Jacob Fox

Best Organization

Think tank photo airport security.

Extra-durable exterior

Lots of interior space

Meets carry-on size requirement

You expect durability with “tank” in the brand name, but this airline-ready roller carry-on bag should withstand nearly anything with ballistic-grade waterproof nylon outside and heavy padding. Think Tank designed this bag to meet US and international carry-on requirements, but there’s still tons of room inside, and our tester loaded it up with two bodies and large lenses and still had about 20 percent of the volume left unused. Think Tank’s highest-capacity roller bag accommodates up to 600 millimeters of telephoto lenses.

There’s a laptop compartment that will hold up to a 17-inch device, but otherwise, the bag is essentially one giant equipment compartment with tons of dividers, giving you maximum flexibility to arrange the bag to hold your specific gear configuration. While you could fit smaller tripods inside, the bag has tripod-specific straps for exterior carry and a TSA-approved padlock and cable lock for theft prevention. Our tester loved the build and durability, but the downside is that the pack is heavy, which gets magnified when fully loaded, so you’ll want to use the rolling wheels whenever possible to avoid carrying the total weight.

Capacity: Not listed | Weight: 12.76 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 17-inch | Materials: 1680D ballistic nylon

TripSavvy / Victor Protasio

Most Comfortable

Lowepro protactic 450 aw.

Armored build

Lots of available accessories to attach

Ergonomic build for all-day comfort

For long days shooting in the field, you want a comfortable, ergonomic backpack, and it’s no surprise that a brand with backpacking roots makes our Most Comfortable pick. Colorado-born Lowe Alpine made the first internal frame backpacking pack, and they’ve been making camera-specific years for over 50 years. The ProTactic 450 AW is for adventurous photographers who need to keep their pack on over countless miles and long days with ActiveZone support that uses firm but supportive padding that leaves room for airflow against your back. Our tester specifically called out the extra-wide waist strap for putting the weight on their hips where it belongs instead of the shoulders. Beyond simple padding, the ProTactic 450 employs FormShell construction lands it somewhere between a backpack and hard-sided luggage.

Everything about the ProTactic 450 AW says “tactical,” and its webbing-wrapped exterior permits attachment of LowePro’s many sold-separately SlipLock accessories, such as pouches for water bottles, phone, and other accessories. Included straps and a tripod cup securely attach to the outside. Despite being stiff and armored, there are four ways into the main compartment for easy access to your gear, no matter where the pack is.

Capacity: 25 liters | Weight: 6.26 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 15-inch | Materials: Not listed

TripSavvy / Gregory Dupree

Best Storage

Nomatic mckinnon camera pack.

High volume

Very expensive

Helpful accessory pouches not included

Salt Lake City-based luggage company Nomatic likely paired with popular YouTube photographer/videographer Peter McKinnon partly because of his massive following, but the 35-liter McKinnon Camera Pack has developed a loyal following of its own. The pack stands out for its ruggedly urban looks and enormous storage capacity, expandable up to 42 liters to accommodate lots of content creation gear but a few days' worth of clothes and basics. The TPU-coated 900D nylon is rugged and waterproof, forming a durable armor that's still flexible enough to feel like a backpack and retain some flexibility despite ample padding everywhere. 

We tested the Nomatic pack in the field, and both testers appreciated how the pack forms to your back and the extra padding in the shoulder straps to ease the weight when fully loaded. Like an excellent backpacking pack, the shoulder straps also have load-lifter straps to help position the weight on your shoulders, and sternum and waist straps help distribute the weight more evenly. The pack is heavy compared to backpacking packs, and it needs to be to pad and protect your equipment, but it's light for its capacity compared to other high-volume camera bags we tested. Even for such a nice pack, the price is high, so we wished Nomatic threw in a few helpful accessory pouches and packing cubes that are part of the McKinnon camera gear line.

Capacity: 35 liters (expands to 42L) | Weight: 5.75 pounds | Maximum Laptop Carry Capacity: 16-inch | Materials: EVA back panels, 900D TPU-coated nylon  exterior, Hypalon lashing points

TripSavvy / Henry Wortock

Our testers loved the Thule Aspect and the Peak Design Everyday 20L packs for their streamlined profiles and photography-specific builds packed with many innovative features. While the Peak Design bag has tons of unique features we loved, the Thule Aspect edged it out just barely by having a more accessible price point, making it an excellent option for pros and casual photographers alike. We also got most of the same features out of the surprisingly capable Bagsmart Photo Camera Backpack, which has most of the features we loved in pricier packs but was the only one of our picks that retails for less than $100.

Thule Covert 32L Camera Pack : This well-designed, high-capacity pack is an excellent option for balancing personal and camera gear storage via a removable camera pod that works as a sling. However, we felt Thule Aspect was a better option for most travelers, thanks to a much lower price point. Pros who want more storage and versatility should consider the Covert if they find the Aspect too small or simplistic.

Manfrotto Advanced III Rolling Camera Bag : This basic camera roller bag ticks most of the boxes on paper, but our tester found the padding lacking and expected more storage from a carry-on-sized piece of luggage.

Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Backpack : Our tester loved this bag's size and build quality, but other options in this category edged it out by having more carry options to ease the burden of carrying a higher volume of gear.

Boundary Prima System : We loved the design and modularity of this pack and its components but wished there wasn't an extra charge to make it waterproof and that they included more parts of their system.

Manfrotto MB MA2-BP-GM Advanced² Gear M Camera and Laptop Backpack : We appreciated the comfort and design of this pack despite lacking a hip belt, but felt it was a bit small for travel since there isn't much space dedicated to clothes and personal items.

Wandrd PRVKE : We tested the 21-liter size, and our professional photographer tester felt there wasn't enough gear storage for most pros. We also felt the price was high, especially considering the additional cost of including the "essential" photography bundle.

Brevite The Jumper Camera Backpack : This stylish, small backpack scored high marks from our tester for being lightweight and easy to carry. It comes in many bright solid colors and could be an excellent choice for someone with a streamlined kit.

Hex Ranger DSLR Sling V2 : This is a more modestly priced sling than our Best Sling pick from Peak Design that could be an excellent option for photographers that don't want to spend over $100 on a camera sling. Compared to the Peak Design sling, it lacks some structure and durability but is about half the cost.

Bellroy Venture Sling 10L: This oversized sling got high marks from our NY-based tester, who loved the quality, design, and ease of use while walking around for street photography.

Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger Ba g: If you prefer the ease of access of a shoulder-slung bag like this, the Tenba may be a great fit as a day trip bag, though our tester wished it was a tad smaller.

Lo & Sons Claremont : While it's not for everyone, this shoulder bag looks like an oversized purse and has some basic camera-specific design touches—an excellent choice for someone who wants a camera bag that's a bit chic.

ONA The Bowery Messenger Bag : Another stylish, purse-like shoulder camera bag. Our tester loved the style and could fit her entire kit inside but felt the price was too high.

Gatta Rae Noir : Another leather purse/shoulder bag option. Stylish and reasonably priced but bulky for travel and better-suited for day shoots closer to home for photographers that want a stylish bag.

Poler Elevated Camera Cooler: A fun, lunch tote-style camera bag that converts to a light-duty lunch cooler after removing the padded dividers. A more unisex option for folks that want a shoulder carry day bag for a small camera kit.

More than a dozen recreational and professional testers took 21 camera bags out around their home bases and on road and air travel trips. Testers spent time customizing the travel bag’s organization and trying different configurations. They then took the bags into the field, testing for ease of use and accessibility of gear while worn and comfort in transit. 

We also tested the weatherproofing of the bags when present by taking them out in bad weather when possible and spraying them down at home to gauge how well they keep gear dry. Testers examined zippers, fasteners, pockets, storage compartments, and special features for durability and ease of use.

What to Look for When Buying a Travel Case for Camera

Camera bag makers use various materials to achieve their design goals, and there’s no “best” material to watch when evaluating your camera bag options. Some bags use fabrics such as nylon, and many employ coatings such as DWR or rubbery TPU to give them weather resistance. Many manufacturers will list the Denier rating of fabric, and if durability is important to you, look for exterior materials with higher Denier numbers. However, remember that higher Deniers are usually heavier, bulkier, and less flexible.

Most backpacks and camera bags measure storage volume in liters, which can be a useful way to compare the size of different bags when shopping online. We tested some slings 10 liters or less in volume, and most packs fell between 20 and 40 liters. While you can undoubtedly buy camera bags and cases larger than this, they become too big to carry on and fall more into the luggage category than travel bags. When choosing a bag size for your travels with camera gear, consider not only the amount of camera gear you need to transport but any personal items, such as clothing, computers, hard drives, water, snacks, etcetera, that you’ll want to include to estimate the volume that’s right for you.

Additional Features

With most photographers operating in the digital world, most camera bags have a slot for a laptop, and we’ve included the maximum laptop size for any bags with that feature. If you usually employ a tripod, look for bags with a dedicated tripod storage solution. More advanced bags will often have special, smaller compartments for odds and ends that photographers carry, such as memory cards, hard drives, batters, filters, and more. 

All but one of our picks above cost over $100, and camera bags are generally more expensive than comparably sized backpacks and bags because they include extra features and materials used to organize and protect your gear. You can expect to pay $150 up to $400 for a high-quality, higher-volume camera-specific pack though smaller bags and slings will generally cost less.

Cleaning and care for camera bags will vary from model to model and brand to brand, but your best bet is to spot clean whenever possible. Waterproof bags can be easier to clean as they repel water, resist stains more readily, and can also be sprayed down if they get dirty. A few bags are machine-washable, but always consult manufacturer recommendations on how to clean individual bags.

Smaller bags can qualify as personal items, and several of our picks will meet size requirements for carry-ons for domestic flights. Because these requirements can vary depending on your location, destination, and airline carrier, it always makes sense to consult your airline’s specific requirements and fees before you fly.

When traveling with camera gear, bringing any equipment you might need for a particular trip or a photo shoot is a good idea. While no one wants to lug around more gear than they expect to use, it can be expensive, difficult, or even impossible to replace items you didn’t bring when you’re far from home. If you’re like me and prefer to overpack camera gear, get a bigger pack than you think you need.

Also, anticipate your non-camera needs, such as extra clothes, personal electronics, and food/beverage considerations. If you want one pack to hold everything, choose a camera bag that holds more than just camera gear. Especially when dealing with food and liquids, it’s a good idea to have separate compartments for personal and camera items.

Over 15 years as a professional photographer and videographer, Justin Park has tested and owned dozens of camera bags and cases for both work and play. He has employed and destroyed slings, backpacks, and hard cases filming Olympic games and backcountry sporting events such as mountain bike races and ultramarathons, including Colorado’s Leadville 100.

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Home » Gear » best camera bag

The 15 Best Camera Bags of 2024: For DSLR, Mirrorless, Drones + More

Us travelers love to take epic photos and capture the incredible scenes that lay themselves before us on a daily basis. Whilst some of us are happy with their iPhones, others take things further and end up investing in a high-quality camera set up (Oh, that’s me!). If you’re also like me then you’ll be neurotic when it comes to looking after your new prized possessions.

What’s the best way to look after them whilst you’re out and about shooting, well that would be to invest in a great camera bag. Not only will a proper camera bag set up protect your gear, but it will make using it easier with many having various pockets and storage options optimised for photographers.

But with so many options available, which one is best for you? Worry not. I’m here to help you find the perfect camera bag for your needs. Whether you’re searching out the best budget camera bags, a photography suitcase or something fancy like a quick access camera bag. We’ve got you covered!

With this guide, you’ll receive a ton of tips and info on what constitutes the best camera bag for travel and what makes a solid investment, direct from a photographer myself. I’ve tested them out in various different circumstances and taken into account the needs of different photographers and travelers to find the ultimate camera bag.

Right then, let’s go!

Top Picks for the Best Camera Bags of 2024

Camera bags – comparison table, the 15 best camera bags of 2024, what to consider when buying the best travel camera bag, how and where we tested to find the best camera bags, faq about how to select the best camera bag.

• WANDRD PRVKE 31  – Overall Best Travel Camera Bag
• Nomatic Mckinnon 35L Camera Bag – Best Travel Camera Bag Runner Up
• Kodiak Messenger Bag – Best Messenger Camera Bag
• Boundary Supply Prima-System – Best Modular Camera Bag
• Mountainsmith TANUCK 40L – Best Hiking Camera Bag
• Domke F-5XA – Best Small Travel Camera Bag
• HEX Back Loader DSLR Camera Bag – Best Camera Bag for Urban Travel
• Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II – Best Holster-Style Travel Camera Bag
• Case Logic Bryker – Best Budget Travel Camera Bag
• Neewer 2:1 Camera Backpack Trolley Case – Best Camera Bag for Air Travel
• Jump to -> The List of 15 Best Travel Camera Bags of 2024

Types of Travel Camera Bags

Every photographer knows that a bag is just as important as their actual equipment. Should the shit hit the fan, a well-built bag or backpack could mean the difference between a functioning travel camera and a dead piece of kit.

Many photographers spend hundreds of dollars on a camera bag so that they can protect their gear from all sorts of dangers like poor weather, accidents, and thieves. If you’re serious about travel photography, then you need to make a serious effort to find the best camera bag possible.

Are you a casual photographer who just wants something easy? Maybe a shoulder or messenger bag would be best for you. Do you travel often and need maximum protection for your gear? Maybe a full-fledged backpack or roller bag is necessary then. Do you want to just store your gear or have your camera with the lens attached and ready to go? Maybe a side-opening backpack might be the one.

No matter what your preference is, there’s a travel camera bag out there that’s made for you and I aim to help you find it.

Before jumping into the reviews for each travel camera bag, it would pay to look at the multitude of styles out there. Below are the six main varieties of bags outlined in this guide and some brief descriptions of their pros/cons.

• Shoulder Bags  – A smaller bag with a shorter strap. This bag is meant to go over one shoulder and fall about to your rib cage. Shoulder bags are very light and usually easy to access though they are limited in space. Sling bags also fall into the shoulder bags category.
• Messenger Bag  – Similar to a shoulder bag but slightly larger with a longer strap. Usually falls to about the hip and can be strung across your body/over both shoulders. Think of them like a camera briefcase!
• Holster Bag  – A bag that is meant to be attached to some sort of garment, like a chest harness or strong belt. These are sometimes smaller than shoulder bags and are meant to hold just one camera with a lens attached at a time.
• Backpack  – These have more interior space for cameras and lenses, which makes them the best travel camera bags for DSLRs. Often has a laptop compartment or padded laptop sleeve as well. If designed properly, camera and lens backpacks are more adept at distributing weight in a comfortable manner across the shoulder straps. Access is an issue though as you usually have to take off the backpack first to get to your gear, unless you get one with a side access pocket.
• Roller Bag  – Similar capacity to a standard backpack but meant to be rolled on the ground. These types of bags are obviously not meant for rugged, remote work but for urban projects where the bag can easily navigate.
• Backpack Insert – A large accessory that is meant to fit into another larger backpack. Many photographers prefer these because usually travel backpacks are more comfortable and come equipped with more features.

Wandrd PRVKE 31

• Favorite Features > Spacious
• Why I Like it > Very Adaptable

Nomatic Mckinnon 35L Camera Bag

• Favorite Features > Big enough to haul multiple lenses, a drone, batteries, etc
• Why I Like it > Quick access, tough construction design

Domke F-5XA

• Price > $$$
• Favorite Features > Small and Light
• Why I Like It? > Good Value

Kodiak Messenger Bag

• Favorite Features > Spacious Interior
• Why I Like It > Lots of Compartments

Mahi Leather Vintage Camera Bag

• Favorite Feature > Made from exceptionally good materials
• Why I Like It > Very Stylish

Hex Back Loader DSLR Backpack

• Favorite Features > The wonderful interior
• Why I Like It > Reliable

Case Logic Bryker

• Favorite Features > Camera Hammock Included
• Why I Like It > Affordable

Neewer 2:1 Camera Backpack Trolley Case

• Price > $$$$
• Favorite Features > Super Sturdy/Tough
• Why I Like It > Carry-on Compliant

Now that you have a good idea as to what to look for when investing in a good travel camera bag, let’s look at some of the best so you can find your perfect camera bag in no time.

Below is a list of the 14 best travel camera bags for 2024. Each one should serve a different type of travel photographer, from the budget-minded to ultra-light backpacker. Choose the one that is best suited for your style of shooting.

So, let’s get cracking with the best camera bags for travel …

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1.  WANDRD PRVKE 31

The Best Overall Travel Camera Bag

• Capacity: 31 L
• Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches / 48.3 x 31.8 x 19.1 cm
• Weight: 3.4 lbs / 1.54 kg

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is our choice for the best overall camera bag! Thanks to its awesome design, excellent protectiveness, and great customisability, this backpack will appeal to both casual and professional photographers alike.

Upon first glance, one will notice how good the WANDRD PRVKE 31 looks. Its minimalistic aesthetics make it appear very sleek and sexy and we personally love the all-black tone.

This bag doesn’t sacrifice any protectiveness for looks either – the WANDRD PRVKE 31 still does a very good job of guarding your gear thanks in part to its high-quality materials and excellent overall structure.

In terms of ergonomics, you can access the WANDRD PRVKE 31 via three different access points spread throughout the bag. Most of these entryways are very intuitive although getting to them may be a little tedious for some users. You can store your mirrorless camera or DSLR with the lens attached and be able to pull it out whenever you need it.

In addition to these access points, there are tons of extra hidden pockets as well as lots of other points for mounting various accessories.

Oh, In case you want something smaller, then check out The WANDRD Lite or the WANDRD Duo .

• Very adaptable with easy access for camera
• Surprisingly spacious given weight
• Robust yet great to look at
• Lacks some adjustability
• Can be less comfortable at heavier weights
• Could use more space for camera gear

The WANDRD PRVKE 31 can hold quite a bit – up to 36 litres with the rolltop fully extended – which is quite impressive considering how light the actual bag is (3.4 lbs). It does sit a little heavy on the shoulders though especially when the bag is packed with weighty equipment. The shoulder straps are adjustable and there are waist straps that you can install but both could be better.

To properly store your camera gear, you’ll have to buy a WANDRD Camera Cube in addition to the bag. Though this accessory usually fits snugly in the backpack, it can float around a little and thus be tedious to access at times. This can be attached to the side opening for easy access to your camera with the lens attached. The top section above can then be used to store additional lenses and accessories.

Also, it offers a good amount of space for mirrorless systems and might be the perfect camera bag for the Sony a7IV, but full-frame DSLR users may find it insufficient. If you need a more spacious camera and lens backpack, we suggest checking out the Lowepro 450 AW below.

Is the WANDRD PRVKE 31 for you?

Do you want a bag that is suitable for all walks of life? Do you want something that will both protect your gear and look good at the same time? The WANDRD PRVKE 31 offers a little bit of everything and will prove to be imminently useful to those photographers who are always on the run! It’s super versatile too so it can be used even if you’re not a photographer, making it one of the best EDC backpacks too.

Our team absolutely loved this pack, in fact, personally, this became my go-to camera backpack for the vast majority of my trips. There are several things I love about this bag, but the number one has to be how easy I find it to organise my gear and access it when needed. Having the bottom area of the bag dedicated to my camera and lenses and I’ve got access to my main set-up from the side door whenever needed. I can then use the roll-top section for everything else, I can easily fit in a hoody, jacket and hard drives for example. For all these reasons it’s my best camera bag for travel!

Be sure to check out our full review of the PRVKE WANDRD 31 for more information!

2. Nomatic Mckinnon 35L Camera Bag

Runner up for the Best Camera Bag

• Capacity: 35 L
• Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches / 53.3 x 35.6 x 22.9 cm
• Weight: 4.95 lbs / 2.24 kg

What happens when a world-class photographer and badass backpack company join forces? The result is quite epic indeed. The Nomatic Mckinnon 35 L Camera Bag is a fully-featured travel backpack perfectly crafted for the sort of gear photographers need to carry. 

The clamshell opening delivers easy access to your camera, lenses, batteries, etc. As you open the main compartment, you’ll notice there are a few pockets on the backside of the pack for even more organisational options. I appreciate that the two main pockets are see-through mesh, making it easy for me to find what I am looking for on the fly. There is also a large pocket that could easily fit papers, a binder, more clothes, etc. It’s a solid spot for a laptop. 

35 litres gives you just enough space to pack lightly for a weekend on the road or to a neighbouring city. To be honest, it is a difficult choice between the Nomatic Mckinnon 35 L and the WANDRD PRVKE 31 – both are team favourites here at The Broke Backpacker. Another important feature to note is that the Mckinnon 35 can be expanded by 7 litres, giving you room for more gear if need be. 

• Excellent storage and organization
• Quality Build
• Doubles as a great weekend bag/ day backpack for traveling
• The hipbelt is a little small
• Extremely heavy… almost 6-pounds with no gear
• Too big for tiny girls and guys!

For any active photographer, weight is an important factor to consider. My own camera gear (lenses, camera body, cleaning tools, batteries, filters, etc) weighs at least 10 pounds plus my tripod is not the lightest unit either. That means that with all my camera gear packed inside the backpack – the total weight is pushing 16 pounds with no clothes or laptop packed inside. 

Carrying some extra bulk and weight is something that I am used to as it just kind of comes with the territory if you are a halfway serious photographer. The pack is also a great tech backpack with heaps of room to keep all your other accessories safe like your hard drives, chargers and cables.

For me, the comfort, organisational features, and sleek design outweigh the negatives of having a heavy base weight. 

Is the Nomatic Mckinnon 35L for you?

If style, functionality, and speedy access are important to you – the Nomatic Mckinnon 35 L is a great buy. We have been using Nomatic products for years and I have never been disappointed in the performance of one of their packs thus far. Again it is a toss-up between the WANDRD PRVKE 31 and this pack – but in the end, you can’t go wrong with either one. 

Again, our team felt this bag was an epic option and they just loved the range of different features of this pack including how customisable it is, and how large it can expand to when needed. They did reflect that it was possibly too big as a standard day pack unless you carry a ton of gear and that in fact, its best use was for those with camera gear wanting a pack that could be used as a one-bag travel solution for shorter trips.

3. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW

The Best Camera Bag for Serious Photographers

• Capacity: 25 L (can expand to 30 L)
• Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.4 x 18.5 inches / 31.5 x 23.9 x 47 cm
• Weight: 4.54 lbs / 2.06 kg

The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW gets very high marks because of its awesome customizability, competitive price point, and superlatively durable construction. Many pro photographers love this bag and exclaim that it is their favourite camera bag of all time.

Made from high-grade synthetic materials, the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is built to withstand the harshest of threats. Though this bag may appear hefty – weighing in at 5 lbs – most users will hardly notice this as the straps and padding on the back are very well designed and provide optimal comfort. The addition of a thick waist strap adds additional support.

The most attractive part of the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is its exterior “slip-lock” loops, which provide the means to attach multiple accessories. Possible augmentations include mounts for a water bottle, tripod, or additional cases for extra gear. This system allows for unmatched versatility and the ability to fully customise your bag.

• Very customisable
• Built like a tank
• Excellent design for enhanced comfort
• Little heavy
• Not very discreet
• Amount of interior dividers might be overwhelming for some

The interior of the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is spacious and equally modifiable as the exterior. Multiple compartments can be created using the included padded dividers.

These chambers can easily be reached via one of the four access points spread throughout the bag. There’s so much going on inside this bag that some casual photographers may actually be slightly intimidated.

As mentioned before, Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is a bit heavy. Some casual photographers may think that this bag is a bit overkill, yet we can’t honestly knock this bag for going above and beyond. The ergonomics are just so damn good.

Some professionals may feel like they stick out in a crowd with this backpack because of its look and size. In a worst-case scenario, heavy-duty zippers and construction should deter most attackers though.

Is the Lowepro Tactic 450 AW for you?

Looking for a backpack that is both innovative and reliable? Do you need to pack lots of gear and want total protection at the same time? Then go for the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW! This top-of-the-line backpack is full of inventive ways to pack your equipment and is, overall, one of the top camera bags that money can buy. There is a laptop compartment but it’s not as good as some of the others in my opinion.

