16 of the Best Bags to Carry Your Camera Right Now

With so many great camera bags in 2024, it can be challenging to know where to start.

To help you, our team tested the top messengers, backpacks, slings, travel cases, and rollers to find the top options.

Stick to our recommendations below, and you’ll find the most durable, good-looking, feature-rich and affordable bag.

What are the Best Camera Bags & Cases in 2024?

1. Peak Design Everyday | Best Everyday Camera Bag

Capacity: 20L, 30L | Dimensions: 20 x 13 x 7.75 in. (51 x 33 x 20 cm) | Weight: 2.9 – 3.4 lb (1.35 – 1.5 kg)

The enormously popular Peak Design Everyday took the Internet by storm in a Kickstarter campaign some years ago and has won numerous awards as one of the most innovative carry products ever produced.

Peak Design has been wise in their choice of naming convention for their products – nowhere in any of the titles do they mention the words ‘camera bag’… and herein lies their strength – Peak Design bags are flexible enough to be used for everyday use, whether you plan to carry camera equipment or not.

It’s an everyday camera bag that wouldn’t look out of place in a college hall or an office.

As with all the products in the line, the Everyday bag features FlexFold dividers, which allow easy customisation of the interior space to suit your needs. Where other brands use a mixture of bulky, padded velcro dividers, Peak Design’s solution is more compact, elegant and versatile.

The dividers are just the start of a long list of innovative features on this bag – it shows what’s capable when a talented design team puts their brains together on a project.

Credit: Tommy Williams

Regarding carrying capacity, the 30L version of the Peak Design (pictured above) can fit a helluva lot of gear – a pro-size camera body with a lens attached, multiple lenses, flashes and more.

The 20L version is good, too, for those with smaller frames, but I’d recommend the 30L just for the extra space.

There’s also a great new ‘Coyote’ colour with X-Pac fabric made from recycled fishing nets.

Fans of organising gear so that everything has its place will love the multiple pockets and sleeves, which ensure everything can have its place.

If you want a stylish Sony Alpha camera bag that is comfortable to carry and offers multiple organisation options, the Everyday is second to none. It’s innovative, stylish, functional, durable and customisable, with everything backed up by Peak Design’s lifetime warranty.

The only tough decision is choosing a colour – tan, ash and charcoal all look great, and there’s a new black version, which is my favourite.

2. Peak Design Everyday Sling | Best Small Camera Bag

Credit: Tommy Williams

Capacity: 3L, 6L, 10L | Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 5.5 in. (40 x 23 x 14 cm) | Weight: 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)

I came across the Peak Design Everyday Sling last year. Since then, it’s become my regular crossbody DSLR camera bag for small, everyday items and engagement photography shoots when I require less gear than usual.

The great thing about camera sling bags is that they cover two bases – they allow you to keep both hands free like a rucksack and give you fast access, like a messenger bag.

It’s the best small camera bag if you only need to carry a camera and a couple of lenses or a drone and camera, like in the photo below.

Thanks to its compact size, robustness, lightweight and unique organisational abilities (the pliable ‘FlexFold’ dividers are ingenious), the Everyday Sling 10L is perfect for all manner of equipment and is also the perfect size to fit the DJI Mavic Pro, with a controller and accessories.

Built from weatherproof 500D Kordra, the 10L version of the Everyday Sling can easily carry something like a gripped Fujifilm X-T4, plus 2-3 lenses, a 12” Macbook Retina or tablet, memory cards, cables, keys and even a tripod suspended from the bottom.

The Peak Design Everyday Sling also makes a great 35mm film camera bag. Throw in a few rolls of 35, and you can quickly sling the bag around to reload when you run out of frames!

Peak Design is still paving the way with some of the year’s top products. Their functional designs with genuinely innovative features have made them a firm favourite with photographers worldwide.

Credit: Tommy Williams

My advice would be not to overload this sling camera bag, as it can quickly become tiring when carried on one shoulder. Choose the 6L version if you’re usually tempted to bring too much!

We spent a few months testing each sling and concluded that all sizes are equally helpful – since then, I’ve added the 3L cross-body camera bag to my rotation and use it just as often as its bigger brother.

