Our Top Picks: Best Camera Backpacks for Photographers
As a photographer, you know you need to protect your equipment, but carrying a heavy bag can be cumbersome and annoying. That’s where camera backpacks come in. They allow you to bring your camera and lenses easily and securely. But with so many different options on the market, finding the best backpack for your needs can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the best camera backpacks for photographers. We’ll look at some of the most popular models and help you decide which one is right for you. So whether you’re just starting out or are looking for an upgrade, read on for our top picks!
How do I protect my camera?
To secure your investment, you need the best camera backpack. Well, your luck has led you to this post. We’ve compiled a list of the best camera backpacks to accompany your camera while you hunt for great photos. Read on to find a camera backpack that fits your needs.
The Best Camera Bags of 2022
Depending on your needs, there are different categories:
- Best Overall
- Best Budget
- Best Travel Backpack
- Best for Day-to-Day Use
- Best for Hiking
- Best for Camera gear and Accessories
Lowerpro ProTactic 450 AW II
The Best Overall Camera Backpack
$184.88 on Amazon
The LowerPro’s Pro Tactic 450 AW II is our pick for the best camera backpack overall. One significant aspect of this backpack for cameras is its sleek and professional design. It boasts of a design that combines adequate storage room and utility to accommodate your gear. If you own a 15-inch laptop, you don’t have to worry about a lack of space.
You get comfortable carrying the Pro tactic 450 AW II with its hip belt and back support system. With its array of Velcro dividers, you can customize and adjust the placement of your gears. LowerPro also includes a waterproof cover to protect your equipment from harsh weather. Although the backpack brand has a variety of pricey accessories, you can still use the backpack without them.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 25L
- Dimensions – 6.3 × 17.32 × 11.81 inches
- Weight – 2.7kg
- Tripod Storage – Yes
- Rain-cover – Yes
- Laptop Compartment – Yes (up to 15 inches)
Pros
- Flexible and adaptive drivers
- Tough armor and protective padding
- Protective cover for weather
- Adequate storage space for camera accessories
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- The storage room isn’t large enough to accommodate 17-inch laptops
- Not the best cam backpack in terms of durability
BAGSMART Camera Backpack
Best Budget Camera Backpack
$39.99 on Amazon
This backpack for cameras from BAGSMART is our budget pick. However, its inclusion in our list isn’t only because of its incredible price. Amongst other camera backpacks with a light, comfortable, and sturdy design, it makes a case as the best budget camera.
Taking a look at its features, it comes with a padded leather handle for comfortable gripping. Also, you have the option of adding accessories to your pockets. With five removable drivers, you can customize the backpack’s space to your taste.
Furthermore, you get a waterproof cover, the main camera compartment that can fit a DSLR camera body, and a quick-access zip design. Personally, this backpack is quite a steal.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 11L
- Dimensions – 10.2 × 5.7 × 14.6 inches
- Weight – 0.75kg
- Tripod Pocket – Yes
- Water-resistant exterior – Yes
- Laptop Compartment – Yes (up to 13.3 inches)
Pros
- Extra pockets for a water bottle and tripods
- Suitable size as carry-on luggage for air travel
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel
Cons
- Lack of small-sized compartments
- Not enough velcro dividers
CADeN Camera Backpack
$39.95 on Amazon
CADeN is one of the top brands for camera bags, and this budget-friendly backpack is one of our picks. It solves most of your camera care problems by keeping it safe for a low price. Now, let us take a deeper look at its features.
This bag from CADeN comes with an inner storage compartment for your iPad. It also boasts a 7-layer protection padding that can fit your camera with up to 7 lenses. Furthermore, you get an anti-scratch fabric, a front zipper pocket, and extra features.
Although this camera pack doesn’t compare to other expensive packs, it does the job without putting a dent in your pocket.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 14L
- Dimensions – 11 × 14.2 × 5.51 inches
- Weight – 0.78kg
- Tripod Holder – Yes
- Waterproof – No
- Laptop Slot – No
Pros
- Side mesh pockets for additional accessories
- Comfortable and lightweight design
Cons
- Small-sized
- No waterproof protection
Wandrd Prvke
Best Travel Camera Backpack
$324 on B&H
Wandrd’s Prvke (pronounced “provoke”) is on our list of the best camera backpacks. More specifically, it falls under our travel category due to its unique features and versatility.