Our team loves bags that are super versatile and can be configured for plenty of different uses and that’s just one of the features of this pack that makes it stand out. They love how the main central area can be used entirely for your camera gear or with the use of cubes can be split into sections and accessed from the side pockets. Another stand-out feature was the tactical webbing which made carrying any other random bits of gear mega easy.

4. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L

The Best Overall Travel Camera Runner-up

• Capacity: 30 L
• Dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 7.75 inches / 50.8 x 31.8 x 19.7 cm

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L is our third choice for the best overall camera bag for travel. This backpack is simply gorgeous to look at and, most of the time, a thrill to use.

The Peak Design Everyday 30L and the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW have a lot in common in that they’re both highly customizable and very accessible. Like the ProTactic, the Peak Design Everyday 30L has multiple entry points that allow you to easily grab your gear on the go and not fiddle too much. Multiple attachment points also enable you to mount a number of accessories onto the bag, including a tripod mount and an exterior clip to hold your camera.

What sets the Peak Design Everyday 30L apart from the ProTactic is its sleek and sexy appearance. Made from weatherproof materials and designed to be as compact as possible, this bag is absolutely dazzling to look at.

Durable zippers and an innovative MagLatch system mean that this bag is very secure without having to sacrifice any usability. At 3.5 lbs, it’s a bit lighter than the ProTactic though the Peak Design is a little less spacious and holds less gear.

• Very spacious and accessible
• Customisable
• Sleek, stylish design
• Shoulder straps a bit uncomfortable, especially if you have a larger body frame
• The bag can feel too big for someone under 5’5”
• Slightly expensive for a bag of its type

For all of its original features though, the Peak Design Everyday 30L falls short in a couple of ways. Due in part to its size, this bag is primarily catered to people over a certain height (5’5”) so shorter photographers may find it a bit cumbersome.

Some taller photographers – reportedly, those over 6’0” – complain that the shoulder straps are uncomfortable on their larger shoulders though, which feels a little counterintuitive ergonomically speaking.

This discrepancy implies that only photographers between 5’5” and 6’0” can effectively use this bag, a narrow demographic to be sure.

Is the Peak Design Everyday backpack for you?

Do you want a gorgeous travel camera bag that is jam-packed with customisable features? My friends, the Peak Design Everyday 30L Backpack is a solid choice. This versatile bag is useful, secure, and just drop-dead good-looking. If it fits you, this backpack will serve you very well.

Peak Design is a well-loved brand among the photographers on our team and their bag is highly thought of. The brand is made for and by photographers and they tend to think about their needs when they design their gear. The team really reflected this to us and loved features such as the large dual-side opening doors meaning their gear can be configured exactly how they wanted it. They also loved how hard wearing the pack felt and how well-protected their gear was against the elements.

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5. Boundary Supply Prima-System

Best Modular Camera Bag

• Capacity: 30 L (can expand to 38 L)
• Dimensions: 12W x 21H x 7D”
• Weight: 4.16 lbs. / 1.88 kg

The Boundary Supply Prima-System backpack  is one of our favourite modular camera bags for travel. Like the Peak Design, the Prima-System uses innovative modules to help keep your items secure and organised.

This is a fantastic backpack set apart from many other travel backpacks because of its modular design and special camera compartment. When you buy this backpack, you are also investing their included modules, the Verge and Field space , for ultimate organisation and storage.

If you are looking for a camera backpack for everyday use or an efficient backpack for overnight getaways, then the Prima System by Boundary Supply is one of your best choices, period.

It’s durable, stylish, uniquely modular, and perfect for commuting as well as travel. This is the perfect weekend backpack for digital nomads and anyone travelling with camera gear and electronics.

If you’re travelling even lighter or you just have to get from A to B really fast, opting for the Boundary Supply Errant Backpack is a great option for you too.

Check out our full review to learn more about the Boundary Supply Prima-System backpack.

• Very durable
• Innovative Modules
• 25-35L can be an awkward size
• Only one pocket for water bottle or tripod

For all of its original features though, the Prima system has a couple of drawbacks, mostly due to its size. It’s not quite large enough to make your sole travel bag.

Secondly, this backpack is built for commuting, riding a bike, etc. because of its sleek profile. The downside of this is the lack of pockets on the exterior. However, it does feature a side opening for quick access to your camera with the lens attached so you can shoot in no time.

There is only one water bottle pocket that doubles as a tripod holder, so you can’t store a tripod and a water bottle at the same time. If I’m out shooting, I want a tripod and a water bottle .

Is the Boundary Supply Prima-System for you?

Do you want an innovative travel camera bag with customisable features? Do you need a bag that keeps your gear secure and organised? If so, this may be your match made in heaven.

Our team love the modular system of this backpack and they really appreciate the way in which it made using and accessing their gear so much easier and simpler. One of the ways they did this was to take advantage of the removable camera cube that can double as a shoulder bag. They loved how they could not only carry their gear in two ways with this pack but how they could easily remove their expensive gear from their bag when needed, like putting this cube in your locker before quickly heading out with the rest of the bag.

6. Mountainsmith TANUCK 40L

The Best Hiking Camera Bag

• Capacity: 40 L
• Dimensions: 26 x 12 x 10 inches / 66 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm
• Weight: 4.87 lbs / 2.21 kg

Finally, a backpack made for hiking  and  securing your camera gear. This backpack was designed between Mountain Smith and the famous landscape and surfer photographer, Chris Burkard, to handle miles of hiking while keeping camera gear secure.

Like all good hiking backpacks, this bag has a comfortable and durable waist strap, shoulder pads, and padded back panel and it is loaded with organizational pockets, modules, and more.

A few unique features include its durability and seemingly indestructible water-resistant material, a waterproof and abrasion-proof bottom, #10 sized YKK zippers, great organizational pockets, and large water bottle side pockets.

It’s not just a camera bag, but a hiking pack for cameras .

• Built for hiking and photography
• Weather-resistant and extremely durable
• Great for organising gear
• Overkill for everyday use
• Top flap is loose without full load

The only real drawback is this backpack’s weight. For every ounce of extra protection is an extra ounce of weight. The top flap is always loose unless you have a full load. Not a deal-breaker, but a bit annoying.

Aside from those two cons, I would say this is one of my favourite travel backpacks, and the fact that is built for camera gear is only the icing on the cake.

For more information, check out my full Mountainsmith camera bag TANUCK review, here .

Is the Mountainsmith TANUCK for you?

Finally, an amazing camera bag is built for multi-day treks and adventures. If you need a camera bag that can handle the elements, this is the camera bag for you.

Our team really loved the extra space this bag afforded them, especially for hiking trips where they needed to bring along extra gear for their trek. Another area of the bag they felt was perfect for more challenging adventures was the material it was made from and the superior construction. They loved how rugged the fabric was and how durable things like the zippers felt especially when hiking.

7. Domke F-5XA

The Best Small Travel Camera Bag / Shoulder Bag

• Capacity: Not specified by the manufacturer
• Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 7 inches / 25.4 x 10.2 x 17.8 cm
• Weight: 1 lb / 0.45 kg

The diminutive Domke F-5XA shoulder bag is one of the best small camera bags out there. For travel photographers who use a smaller compact or mirrorless with only a lens or two, this bag is perfect for walking around.

Domke has been producing top-quality camera bags for generations. Their durability and compactness have made Domkes a favourite among journalists and documentary photographers. These bags will stand up to some very harsh conditions and never take up too much room.

• Small, light and comfortable
• Weather resistant canvas construction w/ zipper
• Limited space
• Very few pockets
• Padding is somewhat thin

The interior dimensions of the Domke F-5XA shoulder bag are 4 x 7.5 x 7.5″, which are humble numbers. The Domke F-5XA can accommodate one mirrorless camera and a couple of additional lenses depending on their size.

Unfortunately, though, this is a small camera bag that doesn’t have lots of space and it’s ill-suited for photographers who carry a larger camera or lots of equipment. There are two pockets on the front of the Domke F-5XA for extra accessories and/or phones.

The Domke F-5XA weighs about 1 lb, and the extra-comfortable removable shoulder strap should ensure that users are almost never straining.

Users who want maximum accessibility from their Domke F-5XA can customise the removable shoulder strap and instead run their belt through the camera bag.

The Domke is one of the best photography bags for when you need quick access to your camera at a moment’s notice. Using the Domke as a sort of holster instead of a shoulder bag will allow users to quickly grab their camera and start shooting. Whoever does this had better have a nice and sturdy belt though lest they want their pants to fall down.

Is the Domke Shoulder Bag F-5XA for you?

Do you need a smaller bag that suits your smaller mirrorless camera and additional lenses? Do you want a product from a reputable company that has been serving photographers for decades? Then the Domke F-5XA Bag is the one for you! This bag is very practical and durable, and at a great price as well. For these reasons, the F-5XA is the best small travel camera bag on this list.

Our testers enjoyed the lower profile of this shoulder bag compared to heavier and bulkier camera bags. They felt it held just enough for a day out exploring without encouraging over-packing and was particularly well suited to a mirrorless setup. The strap was comfortable when the pack was full and they enjoyed the addition of the small outer pockets for batteries and memory cards.

8. Kodiak Messenger Bag

The Best Messenger Camera Bag

• Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 6 inches / 40.6 x 30.5 x 15.2 cm
• Weight: 3.5 lbs / 1.59 kg

For photographers who need a little extra space in their messenger bag, the spacious Kodiak Messenger Bag is the way to go. Leather camera bags mix elegance, style and longevity.

This travel camera bag is larger than the Domke F-5XA with a main compartment that can comfortably hold a mirrorless camera plus 2-3 additional lenses. This bag is perfect for the travel photographer who wants to carry a full kit without having to use a backpack.

Whilst made from hard-wearing leather, it is still relatively light enough to carry over your shoulder. The internal dimensions – 16 x 4 x 12″ – are large enough to accommodate a larger camera system, like a Fuji X-Series and the shoulder strap makes it all pretty comfy too.

The addition of several pockets ensures that you’ll have enough room for all of your extra accessories as well. Other features, like an included rain cover and silenceable velcro, only add to the usefulness of this travel camera bag.

• Spacious interior for larger cameras
• Lots of extra compartments
• Excellent build
• Main compartment doesn’t zip
• About as heavy as a messenger bag should be

Is the Kodiak Messenger Bag for you?

The Kodiak is made from tough canvas and is very well constructed. Appearance-wise, the bag is very beautiful and suave.

Speaking from experience, I can say that the Kodiak Messenger Bag can survive most situations. While shooting in Johannesburg, I was robbed by a group of thieves.

They got away with my wallet and phone but I was able to keep my camera bag either because it was strong enough to withstand their attacks or because they didn’t realise it was a camera bag at all.

The Kodiak Messenger Bag is probably the largest messenger bag that one can use before feeling bodily discomfort. When fully packed, this messenger bag can definitely feel a little weighty on the shoulder strap. If you find that your shoulders begin to ache, then it’s probably time to move on to a full-fledged backpack.

Do like to carry messenger bags? Is your camera kit getting a little large? The Messenger Bag by Kodiak is an excellent bag that is very spacious (for its type) and rugged to boot. Those who want to stick to messenger bags will find that the Messenger is one of the best camera bags for travel that there is.

Our team liked the versitility of this bag and felt it looked super professional whislt also working perfectly as a camera or commuter bag … or both. They felt the inside being just one large space maybe needed the addition of a camera cube or some other type of insert but that it meant it was easy to personalise to their needs.

9. HEX Back Loader DSLR Camera Backpack 

The Best Camera Bag for Urban Travel

• Dimensions: 21 x 11 x 7 inches / 53.3 x 27.9 x 17.8 cm
• Weight: 2.8 lbs / 1.27 kg

People who spend a lot of time in the city have to deal with certain problems: riding public transport, navigating city streets, all of these and more. Some may take these things for granted, but as someone who has lived in the city and countryside, trust me, having the right backpack for the former matters. If you’re looking for one of the best hipster camera bags, then this is it.

Enter the HEX DSLR Camera Backpack. This bag is spacious, sturdy, and customisable, which are all features that pay dividends in the city. There is enough room to pack more than a day’s worth of gear and supplies, plenty of padding to keep everything safe, and strong zippers to deter thieves. Did we mention that the DSLR camera bag is also very comfortable given its size?

• Durable design that works.
• Interior spacious and customisable.
• Easy to pack around.
• Awkward fit for women.
• Lack of external loops.
• Bulky design can be slightly uncomfortable.

The HEX DSLR Backpack is quite easy to access. The most immediate access point is at the top of the bag – most photographers will put their camera here so they can grab and go shooting. The main compartment is opened via the back suitcase-style; most of your stashed gear can be accessed from here.

There are a couple of problems with the HEX backpack. The flat black design is not 100% comfortable, especially as a camera bag for women . We would also have liked to see more external loops for hanging extra accessories. Finally, although the HEX may not be easy for thieves to access, it is flashy enough to catch people’s attention.

Is the HEX Camera Backpack for you?

Do you need a camera backpack that is good for the city? Do you need something that is big enough to carry a day or two’s worth of gear? The HEX does all of these and more. For urban travellers, we recommend grabbing the HEX as they will have something that is large, easy, and reliable.

Our team loved the hipster look of this bag and felt it had the perfect vibe for city travels and for those who work in design studios or other relaxed but professional workplaces. They felt keeping the large main section for all your camera gear, but having separate organisational pockets for other accessories, as well as a laptop sleeve, was perfect.

Be sure to check out our complete review of the HEX Back Loader to learn more about this camera bag!

10. Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II

The Best Holster-Style Travel Camera Bag

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.94 x 5.91 in
• Weight: 0.44 lbs

The Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II is a holster-style camera bag that is great for photographers who want quick access to their camera. Holster bags are usually the smallest of all travel camera bags and are meant to be worn on your belt or on your chest via a harness/ shoulder strap.

By wearing your camera at your waist or on the front of your person, you can grab your camera and start shooting faster than a Texas gunslinger. For this reason, the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II is one of the best small travel camera bags available.

The Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II can accommodate one large DSLR with a lens attached and no more. It might also fit a smaller mirrorless camera with some additional lenses that are on the more compact side.

• Very small and light
• Extremely easy access
• Comes with a rain cover
• Very limited space
• Rain cover can sometimes be a hassle
• Can be a little flimsy or awkward

There are a few extra zippers and pouches to hold accessories but these are pretty limited in space. Those who carry around lots of camera equipment ought to consider a second bag or backpack, like the Tenba BYOB Camera Insert.

The Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II weighs in at a meagre 0.8 lbs. It can be worn in a number of ways – either on your belt or over your shoulder with a strap.

It does take a bit of troubleshooting to find the best arrangement though as each photographer will be most comfortable with a certain way of wearing the bag.

The Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II is made from durable synthetic materials that allow for maximum lightness.

These fabrics aren’t very good at being waterproof but, thankfully, the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II comes with a built-in rain cover that does a better job of withstanding the elements.

Is the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II for you?

Are you a run-and-gun style photographer who needs to be able to grab their camera in a split second? Do you still need a bag that offers some degree of protection? For those who want one of the best small travel camera bags, the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II is a fantastic choice. With it, you get one of the lightest options available and the ability to quickly pull out your travel camera in the blink of an eye.

A toploading camera case isn’t for everyone but many of our team loved the way it reduced what they carried on a trip out and made shooting quick, easy and fun. The only drawback they didn’t like was that they couldn’t carry another lens or bring heaps of accessories. They felt this case was useful as more of an addition to your set-up than a main bag.

11. Case Logic Bryker

The Best Budget Travel Camera Bag

• Dimensions: 10.6 x 7.5 x 16.1 in
• Weight: 1.56 pounds

At around $70 new, the Case Logic Bryker is the best budget travel camera bag that you can find! With a very spacious interior and a nice rigid frame, this backpack is sure to handle all of your needs.

The Case Logic Bryker can accommodate most full camera systems including multiple DSLRs and a litany of lenses. If you’re packing a larger mirrorless camera with additional lenses you’ll find it pretty spacious alongside your accessories too.

The various spacers and interior dividers can be readjusted to fit any lens or camera as well, allowing for the usual customisation.

Some users of this bag have complained that the various internal compartments are too shallow though so users of overly-large equipment may be frustrated. In addition, there are plentiful pockets for accessories and a rear laptop compartment that can fit a 16” computer.

We did say this was the best budget camera bag and boy does it bring the features!

• Great bang for your buck
• Large enough to hold DSLR + 5-6 lenses
• Innovative “camera hammock” included
• A bit too bulky
• Straps are poorly designed
• Access to compartments is somewhat inconvenient

The exterior of the Case Logic Bryker is made from waterproof nylon that is resistant to most elements. A rigid frame also ensures that your gear will not be smashed or broken should the bag be subject to some blunt force. At 2 lbs, the weight of this bag is actually quite low as well.

The Case Logic Bryker is a bit beefy for some photographers. Its rigid design is great for resisting impacts and for when you need it to stand upright but makes for a cumbersome overall experience. A shoddy tripod strap leaves much to be desired as well.

Comfort is also an issue. When fully packed, many users experience noticeable discomfort due in part to the poorly designed shoulder straps. A waist or chest strap would’ve provided some respite but they are sorely missing. Despite these, we still think it’s the best cheap camera bag on the market.

Is the Case Logic Bryker for you?

Do you want a capable travel camera bag for as little money as possible? Then check out the Case Logic Bryker! This bag is built for photographers who want something durable that won’t break the bank or, for that matter, their gear. For these reasons, the Case Logic Bryker is one of the best budget camera bags that travellers can find!

Our team liked that this pack offered a different style of opening compared to others on the list. With the pack opening from the front rather than the back it offered a different way to access their gear and for some members they felt this was much more practical for their usage. They also loved the large external pockets and the fact that they were big enough to fit even larger accessories like flashes and hard drives inside and felt these features made it a budget camera bag.

12. Neewer 2:1 Camera Backpack Trolley Case

The Best Camera Bag for Air Travel

• Exterior: 20.9 x 14.2 x 10.6 inches / 53 x 36 x 27 cm
• Interior: 17.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches / 45 x 30 x 20 cm
• Without dividers: 9.3 pounds / 4.2 kilograms
• With dividers: 10.2 pounds / 4.6 kilogram

For professional photographers who travel often and need a bag that they can conveniently take on the plane with them, the Neewer 2 n1 Camera Backpack Trolley Case  is the best camera bag for air travel!

This sturdy bag is designed to meet most carry-on luggage standards, which means that you’ll always have it with you and that you’ll never have to risk checking it in. Its four sets of dual wheels also ensure effortless manoeuvring as they enable the bag to glide in between almost any obstacle.

The CADeN Camera Backpack Trolley Case can easily hold multiple DSLRs in addition to 6-8 lenses. Multiple pockets and extra compartments are also on hand to hold various camera accessories.

The CADeN Camera Backpack Trolley Case can stand up to both weather and invaders alike. An attachable rain cover will protect the bag during inclement weather. In addition, a theft-proof double-lock zipper system is in place to protect your gear.

• Meets standards for carry-on luggage
• Heaps of storage
• Very sturdy build
• Top heavy when fully loaded
• Bag tends to drift if not on level ground

The wheels of the CADeN Camera Backpack are very smooth and guiding this bag will be a breeze. Should the wheels become damaged, they can easily be replaced.

Note that the wheels can be a little too smooth sometimes as many photographers have reported that this bag has a tendency to float away when not arrested. There have also been reports of when being fully loaded (including with a laptop in the front), the bag can tend to topple.

Outside of the airports, true backpackers and wilderness hikers may find using this bag an impractical endeavour. At its core, the Think Tank Airport Roller Derby is best suited for lifestyle, product or wedding photographers who do most of their work in urban environments.

Looking for a specific laptop bag? Check out our rundown on the best travel laptop bags for more options.

Is the Neewer 2 in 1 Camera Backpack Trolley Case for you?

Are you a professional photographer who travels very often for work? Do you need a bag that you can take on the plane with you? Stress not as this is one of the best bags for airline travel! This reinforced roller bag is designed to fit in most overhead compartments and the smoothness of its wheels will ensure that you’ll get to where you’re going pronto.

Our team recognised from the beginning that this bag was a bit more niche than some others on the market but felt for the right person it was an ideal solution. For those looking to carry a substantial amount of gear as well as pretty much their entire editing set up (hard drives, laptop etc) then it’s the perfect way to keep everything protected and organised. The ability to carry the bag as a backpack was also a welcome addition to versatility.

13. Tenba BYOB 13

The Travel Camera Bag Insert

• Exterior: 14 x 10 x 6 inches / 35.6 x 25.4 x 15.2 cm
• Interior: 13 x 9 x 5 inches / 33 x 22.9 x 12.7 cm
• Weight: 1.3 pounds / 0.6 kilograms

Those looking for a conventional travel backpack with a camera compartment will be sorry to hear that not many exist. Thankfully though, Tenba has created an insert that can slide into almost any backpack and does a very good job of protecting your camera gear.

The Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Insert is, essentially, designed to mirror the interior of a classic camera backpack. It obviously lacks any sort of straps or method of carrying but this is totally acceptable because it’s meant to be packed into another larger bag. With the Tenba BYOB 13, your travel backpack is now totally equipped to carry your camera equipment.

The Tenba BYOB 13 is very tough and can take quite the beating on its own; when packed into a backpack, your expensive camera gear is very safe.

In terms of capacity, the Tenba BYOB 13 can carry a single camera body and 3-4 lenses, which is admittedly less than some of the other travel camera bags outlined on this list. Like most camera bags, the compartments of this insert can be reorganized to fit your needs.

• Turns your travel backpack into a travel camera bag
• Compact and very well protected
• Adjustable compartments plus extra pockets
• Not very practical if you plan to carry it alone
• Doesn’t hold as much as a dedicated camera backpack

There are several reasons to use a camera insert over a dedicated camera backpack. Many photographers have pointed out that camera bags can be quite awkward to wear because they’re designed with optimal protection in mind as opposed to comfort.

This decision is understandable but also irritating as, after 25+ lbs of gear, you really start to feel the weight.

With their extra straps and padding, outdoor and travel backpacks are much better equipped for heavier loads. Many backpackers will find that simply using their usual backpack and inserting the Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Insert will be easier on their bodies and feel much better.

Is the Tenba BYOB 13 for you?

Do you want to keep using your outdoor backpack and find a way to pack your camera gear as well? With extra durability and packability, the Tenba BYOB 13 Camera Insert is the best alternative to a DSLR travel camera bag. With it, photographers can convert just about any outdoor backpack into a safe haven for their camera gear.

Our team were big fans of this camera insert and loved how well it fit inside a plethora of other bags. As we mentioned with the leather messenger bag above, adding an insert like this can transform any bag into a great camera set-up. It’s especially ideal for those looking for hiking packs or something more specialised not usually seen as a camera backpack, with this you can really customise your set-up.

14. Manfrotto Aviator D1 Backpack

The Travel Camera Bag for Drones

• Capacity: 1 DJI Phantom drone, 1 DSLR camera, 3 lenses, 1 laptop, and additional accessories
• Exterior: 19.3 x 12.6 x 9.1 inches / 49 x 32 x 23 cm
• Interior: 18.1 x 11.4 x 5.9 inches / 46 x 29 x 15 cm
• Weight: 4.2 pounds / 1.9 kilograms

Photographers who often use drones when travelling or working will need a backpack specially engineered for their equipment. One of the best travel camera bags for drones is the Manfrotto Aviator D1 Backpack . This drone backpack, made with DJI Phantom equipment in mind, is very comfortable and easy to use.

The Manfrotto Aviator D1 is built from water-resistant materials that effectively protect your drone from the elements. At over 4 lbs, this bag may seem heavy but, thanks to its superb ergonomics, few users complain about discomfort.

Aside from the main compartment where the drone can be stored, there are multiple pockets and pouches that can store anything from extra batteries to a 16” laptop.