For maximum carry capacity and flexibility, our choice is still the 10L, which can fit a surprising amount of camera gear.

If you’ve never tried a sling bag, make sure the Everyday Sling is at the top of your list. There’s no need to try anything else; it’s that good!

It’s affordable, available in several attractive colour ways, and in stock all year round right here on the official website. If you can’t decide on the size, pick up a couple as I did!

3. WANDRD Prvke | Best Travel Camera Bag

Capacity: 31L Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 7.5 in. (48 x 31 x 19 cm) | Weight: 3.4 lb (1.5 kg)

WANDRD is another Kickstarter success story, validating their products before production with hundreds of thousands of dollars in backing funds.

I admit to being sceptical after watching the various hipster influencers heaping their praise on this hugely Instagrammable photographer accessory. Still, ironically, it was our very own review that made me take notice.

WANDRD has since built a name for itself despite all the other camera bag brands offering well-made, stylish carrying goods that are competitively priced, especially when compared to their biggest rival (see above!)

With the PRVKE, they’ve flipped the regular camera bag template on its head with something resembling a giant tarpaulin tote bag that sits on your back!

Available in 2 sizes (21L and 31L) and three great-looking colours (black, green and blue), it’s a hard decision choosing the right one for you – I opted for the 31L in blue, and frequently get compliments, even from non-photographers.

The most significant benefit of the PRVKE is that it doesn’t resemble a camera bag at all. The branding is subtle, the colours are muted, and the design is innovative whilst being understated and minimal.

A removable camera cube sits at the heart of the PRVKE, allowing you to carry a selection of cameras and lenses. In addition, you can slip in up to a 16″ laptop with a charger, plus numerous clothing items and other camera accessories – the 31L version is tardis-like.

Build quality is top-notch, with the heavy-duty tarp outer and water-proof zippers ensuring that this is one carry option in any weather. If you have the roll-top done up tightly, I’m pretty confident your gear will remain dry even if you submerged the bag, but don’t quote me on that!

The only downside to all this robustness is the weight – at 3.4 lb (1.5 kg), you’ll have to think carefully about your other gear choices, especially if you intend to fly carry-on only.

The grab handle at the top of the WANDRD PRVKE is magnetised to click together when you need to hold it – it’s a small touch, but something that works well and is enormously helpful when you’re in a hurry. I wish all camera bags had this feature.

There are a ton of other features on the PRVKE that make it such a popular bag for both photographers and non-photographers, who seem to love it as a regular everyday bag. If you intend to use it as a daypack and have a minimal setup, the 21L version is your number one bet.

4. Brevite Jumper | Best Small Camera Bag for Travel

Capacity: 18L | Dimensions: 16 x 9 x 5.5 in. (40 x 23 x 14 cm) | Weight: 1.5 lb (0.7 kg)

If you’re looking for a customizable camera bag you can take practically anywhere, check out the Brevite Jumper. This small camera backpack may look like your normal bag, but it’s much more than that.

Made from lightweight materials to stay compact and yet functional, the Brevite Jumper is available in numerous colours, from poppy red, nimbus grey, and boulder tan to lemon yellow, pine green, and moonlit blue.

It’s been a favourite of CNET, IGN, and Wired users, earning the Good Design Award.

The simple design of the best top loader camera bag may fool you into thinking it doesn’t have a lot of capacity, but don’t be tricked! You can easily fit several camera accessories, from the smaller front pocket to the large main pocket that zips open.

Credit: Greg Cromie

As you can see, the Brevite Jumper camera bag can accommodate multiple camera bodies, lenses, batteries, water bottles, and whatever else you can get to fit into it.

It also has loops on the bottom to secure a tripod to capture images hands-free if the moment strikes you.

The outer material on this camera bag is both weather-resistant and machine-washable. It also has a lifetime warranty should anything happen to it. Due to its size and attractive styling, the Brevite is also a really popular camera bag for women.

Additional storage compartments in this camera bag with an iPad compartment include a hybrid camera compartment divider, an organizational pocket, an expandable water bottle pocket, a phone pocket, and a hidden internal pocket.

With so many compartments for your gear and accessories, it would be hard to run out of space in this camera bag!