The Prvke has two major compartments: the top and bottom. The bottom compartment houses the camera cube, a compact padded bag for your camera, and lenses with velcro dividers and straps. Think of it as an awesome bag-within-a-bag design. However, you can purchase the backpack without this accessory.
It also comes with a roll-top, which you can unclasp for extra storage room. Not to forget its back padding for comfortable carrying and magnetic tote handles for luggage-style carrying. Additionally, you get extra pockets and a laptop sleeve. It is simply everything you need in a great camera bag.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 31L
- Dimensions – 19 ×12 × 7 inches
- Weight – 1.5kg
- Tripod Storage – Yes
- Waterproof – Yes
- Laptop and Tablet Compartment – Yes (up to 16 inches for PC and 12 inches for tablet)
- Roll-top Compartment – Yes
- Camera Cube – Yes
Pros
- Roll-top adds extra storage room
- Comfortable side and back straps
- Quick-draw side access for easier reach of gear
Cons
- No padded interior
- Lack of adequate individual pockets for lenses storage
- It is pricey
Hex Backloader DSLR Backpack
$189.95 at hexbrand.com
The Hex Backloader DSLR Backpack is one of the best travel camera backpacks. From its cool camo design to its sizeable customizable storage room, you’re well-set for travel.
Its large storage room allows the inclusion of multiple camera lenses and accessories. You can also fit in the extra stuff with the modular-designed interior pockets. Comfortable carrying comes easy with its padded straps.
With its quick-access top compartment, you can pull out your camera without any hassle. The backpack’s mesh exterior helps manage moisture on sunny days. If you’re looking for a good bag for travel, the Hex Backloader completes your search.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 20L
- Dimensions – 18.5 × 12.0 × 5.5 inches
- Weight – 1.7kg
- Tripod Storage – Yes
- Water-resistant – Yes
- Laptop Slot – Yes (up to 15 inches)
Pros
- Large configurable space with EVA foam
- Water-resistant protection
- Deluxe organizer for multiple accessories
Cons
- Lack of front panel access
- Shoulder straps obstruct the main compartment through the back
Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 20L
Best for Day-to-Day Use
$279.95 on Rei
Peak Design is a reputable band known for its gear, and the Everyday Backpack lives up to its name. The backpack for camera and video gear comes in a minimalistic design that is pleasing to the eye. Looking at its exterior will make you think it’s a regular backpack, but its interior gives rise to its utility.
The Everyday Backpack from Peak Design comes with 3 FlexFold dividers for customizable organization. More importantly, you can configure the pack to your taste and fit different types of gear. With its waterproof zippers, you have access to your accessories.
You also get a laptop sleeve that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, with additional pockets for storing your tablets and documents. For traveling ease, you get padded grab handles that can act as a briefcase style carry.
If you have external loads, you can cinch them down with the external carry straps and cord hook systems. For comfortable carrying, you get a mesh back panel for breathability, a sternum strap, waist straps, and an optional hip belt. The Everyday Backpack’s exterior comprises 100% recycled waterproof fabric.
If you’re looking for a daily-use camera backpack, the Everyday Backpack functions to suit your needs.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 20L
- Dimensions – 22.3 × 11.8 × 8.3 inches
- Weight – 1.8kg
- Tripod Storage – Yes
- Waterproof – Yes
- Laptop Slot – Yes (up to 15 inches)
Pros
- Expandable side pockets
- Adjustable sternum straps and carry straps
- Customizable internal designers
- It can serve as a carry-on bag
Cons
- Lack of front or rear opening
- No padded waist-belt
- It is pricey
Mindshift Gear Backlight Adventure Camera Daypack
Best for Hiking
$289.99 on Amazon
Getting a great camera backpack for hiking doesn’t seem difficult with the Mindshift Gear Backlight. It serves as your typical daypack with its large storage room for your stuff, such as a water bottle and camera bodies. Imagine fitting DSLR cameras and multiple camera lenses and still ending up with 9L of space. Well, you don’t have to imagine as it’s right here in the flesh.
