There is one component of camera equipment that does not affect the photos themselves yet is crucial for just how pleasurable that shooting experience was: the appropriate camera bag. Nothing makes photographers unhappy more quickly than a bag that burdens them and leaves them sore after the day or fails to enable them to swiftly access the necessary equipment. While I’ll opt for a shoulder bag when traveling light with a single body and lens, when I must carry all my equipment, I require a backpack that evenly distributes the weight across my shoulders and hips, rather than a bag that concentrates all the weight onto one strap. However, the finest camera backpacks not only provide comfortable carrying solutions but also an organized method to safeguard valuable camera equipment.
The appropriate camera bag will feature comfortable straps — and the largest ones for transporting heavy gear should additionally include a waist and sternum strap for evenly distributing that heavier load. And while backpacks are famously slower for retrieving gear than messenger bags, a well-designed bag will still permit relatively quick access to equipment and lens exchanges. Organization is essential too. A camera bag should possess not just padded dividers for lenses and bodies, but also smaller compartments for filters and memory cards. Roll-top backpacks elevate this by incorporating a versatile space that can accommodate gear, a jacket or lunch or anything else you might need to manage the day.
Table of Contents
- Wandrd PRVKE II: The Best Camera Backpack for Most Photographers
- Compagnon Backpack Gen III: The Best Buy-it-for-life Camera Backpack
- The Best Camera Backpack for Travel: Tenba DNA 16
- Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter: The Best Camera Backpack for Organization
- Bagsmart Camera Backpack: The Best Camera Backpack on a Budget
- Utilizing this Guide to the Best Camera Backpacks
- Suggestions on Selecting the Best Camera Backpacks
- Choosing the Ideal Camera Backpack for You
Wandrd PRVKE II: The Best Camera Backpack for Most Photographers
The Wandrd PRVKE II features an almost flawless combination of comfort, organization, durability, and style — I have been using it for three years now as my primary bag. Accessing gear occurs through a rear panel that unzips completely, both safeguarding gear from pickpockets and providing quick and effortless access to each compartment. The upper section is an expandable roll-top, but if extra padded space for gear is required, Wandrd offers inserts that fit in the top as well as in the main bottom compartment. Most of the bag is constructed from a waterproof tarpaulin, which is robust yet still aesthetically pleasing, especially with the variety of colors available. My main issue was simply that the position of the laptop sleeve against the back isn’t the most comfortable and that the waist strap must be purchased separately. Photographers will also need to ensure they acquire the package that contains the padded camera cube insert. The bag is available in multiple sizes, while the Wandrd Lite is a smaller variant with integrated camera dividers.
In our Wandrd PRVKE II review, we state:
“I’m particular about camera bags. I’m among the last millennials still utilizing a DSLR (or so it appears) — so I’m hauling a lot of heavy gear on small shoulders. But I genuinely appreciated the revamped Wandrd PRVKE II. It’s cozy, adaptable, tough, and continues to look fantastic. I can fit a lot of gear in this bag: the roll-top essentially acts like a second backpack for non-camera items. ”
PROS
- Adaptable expanding roll-top
- Comfortable straps and back panel
- Two access points
- The design keeps straps out of the way when accessing gear
- Constructed from durable, sturdy materials
CONS
- Small items can fall from the top compartment into the main compartment
- The laptop sleeve is poorly positioned
- Lenses with tripod collars are too large to effortlessly pass through the side access door
- Without a waist strap, you must place the bag on the ground for complete access to gear.
Compagnon Backpack Gen III: The Best Buy-it-for-life Camera Backpack
In our Compagnon Backpack Gen III review, we said:
“Want to avoid looking like every single guy sporting Patagonia? Awesome. This is the backpack for you. Particularly if you’re still into fitness and need to appear genuinely stylish during your shoots or at your meetings. The Compagnon Backpack Gen III features canvas and leather, along with plenty of straps. You can even add more if you desire. The rolltop makes it easy to access and organize gear, and overall, this is remarkably comfortable. More importantly, my gear was consistently secure and I faced no problems rushing upstairs to catch subways even while carrying it and loaded to capacity. ”
PROS
- Well constructed
- Canvas and leather
- Excellent warranty
- Surprisingly comfortable
- Numerous dividers
- Stylish
- Many pockets and spaces to store items
- The rolltop design allows for accommodating a significant amount of extra gear
CONS
- Does not include a waist strap that is attached, you have to purchase it separately
The Greatest Camera Backpack for Travel: Tenba DNA 16
Similar to many of our preferred camera backpacks, the Tenba DNA 16 features an expandable roll-top. However, unlike selections such as the Wandrd PRVKE II, you can access camera equipment through a front pocket that extends for quick lens access. The TSA-approved structure signifies it’s an excellent option for photographers who frequently travel. In addition, there are numerous pockets, a laptop sleeve, and comfortable shoulder straps.