If you’re someone who likes to bring their laptop along, there is a compartment separate from the rest of the camera bag contents. It’s sealed with a water-resistant zipper, making this an ideal camera and computer bag.

Due to its lightweight, non-flashy styling and surprisingly large carrying capacity (despite its carry-on dimensions), it’s our pick as the best small camera bag for travel when you need the weight distributed over both shoulders (instead of a sling.)

5. Think Tank Retrospective | Best Professional Camera Bag

Credit: Athol Hill

Dimensions: 16 x 10.5 x 7.5 in. (40.6 x 26.7 x 19 cm) | Weight: 3.8 lb (1.7 kg)

The Think Tank Retrospective is the most popular shoulder bag among all the professional photographers featured on Shotkit.

It’s also been updated to a second generation, although thankfully, it’s relatively unchanged from the hugely popular original.

Durable and rugged but soft enough to be stuffed into tight spaces when necessary (I store mine under my scooter saddle!), the Retrospective 30 allows me to carry two pro-DSLR bodies with lenses attached, four lenses, two flashes and numerous other small accessories.

(If a DSLR bag like this Think Tank camera bag is too big and you’re looking for smaller style mirrorless carry options, the Retrospective 7 is popular too.)

The silencing tabs are a welcome addition (particularly for wedding photography during the ceremony), allowing the bag to be opened without noise.

Credit: Bhagi Siva

The strap is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever come across. It’s also strong and grippy on the shoulder – essential when carrying the bag for long periods.

The Retrospective is available in several sizes and colours, and recently, a leather version has also been released. This new leather satchel camera bag holds all your gear and has a high-end feel!

Whichever style you choose, every product in the Retrospective series features minimal branding for an understated appearance that won’t attract thieves.

Whilst many other products focus on innovative features and quirky aesthetics, the Think Tank Retrospective 30 is a classic, no-nonsense design that works. It’s a professional camera bag with everything needed to do the job and nothing extra.

As with all Think Tank products, the Retrospective 30 is built to last a lifetime – I’ve had mine for over seven years now, and it still looks as good as new.

6. MindShift BackLight | Best Hiking Camera Bag

Credit: Teryani Riggs

Dimensions: 13.8 x 22.4 x 10.2 in. (35 x 57 x 26 cm) | Weight: 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)

Mindshift is the sibling company to Think Tank so that you can expect top quality and innovative features from their range.

The MindShift BackLight is rugged but elegantly designed, looking more like a regular bag that may be concealing thousands of dollars of camera gear.

This combination of rugged utility and forward-thinking design makes the MindShift BackLight the best travel videographer bag.

Whether you opt for the 27-litre or 36-litre version of the BackLight, the bag is designed to have ample room for your regular daypack gear too – extra layers, food, books, etc. whilst still being able to fit in a surprising amount of cameras/lenses and other photography equipment.

You can squeeze in 6 lenses, two camera bodies, flashes, spare batteries, filters and even a 15″ laptop inside this spacious hiking camera bag.

Credit: Teryani Riggs

Back-panel access on the BackLight means you can get to all your stuff without taking the bag off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting the bag dirty.

You can change lenses or snap a quick photo simply by spinning the bag around to the front of your body while the waist belt is still secured.

Rear-panel access on the MindShift BackLight also increases travel security since your gear is protected behind your back.

Outer attachments include large zipper pulls, ice axe loops, daisy chains, a water bottle holder, a tripod holder, and other additional lash points, meaning you can quickly expand the carrying capacity.

Another nice touch is the built-in seam-sealed rain cover for when the outdoor elements are against you. The MindShift BackLight is backed by a lifetime limited warranty, giving you additional peace of mind. Available in green or black.

7. LowePro ProTactic 450 AW II | Best Large Camera Bag

Dimensions: 13.70 x 10.63 x 19.21 in (34.8 x 27 x 48.79 cm) | Weight: 5.72 lbs (2.59 kg)

If it weren’t for the LowePro branding on the LowePro PROTactic 450 AW II, you’d be forgiven for thinking this good-looking bag was made for the military.

On the inside and out, the Pro Tactic 450 AW II features unique functionality, making this high-performance professional bag one of LowePro’s most popular ever.