• Specifically designed for Phantom 3 Drone
• Very comfortable to wear
• 5 year warranty
• Tight fit for Phantom 4 Drone
• Compromised security when packed too tightly
• In practice, more room is needed for DSLR and lenses

In addition, a smaller top compartment was built into the bag to accommodate a DSLR camera plus one or two lenses. Some photographers complain that, unfortunately, this isn’t enough room though for a proper camera kit and that more is to be desired.

The Manfrotto Aviator D1 Backpack was designed specifically for the DJI Phantom and does a very good job of storing it.

The Phantom 3 fits snugly in the front pouch of the bag and there is additional room for drone lenses and accessories as well.

Many users have noted that when using a Phantom 4 though, things are a little too tight and breakages do occur. This problem is usually alleviated by creating extra space in the bag but at the expense of carrying a DSLR.

Is the Manfrotto Aviator D1 Backpack for you?

Are you a drone photographer in need of a specially built backpack? Do you want something that is easy to wear? Then look no further than the Manfrotto Aviator D1 Backpack! This comfortable backpack is great for those who use a DJI Phantom 3 (or Phantom 4 if you rearrange it a little) and is one of the best travel camera bags for drones available.

Our team were impressed by this bag made specifically for their drones and felt this pack made them feel super confident that their DJI was safe and well protected. Another feature they loved was the super padded hip belt and shoulder straps, it made taking their drones on pretty much any adventure mega comfortable.

15. Mahi Leather Vintage Camera Bag

The Best Leather Camera Bag

• Capacity: 13 L
• Dimensions: 15.7 x 12.6 x 3.9 inches / 40 x 32 x 10 cm
• Price: $203.50

In your search for the “Best Camera Bag,” the MAHI Camera Bag in Vintage Brown Leather emerges as an exquisite option for photographers at any skill level.

The bag features two side pockets with buckle closings, providing easy access and secure storage for your smaller accessories. A front pocket with a magnetic close adds extra space for quick-grab items. The interior boasts a removable padded compartment, ensuring your camera stays protected from bumps and scratches. Additionally, the two padded dividers allow for customization of the interior space, accommodating various camera sizes and additional lenses, ensuring everything stays in place and protected.

In summary, the MAHI Camera Bag in Vintage Brown Leather stands out as a top choice for photographers looking for a combination of style, durability, and functionality. Its thoughtful design ensures your camera and accessories are well-protected, while its timeless look ensures you’re doing it in style. Plus, the brand’s ethical commitment adds a layer of positive impact to the purchase.

• Very Stylish
• Made from exceptionally good materials
• It is kinda heavy
• Expensive…

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

A great camera bag for travel photographers will be defined by several features that will make or (literally) break your equipment. Photographers must consider aspects like material, size/weight, capacity, discreteness, security, and comfort in order to choose the right camera bag.

Below is a brief breakdown of each of these features and why they are important to the buying and shooting process.

Want to shoot full time? Read our insider’s guide on how to become a freelance photographer!

Material/Construction

If you travel a lot, your camera is going to be subject to the elements very often. Overexposure to the likes of weather, grime, and/or physical trauma can compromise your equipment and lead to failure or breakage.

This is why it is very important to get a sturdy travel camera bag made from high-quality and rugged materials. With better craftsmanship, your camera will be better protected from dangerous forces.

Canvas – and all of its varieties – is one of the most used materials in travel camera bags and for good reason: it’s durable, relatively waterproof, and cheap. However, note that cheap camera bags are not ideal for keeping expensive cameras in.

Many of the best travel camera bags in this list will have some canvas in some degree. Leather is also a good material that is used quite often in camera bags but makes sure that it’s real – the fake shit will degrade and fail much sooner than the authentic leather.

Some camera bag manufacturers are using newer, synthetic fabrics that offer optimal quality and protection. Note that if a bag has higher quality synthetic materials, then its price will usually be higher.

Protection/Durability

The inside of travel camera bags are usually – and should be – full of foam inserts that offer extra protection to the equipment inside.

A good travel camera bag will have lots of these barriers that can be rearranged to provide the proper housing for your camera kit. These padded dividers should be somewhat rigid, thick, and properly sized.

In addition to interior padding, your travel bag should have a number of pockets and compartments that should be sealed and in working order. If they are not properly constructed, then your camera will be susceptible to water and other harmful elements.

You’re obviously going to need a camera bag that is big enough to house all of your gear.

Each type of travel camera bag is going to be appropriately sized for a certain amount of equipment. Smaller messenger bags will be able to accommodate a small mirrorless or compact camera with an extra lens or two while larger camera backpacks will be better suited for full-frame DSLRs and a plethora of lenses.

Figure out how much camera equipment you will need to carry and then decide on how big of a bag you will need. Also, don’t take for granted how to pack the bag either.

Travel photographers will most likely have their gear on their person for most of the day so it’s very important to consider how comfortable a travel camera bag will be.

If you’re just planning on bringing a small camera with an equally diminutive lens or two, then a messenger bag will feel very natural.

Start adding more lenses and a larger camera body though and straps begin to cut into your shoulders – a more spacious and ergonomic backpack will probably feel better.

Being able to access your equipment in a comfortable way is also worth considering. Are you going to have to take your bag off and reach into it every time you want to take a photo? That may get tedious.

Can you get away with using a holster or small messenger bag? Being able to reach for a travel camera that is near the front of your body will feel much better.

Discreteness

Cameras are thieves’ favourite targets so it’s imperative that you find a bag that will ward away not only the elements but human perpetrators as well.

Many camera bags will come with latches, locking zippers and other deterrents that will hamper robbers’ attempts at stealing your gear. Should an attacker threaten you, good sturdy construction – like the kind mentioned in the materials section – will prevent them from tearing or cutting your bag and getting to the inner contents.

Some camera bags that are built from luxurious materials just scream “steal me” as well. Buying a bag that is relatively simple and inconspicuous looking will attract less attention from possible assailants. Being smart when travelling and avoiding theft in the first place is the best way to prevent it.

Customisability

Lots of camera bags will have the ability to accommodate additional accessories. These additions may be possible thanks to extra straps, adjustable interiors, special adapters, and/or more found on the bag. The more options you have when it comes to being able to add accessories, the more that you’ll be able to pack and the better prepared your bag will be. You’ll definitely want a bag with a special strap for a travel tripod

Keep in mind how much you can change your travel camera bag when investing in one.

Like the specialized tools that they hold, a travel camera bag is only effective if it’s understandable and intuitive. Even if you have a great bag with amazing capacity and protection, it’s going to be a hellish experience if it takes too long or too much effort to get into the bag. You must take into consideration how easy it is to use a travel camera bag before buying one.

Look for multiple entry points and features, like layout design, that allows for quick and easy access to your gear. Also take note of certain incidentals, like a zipper and buckle efficiency, which can play a big part in accessing the bag despite their perceived insignificance. Learn how to use your camera bag to get the most out of it.

Size/Weight

Size and weight play an important part in determining what constitutes a good travel camera bag. Depending on the quality of the design and materials, a bag may or not be too heavy or use space efficiently, and you also might want to consider if it’s carry-on compliant . No one wants to carry around a bag that is unnecessarily cumbersome or wastes space.

Weight is influenced by the amount and type of materials used. Certain materials mentioned prior, like canvas or leather, may weigh more, but they offer good protection and, if used intelligently, can contribute less to overall mass. If a bag is designed poorly and has a lot of superfluous materials,  its weight can increase for no good reason.

Size, like weight, comes down to whether or not the bag was designed well or not. Again, if there are a lot of extra materials used, the size is going to increase. On the other hand, if every little fabric is used properly and the structure is sound, the bag is going to be more compact and still offer good protection.

To test these packs, we got hold of them and gave them a good and proper run for their money and did that over a decent enough period of time to get to know them. We gave them to various members of the team so we could get different options and experiences.

Packability

When we test backpacks out our main points are awarded for packability, but when it comes to camera bags, there’s a bit more to it than just throwing in your gear willy-nilly!

With these bags, we’ve got to consider how well they fit in your camera, lenses and other accessories that come with photography. How well do they protect them, are they accessible when needed and do they allow you to bring along a jacket or other items and how effectively can these be kept separate?

Weight and Comfort of Carrying

If a pack is overly heavy or awkward to carry then taking it along on trips becomes uncomfortable. We all know that carrying a lot of camera gear can be pretty weighty at times. So we were looking for backpacks that were firstly, light to begin with and secondly, distributed the weight of your gear well and did it with comfort.

Believe me, on this, I have had more than my fair share of backpacks that became uncomfortable once I had my camera, lenses and tripod attached that it took much of the fun out of my passion for photography!

As such, we awarded full marks for packs that minimise weight and maximum carry comfort.

Functionality

In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled the primary purpose we used it for this purpose!

So of course, when it came to camera bags we tested them out by seeing what different cameras and lenses they could fit in and how many. How well each bag protected our gear and also the ways in which we could access our gear when needed. Does the bag have a side access door or back opening for example?

Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well, those people are fools because they forget that photography is all about how something looks… so surely we want our packs to look great too!

As such we also awarded points for how sexy a pack looks. 

Durability and Weatherproofing

Ideally, in order to really test out how durable a backpack is we would drop it from a plane and then run over it. But I’ve put my pride and joy (my camera) inside so I am afraid that’s not going to happen!!

Instead, we were a bit more pragmatic and inspected the materials the bags were made from, the build quality and craftsmanship of each one and paid particular attention to seam sewing, smoothness of the zips and other areas of each bag which might be more likely to break.

Of course, testing out how waterproof a pack is simply a case of pouring a litre of water over it – any packs caught leaking, were promptly banned entirely from inclusion in our round-ups. Obviously, I took out my gear before… just in case!

Still, have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best camera backpack?

We rank the award-winning WANDRD PRVKE 31 as one of the best camera bags on the market. Another favourite is the Nomatic Mckinnon 35L Camera Bag .

What does a good camera bag need?

The main purpose of a camera bag is to keep your equipment safe while moving through different locations. It needs to offer good protection and the ideal volume for your accessories.

Are there any budget-friendly camera bags?

The Case Logic SLRC-206 camera bag is one of the cheapest on the market. Yet, it still offers high quality and great value.

What is the best camera bag for professional photographers?

The Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW offers great protection of your gear, as well as plenty of space to store additional accessories that only professional photographers need.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Camera Bag for Travel

Should you get caught in a sticky situation, you wouldn’t want to put your valuable camera gear at risk. So hopefully you’ve looked through this list of camera backpacks and found the one for you!

You wouldn’t travel to a foreign country without the proper insurance , right? Then why would put your camera kit at risk without the appropriate protection?! Pick out the best travel camera bag for your style of shooting and invest in protection that suits your needs.

Each photographer will find merit in each bag. Those who use smaller kits may find a messenger bag, like the Think Tank Retrospective 30, more suitable.

Conversely, wilderness backpackers or digital nomads may not want to invest in a full-fledged camera backpack so the best bet is they end up buying an insert, like the Tenba BYOB 13. There really is a travel camera bag for everyone out there.

Figure out your needs and choose a bag accordingly.

With this guide, you have the beginnings of understanding what is best for your gear. There are so many camera bags, so study it well and then waste no time in finding the best camera bag for your travel needs! You’ll be glad that you took camera bags seriously.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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21 Comments

Hi there! So my name is Brandon and I’m trying to find the backpack the guy is wearing in the photo in the beginning of this page. It seems to fit the necessary requirements I’m looking for in a travel backpack; however, I can’t seem to find it online. If you could help point me in the right direction I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

If you are looking for the best camera pack for travel and hiking, You should consider a pack from Atlas Packs. I’ve been searching for the perfect bag for years and finally found one that perfectly suits my needs. The packs are more like technical hiking packs designed to carry camera gear than a camera pack not well set up for wilderness use. As my car-carry camera bag, I have a Billingham, which is simply amazing (and aesthetically beautiful). It’s just not great to carry my gear in over my shoulder all day long.

Indeed Atlas makes good backpacks, but in our opinion the Wandrd Prvke 31 or the Nomatic Camera Bag are where it’s at. Here are the links if you want to check them out: Nomatic Camera Bag Wandrd Prvke 31

I’ve tended to get a ~50USD small shoulder bag like a Vanguard Ziin or LowePro Andventura TLZ and put that inside my main backpack as I often don’t have space for a dedicated camera backpack. To save money, that might be an option. My travel is often backpacking or motorcycle travel, so I find it works well for that. It also protects the camera when you’re walking around and stops it potentially being a target as you walk around.

This is a bit confusing., and I’m struggling with the rankings here….

No.1 is the WANDRD PRVKE 31l, but it is described as “one of the best”: “The WANDRD PRVKE 31 is one of the best camera bags out there due to its awesome design, excellent protectiveness, and great customizability.”

No.2, the LowePro ProTactic 40 AW is actually described as the best: “Because of its awesome customizability, competitive price point, and superlatively durable construction, the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW is the best overall travel camera bag on this list!”

No.3, the Peak Design, is actually described as the 2nd best: “The Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L is our second choice for the best overall camera bag for travel.”

Please help clarify?

Hey Andrmu,

I can definitely see how the wording of the article can be confusing. I’ve gone ahead and made some edits that will hopefully clear things up 🙂

It wasn’t confusing. It was simply directly conflicting your presented order. You obviously previously had the LowePro as your favourite, and the PD is your 2nd. But then Wandrd apparently jumped ahead of them. Did they pay you?

I suppose I have stumbled across the wrong site – the best budget bag on theBROKEbackpacker is $75? I need to head over to the DestituteBackpacker, then.

You could go out and buy a $15 Jansport backpack if you wanted and put your camera in that. At that point, I think you could technically call this a “budget camera bag.”

I wouldn’t advise this though because then you’d be putting the camera at risk for breaking. If you want a bag that will offer basic protection and doesn’t skimp too much usability, then $75 is a reasonable amount.

Hello Frank

The adage, “Buy cheap, Pay twice” is generally true in having to replace at least twice during the lifetime of a quality camera bag: including the faff of going to buy a replacement during that period. I take the view that my Sony A7 III and the 3 GMaster lenses (plus assorted storage media / supporting equipment) in my camera bag is valued at over £10k.

Yes, you can be insured but consider the faff in completing the myriad of paperwork, being without equipment…for how long in repair! Having spent large sums of money on camera equipment, it seem prudent (foolish not) to protect that valuable equipment to the fullest by ‘investing’ in a good / reasonably priced camera bag.

I read reviews and reader feedback as guidance but it is also my final choice. I eventually bought the ProTactic 450 AW, it was reasonably priced, gives good protection, qualifies as carry-on baggage (Africa twice, Europe many times and the USA) and is of good quality.

Enjoy your visit to DestituteBackpacker :-)))

Does anyone know what the bag is in the first picture with the guy in the creek? I’d love to check that one out!

I have a friend who really loves photography and I used to go with him on hikes and such which is what also got me into photography just recently. I’m looking to buy my first bag and was searching for reviews. This kind of review really helps me a lot. Personally I’d prefer backpack types as I’m most comfortable with them. Also I’d go with water proof camera bags regardless if it has rain cover or not cause my friend often had troubles with water getting inside his bag. Really nice review.

Hi, I’m trying to decide between the ProTactic 450 AW II and the smaller 350 AW II. I run a mirrorless setup (G85) with 2 small lenses, and a Mavic Air, with a small smartphone gimbal. Would you have any advice between the two bags? Thanks!

My initial reaction is you’ll want to go with the larger camera bag because that sounds like quite a bit of equipment. But first I suggest that you try to find the two bags at a local shop and to test them out for yourself.

Just a quick update, after trying both out at a local store, I went with the smaller ProTactic BP350 AWII. It fits my main body (Lumix G85), 3 – 4 lenses, my Mavic Air setup as well as a smartphone gimbal and Rode VideoMicro. The fit is on the tighter side, but the larger sibling was too large for my everyday use and travel. Following the 80/20 rule, the smaller of the two covers my needs a majority of the time.

Great information. I am a photographer and i am use canon 5d mark IV with 70-200mm, 85mm lens. I have no camera bag. I am searching on google which bags are best and useful. I got your blog and i am really with your blog. You share very useful info for me. Thanks!

I’m looking to buy a replacement backpack camera bag – medium size, carry-on flight luggage – and so the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW looks appealing.

However, as I’m going to dusty African deserts in the near future I need waterproof / dust-proof pockets for all the accessories such as digital stager media. Additionally, whenever I see adverts for photographic backpacks they rarely show these, and they also show lenses without covers on. appearing to fit perfectly in-between the velcro dividers – I feel that there isn’t enough protection: wouldn’t these easily get covered in sand / dust? I rarely carry my lenses in this way preferring additional (safety) pouches – though I guess these aren’t dust proof either.

It would be nice to see how the selected bags cover off keeping lenses and accessories safe from these natural threats.

Totally understand your predicament. Indeed, lots of reviews talk more about how bags protect gear instead of showing it. Though I can’t literally show you how well these do, I can try to paint a picture at least.

When it comes to dust and sand, I find that the best safeguard is just diligence. I’ve been to the Namib Desert, the Outback, Iceland, and countless other places that are just full of grit and all I can say is that you just have to clean; a lot.

Several bags (like the WANDRD PRVKE 31) do have sealed zippers but, at the end of the day, your gear is going to be exposed to the dirt no matter what. Best to just realize this and then do your best to clean it off at the end of the day. If your gear is used and packed away properly, removing sand will be less of an issue I think.

I hope that your trip goes well. If you have any further questions, please reach out.

One issue with the 400AW as a travel bag is that is larger than the airline carry on limits.

That is a valid point – if you need a carry on, that isn’t the logical choice.

Do you remember which airline would not allow this bag as a carry-on? Each company has different restrictions and I’ve heard very little in the way of the AW450 not actually being allowed.

Also, are we talking about the 400AW or the 450AW?

Cheers, Ralph

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The best camera bags for travel in 2023

Keep your camera gear safe during your next adventure with these excellent camera bags.

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

One excellent way to keep your gear safe when on the go is to invest in quality camera bags for travel. They truly are an essential piece of your photography kit. Being able to confidently carry your equipment no matter where your travels take you can open new creative doors and allow you to photograph even more. Whether you are hopping on a plane, going on a road trip, or simply spending the day exploring your own city, having a dedicated bag to store and carry your equipment makes a big difference. Travel cases for cameras not only keep your expensive gear safe from the inevitable jostling around of travel, but they can also help you stay organized and save you some headaches when away from home. We’ve picked these outstanding options as the best camera bags for travel.

• Best overall: WANDRD PRVKE
• Best rugged: Shimoda Explore V2
• Best for hiking: Moment Strohl Mountain Light
• Best belt bag: Domke 5XA
• Best sling bag: Peak Design 10L Everyday Sling V2
• Best roller bag: Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Switch-55
• Best protection: Pelican Air 1615

How we chose the best camera bags for travel 

When selecting the bags in this guide, we considered choices from well-trusted brands, a wide variety of styles, and bags suitable for several different travel scenarios. We also put thought into the different amounts and types of gear that a photographer or videographer might need to bring along with them while traveling. For example, it was critical to include bags suitable for long-haul trips with lots of gear and more suitable options for day trips around a new city with more basic camera equipment. It was also important to only include items and brands that we’ve had experience using in the field or tested as part of a product review.  

The best camera bags for travel: Reviews & recommendations

• Color options: Black, Aegean Blue, Wasatch Green, Yuma Tan, Sedona Orange
• Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 16 inches
• Exterior dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 7.5 inches
• Weight: 3.4 lbs
• Bag type: Backpack
• Durable, waterproof build 
• Multi-use, versatile bag
• Lots of organization pockets for personal items
• Camera cube must be purchased separately

The WNDRD PRVKE is one of our favorite camera backpacks on the market—a versatile choice for traveling that’s accompanied us on many out-of-town shooting trips. It can hold a lot of gear while doing an excellent job of distributing weight. The dedicated camera cube and laptop sleeve make it easy to travel through airport security, and its many pockets are great for keeping personal items organized as well. The roll-top design allows you to expand its carrying capacity by five full liters, making it easy to toss a jacket or other essentials on top. And it has clever travel-friendly features like a key clip and a passport pocket. 

A left-side pocket makes it easy to access your camera without removing the bag from your body, which is useful when you are on the go. The abrasion-resistant and waterproof material of the bag will keep your gear safe and dry, an ideal feature for the best camera bag for travel. It’s available in 21L and 31L, or if you are looking to carry less, you can check out the PRVKE Lite, which is 11L. If you are traveling with minimal camera equipment, you PRVKE the best camera bag for travel.

Mason Marsh

• Color options: Black, Olive Green
• Exterior dimensions: 11.6 x 20.3 x 6.7 inches
• Weight: 8.8 pounds
• Adjustable torso height
• Water-resistant
• Meets EU and Asian carry-on requirements 
• Removable camera cube 
• Also available in 25 or 35L sizes

Shimoda designed the Explore V2 with the idea that different people need different bags, and what’s comfortable for one person won’t work for everyone. To do this, they created the ability to adjust the torso height of the bag, a unique feature that will make it more comfortable to carry for different torso lengths. Plus, Shimoda sells different strap types to accommodate different bodies. The backpack also comes in three different sizes (25, 30, and 35L), with the 30L able to hold a medium mirrorless camera or a compact DSLR.

Built with travel in mind, the Explore V2 meets the strictest requirements of EU and Asian carry-on rules. Plus, it has a luggage passthrough, lockable zippers, a passport pocket, and a dual-access document sleeve. In addition, it has pockets on both sides for stashing a tripod and water bottle and multiple access points for camera equipment—including side access.

The bag features highly weather-resistant material and YKK AquaGuard zippers, so your gear will stay dry if you get caught in a brief rain shower. It also comes with a rain cover for more severe downpours. The Shimoda’s Explore V2 is one of the best camera bags for travel when you’ll find yourself exploring the outdoors with your camera. We liked it so much, we gave it a Pop Award as one of the best pieces of gear around.

Abby Ferguson

• Color options:  Black or Blue
• Laptop sleeve:  None
• External dimensions:  31.5 x 10.5 inches
• Weight:  2.6 pounds
• Holds a lot of gear beyond camera equipment
• Compatible with water bladders
• Durable and waterproof
• Collapses down for packing
• Doesn’t hold much camera gear

If your travels are taking you on longer hikes that require more gear than just a jacket and some snacks, the Moment Strohl Mountain Light is a fantastic choice. It comes in two different torso lengths—17-18.5 inches and 18+ inches— so you can get a better-fitting bag for your body. And there are plenty of straps to adjust the fit once it’s on.

This hiking camera bag is a stuff sack style with a small camera compartment at the bottom. You’ll either need to buy the MTN Light Camera Insert or use your own internal camera unit (ICU). It’s important to note that this bag isn’t meant to hold a ton of camera gear. Instead, it’s for those who want to travel light and fast or are prioritizing hiking and camping gear over cameras. But, with the addition of the Camera Loader , you’ll get a little extra room and faster access to your camera.

One of the biggest selling points is how lightweight this camera backpack is. It weighs just 2.6 pounds when empty. And the internal frame is removable if you want to cut down on weight even more. It packs down super small, so you can easily toss it in your luggage to use on longer trips. The pack is compatible with a hydration bladder and can expand a lot, making it capable of holding lots of gear when you need it to. I went on a two-day backpacking trip with it and was able to carry everything I needed, and it was still relatively comfortable.

• Color options: Black
• Laptop sleeve: None
• Exterior dimensions: 8 x 8 x 4.5 inches
• Weight: 1 pound
• Bag type: Shoulder/belt
• Can be worn on a belt or as a shoulder bag
• Compact, lightweight option
• Durable canvas build 
• Doesn’t fit large DSLRs or long lenses

Domke is a classic camera brand if you are looking for an inconspicuous bag for a small camera body. This particular version can be worn over your shoulder or attached to your belt—making it a great choice for using in conjunction with a larger backpack for easy access to lenses or a flash. 

The canvas bag features a padded divider wall to keep lenses and camera bodies safe when they aren’t in use. Two small pockets on the front of the bag allow for the storage of small accessories like memory cards or a spare battery. Made of durable, water-resistant material, it will age beautifully over time—there’s a good reason why this style of bag has been a long-time favorite of photojournalists. Although we wouldn’t recommend this for long-haul travel, this Domke bag is an excellent option if you are looking for something compact and straightforward and you won’t be straying far from home. 

