Best Camera Backpack for Travel in 2024

Think “backpack,” and you probably think “travel.” But a camera backpack fills a special role. And it needs to do it well if it’s going to protect your gear—and your back!

In choosing the best camera backpack for travel, we were less concerned about accessibility and ease of use. Our main criteria were protection and comfort. But, of course, the best camera backpacks will shine in all areas.

Our top three choices are no exception. In fact, our favorite camera backpack for travel came second overall in our extensive review of the best camera backpacks. And even then, it missed the top spot by only a whisker. It’s brilliantly designed, roomy, and comfortable to wear.

What Is the Best Camera Backpack for Travel?

We will tell you more about why we like these recommended camera backpacks. But first, here’s a table with a summary of their strengths.

Our Favorite Camera Backpacks for Travel

We’ll now look at what these camera backpacks have that makes them so suitable for travel. As you’ll see, it’s a blend of design, practicality, comfort, and protection. So let’s go over what these travel bags have that provides the optimum mix of those criteria.

You’ll also find a link to our in-depth review of each bag. And there you can see how we made our judgments and lots more detail about each bag.

The Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader is a camera backpack that truly stands out. Manfrotto is a brand well-known for high-quality photography accessories. And it shows in this bag.

This bag is designed thoughtfully, with a focus on functionality and detail. So it’s no surprise that it’s a favorite among professionals.

This backpack’s design might be a little dull for some. But its virtues lie elsewhere. It’s sturdy, spacious, and versatile. So it’s perfect for travel.

Its comfort and adaptability are impressive, but it’s not for everyone. There are other options if you’re after a lightweight bag for a day trip.

The Multiloader’s design maximizes interior space. The quality of materials used is top-notch. And the backpack is constructed to a high standard. So it’s a reliable choice for carrying expensive camera gear.

It may take some time to figure out the configuration options. But once you work them out, you’ve got a bag that works as a backpack, a duffel, and a sling.

It has access from the front and both sides. And the rain cover is reversible, with the other side reflective and providing protection from the intense sun.

So if you’re on the lookout for a sturdy, spacious camera backpack for travel, the PRO Light Multiloader is worth considering. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious photographers.

In our full review of the Manfrotto PRO Light Multiloader camera backpack, we scored it 84.9 out of 100. It’s particularly suited for taking all the gear you need for a whole day’s shoot.

If you want to see how this compares to the other camera backpacks for travel we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

We’ve loved every Wandrd bag we’ve come across, and there’s no surprise that the Wandrd Transit sits near the top of this list. As the name “Transit” implies, this bag is specially designed for travel. Some travel bags that don’t live up to expectations, but that’s certainly not the Wandrd Transit. 

While you can wear the Transit like a standard backpack, with the shoulder straps over your shoulders, it operates much like a suitcase. If you lay it on its back and unzip it fully, you can open it like a case. This makes it much easier to organize and pack your things. It also gives you better access when you need to get stuff out. 

The 35L capacity is surprising when you look at the bag from the outside. But once you have it open, you find a spacious interior. You can carry everything you need and more, yet the bag still works as hand luggage with most airlines. 

With the standard bag, the main compartment is a big open space. You can for clothes on non-work trips. But add the Essential Camera Cube and the bag is transformed into a high-quality camera backpack for travel.

The outer sides of the camera cube have a reasonable amount of padding. It holds its shape well, providing a safe compartment for your photography gear. The cube also includes plenty of padded dividers. They are thick with padding, but you can still bend them. You get a custom interior that’s still protective on long journeys.

There’s no shortage of other pockets and storage spaces. You have two large net pockets inside the main flap. Your electronic devices are safely stored in the laptop sleeve at the back. There are also pockets at the top and on the front for other accessories. 

Broad, well-padded shoulder straps are comfortable to wear. And a chest strap helps distribute weight when you’re carrying the bag for long periods. The bag also has excellent back padding with plenty of space for air circulation, so your back doesn’t get too sweaty. 

The Wandrd Transit isn’t cheap. But the high-quality build and the thoughtful design make it worth every penny. See our full review of the Wandrd Transit 35L Travel Backpack by clicking this link. 

The Wandrd Duo Daypack is a fantastic travel companion for the avid photographer. Its robust construction and lightweight design ensure it’s both durable and easy to carry.

Crafted from quality materials, this backpack offers excellent weather protection. It safeguards your camera and equipment very well from the elements.

Wandrd is a company born from a passion for photography and wanderlust. And their vision is evident in the Duo Daypack’s design. It boasts many features that enhance user experience, making it more than just a storage solution.

It has a couple of minor drawbacks, like additional purchases for the tripod straps and hip belt. But the Duo Daypack provides ample storage.

Its versatile pockets can accommodate a variety of items, ensuring all your gear is secure and organized. And the main zipper allows easy access when you need to grab your camera quickly.

It leans towards the higher end of the price spectrum. But the Duo Daypack is worth every penny.

It features high-quality construction, thoughtful design, and overall functionality. So it’s a worthy investment for any travel photographer.

In our full review of the Wandrd Duo Daypack camera backpack, we gave it a score of 82.6 out of 100. You can compare how it fared against all others we tested in our best camera backpack post.

Use our discount code EXPERTPHOTOGRAPHY at checkout for 15% off your first order!

The Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III is a camera backpack designed with convenience in mind, making it perfect for travel. It’s made of lightweight nylon material and has a QuickDoor access system.

This makes it a game-changer for on-the-go photographers. So it’s ideal for photojournalists and wedding photographers who need to act quickly to capture the perfect shot.

Despite its focus on speed and convenience, the Fastpack Pro doesn’t compromise on protection. The camera compartment has strategic padding for keeping your gear safe.

But its padding for the wearer could be improved. While it provides padding in the right places, it’s quite minimal and may not be as comfortable for long periods.

