Your shiny new DSLR or mirrorless camera is going to have its golden hours in your hands, capturing life’s little moments, the stunning scenery of your adventures, or letting you make some cash snapping the photos that others can’t. But when the shutter is closed, the power is off, and the lens cap is on, the last place you need your hefty photographic investment is left hanging around your neck. Even if your camera is built to handle harsh environments, you’ll be doing it a disservice by not keeping it in a camera bag when you’re not shooting.A great camera bag isn’t just going to keep your camera safe, but it can even help you be a more effective photographer. The best camera bags give you easy access to your camera, so you can get it out and get shooting quickly. They also neatly organize the storage for all your other camera essentials.No more rifling through a duffle bag to find your 50mm prime lens or hunting down that extra battery you know has sunk beneath every other loose item in your bag. The handy compartments make your camera gear more organized, better protected, and easier to access. So, forget about keeping your camera dangling by a strap or jammed in a traditional backpack, and keep it safe instead. These camera bags will protect and organize your camera equipment, so you can focus on getting the shot.
TL;DR These are the Best Camera Bags
1. Peak Design Everyday Messenger 13L v2
Best Camera Bag
What started life as a Kickstarter campaign has become the bag of choice for many serious photographers. The bag was created in partnership with renowned American shutterbug Trey Ratcliff, so you know its made of the right stuff: FlexFold dividers to keep your gear organized, and a weatherproof shell to keep it all safe. Fast forward to the latest V2 version and this already great bag has gotten a new luggage pass-through on the back and some revamped pockets.
On top of carrying your camera gear, this bag can accommodate 13-inch and 15-inch laptops depending on which size you select. Best of all, its clean design and low-key aesthetic doesn’t make it stand out or look like a camera bag if you’re trying to be more discreet about your hobby.
2. AmazonBasics Backpack
Best Budget Camera Bag
Big enough to hold two camera bodies but with a price tag small enough to keep your bank balance healthy, Amazons own take on the camera backpack deserves a shout out. Internally, it measures 10 x 4.2 x 14.2 in space, which is enough for 3-4 lenses plus some accessories. You should be able to squeeze in a laptop too.
For the photographer whos just starting out, there should be enough pockets and compartments here to satisfy, but as your hobby matures, youll probably want to upgrade to something bigger and better looking. Still, this is great for first-timers. Amazons nifty SLR Camera Sling Backpack is also worth a look if you want something a tad smaller.
3. Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 Camera Bag
Best-Looking Camera Bag
Chances are youre familiar with Billinghams camera bags; theyre pretty iconic. Its Hadley Pro Camera Bag is an easy top choice for us, with a perfect mixture of style and utility. The new 2020 version gets an improved top handle and an added luggage trolley strap on the back for convenience.
Beyond that, youve got a (removable) adjustable shoulder strap, and a weatherproof zipper on the back for holding important documents. Better yet, the padded insert can be removed, transforming it from a camera bag to something more general in a flash. It will handle a DSLR or mirrorless camera with enough space left over for two to three lenses.
4. LowePro ProTactic 450 AWII
Best Rugged Camera Bag
LowePro makes solid camera bags, and the ProTactic 450 AW is as robust as it looks. Big enough to hold two pro-level DSLRs, including one with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, its roomy, with a compartment that can hold a 15-inch laptop.
With four points of access, its also perfect for situations where speed is of the essence. The removable waistband is just the icing on the cake, but if you dont need all the bells and whistles, the 350 AW version offers up something a little smaller for less.
5. Domke F-5XB
Best Compact Camera Bag
With a rugged, retro look, this shoulder bag from Domke has a lot going for it price included. The main compartment is padded nicely, with fixed divider walls; itll hold a DSLR and a couple of lenses, but wont leave much room for additional accessories.
For something roomier, check out the Domke F-2 Shoulder Bag, which has become something of a classic among photographers in the know.
6. Ona Brixton Bag
Best Leather Camera Bag
For the more style-conscious among you, the Ona offers camera protection wrapped in high-quality leather. Its one of the more compact bags on our list, but still big enough to hold a DSLR, three lenses, plus accessories.
Theres space for a 13-inch laptop, while the rear open slip pocket will take a 10-inch tablet. It will, however, get quite heavy should you max out all that space. A bag for the photographer who wants to be photographed, but not a great choice if you plan to be out in the rain.
A little out of your price range? A bit bigger than you need. Onas Bowery bag still exhibits plenty of style.
7. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L V2
Best Camera Backpack
If you prefer to keep our camera gear stored on your back, then you’ll want the Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L V2. This backpack has plenty of room for camera gear without getting overly bulky, and it includes FlexFold dividers you can use to compartmentalize your different pieces of kit. The top flap of this backpack gives you easy access to your gear, and can expand the backpack an extra three liters. Meanwhile, side zippers will let you go straight to whatever’s packed at the bottom of your backpack without having to dig through everything else.Your camera gear is protected in this backpack as well, as it uses a DWR-impregnated 400D nylon for most of its construction and 900D nylon for the bottom, helping keep water away from your equipment. Carry straps on the outside of the backpack will let you bring even more stuff with you without needing to cram it in next to your gear. And, there are plenty of comfort features to make this a good companion on long, adventurous days of shooting.
Camera bags: What should you look for?
Backpacks: Camera bags come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Backpacks arent as good for easy access, but they often provide better protection. Theyre also often more spacious than messenger and shoulder bags, and distribute weight across two shoulders, making them a better choice for bigger excursions.
Messenger/shoulder bags: These bags have just one strap, which means all the weight is put on one shoulder. The benefit here is access: its easier to grab your camera and accessories in a flash, making them perfect for the type of photography where time is of the essence. However, theyre not as good for big outdoor trips where youre carrying a lot of gear.How many compartments do you need? When browsing camera bags youll see details of dimensions and the number of compartments. How much space you need comes down to how much gear you have and how you plan to travel. You may only have one camera, but if you like to carry around a lot of lenses, make sure the bag can hold them all. Some bags also come with modular compartments, so you can rearrange according to your needs.
Hugh Langley is a tech journalist whos fascinated by wearables, health tech, the smart home, and more. You can find him tweeting (often nonsense) over at @hughlangley.
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