Peak Design

• Color options: Ash, Black
• Laptop sleeve : Yes, up to 13 inches
• Exterior dimensions: 16.5 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches
• Weight: 1.94 pounds with dividers, 1.5 pounds without dividers
• Bag type: Sling 
• Quick adjusting, padded shoulder strap
• External strap for attaching a tripod
• Unique flexifold Peak Design dividers
• 13″ laptop sleeve is a bit snug if bag is fully packed
• Front stash pocket could be slightly larger 

Peak Design’s Sling bag is an excellent choice for the best camera bag for travel if you are shooting mirrorless or favor a DSLR with a short lens. It has a nicely padded reversible shoulder strap that you can adjust easily with a quick pull feature. On the inside, you will find three of Peak Design’s signature FlexFold dividers for keeping camera lenses and bodies safe and secure during travel and a laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 13-inch laptop or a tablet. A front zippered pocket on the sling bag is best suited for small, flat items—like a memory card. 

Peak Design made their Everyday Sling out of 100 percent recycled material. It has a weatherproof exterior and anodized aluminum hardware. As a sling bag, it doesn’t have the capacity of a Peak Design backpack, but if your travel setup is minimal, this is a good choice. 

• Laptop sleeve: Yes, up to 17 inches
• Exterior dimensions: 13.98 x 9.06 x 21.65 inches
• Bag type: Roller backpack
• Can be used as a backpack and roller bag
• Built-in padlock keeps gear secure
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Holds a ton of gear

If you need a lot of gear, and thus a larger bag, having wheels can save your back during long airport days. The Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Switch looks like a traditional carry-on suitcase and offers a useful wheeled format. But it also provides backpack straps, making it easier to transport the bag when you get away from terrain that makes sense for a wheeled bag.

This bag holds a ton of gear, making it ideal for pros who need an entire kit with them. It can hold a pro-level DSLR with a 40mm attached along with another body and up to four extra lenses. Mirrorless shooters will have no issues fitting expansive kits as well. There’s also a pocket on the side for attaching a tripod and a laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 17-inch laptop. The sleeve is quite narrow, though, so thick laptops won’t fit very well.

Manfrotto’s roller bag fits international carry-on sizes , so you won’t need worry about checking it, at least on larger airplanes. And it features a built-in TSA-approved padlock to keep your gear locked up and safe. It’s made of durable materials that are weather-resistant and is complete with straps on the inside of the bag to keep the lid from opening too far, which is ideal for busy airports.

• Color options: Black, Yellow, Silver, Orange, Graphite
• Laptop sleeve: No
• Exterior dimensions: 32.58 x 18.40 x 11.02 inches
• Weight: 14.06 pounds without foam or TrekPak dividers
• Bag type: Wheeled hard case
• Extremely durable construction 
• Padded protection in a crushproof, dustproof, and watertight container
• 40 percent lighter than other polymer cases 

Though not technically a bag, the Pelican Air is the best travel case for cameras if you have to fly with extensive camera equipment. It’s too large to fit in carry-on compartments, so this hard case will need to be checked with your airline. But because of its highly durable construction, you don’t have to worry about your gear staying safe. I flew with one from Hawaii to Florida, and there was barely a mark on the case. It’s made of lightweight HPX polymer and has a crushproof, dustproof, and waterproof design. And there are stainless steel padlock protectors, so you can lock things up with TSA-approved locks for more security.

Inside, the Pelican Air is lined with Pelican’s TrekPak divider system, which is fully customizable. They will keep your camera equipment safe and organized no matter how far it must travel. You can also opt for foam or padded dividers if that’s more to your liking. The case has wheels on the bottom and an extendable trolley handle, so it’s easy to move around. If you need to lift it to climb stairs, it also features a carry handle. Plus, it’s 28 percent lighter than earlier models and 40 percent lighter than other polymer cases on the market.

With interior dimensions of 29.59 x 15.50 x 9.38 inches, the Air 1615 holds a lot. If you want the same level of protection but would prefer a carry-on size, the Air 1535 is the way to go. It offers interior dimensions of 20.4 × 11.2 × 7.2 inches, so still holds plenty of gear, but you won’t have to pay for an extra checked bag.

Things to consider when searching for the best camera bags for travel

If you are bringing your camera equipment along when you travel—and we absolutely recommend that you do—it’s essential to have a great camera bag to keep your gear safe throughout your trip. You’ll also want something comfortable to carry, especially if you will be lugging your gear around for extended periods, like hiking or long airport days. 

Different bags make sense for different types of travel, and there are many options when it comes to styles of bags. Finding the perfect travel bag for your camera equipment often comes down to personal preference, but before adding a bag to your shopping cart, there are some things to consider. 

In general, look for something comfortable to carry, has padding to keep your lenses and camera bodies from bashing against one another, and is big enough to fit your essential equipment. A few extra pockets to keep personal items organized are great too. Then, answering the following questions can help narrow down your choice even more.

How far are you going? 

If you are traveling far from home and will be away for a while, a larger camera backpack or a rolling Pelican bag are both excellent places to start. These bigger options will allow you to bring more equipment. And they will also have additional space for some non-photography items you may need to pack. They can also offer more protection for your gear than other options.

If your travels mean you will be boarding a plane, look for something that will fit under the seat in front of you or the overhead bin. Some bags will even specify if they are carry-on compliant. In addition, most camera backpacks feature a dedicated laptop sleeve, making it easier to get through airport security quickly. 

If you are staying close to home and taking day trips, a low-profile shoulder bag or sling bag might be a better fit. It will keep you from being weighed down while photographing your adventures while still protecting your gear when you want to stash it. 

How much (and what) gear are you bringing? 

The second thing to consider is how much gear you need to travel with. The size of your equipment is also a factor. For example, DSLR bodies are bigger than most mirrorless cameras and won’t fit in certain bags as a result. If you don’t need to bring many lenses or a laptop, something simple like a shoulder bag or hip belt might be your best bet. For jobs that require a laptop and a more extensive kit of lenses, we prefer to use a backpack because of how it distributes the weight of the gear. 

For jobs that require a ton of gear—multiple cameras, lenses, and lights, for example—we’d recommend a rolling bag. Keep in mind that you can always mix and match. Using a combination of a backpack, hip pouch, and a roller if you need to. Keep reading to learn more about some of our favorite bags for traveling with camera gear. 

How rugged will your trips be?

Lastly, you’ll want to consider how rough your trips may be. For example, suppose you will be exploring rugged, remote places. In that case, you may want features like a pocket for a water bladder or multiple water bottles, solid weatherproofing and tear-resistant material, and additional room for storing non-photography gear. Extra sturdy padding, an interior frame for structure, and exterior attachment points may also be valuable. On the other hand, if you will mostly be romping around cities, a camera bag for travel that is less robust (and potentially cheaper) with less extra room and special features may be plenty for your needs.

Q: Are there any budget-friendly camera bags?

If you are looking to save when shopping for a camera bag, consider an Amazon Basics brand item. While these bags lack some of the features of the bags in this guide and may lack style points, they typically only cost $20-$50, depending on the size and style.

Q: How much does a camera bag for travel cost?

Prices vary widely on camera bags depending on how much gear they hold, what they are made of, and the size. Brand-name bags will often start around $130, while higher-end, rugged bags can be over $300.

Q: Where should I pack my camera when flying?

We recommend packing your camera bag in your carry-on and storing it either in the overhead bin or beneath the seat when flying. While you can have cameras in checked luggage, it is generally safer (and better for your peace of mind) to keep them on you.

Q: How do you travel with expensive camera equipment?

If you are flying with minimal camera gear, we recommend packing it in your carry-on luggage. If you are flying with a lot of camera equipment, we suggest packing your gear inside a well-padded Pelican case. If you have to check your bag under the plane, remember to remove any lithium batteries and store them in your carry-on. Insurance that covers your expensive gear while traveling is also a good idea.

Q: What is the best camera bag for professional photographers?

Professional photographers enjoy a variety of camera bags depending on what they are shooting, how far they are traveling, and what gear they need to bring along with them. For example, a professional landscape photographer will likely have different taste in camera bags than a wedding or event photographer. Also, it’s not unusual for a professional photographer to have a few different camera bags to choose from based on whatever the assignment might be. 

Final thoughts on the best camera bags for travel

Having the best camera bags for travel will give you peace of mind knowing that your gear is safe and sound for use when you arrive at your final destination. It will also help you comfortably carry your camera when out and about and potentially help you bring other essentials. 

Look for a bag with lots of structured padding to avoid damage to your camera equipment and one sized to count as a carry-on item if you will be flying. Of course, the bag that’s right for you will depend a lot on where your travels take you and what you need to bring along, but we are confident that the travel bags in this guide will fit the needs of all kinds of photographers. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

Jeanette D. Moses is a New York City–based filmmaker and photographer known for her intimate depictions of New York's creative communities. She’s been a contributor to PopPhoto since 2014, specializing in interviews, gear reviews, and all things analog.

Abby Ferguson is the Associate Editor for Gear and Reviews at PopPhoto, joining the team in 2022. She has been involved with the photography industry in various capacities since her undergraduate training at the University of Kentucky, with work ranging from client photography to program development and management of the photo department at Evolve, a vacation rental company.

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The best camera bag for travel in 2024

No matter how much photo gear you want to take, we've got the best camera bag for travel for you!

Holsters and pouches

Messenger bags, roller bags.

The best camera bag for travel can mean a bag for hikers, for air-travel, for city-breaks, or a whole lot more. Ideally, a good travel camera bag should let you carry a decent amount of gear, without adding too much weight itself. It should have decent weatherproofing, some padding for the kit inside, and well padded straps and handles that make it comfortable to carry for extended periods. 

So, quite a tall order then! Fortunately, manufacturers have proven themselves to be up to the task, and there are loads of fantastic camera bags out there. So much so that it can be hard to know where to start, which is why we've divided our guide up into sections for the different types of camera bag out there.

First, we've picked some of the best ultra-compact holsters, which are designed to take a camera and lens and essentially nothing else. Next, we've picked out our favourite one-shoulder messenger bags and sling bags, for those who like a stylish bag with plenty of accessibility. After that, we've got the best photo backpacks for those who are carrying a bit more kit, or taking it on an extended hike. If you're travelling through airports then the roller bags section will be worth a look, and finally, our picks of the best hard cases are there for those who need the most comprehensive gear protection possible. 

Like we said, there's a lot of choice out there. So, let's dive straight into the best camera bags for travel you can buy!

The best camera bag for travel

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

1. Matador Camera Base Layer

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This clever holster from Matador is ideal for those who like to head out for wet-weather hikes. It pack in a clever waterproof cover, which scrunches down so small you may not notice it, but can be pulled out at a moment's notice to cover the entire shell, making for a double waterproof cover for your gear. Capacity-wise, the Matador Camera Base Layer is about average for a holster – as we noted in our review, it's not going to hold a full-frame DSLR with a telephoto lens, but it can stretch pretty well, and most lightweight mirrorless and compact setups should be fine.

The Matador Camera Base Layer is more about weather protection than impact protection, and isn't really padded to any great extent. It's therefore an excellent choice for hikers and country-walkers – perhaps less so for city explorers who might want some padding against knocks and bumps. 

2. CosySpeed Camslinger Outdoor

The Camslinger is essentially a bag on a belt, which is more than capable of supporting full-frame DSLRs and mirrorless camera with a medium-sized lens. The belt takes the weight of the kit, meaning that your back or shoulder doesn't have to. It also has an ingenious closure mechanism, which can be undone with one hand – but can not be accidentally opened. With your camera on your waist, you can access your camera more quickly, and change lenses on the move, more easily with most other bags.

3. Billingham Eventer MKII

Let's get this out of the way now: if you're on a strict budget, Billingham camera bags aren't for you. They're premium products, hand-crafted and finished with fine materials, and they come with a price tag that reflects that. They're also made using real leather – so if you avoid animal products, best look elsewhere.

If neither of those criteria apply to you, the Billingham Eventer MKII is a top-tier camera bag. We were hugely impressed with the bag when it came in for a full review; it's superbly designed, with smooth dividers that keep your gear safe while allowing it to slide smoothly in and out. The two expanding front pockets are also amazing – they just swallow up gear, and keep swallowing it up with space to spare. 

4. Manfrotto Noreg messenger-30

Fancy the convenience of a messenger-style bag, but not the cost of a luxury offering like the Billingham Hadley One? The No-reg messenger-30 is much easier on the bank balance, so you needn't worry as much if you're travelling off the beaten track. The urban camo look should also help you blend in as a city native and stop you standing out as a tourist ripe for unwanted attention.

Then there's the bag's standout feature: versatility. On the one hand it's a regular shoulder bag, but the removable padded camera insert also has its own shoulder strap, giving you an additional smaller photography bag for quick photo expeditions. Plus, there's a removable padded laptop sleeve on the back that's useful when you're back home, but can be detached when travelling light. And if you just need an overnight bag that fits airline carry-on regulations, you can take off the laptop sleeve, remove the camera insert and stuff in all the clothes, toiletries and other bits and bobs you need for your overnight stay.

The laptop sleeve is big enough for a 15-inch laptop and there's a sleeve for a 9.7-inch tablet too. On the front of the bag is a pair of straps for a lightweight travel tripod, covered neatly when you clip down the oversized lid. This also has a zipper to allow camera access without unclipping the lid again.

Dig around inside and you'll also find a rain cover which stretches over the top to keep out the worst of the weather.

5. Chrome Niko 3.0 Camera Sling

This tough bag is the first sling-style bag from Niko, and it's an admirable attempt to marry the comfort and utility of a backpack with the to-hand convenience of a sling bag. Does it succeed? Well, we've had the bag in for a full review, and would have to say that it broadly does – the top-opening and design and crossbody strap make it easy to access your gear within seconds' notice. Also, the optional extra security clip that attaches to the cross-body strap is a rally handy extra for those who worry a sling bag won't be secure enough. 

It fits a full-frame system – though is probably more comfortable with APS-C DSLR or smaller mirrorless cameras. We also love the fold-out front pocket, which is a great place to store extra accessories like batteries and SD cards. 

6. Vanguard Alta Rise 43 Sling

Vanguard is known for its innovative photo accessories, such as its tri-footed monopods (it makes sense when you see it), and this bag is another fine example. 

The Vanguard Alta Rise 43 Sling features a useful expansion system, using a single zip to add 6cm of storage width to the interior in a single motion. It's capable of fitting a camera of pretty much any size, up to pro DSLR specs, as well as 4-5 lenses and other accessories. 

All this does make it pretty bulky, especially for a sling bag, but if you don't mind the size and weight, it's one of the most versatile bags for travel out there.

7. Gomatic/Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling 8L

The McKinnon 8L Camera Sling should meet the needs of photographers who use a smartphone, small DSLR or mirrorless camera systems.  There are plenty of pockets, pouches, and dividers for you to organize your gear to suit your preferences. The single padded sling enables you to carry it on your back or keep it close to your chest to protect your gear in crowds and the durable water-resistant material will help you keep shooting regardless of the weather.

8. Morally Toxic Valkyrie

Camera backpacks have got a bit samey over the years, and we can all admit that the boxy black designs, while functional, are not the most exciting. The Morally Toxic range, a spin-off from tripod manufacturers 3 Legged Thing , is an attempt to blow some of the dust out and rethink what camera bags can look like – and their backpack, the Morally Toxic Valkyrie, is a triumph. 

The smart design gives you access to your gear from all angles, without compromising security or weatherproofing thanks to the tough zips. Also, the "Morally" in the name refers to the fact that the bags are manufactured responsibly, with minimal plastic, and recycled ocean plastics used where possible.

If you like the sound of the Morally Toxic Valkyrie but would prefer a messenger of sling, then consider the Morally Toxic Wraith , which is the second debut bag in the range. We're hoping for a lot more in the future, as we reckon the makers are onto a good thing here. 

9. Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack

While mirrorless cameras my be the tools of the moment, there are loads of photographers out there who still find the good old DSLR to be their ideal workhorse camera. The Tenba DNA 16 DSLR Backpack is designed for those who have a chunkier setup and a lot to carry – it's got a dedicated, removable section for DSLR-carrying, and you can use the top section to carry all sorts of miscellaneous kit. Our reviewer used it for a gimbal and a smallish JOBY panning/tracking electric tripod, to give you an idea of the kind of space you have to work with. The large sleeve for a laptop or iPad is handy too, and we like that the water-repelling fabric pairs with a water-resistant weatherwrap cover for serious bad-weather protection. 

10. Manfrotto Pro Light Reloader Switch-55

When you need to travel with multiple cameras and lenses, even carrying it all in a camera backpack could become a burden. Transporting everything in a wheeled roller bag and letting the ground take the strain may therefore be a better option.

At first glance Manfrotto 's Reloader Switch-55 looks like a typical roller bag. Its external 55 x 35.5 x 23cm dimensions meet most airline cabin baggage requirements, and this translates to an equally practical 47 x 32 x 18cm interior - enough for a decent selection of full-frame cameras and lenses in a variety of configurations. A large, top-loading slot on the front panel can accommodate a 17” laptop, and there’s a tripod attachment on one side.

The Reloader Switch-55 is also beautifully made and feels reassuringly rugged. Its internal skeleton resists hard knocks and abuse, while generously thick internal padding cossets your gear.

But the standout feature of this bag is that it can also be worn as a backpack - ideal if some parts of your journey will be over terrain too rough for the bag's wheels. Discreetly stowed in a concealed front pocket are two wide shoulder straps that pack impressively flat. The conversion isn’t the quickest, but the end result is surprisingly comfortable.

Despite the straps and quality build, the bag still weighs a reasonable 4kg.

11. Think Tank Airport International V3

This may be one of the priciest camera roller bags you can buy, but you get what you pay for. It's built for pro photographers, and the interior is cleverly shaped to fit a pair of gripped DSLR bodies and lenses as large as a 500mm f/4. There’s also space for a 15” laptop and 10” tablet, plus a tripod on the side. It’s carry-on suitable at 53.3 x 35.6 x 20.3 cm, though we measured the external thickness at 23cm.

Though all of the bags in this guide are built to last, the Airport International V3 exudes supreme quality at every point, from the handle down to the zippers. It lacks the sheer rigidity of a full-blown hard case, but zipped shut it still manages to retain its shape when stood on, partly thanks to the excellent, well-padded rigid interior dividers.

Smart touches include a four-stage extending handle that only intrudes half-way down the bag when stowed, generously-sized underside scuff panels, a stout zipper lock, and even a coated cable and combination lock to tie the bag to an immovable object.

12. Peli Air Case 1535

Hard cases for cameras offer the best possible protection for your gear, short of locking it in a safe, and they’re still fairly portable for travelling. Peli’s Air cases are more portable than most rivals, having been designed to be 40% lighter than a regular Peli hard case of the same size. 

Consequently the Air 1535 weighs just 3.95kg, though that’s only for the plastic shell. Load it with foam padding or a divider insert and the weight difference between this and the equivalently-sized Peli Protector 1510 hard case is more marginal. That said, the Air Case 1535 is fitted with wheels, so even though this is one of the heavier modes of transport on this list, you won't have to carry it far.

With external dimensions of 55.8 x 35.5 x 22.8cm, this case has been designed to stay compliant with most airline cabin luggage rules. But if it does have to go in the hold, you needn't worry, as your gear will stay unharmed even if it encounters the most careless baggage handler. We did our best to burst the Air Case 1535, and while it does flex slightly more when crushed than some heavier hard cases, the difference is reassuringly small. This case is also fully waterproof in addition to being crushproof - your camera gear will stay dry even in a monsoon downpour.

The default interior option is diced foam. You can also spec a Velcro divider insert, but we sampled for Peli’s innovative TrekPak system. This uses sheets of corrugated plastic sandwiched between layers of dense, closed-cell foam. There’s a bespoke cutter included so you can slice each sheet into strips to fit around the gear you want to carry, and the joins are secured by special hooped pins. It’s a very nicely engineered padding system that’s more elegant than basic Velcro dividers, but it's a bit less soft and cossetting than a more conventional foam interior.

13. Vanguard Supreme 53D

We love a camera bag/case that can fit in airline hand luggage, but sometimes you just have to travel with too much camera gear for that, so checking it into the hold is your only option.

In this case, you may as well go large, and at 63 x 52 x 24cm on the outside, the Supreme 53D hard case from Vanguard certainly is that. The payoff is a capacious 56 x 45 x 20cm interior - large enough to carry a serious amount of gear. Thankfully the 53D also has wheels, which are a real must as the case weighs over 10kg, and that's when it's empty.

The D in 53D signifies this case carries a removable padded divider insert, rather than the 53F which contains cubed foam. The 53D is little more expensive than the 53F, but the price difference isn't vast and the D is the smarter buy if you need to reconfigure your interior to carry varied kit requirements. The divider insert is highly customisable, but annoyingly it doesn’t quite fill the whole case, leaving some room for it to wobble around.

Despite its large size, the 53D feels every bit as invincible as more compact cabin-sized cases, with its lid held shut by no fewer than six latches. It’s also rated to withstand 120kg of crushing and is waterproof to a 5m depth.

How we test camera bags

At DCW, we thoroughly test the camera gear that comes our way. With camera bags, we look at build quality, capacity, weatherproofing, ease of use, and any other features that feel relevant to the photographers and videographers who will be using the kit. We have a team of in-house experts who take bags out into the field to see how they perform in real-world shooting scenarios, and we use their findings and opinions to inform our comments in buying guides. 

Read more: • Best camera bags • The best camera backpacks • The best camera sling bags • Hard cases for cameras • The best messenger bags for photographers • The best luxury leather and canvas camera bags • The best roller bags for your camera • The 10 best travel cameras • Best travel drones • Best travel adaptor • The best lenses for travel • The best laptop power banks

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Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys. 

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National Geographic photo engineer Tom O'Brien researched and tested over 40 bags from 15 manufacturers.

The Best Camera Bags for Travelers

Our photo engineer tested over 40 camera bags, so you don't have to.

Whether traveling to another continent or just around town, it never hurts to have a great bag to safely carry your camera gear. One that can handle the rigors of travel—or carry more than just your camera—is a plus. National Geographic photo engineer Tom O'Brien researched and tested over 40 bags from 15 manufacturers. Some gear traveled from Baja California to Washington D.C. to be tested in a multitude of situations. Whether you’re planning a backcountry expedition or a trip to an urban jungle, browse our favorites to see what gear works best for you.

Adventure Bags

If your travels take you quite literally off the beaten path, check out these hiking- and outdoor-ready camera bags. They’re equipped to handle everything you—or the wilderness—can throw at them.

If your exploration plunges you into the depths of the urban jungle, these city-focused camera bags help you get the job done while keeping a low profile.

Luxury Bags

For travelers of exceptionally discerning taste, these handcrafted bags are both brilliant camera totes and wonderful style accessories.

All-Around Bags

Jack-of-all trades, master of none, these winning bags earn a category all their own. Each has its own special features that qualify it as a great all-around bag.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Bag Inserts

If you’re already satisfied with your travel bag, but need a safe way to store your camera gear, padded camera insert bags may be the perfect fit.

Looking for gear to fill your bag? Explore our favorite compact cameras , accessories for you camera phone , and more of our favorite gear and tips .

Tom O'Brien is a mechanical engineer and the photo engineer for National Geographic magazine. He designs and builds custom equipment for the photographers of the magazine. You can follow him on Instagram @Mechanicalphoto .