Thanks to a recent update, this version II model features several updates, including:

• a more adaptive interior, multiple access points
• modular exterior attachment capabilities
• convertible utility belt
• utility pouch, water bottle holder, tripod cup and two Quick Straps.

If you work frequently in warmer climates, you’ll appreciate the ActivZone back panel and harness, which provide ventilation and comfort for support on the move.

This is a large camera bag that becomes heavy when fully loaded. Credit: Jared Gant

Then there’s the waist belt, which is removable to reduce the ProTactic 450 AW II profile for packing or travel.

In addition, two zippered hip pockets are handily placed, offering space for quick-grab items.

Get versatile with your carry options with five modular packing accessories: a water bottle pouch, accessory case, tripod cup and two cinch straps, all included with this camera bag.

What’s unique about the LoweProPro Tactic 450 AW II is the 4-way access – you can grab your gear from the right, the left, the top and the back, allowing every access point to be opened quickly and easily.

Our favourite is the 450 AW model, which can fit 1-2 Pro DSLRs, one with up to a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens attached, plus a spare flash and a couple of small lenses – it’s a large camera bag that’s built to protect all your gear from every knock you encounter.

8. PGYTECH OneMo Camera Bag

Credit: Tommy Williams

Dimensions: 18.9 x 12.6 x 9.05 in (48 x 32 x 23 cm) | Weight: 4.63 lbs (2.1 kg)

The PGYTECH OneMo Camera Bag is an ultra-durable and customizable camera bag designed to make the most of the space on your back. It’s sleek and waterproof, with a water-resistant outer layer to keep you and your camera gear dry.

The PGYTECH OneMo includes 11 dividers you can use to customize the interior of this bag. No matter what you plan on carrying regarding camera gear, this bag will swallow it all.

The fabric remains scratch and tear-resistant, which is nice for shooting on location. You won’t have to worry about tree branches snagging your bag if you have to run through the woods fast to capture that perfect image.

Credit: Tommy Williams

The seams are also reinforced to ensure your camera gear stays contained. This camera bag from PGYTECH is built for carrying as much as you can fit into a bag without it busting at the seams!

Speaking of shoulder straps, you can also carry them across your back or over your shoulder, depending on how much gear you have packed into them. You can also attach it to your belt and carry it that way.

9. Camera Sling by Clever Supply Co. | Best Mirrorless Camera Bag

Credit: Tommy Williams

Dimensions: 12.5 x 8.5 x 4 in) | Weight: 1.5lbs

Beautifully designed wax-canvas camera sling bags are few and far between, but Clever Supply Co. has nailed it with this one.

Currently only available on Kickstarter (with retail expected for later this year), the Camera Sling is a portable, lightweight and robust way to carry a camera, lens, flash, and other accessories.

It also makes a great everyday carry bag if you’re into that whole outdoor/camping/hipster look that’s so popular.

You can adjust internal dividers to suit your main gear, then use the zippered pocket, elastic loops and clipped sleeve to carry a surprisingly large amount of gear.

Premium-priced, the Camera Sling’s exterior will patina over time to make it unique. Something you’re likely to own forever, then pass down to the next generation.

Due to its compact size, lightweight, good looks and overall durability, it’s our pick as the best mirrorless camera bag, perfectly matched with a retro-inspired Fujifilm XPro-3 and selection of prime lenses.

10. Wotancraft Pilot | Stylish & Rugged Shoulder Camera Bag

Credit: Athol Hill

Dimensions: 15.75 x 6.3 x 11.02 in | Weight: 2.5lbs

The Wotancraft Pilot is a durable messenger bag ready to take on whatever conditions you trek through. The CORDURA material is tear-resistant and yet soft at the same time.

This camera messenger bag features a G-hook that makes closing the bag easy once you get used to it. You can also easily access your gear via the zipperless opening beneath, which helps to keep your gear free from zipper scratches.

The interior of the Wotancraft Pilot is filled with Wotancraft Interior Modules, which help you organize your camera bag for the best results. There are also two vertical loop strings you can take advantage of.

Beneath the Wotancraft Pilot lie two adjustable straps meant for carrying a tripod. Additional add-on pouches can also be used for extra storage space.

Wotancraft has increased the Pilot’s shoulder straps and padding underneath. A 360-degree rotating ring also helps keep this shoulder bag right where it belongs.