In our Tenba DNA 16 review, we declare:
“The Tenba DNA 16 Backpack is, in every aspect, an excellent bag for the majority of photographers. Traveling? Well, this can accommodate a significant amount of camera equipment and perhaps even your essentials. Going on a shoot? You can fit nearly all your essential studio gear inside this bag. Still using a DSLR? Switch to a mirrorless camera eventually, but until then, this will serve you effectively. We genuinely appreciate the Tenba DNA 16 Backpack and what it offers for dedicated and professional photographers. Would we purchase it? I encounter scenarios where I would require a bag like this. So truthfully, as the site’s Editor in Chief, it would be foolish not to. However, my preference remains with Canvas. ”
PROS
- Very comfortable, although the initial one felt even more so.
- Quite a sturdy shape provides your gear with additional protection.
- Even when you place a tripod in the side compartment, it doesn’t throw your back off significantly, though you might still notice it. It will be even more noticeable if you’re wearing a bulky winter coat.
- I appreciate that Tenba keeps producing rolltops.
- Waist straps and sternum straps function excellently.
- The laptop compartment integrates smoothly and is cozy.
- Reasonably priced.
CONS
- I understand TENBA isn’t supportive of canvas but, more than any other bag, this would have benefited from being made of canvas.
- I wish I could attach a tripod at the bottom. The bag could then achieve even better balance.
- The camera section’s zipper may occasionally snag at the corners. However, it isn’t too troublesome.
Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter: The Best Camera Backpack for Organization
Certain camera bags are more organized than others — and with its abundant pockets, the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter offers numerous options for arranging a variety of different photography equipment. We appreciated the expandable rolltop, the comfortable straps, and the adaptable design. Apart from being excellent for organization, it’s also a fantastic choice for city residents who do a lot of walking or use public transit.
In our Gura Gear Kiboko review, we mentioned:
“I don’t believe I will ever persuade a company to produce more canvas or hemp bags, but they might concede a little with me. That’s what you’re receiving with the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter. This bag provides photographers with immense versatility. A rolltop feature allows you to expand the bag to carry a large amount of equipment. Additionally, there is a convenient side door for accessing your primary camera within the bag. Furthermore, it’s incredibly comfortable, not just for men but also for women. I had one of my friends try on this bag and walk around our local yoga studio. It was fully packed, and she found it quite comfortable. ”
PROS
- Rolltop.
- Waterproof material.
- Extremely comfortable.
- You can store an incredible quantity of gear in here.
- Several different methods to carry a tripod.
- Lots of organizational choices, although it’s not the same as how other firms operate.
- An excellent choice for a photographer situated in an urban area who either rides a bike, walks extensively or utilizes public transit.
CONS
- Gura Gear’s official method for mounting a tripod has room for enhancement, but there’s another superior option.
Bagsmart Camera Backpack: The Most Affordable Camera Backpack
The finest camera backpacks typically carry a premium price to reflect the quality of materials and thoughtful design. However, if the backpacks mentioned above are outside of your financial range, think about the Bagsmart Camera Backpack. Not only is it crafted from fashionable canvas, but it also costs less than $65. While we would prefer if it included a waist strap, it’s an economical bag that looks and feels far more expensive. It also accommodates a reasonable amount of camera equipment.
In our evaluation of the Bagsmart Camera Backpack, we stated:
“The BAGSMART Camera Backpack is a bag that I genuinely can’t find fault with at this price level at all. I’ve honestly had glasses of whiskey that cost more than this item, and it’s endured for much longer than those drinks did. This is an outstanding camera bag overall. It can store a considerable amount of items, protect your equipment, provide ample yet secure access, and is comfortable enough in most situations. It can also carry a significant amount of materials. Whether you’re trekking or handling your affairs in the city, the BAGSMART Camera Backpack is a reliable option. And despite a few shortcomings, you can’t complain at this price level. ”
PROS
- You can pack an impressive amount of gear
- Leather and canvas
- Two locking mechanisms on either the side pocket or the front zippered compartment
- It can accommodate a tripod and a thermos without any problems
- Very comfortable
- Remarkably well weather-proofed
- Quite fashionable
CONS
- The drawstring top isn’t as effective as a roll top
- I wish it included a waist strap system
Using this Guide to the Best Camera Backpacks
If you’re thinking of buying anything from this list, keep the following in mind:
All the product images and sample photographs in these compilations are taken by our team. In fact, we don’t discuss products in detail in compilations like this unless we’ve conducted comprehensive reviews of them. But you can be certain that we’ve done all the research ourselves.
We would never recommend a product to you that we haven’t verified or that we didn’t genuinely like. You can check our linked reviews for more information on this.
Choosing the ideal Camera Backpack for your needs
- What is your budjet?
- In what manner will you utilize the item?
- What types of lighting conditions do you encounter, and how will those influence your actions? Our evaluations linked in this article can assist with that.
- Are you frequently traveling with it?
- Will you employ it in a more challenging environment?
- Who else utilizes this item? In what way are they using it?
- What makes this product so enticing that I can’t obtain it from what I already possess or from another option?
- When will I genuinely find the opportunity to use this product?
- Where will I take this product?
- How will this product contribute to my happiness and satisfaction in my photography?