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• PHOTOGRAPHY
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23 Best Photography Backpacks in 2024 (Multiple Size Options)

Written by Dan

Updated on December 30th, 2023

This year’s best ideas for photography backpacks, include bags that fit laptops, photo bags that are great for travel, sling bags and photo backpacks for every type of photographer.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Best Photography Backpacks

Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 (3L)

Moment Rugged Camera Sling

Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5V2.0 Sling Camera Bag

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling (8L)

Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Camera Bag

Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag

Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 V2.0 Shoulder Bag

Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Shoulder and Belt Bag

Vanguard Havana 48-Backpack

Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II Camera Backpack

Moment MTW Backpack

• Moment Everything Backpack

Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip (15L)

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 (20L)

Hex Ranger Clamshell Black DSLR Backpack

WANDRD PRVKE 21L v2 Photo Bundle

MindShift Gear BackLight 18L Backpack

• Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack with 2 Small Cubes (25L)
• Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack with Medium Camera Cube Kit
• Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera and Laptop Backpack
• Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro V2.0 Backpack
• Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack
• f-stop TILOPA 50L Expedition Backpack Bundle

I have a long history with photography backpacks. The amount of photography gear that I have, and the amount that I need to carry around, changes based on the type of photography that I am doing.

Sometimes I’ll go out for the day with a small camera. Other times, I’ll need to carry two camera bodies and several lenses. The bag that I choose to use matters a lot, in these cases!

In this article, you’ll learn about different size options for camera backpacks. I’ll mention if I have used the bag in its current model, or a previous version. I’m excited to share some of my experience with you, and I hope that this list of photography backpack ideas helps you choose the right backpack for your photography.

Small photography bags

Small photography bags are perfect for times when you want to carry a camera along with other items. This type of photography bag should be somewhat padded, or should at lease have plenty of pockets in which to stash some spare batteries, cleaning cloths and memory cards.

During most of the times when you are carrying a single camera, you’ll probably be carrying other items. You may want to check out a padded camera sleeve. I’ve used this one , and I’ve put my camera in a regular backpack, and it works pretty well.

There are three types of small camera bags, in my opinion. There are small backpacks , which I’m focusing on in this article, and there are slings and messenger bags. There are a lot of camera sling and messenger bag options and I am going to mention a few, in case that fits what you’re looking for.

I’ll leave you with a pro tip here: a great way to feel more secure about taking around so much expensive photography gear in any type of photography bag is to get a set of Apple AirTags . AirTags let you track your ba’s location from the Find My app, on your phone. If your bag were to get stolen or lost, you’d be able to trace the location!

Camera slings

Slings are relatively useful because they are designed to be small. They carry your camera and aren’t designed to do much more. Because they typically sit on your back with one strap, they generally are nice and comfortable.

You can access your camera quickly by slinging the bag around to your front. I suppose that if the bag is small enough, you could also wear it on your front. The “front-style carry” is a great way to access your bag quickly if you need to change your lens or grab something small.

If you are looking for something to protect and stash away your camera as you go on a photography adventure, consider the options below.

Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 (3L)

The Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 has 3L, 6L and 10L options in a choice of three colors: Ash, Midnight and Black. If you’ve read my guide to the best camera accessories for photographers , you’re aware of how great I think the Peak Design Field Pouch is!

In general, Peak Design makes excellent products that are worth the price tag. The design for all of their products is well thought-out and the materials are excellent and durable. All of my Peak Design products still look new and have no major issues.

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The Everyday Sling is packable and foldable, and it’s great because it can be adjusted for right or left side carrying (great for lefties or ambidextrous people!). All three sizes are designed to be worn snugly, and the dividers inside the sling create surfaces that will cradle your lenses.

Note: only the 10L model fits a laptop (a 13” one, to be exact). The other two smaller sizes will not accommodate a laptop (they will fit an iPad, though!), but they will be exceedingly smaller, more compact and slightly lower in weight.

One more notable feature is the handy clamshell opening with a high-quality zipper, which will let you reach in and grab what you need among those dividers mentioned. Check out the product page to see more details.

Versatile and compact, the Peak Design Everyday Sling v2 (3L) adapts to your needs, whether you're capturing moments or running errands.

Moment Rugged Camera Sling

The Moment Rugged Camera Sling comes in smart 6L and 10L options. This sling can be configured to be modular, with its padded dividers, and is designed for cross-body comfort that will be easy on your back during a long day.

A notable feature is the Stability Strap, made for keeping the slight tight when taking photos, or even while hiking.

What fits inside? This sling is ideal for a mirrorless or micro four thirds camera setup - think any of the mirrorless cameras you’d find in my guide to the finding the best travel cameras . You could also consider fitting a mini drone setup, or a DSLR and an accessory.

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Does it fit a laptop? Not quite. You’ll find that an 11” tablet can fit in the Moment Rugged Camera Sling. This translates to pretty much any iPad with a Smart Keyboard.

A benefit of this bag is that its total weight is 1 lb 12 oz, and that’s including its waterproof NPX body material. See more here.

The Moment Rugged Camera Sling keeps your camera safe and within reach, ideal for photographers on the move.

Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5V2.0 Sling Camera Bag

This simple and affordable sling camera bag will fit up to a “large” mirrorless camera and four lenses, all in its compact build!

You won’t get to fit a laptop in here, but for those who are into their tablets, you will indeed fit a 7.9” tablet (an iPad Air is perfect), and there’s a special padded zipper pocket at the back of the bag for that.

For me, the important feature of this sling is the number of lenses it’s designed to hold. For more of your camera accessories , there are more pockets and a 3” interior divider.

The Think Tank Photo TurnStyle 5V2.0 Sling Camera Bag provides rapid access to your gear, allowing you to seize every photo opportunity.

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling (8L)

The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling (8L) is naturally popular with fans of Peter McKinnon, who you’ll find in my guide to photographers on Youtube . Not only is Nomatic a super popular brand I’ve been following for a while, but anything under the McKinnon name is a great bet.

What I think is cool about this bag, especially for travelers, is that it can be worn three ways: over the shoulder, cross-body and on your back.

What does it fit? Typically, a DSLR camera (mirrorless or small, specifically) and one extra lens.

And FYI, if you’re interested in other Nomatic gear, you can check out our Nomatic review round up with many more of their products.

Another travel bonus is that it has a ‘trolley strap,’ which can be attached to your rolling luggage while you are in transit. This would be great for all those times you have to switch terminals at an airport during a layover !

The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Sling (8L) is a compact, versatile solution for carrying and protecting your camera equipment on the move.

Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Camera Bag

The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III is a unique bag because it’s more narrow than it is wide, yet it is still long and vertical. This would be a good bag for Becca , who’s 5’2” and pretty narrow in her shoulders. It’s hard for her to find backpacks that don’t fall off her shoulders without having a cross-chest strap for tightening.

As for this sling bag, it’ll hold a DSLR or Mirrorless and three or four lenses, depending on the size of them. A few things I appreciate this bag are its oversized zipper pulls, which are great for quickly grabbing when trying to access your stuff fast (even if you’re wearing gloves in winter), and the weather-resistant polyurethane coating, which makes this bag a bit resistant to rain and humidity (for hot trips in summer).

The Lowepro Slingshot SL 250 AW III Camera Bag is a versatile companion for photographers on the go, providing quick access and robust protection.

Camera messenger bags

Camera messenger bags can be a bit of a challenge because they start getting boxy really fast. The boxier the bag, the more bounce it has while you are walking around — or at least that is what happens to me while wearing one.

I don’t really prefer messenger bags. They either hang too low and are uncomfortable and bounce, or they sit too high and the strap slides close to my neck. Some people love messenger-style bags (especially people who bike to get around), but I’ve never had good luck with them. That’s just me!

If I were to try any messenger bags, I would try any of these options.

Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag

While the look of this bag is more of a standard camera bag than a messenger bag you would’ve worn in college, its primary use is function. It can store 1-2 digital SLR cameras with 6-10 lenses and accessories, so that’s quite a bit, when compared with the last section on sling bags.

This one is for sure an example of a boxy bag, but it has more of a lower profile. A bonus is that it has a good number of pockets for stashing your accessories, and it has a removable hand carrying strap.

Experience the vintage charm of the Domke F-2 Original Shoulder Bag, designed to carry your camera gear with ease and style.

Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 V2.0 Shoulder Bag

This down-to-earth shoulder bag for a camera can carry a combination of everything, from lenses to a 15” laptop. That’ll make editing on the go pretty easy. I like the removable carrying handle as well as the water bottle holder. A travel-friendly feature is a luggage pass-through flap for travel days.

Exude retro style with the Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 V2.0 Shoulder Bag, offering spacious and comfortable gear storage.

Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Shoulder and Belt Bag

What stands out to me about this belt bag is that it can be used as a shoulder bag or a hip bag, depending on your preference. It’s definitely a bit on the rugged, rather than sleek side of design, so you might like it if you’re often in nature or if you like the natural palette of colors.

The most useful features for using this bag outside is its water resistance and gripper shoulder strap. It fits a DLSR or mirrorless camera, along with lenses and accessories like filters.

The Domke F-5XB RuggedWear Shoulder and Belt Bag provides a versatile solution for carrying your camera and accessories.

Small backpacks

Most small bags will fit small laptops or an iPad; however, you can usually fit plenty of photography equipment inside! A small camera bag is a good opportunity for having a bag that can be converted into a regular backpack when you’re not doing anything photography-related, like travel or sightseeing.

For example, I had the small Brevite camera backpack, and I was able to take out the photography insert and use the bag for something else like being out for a day in the city.

Vanguard Havana 48-Backpack

I owned this bag a few years ago, and we brought it to Mexico a few years back! What I like about it most is that it’s affordable, and well, this is because the materials are lower quality than other bags on the market. But, consider that it’s lightweight, which is nice, because you could even pack it in bigger luggage.

Because of the price point and the shorter lifespan (I’m not saying it’s going to break, but it’s not a lifetime warranty built-to-last product) means it won’t last forever. If you are rough with your photography gear, this might not be for you, but, if you are more of a hobby shooter, and want a light bag, this bag is a good first small photographer backpack to check out.

The Vanguard Havana 48-Backpack combines casual aesthetics with practical functionality, ideal for everyday use and travel.

Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II Camera Backpack

Lowepro is one of the older and trusted brands in photography bags, and this particular camera backpack is small and compact, which I think is great. It contains sternum straps and a waist belt, which helps distribute the weight. It also has a pocket for a 7” tablet, which is nice if you plan to take it as a personal item on a flight, for example, and watch stuff or do express-style edits on your iPad.

Experience versatility and protection with the Lowepro Flipside 200 AW II Camera Backpack, designed for secure and convenient access to your gear.

Moment MTW Backpack

This fan-favorite bag is popular in the photography world, and Moment is a great brand to start exploring into if you aren’t yet familiar! This backpack is what I’d call minimalist and attractive, as in, I’d wear it on a day-to-day basis, out with friends or family or as a daypack on a little trip.

It’s an “everyday” backpack that has tons of internal pockets for things you might need as a photographer. You’ll have no problem stashing away cables, memory cards, a laptop and a tablet. I have the 17L and I put my mirrorless camera in a padded camera wrap in the main compartment. I love this bag!

Here’s an example of the padded camera wrap from Domke.

Check out the 17L and the 21L version.

Make sure to check this out and see if it's for you!

Moment Everything Backpack

As the next iteration of Moment’s original photography backpack, the MTW, the Everything Backpack is a duo for most fans of the brand. Why does it have double use cases? Put quite simply, it’s both an everyday laptop backpack as well as a photographer’s favorite day bag.

I used this backpack on the go, out for a day in NYC shooting with Becca in Soho and the Village. It worked out best because it has a clip-in feature for Moment’s 4L camera insert cube.

A few of the standout features of the bag are the lightweight materials, the heaps of pockets in the laptop compartment, double zippers, a handy front pocket with a slide-in phone pocket and a great mesh back panel. To see a full list of my thoughts on this one, check out my review of the Everything Backpack .

Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack

I had an early version of the Brevite bag . I had the company’s first bag from their Kickstarter campaign! I think they’ve really upgraded it since I first got my hands on it several years ago, and it now looks more modern, with some nice features for photographers like ways it lets you carry a tripod, zippered side pocket for easy camera access and lastly, room to store a 16” laptop.

The camera insert on the bottom was perfect when I used this backpack because I always carry a camera and a lens, along with some other things that I wanted with me, for the day.

The Brevite Jumper Photo Backpack combines handy aesthetics with practical functionality for photographers on the move.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip (15L)

This backpack is a smaller version of the 20L Peak Design that I own, and I’ve had it for around five years. All-around, the Peak Design Everyday Backpacks are winners. They’re versatile. They look great.

They’re also unique-looking in a good way, because they’re expertly built to be weather-resistant. They have high-quality zippers (a very important feature for me). Overall, they’re an attractively constructed clamshell-style bag that also has side openings great for small tripods, lenses and camera bodies.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip (15L) is a versatile choice for the active commuter, seamlessly blending form and function.

Medium photography bags

A medium-sized photography bag gets you more of a standard-size photography bag. With these size of backpacks, you can usually customize the inside with your chosen cubes, and rearrange and reconfigure the inside to fit multiple situations and photo setups.

These bags should be able to hold a 70-200 f/2.8 lens and should likely fit your laptop.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 (20L)

This backpack, of course, is my favorite long-term, durable and reliable medium-sized camera backpack. I’ve been using it and have been traveling with the first version of the Peak Design Everyday Backpack since my travels in 2016.

The 20L size is good for carrying 1-2 camera bodies and 1-2 lenses. I’ve had no issues fitting my camera stuff inside. I set my bag up using three compartments. I put my camera gear in the bottom two, and I leave the top compartment open for a jacket or for my Peak Design field pouch or tech kit.

The bag by itself is heavy and the materials are dense, and it gets especially heavy when you load it up. Keep this in mind. It is pretty comfortable, though, and is well-balanced and well-designed. If you need more capacity, check out the slightly larger 30L version .

Crafted with versatility and style in mind, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack v2 (20L) effortlessly adapts to your daily needs.

Hex Ranger Clamshell Black DSLR Backpack

I originally had my eye on this camera backpack for a few of its travel-friendly and outdoors-friendly highlights. Namely, these were the luggage handle pass-through which make it a good stacking backpack for using with a suitcase, the water bottle pocket (you know me by now, and this is a priority!) and a padded laptop sleeve that’ll keep laptops up to 15” safe inside this bag.

Hex is a cool brand I’ve been introduced to recently and I also have their small backpack and waist pack/belt bag. What I like about the Ranger DSLR backpack is the full ability to customize the interior with dividers and organize my camera gear like that. I also think the clamshell design is both unique and highly useful, as I can zip it open, see everything inside and take out exactly what I need. It comes with a rain cover, too.

WANDRD PRVKE 21L v2 Photo Bundle

WANDRD is a great brand that you’ll see in the photography world. They make handy products that the experts tend to really enjoy. This roll-top style backpack is nice when you’re not using this bag for photography. You can stuff things inside. We’ve used a similar bag for groceries.

This is a cool dual purpose daypack that fits a camera cube inside, letting you pack in a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod and two to four lenses. Like a backpack for hiking or traveling, it has a set of two waist straps that distribute the weight.

I’d say its minimalist style sets it apart, along with the weatherproof materials and coating. This bag comes in lots of different sizes, so look at the product variants. You can consider putting the different variants in each category if you want.

Enhance your photography journeys with the WANDRD PRVKE 21L v2 Photo Bundle, an innovative solution for professionals and hobbyists alike.

MindShift Gear BackLight 18L Backpack

This is a traditional camera bag from MindShift and with its clamshell opening, you can immediately see how it compartmentalizes camera accessories for a photographer on the go. You can fit a lot of things inside this bag, and to that end, it has a lot of support in the straps and the waist straps for if your gear gets heavy.

One thing to note is that this backpack is not practical for a hobby photographer who’s looking to take a camera out for the day. You’d use this backpack when you’re traveling and need a lot of cameras and lenses. The BackLight 18L is also useful for hiking up to a destination (maybe for night photography or a related specific use) when you are bringing a lot of options with you.

The MindShift Gear BackLight 18L Backpack provides comfortable, accessible storage for your photography equipment during your outdoor adventures.

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack with 2 Small Cubes (25L)

We mentioned Nomatic in the beginning of this article, and the brand is still a fan favorite for photographers who want versatile and modern backpack options. The McKinnon Camera Backpack in 25L is expensive, but high quality that will last you for decades.

I really enjoy this bag because it’s both lightweight, super versatile and made from quality materials. When you buy it on Nomatic’s website , you can choose from a variety of options with what to fill the main cavity with.

I chose to use 2 small camera cubes to be able to use the bag for other things other than photography, like travel.

Even when you don’t fill the main cavity with camera lenses and other accessories, the top access has enough room for a camera body and 1 or 2 small lenses.

It’s Peter McKinnon’s bag, and it offers tons of options for custom-building the inside compartments. It’s meant to switch from photographic use to daypack use in no time. It also fits a laptop up to 16” so you can consider remote work while you’re out using this bag.

For travel, it also has a trolley strap so you can attach it to your luggage at the airport.

Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack

Showcase your photography expertise with the highly functional Nomatic McKinnon Camera Backpack, your ideal partner for photo adventures.

Large photography bags

A large photography backpack should have the disclaimer that you should know what you’re signing up for! Someone short, or with a narrow frame or someone who gets frequent back pain should think twice before getting a large backpack that will handle tons of heavy gear.

For everyone else though, the benefit of large photography backpacks is that you might need one if you’re going on a trip and need a lot of variation in your camera bodies and lenses. Here are the best large photography backpacks on the market right now for you to check out.

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack with Medium Camera Cube Kit

I have this backpack exactly, and it is one of my favorite backpacks for travel as well. As mentioned above, Peak Design is a durable and trusty brand and that’s why I’ve invested into their products for my travel and photo needs.

This travel photography backpack comes with the medium camera cube. Peak Design sells two sizes of camera cubes. The small one can fit a body and about two lenses, whereas the medium one fits two cameras with grips and lenses.

The benefit of this 45L backpack is that you can also put in Peak Design’s other cubes, like the field pouch and the tech pouch .

The medium cube is modular inside, so it makes it nice to be able to customize and configure the bag interior how you want.

One thing to watch out for is the laptop sleeve is held together by a Velcro flap. Be careful about your laptop as you open the bag. I’ve never had it fall, but because the laptop is on the same part that you unzip, it’s something to be careful of.

This backpack has come with me on more trips than I can count and I wholeheartedly recommend its usability, versatility and durability.

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Unleash your wanderlust with the Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack, designed for maximum packing flexibility and uncompromised comfort.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II Camera and Laptop Backpack

This standard, yet nearly 25-L camera bag for travel, is from trusted brand Lowepro. I think its best features are that it provides targeted support for carrying one or even two DSLRs, along with space for up to eight flashes or lenses. The interior laptop pocket not only protects, but suspends, laptops up to 15” so that you can edit photos on the go.

Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II

Travel confidently with the Lowepro ProTactic BP 450 AW II, designed to protect and organize your gear in rugged conditions.

Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro V2.0 Backpack

The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker has a unique shape in that it’s long and narrow at first glance. Among its best features are that it weighs only 3.5 lbs when empty, which, for all its straps, interior padding, rain cover and dividers, is not too hefty for a camera backpack!

Note: while this backpack can hold a 10” tablet, it is not meant for toting a laptop, so keep that in mind during your decision-making!

Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro v2.0

Carry your camera gear in comfort and style with the Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro v2.0, designed for the urban photographer.

Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter Backpack

Think Tank is a trusted brand and this backpack does it all. It has features that I’d consider useful for travel, like an adjustable harness, removable wait belt, water bottle pocket (you know now that this is important to me!), handles on three sides and a top zipper pocket that’s good for storing a passport.

This backpack is built for efficiency, especially for those heading out on trips where photography is a priority.

Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter

Keep your gear safe and organized with the Think Tank Photo Airport Commuter, your best companion for the skies.

f-stop TILOPA 50L Expedition Backpack Bundle

You can’t miss this one: it’s bright orange. The f-stop TILOPA 50L backpack is a sizable photography backpack and its features are no joke. It will hold all your photo gear, protected by the rain cover it comes with, and the padded back panel/straps/belt make it a good photography bag to hike with.

f-stop has pretty much thought of everything during the creation of this bag, from the water-resistant outer to an integrated whistle (watch out for bears!).

f-stop TILOPA 50L Expedition

Carry everything you need for your journey with the f-stop TILOPA 50L Expedition, built for extended trips and challenging terrains.

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The 20 Best Camera Bags for Travel in 2024

Amar Hussain

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Different Camera Bag Styles

Things to consider with a camera bag, 1. best for security-conscious travelers, 2. best for those who like to keep it low-key, 3. best for retro fans, 4. for women who want low-key camera storage, 1. best for discreet all-around protection, 2. for carrying drones or cameras, 3. best for dji phantom and camera combinations, 4. best for photographers with a lot of gear, 5. the super-accessible camera backpack, 6. best for flexibility and size, 7. best for low-price protection, 8. best for professionals, 1. best for hands-free photography, 2. best for budget-friendly camera storage, 3. best for photographers on the move, 4. best for cycling and hiking, for those who want function over fashion, for professionals who need a lot of gear, 1. best for keeping your camera safe in any bag, 2. best for lightweight, budget protection, final thoughts.

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Whether you take pictures for business or pleasure, ensuring that your much-loved and expensive collection of cameras, drones, lenses, and other items are well-protected on the road is key to capturing those impressive images every time.

However you choose to travel, keep your camera safe using specially-designed camera bags, backpacks, holsters, slings, and inserts that will ensure everything is protected from dents, knocks, damage, and even the elements.

Luckily, there are camera bags that suit every possible travel style. Whether you need to take a ton of gear with you or are just looking for something simple and protective, there are plenty of different types and sizes of bags available. Here are some of the most popular:

• Pouches — Every time you buy a camera, you will probably get a free pouch with it. It’ll offer very basic protection, but you can upgrade to a more secure one to protect your investment.
• Insert — If you don’t want to use a special camera backpack, a padded insert will keep your gear safe and can be hidden away in any other bag you already use.
• Holsters — These are designed to keep your camera and a few accessories safe. You can usually find one that fits your make and model exactly. These are a useful addition to your kit that can fit inside your suitcase , travel bag, or other larger backpack.
• Waist Belts — These may not be the coolest way to carry your camera around, but they are one of the most practical. Keep your camera safe and your hands-free with a padded pouch that sits snugly around your waist.
• Shoulder Bags — Also known as messengers bags, these are the most popular types of camera bags available. Roomy enough to carry everything you need for a long day’s shooting, these bags have a variety of compartments that can house your camera, drone, charger, lenses, SD cards, light meter, and other accessories.
• Backpacks — If you need to take your computer with you, a backpack is a great way to carry not only your DLSR and a variety of lenses and accessories, but also your tablet or laptop . With a separate padded compartment and several additional places to stow your camera and associated paraphernalia, a backpack looks cool and is definitely practical.

Size and Capacity

The bag you choose will need to be roomy enough to fit your camera, lenses, charger, spare batteries, and any other accessories you need to capture epic images. The amount of supporting gear you want to carry will pretty much dictate the size of the bag you need.

Even the smallest of camera bags will need space to carry SD cards, batteries, and chargers (otherwise there is no point in carrying it!). Before you commit to an expensive, hip-looking camera sling, write out a list of everything you want to take with you, and find something that can comfortably hold all your items without damaging delicate and expensive equipment.

Hot Tip: Also take into consideration that your camera gear collection may grow further down the line! Don’t choose a bag that can barely fit what you’ve got — leave room for future options, too.

Material and Durability

If you like to take pictures, chances are you don’t limit yourself to just shooting indoors. Weather conditions are a constant consideration for photographers, and ensuring your camera equipment remains safe and dry is of paramount importance.

Most camera bags are made from strong, hi-tech materials like ballistic nylon that offer water resistance and protection from harsh temperatures and conditions. If you don’t usually have to worry about poor weather — or simply prefer an old-school vibe — traditional canvas bags are hard-wearing and cool-looking, and will probably be waterproof enough to withstand the occasional downpour.

Photographers don’t sit still for long. Chasing that perfect picture will likely involve some car, bus, or even air travel. You might even need to get yourself across vast, difficult terrains to find the perfect spot to shoot. With this in mind, buying a bag that is hard to carry or uncomfortable to wear is a definite no-no!

Your bag should offer some levels of adjustability so it will be comfortable to carry for long periods of time. If you need to keep your hands free, or won’t be working in a location where you want to put your bag down, then backpacks, slings, or belt pouches will work better for you.