When carrying the Pilot around, you can also use the built-in luggage handle. Plus, the vintage brass buckle gives it that extra something.

11. Billingham Hadley | Classic Shoulder Camera Bag

Dimensions: 10.24 x 5.51 x 12.99 in | Weight: 1.76lbs

Made in England, the Billingham Hadley bag is iconic in its design and heritage among street photographers, but you’ll also see it commonly on the shoulders of press photographers.

Billingham’s bags are classic minimalist in design and built to last a lifetime, improving their look as they age.

They’re the kind of beautifully styled product you’ll hand down to your children, confident they’ll last their lifetimes, too.

The Billingham Hadley comes in various colours, including black, blue, green, red, brown and our favourite, sand. It can hold a small DSLR camera, an extra lens, and various accessories in the pockets at the front.

Best of all, this top-shelf camera bag includes a rear zip pocket that’s hidden from view – perfect for carrying a passport or sensitive travel documents. The front pockets also expand to hold whatever you’d like to store in them – I’ve squeezed a couple of flashes in each one.

The exterior of this camera bag features hand-finished leather and brass details. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap.

You can also use the top handle to carry the Hadley, although you should make sure the front buckles are already done up to prevent anything from falling out.

Inside, there’s a removable camera insert, along with two small dividers and two large dividers for the interior.

12. McKinnon Camera Pack | Best DSLR Camera Bag

Credit: Tommy Williams

Dimensions: 22 x 13.5 x 9 in | Weight: 5.75lb

Peter McKinnon is a popular YouTuber who’s gradually releasing camera equipment to the masses, including, most recently, filters and camera bags.

The McKinnon camera pack is a collaboration with Nomatic, a well-known bag brand with plenty of fans. However, this is a premium bag made for a niche audience.

With thick adjustable straps, myriad storage options and waterproof zippers, the McKinnon Camera Pack is one of the more versatile and well-built bags on our list, all of which is reflected in its premium price.

Credit: Tommy Williams

The McKinnon pack is made from water-sealed, high-end materials, making it a favourite among travelling photographers. However, be mindful of the weight – even empty, it’s a bit of a beast!

On the flip side, though, it’s pretty bombproof and will keep your cameras and lenses safe and sound no matter the project.

Plus, it also features side access for your convenience – you can get a camera out while one of the straps is still on your shoulder by swinging it around.

You can also access the interior of the McKinnon Camera Pack through the rear with a zipper. This helps to keep your camera and accessories secure, with the central opening shielded next to your back.

The McKinnon camera bag includes a total of 9 dividers for internal organization. You can also take advantage of the luggage passthrough and the magnetic close bottle/tripod pocket.

Why have we labelled it as the top ‘DSLR camera bag’? Well, you could fill it with mirrorless gear, video cameras, or whatever you want. Still, it accommodates the bulkier nature of modern DSLR cameras and lenses much better than the other options on this list.

Its heavy-duty construction also makes it more able to protect the somewhat fragile nature of DSLRs from knocks, especially when travelling.

13. Fosoto Waterproof Anti-Shock Travel Camera Case

Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.9 x 4.3 in | Weight: 0.58lb

The Fosoto Waterproof Anti-Shock Travel Camera Case is made from durable nylon material. The exterior is a dark heather grey, while the interior is a vibrant red to help any small accessory stand out from within.

Most Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony DSLR and mirrorless cameras will fit in this camera case, but not any large flagship models.

(For some reason, people often search for a Nikon camera bag or a Canon camera bag, thinking that there are specific designs that suit each particular brand.)

There are two rings on the side to attach a shoulder strap easily, but you can also use the padded handle to transport this compact camera bag.

With double zippers and dual padded inserts, the Fosoto Waterproof Anti-Shock offers a surprising amount of room for a camera, lenses, and any other small accessories you need.

The mesh padded compartment on the underside of the lid can keep the tiniest of accessories secure, so you don’t have to look for them.

The Fosoto Travel Camera Case also includes dual belt loops to carry a tripod, although you’ll need to make sure it’s a lightweight travel tripod, so the bag doesn’t feel overloaded or lopsided.

You can also use the included waterproof cover in case the weather turns nasty.