With a simple design that gives you easy access to the back panel without taking it off, you can grab your camera from the main compartment and take shots on the go. You also get a dedicated laptop compartment. Although the daypack isn’t waterproof, it comes with a cover for protection from rainy weather. Nevertheless, it’s on our list of the best camera backpacks for hiking.
Key Specs
- Capacity – 26L
- Dimensions – 7.87 × 11.42 × 20.28 inches
- Weight – 1.8kg
- Tripod Storage – Yes
- Water-resistant – no (rain cover included)
- Laptop Slot – Yes (up to 15 inches)
Pros
- 9L front pocket for personal gear
- Integrated tripod carry system
- Camera gear layout fits DSLR or mirrorless camera
Cons
- Not waterproof
- It is pricey
Vanguard Alta Sky 45D Camera Backpack
Best for Camera Gear and Accessories
$245.29 on Amazon
The Vanguard Alta Sky 45D comes with more pockets than you can need. With pockets large enough to fit lenses such as a 70-300mm zoom, a hooded 18-55mm zoom, and other accessories.
You get various opening styles from the top, sides, and rears to grab your gear without any hassle. It also comes with a rear pouch to fit a drone or tripod. From its brightly-colored interior for easy equipment location to its dividers, the Vanguard Alta Sky 45D is a good camera bag.
Comfortable carrying comes easy with its padded straps and back panel. It also includes a cover that protects all your gear from harsh weather conditions. Hence, your camera pack and gear are safely secured.
Key Specs
- Capacity – N/A
- Dimensions – 19.5 × 12.25 × 9 inches
- Weight – 2.2kg
- Tripod and Drone Storage – Yes
- Water-resistant – No (rain cover included)
- Laptop Slot – Yes (up to 13 inches)
Pros
- Lots of exterior pockets for accessories
- Drone compartment
- Straps are comfortable
Cons
- It is pricey
- The backpack isn’t lightweight
Qualities of a Good Camera Backpack
Before you pick a camera bag, there are several factors to consider. You must consider the backpack’s style, purpose, capacity, and several other qualities. The right camera backpack for you should fit all these functions with ease.
For style, you might want a sling bag, a shoulder bag, a duffel bag, or maybe a pick amongst messenger bags.
You also have to consider your purpose for taking photographs. A photography backpack must carry your camera equipment and gear, including a water bottle pocket if you’re an outdoor photographer. Let us take a look at the most essential qualities in a backpack.
Capacity
Most camera bags have different capacities depending on your photography equipment. You’ll usually find a range of 20L to 40L bags. However, there are bigger bags for photographers who need more space.
A 20L to 40L bag will suit your camera kit with a few lenses, spare batteries, and a tripod.
Durability
Durability matters greatly, especially when you spend considerable money on a camera bag. There are backpacks with double-stitched straps, waterproof and shockproof fabrics, and thicker materials to prevent wear and tear.
Take notice of the compartment’s design. A compact compartment keeps your gear tightly secured and prevents jostling when you move around. Also, padded compartments are suitable for better protection from shock.
Comfort
A backpack that feels heavy when it’s heavy might be a chore to carry. A lightweight design goes a long way toward reducing the weight on your back.
Now, ensure the shoulder straps and hip belts have well-padded structures. They should also have ergonomic and breathable properties for ease of comfort.
Quick-Access
As a photographer, there are multiple scenarios where you find a scene that deserves a quick snapshot. A bag with easy access to your camera helps fulfill those needs.
Ensure you choose a bag with quick zippers and side entry while your bag is still on your shoulders.
Conclusion
The best camera backpacks serve the function of carrying your gear without giving you much hassle. You should also take note of the quality of the pack you need to buy. Luckily, you can have your pick from our list of the best bags for cameras on the market.
FAQs
Do I need a camera bag?
It depends on your needs as a photographer. If you want a bag strictly for photography needs, you should go for it.
Can a camera bag keep my gear safe?
Yes. The function of a camera pack is to safely protect your gear and accessories from wear and tear while they aren’t in use.
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