Ease of Use and Access

If you need super-fast access to your camera, how quickly you can grab it will be massively important. Many dedicated camera bags offer side compartments for fast access, and materials like Velcro mean you can reach in and get in as soon as you need it.

Shoulder bags and messenger bags have a definite advantage over other types of camera bags as they offer the easiest access. A waist belt could also be a good option since you will have your hands free to point and shoot at the exact moment you need to.

Customization

Most high-end camera bags offer some level of customization, meaning that you can make them more comfortable to carry as well as transforming them into the perfect space for all your supplies. On the outside, straps can be used over your shoulders or cross-body, while internal compartments can be rearranged to fit your needs.

The useable space in a fit-for-purpose camera bag will be fully adjustable. Many use Velcro squares attached to the top or bottom of the bag that can be resized to keep your kit safe and sound at all times. Some bags will even let you remove the camera storage insert entirely if you need to transfer it for use in another larger bag.

You can buy internal organizers that are designed to fit a variety of bags. These dividers are important to ensure you can accommodate a variety of lens kits, as you may need to use different size lenses for different shots.

Security and Discreetness

Sometimes it pays to be discreet, and in certain locations having a bag that screams “look at my expensive camera equipment” probably isn’t a good idea. Cameras are prime real estate for would-be thieves, and your bag will need to protect your gear from human threats as well as the elements.

It will need to have secure, sturdy zippers and fastenings, and should be easy to lock up if you need to. Your bag should also be simple and inconspicuous on the outside to prevent it from being a beacon to would-be criminals.

The 4 Best Camera Shoulder Bags for Travel

If you’re looking for the ultimate bag to protect your camera and equipment that’s lightweight and durable enough to take everywhere, check out some of these beauties:

Pacsafe Metrosafe LS200 Econyl Crossbody

Weight: 1.35 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 12.6 x 10.6 x 3.5 inches

The Metrosafe LS200 shoulder bag from Pacsafe is not only comfortable and practical — it is also designed to protect your gear from both damage and theft . Its fabric has a steel mesh embedded into it to make it slash-proof and theft-resistant.

Designed to house a DSLR camera, this bag includes 2 lockable, zippered compartments; a suspended and padded interior tablet sleeve, 2 interior zippered pockets, 2 side pockets for water bottles, and a key clip. It can be converted into a backpack, as well. It has an RFID-blocking pocket. It’s made from water-resistant recycled ocean plastic.

What We Like

• Tablet sleeve is suspended so it doesn’t hit the floor when you put the bag down

What We Don’t Like

• Too small for larger DLSRs and lenses.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L

Weight: 2.43 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 16.14 x 6.69 x 11.81 inches

The Everyday Messenger from Peak Design has plenty of interior space to carry everything you need on your next shoot. A rigid multi-panel design means the bag keeps its shape regardless of how much you shoehorn into it.

Complete with dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, you can also carry a full-frame DSLR with up to 3 additional lenses and accessories. There is a built-in tripod carry feature that works with both travel and full-size models  that has a silicone band to keep the legs together while carrying.

Good-looking yet discrete, this camera bag is made from a weatherproof waxed exterior, and it features high-density padding as well as weatherproof zippers. On the inside, the origami-inspired FlexFold dividers let you alter the internal storage to custom fit your requirements.

The unique MagLatch closure system doesn’t require a traditional lock (and is easy to open with 1 hand for fast access to your camera), and the sleek seatbelt-style straps make it incredibly comfortable to carry around with you.

Stylish, low-key, and infinitely practical, the Everyday Messenger Bag from Peak Design is a good choice for those who take their photography seriously.

• Padded laptop sleeve accommodating a 13-inch laptop
• Bag doesn’t stand up on its own

Kattee Leather Canvas Camera Bag Vintage DSLR SLR Messenger Shoulder Bag

Weight: 2.76 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 14.1 x 12.2 x 4.7 inches

This retro take on the modern-day camera bag is a stunning canvas shoulder bag that will comfortably house your DSLR camera and accessories for your next adventure . It is especially suitable for photojournalists and sports photographers — or anyone with an interest in the great outdoors paired with the charm of vintage fashion.

The bag itself can be used as a stand-alone leisure bag, too, giving you endless travel possibilities. As a camera bag, it offers 2 adjustable padded dividers for interior flexibility and customization. A built-in microfiber cloth will help protect your camera’s screen from scratches, and the numerous internal pockets will keep your accessories safe.

On the outside, brass buckles, cowhide fasteners, and metal snap buttons look amazing, and the big lid and wide strap give easy access to your camera equipment (it’s comfortable to carry, too).

• Can be used as a camera or messenger bag
• No top handle to pick up quickly

MOSISO Camera Case Crossbody Shoulder Messenger Bag

Weight: 1.43 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 11.81 x 7.87 x 9.84 inches

This feminine option is designed to look more like a regular handbag than a hardcore camera bag . Made from gorgeous pink synthetic leather, this bag will comfortably house a standard-size DSLR camera and 2-3 lenses alongside other essentials, including your cell phone and keys.

The main compartment has 3 removable modular inserts so you can divide it as needed, with the whole interior covered in soft foam. A hidden anti-theft zippered pocket can safely secure a phone or wallet. There’s also a front zippered pocket for frequently used items.

The bag is made from durable canvas and faux leather, and comes with a waterproof rain cover. A trolley sleeve makes it easy to carry at the airport.

• Stylish and practical
• Can be tricky to place the dividers inside the bag

The 8 Best Camera Backpacks for Travel

Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L

Weight: 4.86 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 14.2 x 7.8 x 20.5 inches

This 30-liter backpack has been designed with the needs of photographers like you in mind. With its chic modern look and clean aesthetic, this is a stunning camera bag designed to keep your gear safe while you travel.

Totally adaptable, this backpack offers easy accessibility, expandability, and organization. Need to grab your camera in a hurry? No problem — the patented MagLatch provides lightning-fast top access, with dual side-loading via 2 weatherproof side zips.

Inside the main compartment, the FlexFold dividers can be custom fitted to keep your drone, camera, lenses, and other important gear safe as you travel (there is also a dedicated 15-inch padded laptop pocket). Made from compression-molded, high-density EVA foam dividers, your expensive equipment will be protected against knocks, dents, and other damage.

This backpack is pricey, but it’s also made from durable nylon with a double PU-coated finish — and we think it’s worth every penny . With no fancy logo and a sleek minimalist design, this is a discreet but cleverly designed camera bag that will keep your gear safe without drawing too much attention to it.

• Side pockets for water bottles or tripods
• Hip belt must be purchased separately

Manfrotto Advanced² Befree Camera Gear Backpack

Weight: 2.86 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 10.63 x 6.7 x 17.32 inches

This discreet yet well-equipped camera backpack is designed to comfortably hold all the gear you need, including DSLR cameras and drones — but it’s still compact enough to comply with standard airline carry-on luggage size regulations . Winner!

With an external tripod strap and secure side pockets, you really can use this backpack for a variety of different shots and locations. Made from a durable and strong synthetic fabric, this backpack will protect your kit from the elements, and the new design includes rear access.

On the inside, the dividers offer custom storage solutions for your camera and accessories. There is even the option to fold them out of the way or pull them out completely. This modular protection system gives you complete control over the internal layout of the backpack and can be tailored to fit your needs.

The laptop compartment will hold up to a 15-inch laptop and 9.7-inch tablet, and the main camera compartment can accommodate a medium-level DSLR with 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached (with space for 6 additional lenses). A great choice for the photographer who takes everything with them!

• Modular dividers to suit your gear
• Backpack straps could be more padded

Manfrotto MB BP-D1 DJI Professional Drone Backpack

Weight: 4.18 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 13.4 x 9 x 22 inches

This impressive-looking backpack is perfect for carrying all of your drone gear with you . Designed to fit the DJI Phantom (or similarly-sized drones), this backpack takes the strain out of carrying the drone itself, as well as all the paraphernalia you need to fly and film on the road.

Its interior compartments offer flexible storage, and the side compartment will safely house your iPad and 17-inch laptop so you can edit your footage as you travel. There is a dedicated storage space for those all-important batteries, meaning you can stay airborne for longer, and useful pockets for keeping your cables, chargers, and mounts close at hand.

Because this bag is designed specifically with drones in mind, you can have your quadcopter with mounted propellers inside the pack, while the external tripod hook secures your tripod to the outside. The top compartment is the perfect size and shape to hold your DSLR and attached lens, keeping your camera safe in the ultra-protective pouch that fits closely around your drone and your gear.

If you use your drone regularly, a bag like this is a must-have that allows you to keep everything you need for your next drone shoot safe and sound, all in 1 easy-to-access backpack.

• Comfortable to wear hiking
• Bottom of the bag needs more padding

Lowepro Pro Trekker BP 550 AW II 40L Camera Backpack

Weight: 9.02 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 14.13 x 19.41 x 22.56 inches

This expedition backpack is designed to house your camera, lenses, and other accessories safely while you travel on location. With 40 liters of capacity, it’s big enough to fit a DSLR with an attached lens and multiple lenses and accessories, and more. You will never have to worry about taking extra baggage with you again !

Cleverly designed to maximize both the internal and external space, the patent-pending MaxFit system lets you customize the internal dividers to suit your gear, and a tripod or monopod can be cinched to the outside of the backpack for easy transportation.

You can use the lined front pocket for storing phone and ID, and the removable lid converts into a carry-on backpack to store in the overhead bin.

• Removable lid can convert into a overhead-bin backpack
• Very heavy for a backpack

WANDRD PRVKE Lite Photography Bag

Weight: 2.42 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 15.75 x 10.83 x 5.39 inches

This award-winning, innovative backpack is perfect for taking your camera and accessories wherever you’re headed. With sleek, minimalist styling on the outside and a ton of useable space on the inside, this rucksack is incredibly versatile.

Made from durable and water-resistant tarpaulin and nylon dobby, this is an investment that will last you for many years to come . The pack offers easy access to your gear, with enough space to house your camera and lenses in a removable storage cube that can be configured to suit your individual equipment.

Perfect for international travel, this PRVKE bag has a dedicated compartment for your passport that sits flat against your back, as well as a laptop sleeve that makes it easy to breeze through airport security . If you don’t want to take your camera but still want to use your awesome new backpack, simply remove the storage cubes, pack, and go!

• Great-sized carry-on bag
• No front padding to protect your gear when opening the back compartment

Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator Camera Backpack

Weight: 4.19 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 14 x 9 x 20.5 inches

This backpack is large enough to carry a mountain of gear, yet still compact enough to meet most carry-on luggage size requirements. designed to house 2 gripped DSLRs with an attached 500mm lens, it can also carry a 17-inch laptop, a 10-inch tablet, and another 600mm lens.

The dedicated laptop compartment is padded to protect your equipment, and the inside space is designed with flexibility in mind. A variety of mesh interior pockets make carrying your cables, chargers, batteries, and memory cards super simple, and the tripod/monopod mounting system means you’ll be ready to shoot from the moment you arrive.

This backpack is also designed for comfort. The contoured adjustable harness with lumbar support and height-adjustable sternum straps make it easy to find the right fit to suit your dimensions. With handles on 3 sides, it’s also incredibly easy to move the pack around when you’re not wearing it.

The Think Tank Photo Airport Accelerator backpack also comes with a seam-sealed rain cover to make sure you’re ready to shoot, whatever the weather.

• Padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop
• Could do with some wheels as an optional way to transport

AmazonBasics Backpack for DSLR Cameras and Accessories

Weight: 1.96 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 11.75 x 8.75 x 14.5 inches

A great camera vessel from the AmazonBasics range, this backpack is the perfect fit for DSLR cameras and accessories. It has plenty of room for your camera, lenses, cables, chargers, batteries, and all the other equipment that you need to capture epic images on the go.

The main internal compartment is lined with fabric-covered foam, and you can use the dividers to reconfigure it to your needs. On the outside, you’ll find 2 side pockets with flaps that are great for keeping your keys, cell phone, and wallet safe, plus 2 large zippered pockets for your manuals, notebooks, and other documents.

Offering a lot of bag for a very low price , this AmazonBasics backpack comes with heavily padded shoulder straps and wide, adjustable waist and chest straps — all of which help make the backpack comfortable to wear, even when weighed down with all your gear.

Made from durable synthetic material, this bargain backpack is ready to handle even the toughest of assignments for both professional and amateur photographers.

• Lots of small pockets for keeping organized
• Straps are a bit small for larger people

Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack

Weight: 4.97 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 17.7 x 7.9 x 21.3 inches

This premium roll-top backpack is cleverly designed, well-made, and beautiful for the perfect way to carry your camera equipment with you everywhere. With enough internal space to comfortably house a DSLR body with an attached ultra-wide-angle lens plus a DJI Mavic Pro, everything you need to handle any shooting location can be kept close at all times.

Inside the backpack, the SafeZone removable camera pod system offers customizable storage space with a dual-density padded bottom. The divider system is designed to fold around every piece of gear, ensuring that your entire kit is kept safe. There are also 2 dedicated protective compartments that can comfortably fit a 15-inch MacBook Pro plus an iPad (or other 10-inch tablets).

But that’s not all: front pockets provide plenty of organization and quick-stash storage for items you need quickly, like your passport, keys, wallet, or important documents. And the clever side pockets offer easy access to your camera and drone gear to ensure you never miss a shot.

• Handy side-loading compartments to use as a sling or backpack
• Too large to use as a carry-on for some airlines

The 4 Best Camera Holster Bags for Travel

Case Logic DCB-306 SLR Camera Holster

Weight: 12 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 8.4 x 8.0 x 5.5 inches

If you want to safely store and transport your DSLR and selected accessories with ease, this compact holster from Case Logic offers everything you need to keep your gear protected. The well-padded main compartment will protect your camera and the zippered lid allows you easy but discrete access.

This bag is designed to hold a standard DSLR and lens and the padded bottom will ensure it’s safe from damage, even when setting it down. Carry your Case Logic Camera Holster with the padded top handle or wear it with the removable shoulder strap.

For easy access, the lid unzips away from the wearer and has a convenient zip pocket underneath for a lens cap, battery, or other small items. Zippered side pockets provide additional storage capacity.

• Sturdy base to stand up unsupported
• Won’t accommodate larger zoom lenses

AmazonBasics Holster Camera Case for DSLR Cameras

Weight: 0.88 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 6.9 x 6.3 x 9.0 inches

This AmazonBasics holster case is sleek, easy to use, and just right for budget-friendly, hands-free convenience. The holster will comfortably carry most DSLR cameras with a zoom lens attached (up to 110 millimeters), and dual adjustable Velcro straps suspend the camera securely in place for superior impact protection.

Despite the low price, this holster is big on storage and practicality . The efficient design offers extra storage space without creating any unnecessary bulk: 3 exterior zipper pockets offer just enough room for batteries, a lens-cleaning cloth, and other small items, while 2 dedicated slots in the front pocket can safely store your memory cards.

Made from quality weather-resistant material, the AmazonBasics holster has a clever waterproof wrap-around base that provides a strong barrier against bumps, too. It also helps keep the case upright, so you can reach in and grab your camera from the main compartment.

If you don’t need all the bells and whistles — and aren’t worried about logo snobbery — this is a great little camera holster for a fantastic low price.

• Waterproof base protects the camera from moisture
• Plastic clips for the straps are not that durable

USA Gear SLR Camera Holster

Weight: 10.1 ounces

Overall Dimensions : 8 x 7.25 x 6 inches

This SLR holster is tough and designed to keep pace with all your photography needs. With a durable neoprene exterior, your gear will be protected against the elements, and for those really rainy days, this bag comes with a waterproof cover.

A soft, padded interior will keep your camera safe, and the LCD screen will be protected against scratches. With a variety of zippered compartments inside, you’ll always have somewhere to stash your memory cards, batteries, power cords, and other accessories.

Compatible with most SLR cameras and a single zoom lens attachment, this holster can comfortably carry the Canon EOS Rebel T6/T6i/SL2 or Nikon D3400/D3500. Stylish and cleverly designed, this SLR camera case has professional-quality interiors that will keep your camera safe and sound wherever you are.

• Comes in a variety of colors and designs
• Zippered exterior pockets would be better

Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L

Weight: 1.21 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 7.01 x 0.39 x 9.72 inches

This lightweight and extremely versatile sling can be used for carrying your camera, drone, or other equipment around on a daily basis. It’s compact but has tons of room and plenty of padding to keep your gear safe — letting you keep your hands free for hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities.

You can wear the Peak Design Everyday Sling as a body sling or a waist bag , offering even more versatility from this 6-liter camera bag. The internal space is perfect for housing a variety of equipment, including a mirrorless camera plus 1 or 2 lenses, a DJI Mavic or Spark drone and controller with batteries and charger, or even a full-frame DSLR and lens.

A variety of internal pockets can be used to keep your cables, chargers, memory cards, and other necessities safe, too. The 2 dividers allow for customized configurations, so you can stack and organize your gear exactly the way you want.

Made from reinforced 400D double poly-coated, DWR-impregnated nylon canvas shell, this small but practical sling is the perfect solution for those who want fast access to their camera equipment without being weighed down by bulky bags or heavy luggage.

• Adjustable strap to use as a sling or fanny pack
• Too small for many medium- or large-size DLSRs

The Best Camera Beltpack for Travel

Lowepro Inverse 200 AW Camera Beltpack

Weight: 2.12 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 8.6 x 12.9 x 8.8 inches

This camera belt pack is cute but highly capable. With enough space to comfortably house a pro DSLR with a medium zoom lens attached and 2 extra lenses (or a 70-200mm lens attached in a horizontal position plus an extra lens), you’ll never be without anything you need.

Made from high-quality material with a patented all-weather cover, the 3D contoured design offers an adjustable lumbar belt to help evenly distribute weight . Not only will you find this belt pack incredibly comfortable, but your camera will be snug and safe as well.

Internal locking straps help to secure your kit, and memory card pockets on the inside offer convenient access to all the extra memory you need. There is also a front compression system with a zippered mesh pocket perfect for cable adapters, small accessories, and personal items.

Carrying your camera on your hips allows for easy access when you need it most — and the quick-access top on this bag means you’ll be ready to shoot in an instant.

• Can be worn as a waist bag or shoulder bag
• Sits quite low when packed full

The Best Camera Duffel Bag for Travel

Ultimaxx Large Water Resistant Gadget Bag

Weight: 2.05 pounds

Overall Dimensions : 17.75 x 8.5 x 7.75 inches

This brilliant travel bag offers you all the practicality of a duffel with the advanced functionality of a well-executed camera bag . You’ll have easy access to a large main compartment that can be organized to suit your gear using customizable padded dividers.

It’s the perfect size to fit in most airline overhead compartments, and its lie-flat packing design means it can be packed like a suitcase. There are exterior compartments on the sides to store the items you need quickly. Because of the amount of flexibility on the inside, you can carry your DSLR camera (or even your drone) alongside some personal belongings without the need for any other bag as you travel. A removable shoulder strap and hand straps let you carry it 2 ways as a duffel bag.

• Customizable dividers to organize your equipment
• No backpacking straps

The 2 Best Camera Inserts for Travel

Tenba BYOB 10 Camera Insert

Weight: 0.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 10.5 x 4.5 x 8 inches

If you already have the perfect travel bag but want to keep your camera safe on the go, then a camera insert could be for you. You can “bring your own bag” with Tenba’s clever camera inserts that are designed to fit a wide variety of camera systems . Transform your luggage, backpack, or even your handbag into a camera bag for your next shoot.

Made from water-repellent shadow ripstop nylon and featuring durable YKK zippers, this little insert is superstrong and really clever. The soft shells mold to fit the interior of virtually any bag, and they even come with extra pockets to help you organize accessories and everyday necessities you need to take with you.

Padded dividers are fully adjustable and designed to fit multiple configurations, and the soft-brushed tricot lining will keep your equipment safe from scratches or damage. In addition, the stretchy side pockets are perfect for holding your phone, wallet, and other accessories, while D-rings will keep your keys or tethered media wallet in 1 place.

Affordable and practical, this insert is great for those who want to split their time between photo shoots and everyday living without investing in a specialized bag.

• Other sizes available to suit your specific needs
• Velcro for attaching the dividers can become weak over time

S-ZONE Water Resistant DSLR SLR Camera Insert Bag

Weight: 0.55 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.27 x 5.12 inches

Using an insert, transform virtually any bag you own into a snug, safe, and discreet camera bag . The S-Zone Camera Bag Insert is designed to fit many of the most popular models of camera available today, including Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus, and many more.

To provide high-end protection for DSLR cameras and lenses, use these padded, fully adjustable inserts that can be moved using Velcro strips to custom-fit your equipment. It can accommodate a DSLR camera, lenses, and other gear you need to keep safe — and it’s waterproof, too.

Keep your camera away from prying eyes by using this insert in a regular backpack or bag. After all, nobody but you will know that your camera is tucked away in there! Inexpensive, practical, and easy to use, the S-Zone Camera Insert is a worthwhile addition if you don’t want to drop a ton of cash on a new camera bag but need to keep your gear protected.

• Ability to turn any bag into a camera bag
• Limited internal Velcro for customizing the dividers

Whatever type of camera you own and however big (or small) your budget, there’s a bag, backpack, holster, sling, waist belt, or camera insert that will keep your beloved camera gear safe from harm.

Make sure you get something high-quality that provides adequate protection. After all, there is no point in buying an expensive camera and then skimping on keeping it safe!

If you’re looking into purchasing some additional items for your travel adventures, be sure to check out our other product reviews:

• The Best Travel Cameras – Compact, DSLR, and Mirrorless Camera Guide
• What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [We Found Several Options]
• The Best Laptop Backpacks to Buy for Travel
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a camera bag considered a personal item.

A camera bag can be considered a personal item but it will all depend on its size and your airline’s requirements. As a rough guide, if the camera bag is handbag-sized or smaller, most airlines will consider this a personal item. Bigger camera bags with space for lenses or drones will usually be above the personal item size limit and count as your carry-on. Please contact the airline you are flying with to check their carry-on rules.

Can I put a camera in my carry-on bag?

Not only can you put your camera in your carry-on bag, but it is also highly recommended as it could be damaged in transit during your flight if you put it in your checked luggage.

What is the best camera bag for traveling?

• Kattee Leather Canvas Camera Bag
• Lowepro LP36775 Trekker 450 AW Camera Backpack
• Manfrotto Advanced² Camera Gear Backpack
• Pacsafe Camsafe LX8 Anti-Theft Camera Shoulder Bag
• Peak Design 15″ Everyday Messenger Bag 13L

Where should I pack my camera when flying?

You should carry your camera in your carry-on when flying as this will reduce the chance of damage or theft. Check the carry-on dimensions for your airline to ensure your camera bag does not exceed the maximum limit.

What to consider when buying a camera bag?

The bag you choose will need to be roomy enough to fit your camera, lenses, charger, spare batteries, and any other accessories you need to capture epic images. You’ll also want to consider the material and durability, comfort, ease of use and access to your equipment, and security.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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The Best Travel-Friendly Camera Bags for Every Type of Photographer, and Every Type of Adventure

Maybe you're a hobbyist photographer who only likes to break out the camera on vacations and other photo-friendly adventures. Or, maybe you're a working photographer who's constantly running from shoot to shoot, desperate for a new travel camera bag for stashing lenses, flashes, film, and what not.

No matter your level or whether your device of choice is a DSLR, mirrorless camera , drone, or vintage Polaroid, a camera is a photographer's number one ally and asset, a vital instrument with many fragile parts and expensive mechanisms that require protection.

The best travel camera bags will not only protect your camera from getting beat up or destroyed by bad weather, but will also offer comfortability, usability, and durability while traveling from point A to point B. The right travel camera bag provides smart packability for all your accessories and equipment to remain close-to-hand when needed for that fleeting shot. They're organized, they're tough, and most importantly, they keep your precious cameras safe and sound.

No matter your next "gig" (paid or personal) are the camera bags and backpacks to keep your focus on for your next destination shoot.