14. LowePro Flipside AW Pro II

Dimensions: 11.9 x 10 x 18.1 in. (30.23 x 25.4 x 45.97 cm) | Weight: 2.76 lbs (1.25kg)

Made for outdoor enthusiasts who want to carry a couple of camera bodies plus lenses and accessories, the Flipside is a practical solution that is secure and comfortable.

A nice feature is the silent zipper pulls, which are helpful for wedding or wildlife photography, where being discrete is essential.

Our favourite feature of the LowePro Flipside is its back-entry compartment, which features a double zip that accesses the main storage area, which can’t be opened while the pack is worn. This is great for theft prevention.

When you need your gear, unclip the chest strap, slide off the shoulder straps and swing the bag around to the front of the body. It will hang there thanks to the waist strap, providing you with a ‘table’ on the reverse of the bag and direct access via that rear zip to your gear.

Also included with this LowePro camera bag is an all-weather cover that pulls out from a slot as the base of the pack.

Available in two sizes (300 & 400), this is a popular camera bag with a unique access feature, which sets it apart from all the others in the market.

15. Think Tank Airport International | Best Rolling Travel Case for Camera

Dimensions: 14 x 21 x 8 in. (35.6 x 53.3 x 20.3 cm) | Weight: 11.5 lb (5.2 kg)

The third generation of Think Tank’s award-winning rolling products is the gold standard for photographers who prefer to roll their gear and save their backs from heavy loads!

Version 2 of the Airport International was a hugely popular case, used by numerous photographers featured on Shotkit.

With the V3, Think Tank has listened to its customers and added minor enhancements such as user-replaceable parts (wheels, handle, wheel housings, feet, and kick plate), a newly reinforced telescoping handle, more excellent durability, and a padded, lockable pocket for a 15” laptop.

The Think Tank Airport International V3 is designed to take full advantage of the carry-on space for US International flights.

It can hold two gripped DSLRs with lenses attached, plus two to four additional lenses (up to 500mm f/4 or 400mm f/2.8), a 15” laptop, and a 10” tablet.

Other unique features of the best camera trolley bag include a serial number for Lost & Found registration; extra tall wheel housings to protect your bag from scrapes and scratches; stretchable front pocket; tripod mount pocket on the side; interior zippered pockets for batteries, memory cards, filters and accessories, and so much more.

16. Pelican 1510 Rolling Case | Best Rolling Waterproof Camera Case

Dimensions: 22 x 13.8 x 9 in. (55.9 x 35.1 x 22.9 cm) | Weight: 13.6 lb (6.2 kg)

It’s surprising that a niche rolling camera case/waterproof travel case for camera gear has garnered so many positive reviews on Amazon.

The Pelican 1510 is a heavy-duty rolling camera case that can carry all your gear in complete protection and looks badass while at it!

It’s the best waterproof camera bag if you don’t mind lugging around a hard case and carrying it by hand (there are no straps).

I’m pretty sure that most photographers buy this camera hardcase due to its looks and have rarely used it to its full potential…

Weighing in at 6.7kgs, the 1510 certainly isn’t light, but it still seems somewhat compact and can meet most airlines’ carry-on requirements.

The 1510 is far more durable than a large camera duffle bag. If you’re worried about your camera gear getting knocked around while travelling, this photographic fortress is precisely what you’ve been searching for!

Manoeuvring is easy with the front and side handles and an easy-to-release extension handle when you want to use the wheels.

Many find the size of the Pelican 1510 perfect for small shoots, and the appearance is undoubtedly very professional.

As with all Pelican cases, the 1510 is virtually indestructible – watertight, dustproof and guaranteed for life. It’s one of the top travel camera bags if you need everything to remain safe and intact.

What’s the Best Bag For My (Specific) Camera?

One of the most significant concerns photographers have when shopping for a new camera bag is ensuring they get a bag that fits their gear.

While most camera bags are designed to be somewhat universal, I put together some picks of popular camera models if you’ve been wondering where to get started.