The 15 best travel camera bags for every type of photographer

Most widely known for their industrial luggage, military-grade travel/work gear, and hardshell transport cases, Pelican Products has leveraged its premium protection expertise into a camera bag for digital creatives’ next global adventure or everyday carry. The 25L Mobile Protect Backpack was built to protect against the harshest elements and the rigors of extreme travel.

• – The perfect personal item and carry-on size for most airlines.
• – Weighs just under 2 lbs.
• – Reflective logos provide added safety during nighttime expeditions.
• – Lifetime guarantee backed by Pelican.
• – Compression-molded EVA shoulder straps relieve weight and tension on your back/shoulders.
• – Outer shell boasts a water-resistant DWR coated nylon for unexpected rainfall or an accidental dip in the creek.
• – Price varies significantly depending on which color you go with.
• – The quality of this bag compared to Pelican’s hard-case camera carriers don’t seem to be on par.
• – Only one interior pocket to store smaller accessories.

Whether you’re en route to a shoot or just venturing out on your personal vacation, show up with this bag and you’ll be taken seriously. The notable and respected Swedish brand, Thule, remains a trailblazer in adventure-seeking carriers and transportation products. Though you won’t find the Enroute attached to the rooftop of an automobile, it is a perfect EDC bag for photographers out in the field, day after day—outfitted with all of the classic technical daypack features outdoorsy creatives crave.

• -The integrated passthrough strap makes for easy loading atop wheeled luggage.
• – Customizable DSLR or Mirrorless storage with adjustable dividers that keep everything neat.
• – You can easily locate your items with a brightly colored highlighter interior lining.
• – Securely holds a tripod or water bottle in the side zip-away pocket.
• – Comes with a limited lifetime warranty back by Thule.
• – Small liter size is considered a daypack, so keep in mind if you have a multi-day shoot.
• – The padded slip is not conducive for larger laptops.
• – The “camera packing cube” is a tad bulky and can becomes lopsided when packed.

Heading into the backcountry with your camera gear? The Photo Insert Pro by outdoor sportswear company, Dakine, has got your back with a foam and fleece liner construction and customizable dividers to keep your camera, lenses, and accessories secure at all times.

• – Adjustable and removable shoulder strap allows it to perform as a sleek standalone camera bag outside your pack, too.
• – Dakine’s Impact Foam displaces hard impact, avoids injury, and protects your central back area for long days of carry and travel.
• – Limited lifetime warranty backed by Dakine.
• – Sized to fit inside multiple snow and bike packs (hello, adventurers.)
• – The thin, flexible profile could be arguably less protective than other packs on the list.
• – Only one zippered pocket in the interior, which doesn’t leave much storage and organization for smaller items like SD cards, keys, lens caps, wallet, phone, etc.
• – Smaller in liter size than other bags.

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The Niko is a fantastic camera-specific bag that doesn’t scream “camera bag,” but more so a cool backpacker’s pack. With tons of room for equipment and customizable modular dividers, the Chrome Niko F-Stop pack is ready for a spin around town or even weeks on, and off, the road.

• – Ergonomic shoulder straps are made to fit a wide range of sizes and body types.
• – Exterior straps let you attach tripods, skateboards, and other large items to the outside.
• – EVA foam back panel lends comfort and breathability while nylon guarantees durability for your expensive career or hobby.
• – It exudes professionalism and caters to minimalists and digital nomads.
• – Heavier in weight compared to other bags similar in size (3 lbs.)
• – More expensive than other bags on the list.
• – The paddle laptop compartment inside is sized for only 13 in. laptops or tablets.

There’s always more than meets the eye with Poler, the quirky-cool lifestyle brand of practical outdoor apparel and gear. The Poler Elevated Camera Cooler is a great little camera bag that’s having an identity crisis as a cooler. By day, it holds your photography equipment. By night (or by lunch) it easily converts into a cooler for food and drinks. Just remove the camera inserts, and you’ve got room for snacks, beverages, and more.

• – Boasts vegan-friendly trims and a heavy-duty water-resistant polyester.
• – Perfect for a 6-pack of beer or seltzer cans, including a central, customizable compartment for your DSLR camera.
• – Inexpensive compared to others on the list.
• – Compact, stylish and multi-carry options (over-the-shoulder or by hand.)
• – Smallest in size and storage by a long shot compared to the other bags.
• – Not conducive to longer multi-day travel, or even a whole day trip, but more for a morning or afternoon shoot.

Packing multiple cameras and lenses for off-the-grid adventures? Get this bundle. Wandrd’s Prvke Bundle Pack underwent a redesign to feature new shaping and padding in the back panel as well as shoulder and waist straps, providing a more comfortable carry for all body shapes and sizes. Wandrd also updated stronger magnets in the tote handles, updated zipper u-pullers, easier-to-use key hooks, and cinch strap webbing organization for an overall neater look.

• – Product meets the bluesign® sustainability criteria.
• – Extremely waterproof
• – The luggage pass-through strap adds travel convenience to slip over the bar handle of your rolling suitcase.
• – Quickdraw side access ensures your camera is only seconds away so you never miss a shot.
• – Ample storage for other items.
• Fairly expensive.
• Heavier in weight compared to other bags (3+ lbs.).
• Liter size could maybe be considered too big if you’re dealing with day shoots over extended travel.

With clients counting on you, or a sunset landscape that can’t be missed, do yourself a favor and not be stuck with a dead battery or a broken lens. The Matador Camera Basel Layer is a step up to stow your camera in. Made of a synthetic down filling, its puffy nature insulates the camera against the cold conditions around you, and provides padding for the cargo in case you bump it or need to set it on a rock.

• – The roll-top closure makes this bag compatible with most camera and lens combinations, and can be removed from the camera in seconds so you’re always ready to get the shot.
• – Claims to be fully waterproof with DWR water repellent coating, an integrated dry bag and seam sealed liner, as well as an integrated rain cover that deflects light precipitation.
• – A strategically placed accessory pocket stores lens caps, cleaning cloths, extra batteries, or hand warmers to sustain camera function in frigid temps.
• – Inexpensive compared to other models.
• – High protection variable with the thick “puffy jacket” compressibility.
• – The slender body profile makes it harder to get to the items.
• – The small liter size is more for mirrorless cameras and compact DSLRs, and certainly not enough room for other larger items such as laptop, drone, water bottle, etc.
• – When using the strap around your neck, or hanging from your waist, the camera is prone to hitting things like trees in close quarter.
• – During active/engaging activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and skiing, the camera tends to flop around.

If you’re the kind of photographer that’ll go just about anywhere to capture a stellar shot—whether the summit of a mountain or on the other side of the city, Peak Design’s Everyday Camera Backpack is just what its name entails for all your needs.

• – Comes in multiple colors, including a light gray that stands out from other bags.
• – Side-access zipper lets you take out your camera in a flash, while inner side pockets are aplenty for a GoPro, memory cards, batteries, flashes, etc.
• – A unique magnetic closure system is easy to use and can expand by up to 8L.
• – Can store large-ticket items and even comfortably fit many popular drones.
• – The pass-through sleeve and gear straps make it always travel-ready.
• – Manufacturer lifetime warranty.
• – The nylon canvas material not as strong or durable as its competitors (400D compared to 1,000D+).
• – Heavier than others on this list (4lbs).
• – The back of the bag is super rigid and flat compared to other bags, so it just doesn’t “hug” the back as comfortably.

Design-focused lifestyle brand, Boundary Supply, has created a bag to up your game and ease your path. The MK-1 Camera Cube is built for the ultimate photographer and videographer, as its liter size and storage functionality mean you don’t have to pick and choose which camera gear to take along with you. This includes drone equipment, smaller cameras, and all your accessories, in one “bombproof case.”

• – Boasts three easy access points on top and sides to quickly get to all your gear.
• – Perfect carry-on size for flying while having the ability to store multiple lenses and DSLR bodies, as well as a drone.
• – Very cool, minimalist design with dividers that can be removed or reorganized to safely store attachments.
• – A unique scratch-resistant liner secures protective dividers, while an impact-resistant sponge adds extra peace of mind for those on the clumsier side.
• – Great value for the price.
• – Slightly heavier than other bags on the list.
• – Its shoulder strap is sold separately.
• – Only a 3 year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Designed with legendary photographer Chris Burkard, the Tanuck is an extremely universal, durable camera bag for outdoor/adventure photographers. Nicknamed the T.A.N. (“Tough As Nails”) this certifiably tough and versatile rucksack is a reliable choice for those voyages out in the wild with your most prized lenses in tow.

• – Can be combined with the T.A.N. Series Kit Cubes and Tanack 10 lumbar pack to create a custom carry system that fits your personal shooting and travel style.
• – Its AnEVA frame sheet with air-mesh back panel built into the bag allows airflow keeps your back cool on sweaty, hot hikes.
• – Built for the toughest of outdoor elements, including a certifiably durable and water-resistant fabric, the storm collar and cord closure, and removable rain cover.
• – Large and accessory friendly.
• Covered by Mountainsmith’s lifetime warranty.
• – Could be considered quite bulky compared to other slimmer, more sleek backpack designs.
• – Dimensions are too large to be considered a personal item on some airlines.
• – On the pricier side, comparatively.

Hex’s tech-driven fashion and functionality shows in its diverse line of bags, including this belt bag, which comes in two different liter sizes depending on your needs and can be worn as a crossbody sling or a fanny-pack. Perfectly sized to hold a smaller sized camera and other essentials, this compact belt bag is a cool, stylish travel go-to.

• – Easily accessible to the highest degree.
• – The structured, boxy silhouette and outer camo pattern is super trendy.
• – Includes many little zippered mesh compartments, fold-away dividers, and configurable partitions to organize and store all your cords and smaller tech gadgets.
• – Crafted from a surplus-grade durable material to last years to come.
• – Features a fold-out bottom panel that can be folded out of the way or completely removed to allow the bag to be packed flat for travel.
• – Significantly smaller in liter size compared to other bags that are more conducive for longer travel.
• – Reviews noted the straps and buckles becoming awkward and cumbersome after a couple of hours of loaded wear and carry.

Surf-lifestyle brand, RVCA, teamed up with esteemed surf and ocean photographer Zak Noyle for an epic collab which culminated in this signature camera duffel. Created from the ground up by Noyle himself, this 45L bag attracts outdoor-focused photographers and avid travelers alike for those long bouts overseas chasing waves and the next frameable print.

• – A water-repellent textile and abrasion-resistant base.
• – Equipped with carry handles on all four points for when you get sick of carrying it around one way and want to switch it up.
• – Storage functions include an interior laptop sleeve and multiple interior organizers.
• – More roomy and spacious than its competitors offering—made to fit large DSLRs, 4-5 lenses, drones and any other affiliate gear/belongings.
• – Reviews note that after many days of use, bag looks to have been heavily used, including the fabric color fading and appearing weathered.
• – No padding on the back of the duffel, which means longer hours of carry can be cumbersome and hard on the back.
• – Some airlines consider bag size too large for a personal item on flight.

Built for photographers who want to venture into demanding locations but also need to travel globally, Shimoda’s camera bag is packed with tons of travel-smart features designed to be the perfect co-pilot for your shoot. The Explore V2 Camera Backpack can work both independently or be bought in tandem with Shimoda’s Top Loader bag to become part of a larger travel system.

• – Features a luggage handle pass-through, lockable zippers, and a base handle for easy carry.
• – Offers three torso height options of vertical adjustment to fit short or tall, male or female.
• – Core units provide shockproof protection for Mirrorless, SLR and DSLR cameras and lenses, and can also fit a laptop up to 16 in. (making it the most laptop-friendly on the list.)
• – Backed by a 5-year warranty
• – Reviews say bag is not deep enough to fit a gripped or pro body DSLR camera, no matter how you arrange it, or wide enough to fit longer lenses across.
• – Considerably more expensive than other products.
• – Heavier than other products.
• – Not considered water- or weather-resistant. Shimoda recommends regular maintenance—including cleaning, re-applying water repellents, and airing out your gear.

The design-obsessed Australian carry brand recently launched its newest collection: Venture, a perfect addition for point and shoot days with your rig. Designed to handle a range of adventure definitions—whether that be a work commute or a serious outdoor expedition—this camera sling’s performance and folding nature make it a unique buy than most.

• – Self-compressing gussets adapt to your load, while the sling format hugs your body to remain slim and avoid bumping into objects,
• – Has a sleeker aesthetic for a more of an everyday traveler look.
• – Sustainably made from water-resistant, ripstop 100% recycled nylon.
• – Offers detachable tripod carry straps with integrated anchor loops.
• – Not as padded for stress-free protection compared to other bags and packs on the list.
• – The bag may be small enough to not get in the way of shooting, but for many with much more to transport and utilize, the size is an obvious downfall—having the smallest liter size on the list.
• – The price tag is arguably on the higher side, considering the size of the bag.
• – Only a 3-year warranty.

Designed for jet-setting photographers always in air and on the move. The VEO Select line of luggage-style roller/trolley bags by Vanguard is specifically designed for carry-on travel, and yet unassumingly packs a lot more than one would imagine. Swiftly maneuver through airport terminals while safely toting your camera rig and accessories.

• – The only bag on the list with an optional rolling mechanism—an agile 4-wheel trolley for when you just don’t feel like carrying loads of weight on your back anymore.
• – Features a super-comfortable ergonomic airflow back and harness, as well as a comfortable padded shoulder strap and carrying handle.
• – Removable interior divider compartments for use as a regular carry-on suitcase.
• – Well-padded all around and provides numerous dedicated pockets, organizers and connectors for all essentials, including a tripod carrying system.
• – The heaviest bag on this list (weighing in at almost 10 lbs. due to the trolley wheels and top handlebar).
• – Its compact size can be a pro for some, unless you’re hoping to also bring a laptop larger than 13 in. a drone or other large equipment.
• – If green’s not your color, you’re S.O.L.

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Interested in travel photography? Want to find out the best camera equipment for capturing your travel adventures?

Settling on the right gear for you can take time and patience. But one shortcut to nailing your ideal kit is to find out what other travel photographers use.

Here, we’ll peek into the camera bags of incredible travel photographers from around the globe – so you can learn from their experiences and gain some gear-related tips and tricks.

It’s often said that the best camera is the one that’s in your hand. In other words, capturing the moment in all its beautiful and imperfect glory takes precedence over having the shiniest and most expensive gear.

And that’s true.

But you also have control over what camera is in your hand while you travel!

Sometimes that might only be your iPhone. But if you plan your kit right so that it’s light, portable and secure to carry around, there’s every chance you’ll have an excellent camera and lens in your grasp every time those tasty travel moments unfurl before your eyes.

So while gear is by no means everything, it can certainly help you achieve the type of results you want.

If you’re looking to shoot travel photography as a profession, having the right gear is even more important.

One system of cameras that crops up time and again in our featured photographers’ kits is the Fujifilm X Series. These mirrorless cameras are portable yet powerful, small yet rugged.

Some go for Sony mirrorless systems for the same reasons. Others are content to lug around heavier DSLR systems – especially if they lean more to landscapes or long-exposure travel shots. In those cases, the added weight of a tripod is also part and parcel to the pursuit.

As for lenses, they vary greatly from kit to kit. One of the deciding factors here is what aspect of travel photography you want to focus on.

Some travel photography overlaps with street photography – aka, it takes a more candid, documentary approach to capturing everyday moments.

Other travel photographers can’t resist the allure of the sweeping landscapes and exotic natural beauty they find in different corners of the world.

Looking at the kits of photographers whose work appeals to you can give you a better idea of which lenses suit your desired style.

Now, one thing that all travel photographers need is a way to carry their gear.

What bag or rolling case do you take when getting your gear onto an international flight? What backpack or sling bag is best for discretely carrying your camera equipment around the streets of a foreign city, away from the prying eyes of thieves?

Comfortable, secure camera carry solutions are like a holy grail search for travel photographers. Those featured here have tried and tested many, so you can learn from their experiences and narrow down which bag will be best for you.

Because if the best camera is the one you have with you, the one with you needs to stay safe and sound.

Ready to find out which gear our featured travel photographers recommend? Peek into their bags above.

Three Pro Photographers Share Gear Tips for Shooting on the Go

O n a flight to Denver last week, I did the unexpected: I actually talked with the person next to me. Sitting on the tarmac with an unknown delay, we riffed back and forth on bad reasons why the plane wasn’t taking off. The conversation segued to work and eventually life more broadly, even though I knew I would never see the guy again. One part of our chat still stands out.

After learning that I was a professional adventure photographer, he began peppering me with questions about what was in my travel bag. It quickly became clear that he knew his stuff, so I shared some of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years, like how to not ruin expensive gear while shooting in the elements.

All of a sudden, the stranger across the aisle chimed in, asking a question about international travel with cameras — and just like that we opened Pandora’s box. Through many conversations similar to this one, I’ve come to realize there is a growing cohort of people interested in travel photography outside of iPhones. Amateurs looking for tips to travel light, shoot on the go and keep their photo gear safe. Hopefully this story can be a resource for anyone looking to level up their game.

About The Panel

Instead of sharing just my personal (and biased) perspective, I figured it would be more useful to collect advice from some of the best and most experienced photographers I know. So, I reached out to three of my mentors, Johnie Gall, Adam Wells and Taylor Burk, who brought me into the photo world, helped me get my first jobs, grow my skills and hone my craft.

Adam Wells is a commercial lifestyle photographer and filmmaker based in San Francisco, California. He has shot projects around the world, from remote jungles in Japan to the open ocean of Alaska’s Bering Sea. He focuses on travel, outdoors, food & drink and sustainability stories, and has worked for brands big and small, including HBO, Rivian, Starbucks and National Geographic.

Taylor Burk is an adventure and travel photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also has worked all over the world, from the Gear Bear Rainforest to the deserts of Jordan to the mountains in Patagonia. He focuses on landscapes, sports and lifestyle imagery, including work with Red Bull, Chevrolet, The North Face and National Geographic, among others. 

Johnie Gall is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Ojai, California. Like the two others, she has tackled assignments in far off places around the globe, but recently has focused closer to home, around the western U.S. Her biggest curiosities center on science, adventure and climate change, including projects with Patagonia, Backcountry and the Rodale Institute.

Picking the Right Bag

It may sound simple and trite, but the first piece of advice I usually give is about finding the right camera bag. Something that fits your needs, the requirements of the job, and ideally, the standards of a modern day carry-on. There is nothing worse than checking your camera gear to a dream destination, only to find a shattered lens inside (yes, it’s happened) — or even worse, a bag lost entirely.

Wells’ go-to is the 45L Travel Backpack by Peak Design , which he says maxes out the carry-on size limit while handling intense travel with versatility and comfort. Burk agrees, saying he almost exclusively uses the same backpack, with his only exception on longer backpacking trips. “If I’m going far into the backcountry, I use a bigger pack and wrap my camera gear with spare clothes or in a padded dry bag.”

Gall’s favorite is the smaller version of the same Peak Design pack , which she says is easier for her to carry and fits under airplane seats. “If I’m not traveling and just on a single day shoot, I use a leather ONA camera bag — it’s classic, rugged, lasts forever and heirloom quality.” With any bag, Burk’s biggest piece of advice is to always insure your gear, because you never know what will happen.

Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack

Peak design 30l travel backpack, ona bowery camera bag, the light-and-fast kit.

The most frequent question I get from amateur shooters, especially those who speak the love language of ISO and aperture, is about the camera and lens combination I trust the most. If I’m traveling light on a one-man show, what do I bring? Does it change for locations, jobs or types of jobs?

Gall’s advice is to not overthink the brand and instead focus on the quality of the lens. “I’ve shot with all the major camera brands and what I’ve learned is that you’ll most likely end up with a great picture if you have decent glass.” On run-and-gun jobs her go-to is a Fujifilm XT5 with a 18-55mm f/2.8 lens because it is small, light and the color is incredible. Sometimes she’ll add a Yashica t4 35mm film camera for behind the scenes shots and a DJI Mini 3 Pro to complete the story from the air. “In the water, I sometimes just use a GoPro 11 . GoPro has come a long way and is sharp right out of the camera.”

Fujifilm XT5

Dji mini 3 pro.

Wells recommends what many of us insiders call the workhorse — a Canon R5 mirrorless camera with an RF 24-70mm f2.8 lens . This pair will get you the majority of the shots that clients are looking for, and is reliable day in and day out. “In an ideal world I mix in other lenses for unique perspectives, but nothing beats the versatility and simplicity of this combo for me.”

Canon R5 Mirrorless Camera

Rf 24-70mm f2.8 lens.

Burk isn’t as much of a minimalist, saying “When it comes to gear, I try to bring as much as possible, within reason. I try to use every lens with me to capture the same subject, creating unique perspectives.” He often carries the holy trinity — 16-35mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm — a 2x extender, and a 50mm prime, for compression and sharpness. He suggests the Packup App when organizing all your gear before a trip, to make sure you have everything. “It almost always catches something I’ve missed — redundancy is key.”

International Travel & Protecting Camera Gear

Shooting for commercial clients gets harder the farther you get from home. The always present balance of weight versus flexibility is magnified with complex travel, going further off the beaten path, charging batteries, weather and other elements and border crossings with different regulations. These factors play into the decisions of what gear to bring — and are often learned the hard way. 

As a hard and fast rule, Wells will bring a 1510 Pelican Case when flying internationally. “It’s bomb proof, fits in overhead bins, and to be honest, I use it a lot as a stool when I’m tired. It goes everywhere with me and because of it I’ve never had an issue with keeping gear safe.” The case allows him to shoot a mixture of digital and analog cameras, as well as other tools like fill flashes and drones. “The case keeps all the gear organized, protected, and dry. I keep a silica gel pack in there too, to help with moisture.”

1510 Pelican Case

Silica gel pack.

The little things often make a big difference sometimes. Burk suggests colored tape to hide name brands, making them look cheaper and not as eye-catching, reducing the chances your camera gear gets stolen. “For film, I always hand check at airport security. I place everything in a mesh bag and sometimes even leave a little candy as a thank you for not ruining my photos.” However, Gall says not all airports will allow you to hand check your film. As a backup for moments like this, she brings a Domke filmguard bag .

Domke Film Guard Bag

The further you go into the backcountry, the more likely you are to deal with adverse weather conditions. Gall suggests bringing just the necessities when shooting in the elements, to reduce the risk of damaging extra gear. “Salt water will destroy a camera quickly, so I keep a microfiber towel with me to immediately wipe my gear down. Anything waterproof gets a fresh water dunk as quickly as possible.”

Creative Tips For Travel Photos

No matter what gear you have, the most important thing is the story you’re telling, says Burk. “I don’t think the camera brand matters as much as most amateurs think. It’s how you’re conveying what’s in front of you. Try focusing on something unique, honing in on it, and capturing it in a way that makes the viewer feel like they are right there next to you.”

To do that, Wells says, look for symmetry, movement and small gestures. “Try dragging the shutter on a passing motorcycle or wait until a bird flies into the corner of the frame. It’s those details that push beyond good composition and bring an image to life. Once you master manual control, it’s just a matter of how playful you can be.”

Even for professional photographers, it’s important to stay humble. Gall says that there are so many incredible photographers out there, it’s nearly impossible to get a “better” shot than what’s already been created. “However, no one will see something quite the same way you do, so take a moment to really look around and notice what someone else might not. Think like a writer or filmmaker and notice characters, settings, moments of humor or emotion. If all else fails, create layers in a photo by shooting through flowers or tall grasses, or shooting through windows or door frames to create some mystery.”

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12 Instagram Photographers From Moscow You Should Follow

How many big cities can be described as picturesque? Regardless of the actual count, Moscow is definitely one of them. The labyrinth-like streets in the old town, the scenic parks, the futuristic glass-and-concrete constructions, the world-famous metro and the people in it – Moscow is not short of things to photograph. These Instagram photographers have found the hidden gems scattered around the city and make them shine for the whole world to see. If you want to discover the beauty of Moscow, here are 12 Instagram photographers you should follow.

@sashalevin.