• For Sony A7 & A7iii – Peak Design Everyday
• For Sony a6400 or other small APS-C Sony bodies – Peak Design Everyday Sling
• For Fuji X-T5, X-T4, X-T3, etc. – Peak Design Everyday Sling or WANDRD Prvke
• For Nikon P950 – Peak Design Everyday Sling
• For Nikon Z6ii or D5600 – WANDRD Prvke
• For Canon R6 or 5d Mark IV – LowePro ProTactic 450 AW II
• Best Leica Camera Bag—Peak Design Everyday Sling or Lowepro Dashpoint Camera Pouch
• Best Nikon D750 Camera Bag – Peak Design Everyday
• For 70-200mm & Super-telephoto Lenses—Think Tank Airport International or Pelican 1510 Rolling Case for more protection

No matter what brand of camera you use, there’s an option for you… And who said you could only own one?!

Pro Tips for Organising Your Bag with Camera Gear

How do I organise my camera bag?

There are many ways to organize a camera bag, depending on what you plan on doing once you arrive on location. For example, if you have time and room to set up, you might not care where you place your camera and most-loved lenses, but if you don’t, you might want your gear on top and ready to go.

Generally speaking, placing your heaviest items at the bottom of the camera bag is best. The bottom will vary in some cases as some camera bags can be worn several ways, but orient your bag and how you’ll carry it to find the bottom.

You should also use any included dividers to make the most of the interior space. Keep any camera lenses upright so that any bumps or scrapes from the side hit the outer frame rather than the fragile lens itself.

Finally, you should place small camera gear items within a pocket that seals. This will help prevent these small components from getting lost in your camera bag, no matter your style.

If you’re a stickler for neat organisation, consider investing in one of the rolling camera bags recommended above – when open, a ‘roller’ allows your gear to be noticeable and much easier to access than messenger bags.

All the top camera bags have some customisable interior, so stick to the products on this list, and you’ll be fine.

How do you store lenses in a camera bag?

If possible, you should store lenses upright so the weight of any other objects in your bag doesn’t compromise them.

Do not store your camera with the lens attached, as the connection point can be extremely susceptible to breaking under pressure.

If you own a telephoto lens with a barrel that slips (‘telescopes’), you should keep it stored so that the lens won’t telescope during transport. You can either use the weight of the lens against itself or invest in a lens cover.

If you own a nifty-fifty or other cheap, lightweight camera lens, keep it in the most easily accessible location – at the top of your camera or even in a jacket pocket.

How do I protect my camera in my bag?

There are many ways you can protect your camera in your bag. Great camera bags should have protective layering cushions for your camera and lenses, but this is not always necessary.

For instance, you can also carry your camera with a protective cap on (to protect the sensor or mirror). If you take care of it, you may not need a dedicated camera bag since camera bodies are usually quite solid.

At the same time, you should keep any small accessories (especially those with sharp edges) in their compartments.

Another way to protect your camera is to pad everything around it with material so there’s little movement. The more movement there is, the higher your chances of damage.

You can also use a Domke wrap around your camera gear to protect it in any bag.

How do you waterproof a camera bag? / How do you make a waterproof camera case?

As long as you don’t need it to be completely waterproof (i.e., it won’t let in any water when submersed), there are a few ways to do this.

The easiest way to make a camera bag waterproof (water-resistant) is to invest in a cover or ‘rain-fly’ that fits over the entire thing. This cover should repel any moisture until conditions have improved.

At the same time, investing in a waterproof camera bag can save you both time and grief. Waterproofing your camera bag is a process that requires some patience, especially if you’re using a spray of some sort.

You can coat camera bags made of nylon with water-resistant products. However, the possibility of coating your particular camera bag to waterproof it depends on what materials it’s made from.

If you need a completely waterproof camera bag, look to a Pelican or similar case with a built-in pressure release valve.

The best bags usually have some water-resistant or water-repellant coating, so stick to the ones on this list that meet that criteria.

Can I bring my camera bag on a plane?

Cameras with lithium batteries (including ion and metal) must remain with you in the pressurized cabin. These batteries can explode if left in the unpressurized cargo area of the plane, so they are not allowed in checked bags.

If your camera gear fits in the overhead bins or under your seat with your items, you can take it on a plane. Keeping it in your bag might be your best bet for ensuring it remains safe and protected.

At the same time, you can invest in a durable and sturdy camera bag to carry onboard. This allows you to keep only the essentials in your items.

What camera bags are great for travel?

I like to travel with any camera bag small enough to keep with me at all times, either by my feet on the plane or in the overhead locker.

That means anything large or heavy (even if it’s marketed as a ‘camera travel bag’), is left at home.

Some travelling photographers are happy to check a camera case in (to the plane’s baggage hold) when flying, but unless it’s unavoidable, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The best travel camera bag is whatever is small and light enough to travel as a carry-on when you’re flying.

If you’re not travelling by plane, using something as light as possible is still advantageous, just for your comfort and enjoyment.

Do You Need a Camera Bag? (Is It  Necessary?)

Only you can honestly answer this question, though there are some things you’ll want to think about. For example, how often would you use your camera bag, and how does it differ from other bags you already own?

Dedicated camera bags can make life easier because they are used specifically for your photography gear. When you rush out the door, it’s also easier to find your photography bag and grab it than wonder which bag you put it in this time.

At the same time, if you’re not married to the idea of a camera bag, you can easily use any shoulder bag you prefer. For example, you can use inserts in a Domke wrap, a Peak Design Cameracube, and any other camera bag you own.

As you use your bag (whether you choose a dedicated camera bag or a regular one), you’ll figure out which features you like/need and which are more hype than helpful.

How do you make a camera bag insert?

There are many ways to make a camera bag insert, from the materials you use to the sizes your bag requires. Cardboard is often the cheapest way to insert a camera bag.

If you have an insert of the size and shape you like, you can trace it on the cardboard or even transfer that template to a piece of foam.

You can also measure the dimensions of the area where you want to place your insert and create your own.

How do I Choose a Good Camera Bag?

Reviewing camera bags takes a toll on the space in our garage!

With all the choices available for photographers, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start when selecting a camera bag.

Here are a few of the factors that I always consider when evaluating whether a camera bag is right to add to my collection:

1. Size

This isn’t a question of how much gear you own but what gear you need to carry with you on a particular outing or assignment. I own several camera-carrying products because I like to select the bag depending on what I’m shooting and how much gear I require. The best EDC camera bag and the right long weekend photo bag will be built for two different jobs.

2. Type

There’s a time and a place for each of the different types of bags. If I’m popping out with the kids to the park, I grab a sling bag that fits my camera and one extra lens. If I need a travel camera bag, I might opt for a back pack to leave my hands free to carry other luggage. If I’m shooting a wedding, I’d use a rolling option to squeeze more gear in and save my aching back… you get the idea.

3. Design (Usability)

This one’s key. If a bag doesn’t let you get your gear in and out quickly, it’s not worth your time. I omitted some of the most stylish camera bags from this list simply because I found them a pain in the a** to use! Function over form… in most cases!

4. Design (Style)

This is very subjective, but I recommend you buy a bag that makes you happy to look at and touch daily. Invest a little more in something above the ‘budget’ recommendations, and you’ll get something that a design team has given some thought to, such as the looks and usability.

5. Durability/Warranty

You usually get what you pay for – spend more on a well-known brand name, and you should get more years out of it. Some even offer warranties, which guarantee breakages for several years. American or Australian-made camera bags tend to have a higher durability, but they also cost more.

6. Cost

It is another subjective one, but you should experiment a little here. If you’ve invested in a pricey brand-name bag, for example, try opting for a more affordable sling bag – when you’re still not sure what type of bag is right for you, spend your money wisely until you’re ready to drop the big bucks.

FAQs About Camera Bags for Men & Women

What should I keep in my camera bag?

That depends a lot on you and what/where you’re shooting. Some things to consider are your camera, lenses, spare batteries, flash, memory cards, tripod or monopod, microfiber cleaning cloth, rain cover, external hard drive and laptop/tablet.

What are camera bags made of?

The most useful are weather-resistant ones, keeping your gear well-protected even in difficult weather conditions. Weatherproofed cotton, nylon, and leather camera bags are popular options.

Can a camera bag be a carry-on?

Many are designed to fit within airline carry-on luggage size standards (just be sure to double-check the dimensions). As for whether you can take your camera in addition to other hand luggage will depend on the airline and class you’re flying, so you’ll need to check each airline’s requirements.