Sasha Levin is a Moscow-based professional photographer. His Instagram feed is full of breathtaking architectural views of Moscow, intertwined with occasional pictures from his travels or assignments. If you want to see the city of Moscow in all its glory follow @sashalevin

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdvRUqDjlXv/?taken-by=sashalevin

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https://www.instagram.com/p/7IzQDfmGyW/?taken-by=mscstrts

@ohmymoscow

@ohmymoscow is a blog run by a local, Katya Trofimova. Her Instagram feed is full of warm, cosy, sometimes humorous photographs of Moscow as only the locals know it, as well as occasional insightful travel snippets. Katya is the person to follow if you want to prove to yourself that Moscow can be warm even in the middle of winter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BeL3979gaqB/?taken-by=ohmymoscow

If you’re a fan of street photography, unusual perspectives and portraits of strangers, @mcmlxi is for you. The insightful and interesting photographs tell stories with aspects of the city in the background.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXm7E1PD3gO/?taken-by=mcmlxi

@dimikangaroo

@dimikangaroo is an undeniable master of unusual perspectives and iPhone photography. His pictures, taken on the phone, will prove to you that you don’t really know how to use your iPhone camera and that you don’t really know Moscow at all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTo1zrFAh3x/?taken-by=dimikangaroo

@amazing_way

If you want to see the soft face of Moscow, @amazing_way is the account to get in your feed. Svetlana, the photographer behind it, skilfully captures the charm of well-known places in the Russian capital. She intertwines the photographs of Moscow with occasional snaps from her travels and some well-composed coffee shop still shots.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd8JrP3lI9N/?taken-by=amazing_way

@starodubov_

If, on the other hand, you’re after coarse images of everyday, mundane Moscow, and you’re a fan of photographic storytelling, Gleb Khailov, the photographer behind @starodubov_ is one to follow. He focuses on details most people don’t notice, which tell an untold story of Moscow. His another speciality are portraits of native Muscovites.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcKP5EaF9sH/?taken-by=starodubov_

Pavel Ogrodnikov takes pictures of architectural gems of Moscow. His aerial photographs paint the image of a majestic city, designed to impress and overwhelm both the native inhabitants and occasional visitors. @Pavelog will show you Moscow as you most certainly don’t know it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-CCwBHIbO/?taken-by=pavelog

@vlad_senkovich

Vlad Senkovich likes two things: people and motion. His Instagram feed is full of beautiful portraits of his friends and strangers, as well as the beautiful buildings of Moscow surrounded by beams of light from the moving vehicles. @vlad_senkovich shows you a Moscow you may not have seen before.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd2HnA_HF_K/?taken-by=vlad_senkovich

@trappershot

@trappershot knows how to construct a troublesome image. The contrast, the use of light and the composition, as well as his eye for detail, all go towards creating photographs that will leave you feeling positively uneasy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bctn6BrH5mG/?taken-by=trappershot

@moscow_love_metro

Moscow is famous for its metro full of long escalators and endless corridors, and it seems to be where romance flourishes. @moscow_love_metro consists of photographs of people in love, captured on their daily commute. Is there anything more heart-warming to scroll through?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYmOg3DBZXr/?taken-by=moscow_love_metro

@moscowmetroexplorer

@moscowmetroexplorer is yet another account dedicated to the beauty of the Moscow metro, as well as people-watching. If you want to feel as if you are in Moscow on your morning commute, follow Tatiana’s excellent account.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSCBs-NDHxv/?taken-by=moscowmetroexplorer

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Handpicked and vetted by our team for quality, style, and skill. Make sure to check availability early so your dates don’t get booked up! Can’t pick your favorite Moscow photographer? Check who is available for your travel dates.

Best Photography Spots for a Moscow Photoshoot

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a photographer's dream, where the grandeur of historical landmarks meets the vibrancy of contemporary urban life. The city's iconic Red Square, flanked by the colorful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, offers an irresistible backdrop for architectural and cultural photography. The Kremlin's majestic walls and the monumental GUM department store provide a rich tapestry of visual subjects. Explore the Arbat Street's bohemian charm, the sleek modernity of Moscow City's skyscrapers, or the timeless allure of the Moscow Metro stations adorned with intricate mosaics and chandeliers. Moscow's energetic street life, cultural celebrations, and the juxtaposition of tradition and modernity create endless opportunities for visual storytelling. Whether you're capturing the city's elegance, its dynamic pace, or the rich tapestry of Russian life, Moscow promises an enchanting visual journey for photographers seeking to capture the essence of this iconic metropolis.

Red Square, Moscow's iconic and historic centerpiece, is a photographer's dream come true.... read more

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The Kremlin, Moscow's historic fortress and political heart, is a captivating photo spot w... read more

Moscow Metro

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Prices vary by city, ensuring you the best rates according to the local market. Choose between photography packages that range from 30 minutes up to 2 hours. The high-resolution photos are professionally edited and delivered by email in a private online gallery within 5 business days. See pricing for your destination here.

Check your dates, and then you'll be notified by email which photographers are available. Book your date and then your local professional photographer will work with you to go over all the best photography spots, when the best light will be, and how to beat the crowds to capture magical moments without tons of other tourists in the background. Local Lens vacation photographers are handpicked artists for quality, style, & skill. Not only will they take amazing photos, but they will edit them to be beautiful photo souvenirs you’ll treasure for years to come.

All photos are  professionally edited  for vibrance and composition and delivered in a  private online gallery  where you can download your favorite photos in  high-resolution  jpg format. Additional files and high-quality prints from our professional partner labs are also available for purchase. You should receive an email with your photography gallery link within five business days.

Hello from Moscow!

Find ideas & inspiration for your romantic getaway, family portraits, engagement photos, bachelorette party, honeymoon, save the date, or anniversary gift!

Ready to finally return home with beautiful vacation photography?

Miami is where the magic of sun, sea, and style mix so seemingly and where photos come out incredible! ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ With its iconic Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, pristine sandy beaches, and a rich cultural mosaic, Miami offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities. So, are you ready to pose and snap some photos in this interesting destination?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Check out the top photo spots in Miami:⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍South Pointe Beach — With its powdery white sand, azure waters, and a backdrop of towering luxury condominiums, it offers a quintessential Miami beach experience.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Lummus Park & Beach — The wide promenade, lined with palm trees and iconic lifeguard towers, offers a lively backdrop for capturing the essence of Miami’s sun-soaked lifestyle.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Vizcaya — A magnificent Italian Renaissance-style villa turned museum in Miami, is a photographer’s dream, offering a glimpse into the opulence of the Gilded Age.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Pier Park at Sunny Isles — The pier, extending gracefully into the Atlantic Ocean, offers a stunning vantage point for capturing breathtaking ocean views and vibrant sunsets.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Natasha in Miami, USA⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #coupletravel #coupleshoot #proposalideas #proposalphotography #miamiphotographer #miamifl #miamiphotographt #visitmiami #travelmiami #miamiflorida #floridaphotographer #floridaphotographers #floridaphotography #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal #proposalphotography #weddingproposal

Imagine popping the question in Machu Picchu? 🤯 Sounds like a unique and beautiful way to start the next chapter of your lives as fiances. ⁣⁣ ⁣ And while it sounds incredible, there are some things you need to keep in mind to make your Machu Picchu proposal a reality. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Buy your entrance ticket at least a month in advance. ⁣⁣ 2️⃣ When buying your ticket, pick a morning timeslot.⁣⁣ 3️⃣ Expect to stay longer if you’ve purchased a morning entrance. ⁣⁣ 4️⃣ Bring your passport to get a special Machu Picchu stamp. ⁣⁣ 5️⃣ Don’t forget sunblock, bug spray, and layers of clothing. ⁣⁣ 6️⃣ And remember, small backpacks only!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Marco in Machu Picchu, Peru⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotography #cuzcoperu #cuscocity #cuscoperu #visitcusco #7thwonderoftheworld #couplephotoshoot #machupicchu #machupicchutravel #machupicchuperu #travelsouthamerica #cuzco #visitperu #travelperu #ig_southamerica #surpriseproposal #proposalinspiration #weddingproposal

Seville is ‘bonita’ and a photographer’s paradise. The city is the perfect mix of history, culture, and architectural gems, making it an excellent destination for a photoshoot.  ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here are some of our favorite photo spots for a Seville photoshoot:⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Plaza de España — The most popular spot! This architectural masterpiece wraps around an enormous square with fountains, moats, and tiled walls and offers plenty of photo opportunities. ⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Barrio Santa Cruz — This captivating and historically rich district was formerly the Jewish quarter of Seville, characterized by its ancient alleyways and meandering streets.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Royal Alcazar — Looking for a royal vibe in your photos? Renowned for its diverse gardens and historical influences, the Moorish Royal Palace is one of Spain’s most exquisite structures.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Parque Maria Luisa — Maria Luisa Park, situated just behind Plaza de España, is an ideal location for photography with its flourishing flower gardens and scenic tree-shaded pathways.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Tatsiana in Seville, Spain⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #sevillespain #sevillephotographer #sevillecity #sevilletravel #visitseville #visitspain #familyphotoshoot #familyphotoideas #familyphotography

If you’re a soon-to-be momma, you deserve a babymoon in Europe to spoil yourself before the sleepless nights begin!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ A babymoon, more than a trip is the perfect time to spend time with your partner, relax and mentally prepare for all that lies ahead. And there is no better place than Europe and its many destinations perfect for future parents. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here are some of our favorite babymoon destinations in Europe: ⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Prague ⁣⁣ 📍Lake Como ⁣⁣ 📍Santorini ⁣⁣ 📍Lucerne ⁣⁣ 📍Sintra⁣⁣ 📍Amsterdam⁣⁣ 📍Madrid⁣⁣ 📍Valencia⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Any other destination we should add to the list of babymoons? Let us know in the comments!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Victor in Prague ⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #charlesbridge #charlesbridgeprague #pragueoldtown #praguetrip #praguephoto #coupletravel #praguephotography #pragueworld #visitprague #praguestagram #instaprague #praguetoday #czechrepublic #praguecity #praha⁣ #praguephotographer #babymoon⁣ #momtobe #mumtobe #pregnancyannouncement #pregnancyphotography ⁣

Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam, is a fascinating destination that offers an interesting mix of natural beauty and modern urban life. ⁣ ⁣ And for those visiting, the city is also the perfect place to get photos in some of its most beautiful spots, like its stunning sandy beaches and lush landscapes.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Check out some of the best photo spots in Da Nang: ⁣ ⁣⁣ 📍My Khe Beach — This stunning stretch of sandy shores and serene blue waters provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing the essence of a coastal paradise.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) — These ancient limestone outcrops are dotted with caves, pagodas, and sacred shrines, providing an array of visual inspiration.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Dragon Bridge — This iconic bridge comes to life in the evenings with a thrilling fire-breathing dragon show, creating a dynamic and visually spectacular scene.⁣⁣ ⁣ 📍Linh Ung Pagoda — The pagoda is renowned for its giant Lady Buddha statue, and it’s the perfect spot to capture Vietnam’s cultural richness and natural beauty.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Trung in Da Nang, Vietnam⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #coupletravel #visitvietnam #travelvietnam⁣ #couplephotoshoot #danangbeach #danangtravel #danangphotographer #danangphotography #danangtrip #danangvietnam #danangcity #proposalphotography #proposalideas #proposalinspiration #surpriseproposal⁣ #weddingproposal

Bangkok is a cultural treasure with many beautiful temples that are a must-visit if you are looking for an enriching experience. ⁣But the choice is hard, as Bangkok has more than 400 temples. So, which one to pick? ⁣⁣ ⁣ Luckily, we have made a top 5 pick of the best temples or ‘wats’ to visit in Bangkok. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1️⃣ Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple Of Dawn) — An ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period and considered a Royal Temple of King Rama II with a stupa considered one of the most beautiful and gigantic stupas in that era.⁣⁣ ⁣ 2️⃣ Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan (Wat Pho) — Home of the Reclining Buddha, with various interesting ancient Thai cultural murals around the temple.⁣⁣ ⁣ 3️⃣ Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan (Phu Khao Thong) — One of the famous highlights of this temple is its spiral staircase, which has 344 steps.⁣⁣ ⁣ 4️⃣ Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan — This temple is home to the solid gold Sukhothai-style Buddha called the seated Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon, known as the world’s largest golden Buddha statue.⁣⁣ ⁣ 5️⃣ Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) — As its name states, the temple’s ordination hall was constructed of marble imported from Italy.⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Suriyathepjuti in Bangkok, Thailand⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #bangkokthailand #bangkokcity #bangkoktrip #bangkoktravel #travelphotography #travelandleisure #bangkokspirit #beautiful_bangkok #thailand_allshots #thailandtrip #thailandtravel #adayinthailand #thailandinstagram #amazingthailand #bangkokphotographer

Being a new parent can be both beautiful and unnerving — it is a big responsibility! And if you feel you need some guidance and to set up some goals to help you get your groove back, start by setting some resolutions for this new year. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 2024 it’s all about taking care of yourself, and being a new parent doesn’t need to limit that. Here are a few ways you can be the best version of yourself while handling this incredible new role: ⁣⁣ ⁣ ❤️ Take a moment to evaluate how you are feeling⁣ ❤️ Take time to reconnect with yourself⁣ ❤️ Take time to reconnect with your partner⁣ ❤️ Enjoy the time you manage to be alone⁣⁣ ❤️ Rekindle friendships⁣ ❤️ Have dates, just you and your baby.⁣⁣ ❤️ Reassess how you are feeling at the end of every month and change your goals accordingly⁣ ⁣⁣ Any other advice you have for new parents? Let us know in the comments!⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Rojeena in Maui, Hawaii⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #hawaiiphotographer #hawaiiphotographers #hawaiistagram #hawaiiphotography #hawaiibestphotos #hawaiilove #beachphotography #mauiphotography #mauihawaii #mauistyle #travelhawaii #visithawaii #hawaiitrip #hawaiivacation #hawaiibeaches⁣ #mauiphotographer⁣ #babymoon⁣ #mumtobe #momtobe #pregnancyphotography #pregnantstyle

Okay, a new year has begun, and now it’s time to commit to those resolutions. Yes, it can be challenging, but with the right tips, you can make your wishes a reality and make 2024 the year you stick to your resolutions!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Here’s what you have to do to achieve your new year’s goals: ⁣⁣ ⁣ ☑️ Start small⁣⁣ ☑️ Create goals for different areas of your life⁣⁣ ☑️ Write them down⁣⁣ ☑️ Prioritize your goals⁣⁣ ☑️ Break down bigger goals⁣⁣ ☑️ Include friends and other peeps⁣⁣ ☑️ Keep it interesting⁣⁣ ☑️ Celebrate progress⁣⁣ ☑️ Adjust as necessary⁣⁣ ☑️ Have patience⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Now tell us, what are your 2024 resolutions?⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Julia in New York City⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣ ▶️ #locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #nycphotographer #nycphotographers #nycphotoshoot #nycphotography #newyorkcitylife #newyorklife #newyorkgram #newyork_ig #newyorkcityphotography #newyorktravel #newyorkstyle #newyorktrip #weddingproposal #proposalinspiration #proposalphotography #proposalideas #newyorkstreets #newyorkphotographer #newyorkphotography #newyorkphotos⁣⁣ #surpriseproposal

New adventures are around the corner. And this 2024 will be filled with new memories, destinations, health, and happiness. ⁣ ⁣ Happy New Year from Local Lens! ✨🍾⁣ ⁣ 📸 Captured by Christopher in Singapore ⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣⁣ ▶️ ⁣#locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣ #singaporeinsiders #singaporetravel #singaporecity #exploresingapore #singaporeig #singaporephotography #singaporediaries #singaporetourism #singaporephotographer #travelasia⁣ #surpriseproposal⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotoshoot #proposalinspiration

What a year! 2023 has been a year full of blessings, and many captured memories. ⁣ ⁣ Just this year, our local photographers have captured over 4,000 shoots around the world!! From families to engagements, anniversaries, and solo traveling, we love being there and creating memories with you. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Thank you for a fantastic year, and we hope to be with you next year, capturing your next chapter. And like they say, cheers to many more! 🥳✨💫⁣ ⁣ 🌐 www.locallens.com⁣⁣ ▶️ ⁣#locallensphotographers⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #destinationaphotographer #surpriseproposal⁣ #proposalideas #proposalphotography #proposalinspiration #weddingproposal #familyphotography #familyphotoshoot #familyphotoideas

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We Tested the $40 Portable Washer That Cleans UConn Coach Dan Hurley’s Lucky Undies

University of Connecticut men’s basketball coach Dan Hurley has a surprising secret weapon as he aims to lead his team to their second consecutive NCAA championship this month. It’s not necessarily his 7-foot-2 center or his first-team All-American point guard . It’s a $40 portable washing machine.

Dan Hurley is superstitious, wearing the exact same pair of socks and boxer briefs to every game. During the postseason, when his team plays back-to-back matchups on the road without the opportunity to return home, his wife Andrea takes care of laundering those lucky skivvies and socks between games. Dan is a “germaphobe,” she says, so hand-washing them in a hotel sink is a no-go.

For the past year and change, their solution to this peculiar problem has been to use the East Doll Portable Washing Machine , a contraption of dubious origin (the only other thing that East Doll sells, according to its Amazon store page , is a portable potty-training toilet with a built-in bidet) billed as capable of cleaning small or delicate items as needed.

If all of that sounds like some pretty kooky rationale for schlepping your own personal laundry appliance to events like the Final Four, Andrea gets it. As she said in a recent phone interview, “I don’t know who else would need a thing like this. Maybe a lunatic.”

After talking to her about the machine and doing some testing of our own, we can say that it’s not entirely nuts to at least wonder if this packable, pastel-hued gizmo—which we’ve also spotted on a few influencers’ Instagram feeds, where they tout it as an on-the-go laundry hack—is the answer to your acute laundry conundrums, like how to keep your clothes fresh while you’re traveling or what the next-best option is if you don’t have a full-size washer and dryer at home.

Even so, with rare exceptions, we don’t think anybody needs a portable washing machine, and this gadget wouldn’t make it loads easier to clean your clothes.

How the East Doll portable washer works

Before the Hurleys’ older son gave his father the East Doll washer as a Christmas gift in 2022, Andrea’s on-the-go laundry routine was a more DIY affair.

“I actually found a collapsible bucket on Amazon, and I would bring this bucket around with powdered Tide [her detergent of choice at home] in a little Ziploc and just do everything by hand,” she explained. “It would take forever, and because [powdered detergent] is so hard to get out by hand, I’d have to rinse everything a million and 10 times.”

The East Doll machine is simply a collapsible bucket with a motor and agitator built into its base. Clothes, water, and detergent go in the top—in that order, according to the instruction booklet, although Hurley will sometimes start a cycle with just water and Tide liquid laundry detergent to allow the detergent to disperse before putting the clothes in. (The instructions do not state how much detergent to use, so she now travels with single-use packets, which also avoids the in-luggage powder spills she occasionally experienced before.)

To help prevent splashing and overflow, the machine comes with a lid and is marked with a maximum-fill line. The whole thing operates via a simple, one-button interface: Press it, and the machine runs a 10-minute cycle. A drainage port at the bottom of the bucket allows you to empty the water out when it’s done. If you wish, you can refill the bucket with fresh water and run it without detergent as a rinse cycle.

Hurley (who admits that she’s “a freak about washing clothes”) runs several wash cycles before draining and refilling the machine for a few rinse cycles. In between cycles, she adds a little elbow grease.

“The machine does a good job, but you have to put the work in to make sure,” she explained. “Sometimes I’ll do a little old-fashioned rubbing the clothes together to give it a head start, and then it does its thing. Same with rinsing—after the wash, I’ll run stuff under the [faucet] and then put them back in and do the rinse cycles. It’s obviously more work than a regular washing machine, but it has saved me so much time and aggravation from my life.”

All of that may seem like overkill—but like Hurley, we’ve found that this machine needs the help.

Does it actually get clothes clean? Clean enough, sure.

After purchasing two of our own East Doll Portable Washing Machines and using them to clean a blouse, a lightweight pair of pants, a pair of boxer briefs, and three pairs of socks, here’s our assessment: If occasionally laundering a couple of lightly used garments is all you ask of the East Doll machine, it can do the job.

“Underwear, even on a stinky person, is not going to have much dirt,” says staff writer Andrea Barnes, who wrote our guide to the best washers and dryers and has tested all manners of stains in washing appliances. “If only underwear and socks are being washed, I would say the machine is perfectly acceptable for keeping luck alive.”

However, when we ran a pretreated stain strip through the East Doll machine, the results were underwhelming. “One cycle barely lifted a thing. Two cycles didn’t do much. A third cycle lifted a bit more,” she says.

Because of this, we agree with the extra steps that Andrea Hurley told us she takes to get her husband’s clothes as clean as possible.

“For underwear and socks, I would say [to run] two or three cycles and then rinse as needed, either in the machine or in the sink,” Andrea Barnes says. “I would also guess that adding detergent and water and running a cycle before adding anything to the machine would distribute the detergent well and perhaps make a bigger difference with dirt and body-oil removal.”

Also, don’t overdo it on the detergent ; adding more in the hopes that it might compensate for the machine’s less-than-ideal cleaning power won’t help and will just leave you with more product to rinse out. Our staff writer’s advice: “A half-tablespoon is plenty of soap for this thing. You could probably use even less.”

The machine’s biggest drawbacks: Minuscule capacity and (possibly) a short lifespan

According to its instructions, the East Doll machine can accommodate a mere 500 grams of clothing and other washable items per load. If one pair of boxer briefs plus one pair of socks equals one unit of laundry, that means you can run only about three or four units at a time (with a little wiggle room depending on the size and material of each item). Unless they’re especially small and lightweight, a single pair of jeans is likely to exceed that limit. An entire outfit? Almost certainly not.

We also have concerns about the machine’s longevity. On Amazon, we counted at least a half-dozen customer reviews dating back to 2022 in which buyers complained that it stopped working after a month or six months or a year. A few more commenters claimed that the machine failed to work straight out of the box.

Hurley told us that hers has started acting a touch finicky: “Not that long ago, I pressed the button, and it wasn’t going on. I’m not going to lie; I nearly had a heart attack. I just kept pressing that button so hard and banging the side of the thing, and it finally turned on.”

Who else might benefit from a portable washing machine

According to its Amazon listing, the East Doll machine is “suitable for apartment, camping, RV, [and] travel.” However, considering how little laundry it can handle, how many times you may need to run it for an effective clean, and the fact that it might go kaput on you, we’ve concluded that it may be better to think of the East Doll machine as a viable option only when you’re in need of a short-term laundry fix.

One Wirecutter staffer, for example, says that a friend once purchased a similar bucket-style washer when she was living in a walk-up apartment with basement laundry facilities while staying at home with her toddler and pregnant with her second child. Because she couldn’t physically handle carrying her toddler and her laundry to the basement simultaneously, and she also couldn’t leave her child alone in the apartment, a portable washer allowed her to get some laundry done on a regular basis.

If your place doesn’t have in-unit laundry, and you’re looking for a more long-term option, though, you might consider a compact washer on casters that can hook up to a sink or tub faucet.

Hurley has likewise recommended the East Doll machine only on rare occasion. “I know somebody whose washer broke, and the repairman wasn’t going to be able to get the part he needed for a couple weeks,” she explained. In such a temporary circumstance, the washer “can do the small stuff you need to get done” without your bearing the expense of sending laundry out or the time commitment of visiting the laundromat.

If you’re not skeeved out by the thought of using a hotel-room sink when you’re traveling, we believe you’d be better off packing our favorite hand-washing detergent, Soak , which delivers a gentle clean and doesn’t even require rinsing.

Of course, in an extraordinary circumstance, when back-to-back championships and long-held superstitions are on the line—and the only alternative is donning day-old skivvies—we’re rooting for the East Doll machine to pull through for its one shining moment .

This article was edited by Alexander Aciman and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

Rose Maura Lorre

Rose Maura Lorre is a senior staff writer on the discovery team at Wirecutter. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Esquire, Salon, Business Insider, HGTV Magazine, and many more. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, and lots and lots of houseplants.