The QuickDoor access combines the best of side and full compartment access, providing flexibility and ease of use. So its lightweight design and quick access make it a practical everyday backpack for many photographers.

In terms of design, the Fastpack Pro is functional and user-friendly. It has a boxy shape that utilizes space effectively.

Plus, small protective features demonstrate Lowepro’s attention to detail. It has a fleece-lined section for valuables and a raised laptop compartment. It’s a camera bag built by photographers for photographers.

In our full review of the Lowepro Fastpack Pro BP 250 AW III, we gave it a score of 81.5 out of 100. To check out how this compares to the other camera backpacks for travel we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Nomatic McKinnon 25L camera backpack is a stellar choice for travel. It’s a result of a unique collaboration between a renowned backpack manufacturer and a famous photographer.

The result is a stylish, lightweight, yet incredibly safe bag. The “ladder” insert and removable cubes add versatility that’s hard to beat.

Nomatic is a brand known for its quality and innovation. Their lifetime warranty on the McKinnon backpack is a testament to their confidence in the product.

Its design and build quality are impressive, with ripstop 80/20 nylon and polyethylene fabric adding to its durability.

The Nomatic McKinnon 25L isn’t just a camera bag. It’s a travel companion that offers style and flexibility without compromising protection.

Its only shortcoming might be the lack of quick-access side opening, but the top access arrangements somewhat make up for it. This backpack is an ideal investment for any photographer on the move.

In our full review of the Nomatic McKinnon 25L camera backpack, we scored it 79.2 out of 100. It is a truly good-looking bag while still being functional.

Read our review of all the best camera backpacks. It shows you how they all stack up against each other.

Use our discount code EXPERT15 at checkout for an extra 15% off!

The Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L is a camera backpack that exudes the spirit of adventure. Born from a collaboration of photography enthusiasts, it reflects the mountain climbing heritage of its creators.

The backpack is lightweight and boasts an impressive carrying capacity. So it’s perfect for travel photographers. Small rucksacks inspire its design, but it doesn’t skimp on the essentials of a camera bag.

The bag offers ample storage for professional-level gear. It’s also fitted with multiple fixing points for extra gear, making it a practical choice for hikers or climbers.

But it does have some downsides. Its rucksack vibe might not appeal to everyone. And the padding between the sides and the interior could be improved for better equipment protection.

But despite these minor drawbacks, the MindShift BackLight 18L remains a top contender in camera backpack reviews. It’s a reliable companion for those travel photography adventures.

Our full review of the Think Tank MindShift BackLight 18L camera backpack gave it a score of 76.1 out of 100. We reckon it’s one of the best for hiking.

But it also works as a general travel camera backpack. You’ll find out how it compares to the other camera backpacks for travel in our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Tenba Fulton V2 is a camera backpack perfect for travel photographers. And its lightweight and simple design also makes it an ideal choice for everyday use.

The bag’s all-weather design ensures superior protection against harsh elements. This makes it perfect for photographers who often work in unpredictable weather conditions.

Despite not being the most feature-rich bag, the Fulton V2 provides value for the right photographer. Its simplicity and durability are perfect for street photographers. And the lightweight nature of the bag makes it a comfortable choice for long days of shooting.

A slight drawback is the limited storage space for personal items. But this isn’t much of an issue for urban photographers who don’t carry many personal items.

The Tenba Fulton V2 is a solid camera backpack that offers good value. Its all-weather design and lightweight nature make it a great travel companion for photographers. It may not have all the bells and whistles of other bags, but it does the job well.

In our full review of the Tenba Fulton V2 Camera Backpack, we scored it 76 out of 100. You can see how this compares to the other camera backpacks for travel we reviewed by reading our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Thule Covert 32L camera backpack is a top-notch travel choice for photographers. Its robust build quality and durable materials ensure it can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.

The Swedish brand, Thule, has a longstanding reputation for quality outdoor equipment. And the Covert backpack is no exception.

Despite being on the heavier side, its weight is justified by its superior construction and functionality. It offers ample storage and customizable padded dividers, making it versatile for different gear setups.

Its weather protection is excellent, safeguarding your equipment from the elements. But the main drawback is its weight. At 4.7 lb (2.14 kg) empty, it’s noticeably heavier than many other camera backpacks.

But traveling photographers who want durability and protection over lightweight convenience will find this a good investment. It’s designed to withstand the challenges of outdoor travel, And it’s a reliable companion for your photo adventures.

In our full review of the Thule Covert 32L camera backpack, we gave it a score of 75.4 out of 100. It’s in our top ten of the best camera backpacks, and you can see how the others fared as well.

The Think Tank Airport Essentials camera backpack is designed specifically for air travel. It offers an efficient design and useful features.

It’s compact and lightweight. Yet it provides excellent storage capacity and solid protection for your gear. Despite its lack of versatility, it serves as reliable hand luggage for photographers on the move.

The backpack’s outer material is a robust, canvas-like, woven 600D polyester. And it has a water-repellent coating for light showers. For heavier downpours, a removable waterproof cover is provided.

The interior is a blend of polyester and nylon. And it features a layer of soft nylon, providing some protection for your gear.

Security is a major plus with the Airport Essentials. All external zippers have hoops for attaching locks. And there’s a built-in cable lock.

It has limited flexibility. But this camera backpack excels in storage capacity, protection, and design. So it’s a smart choice for photographers who frequently travel. Plus, the bag’s lifetime warranty also adds value. 

Our full review of the Think Tank Airport Essentials camera backpack gave it a score of 75.4 out of 100. This put it in the top ten camera backpacks we reviewed. You can read the article on the best camera backpacks to learn more about all the bags we tested.

Renowned for its durable materials and ample room for large lenses, the Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 22L camera backpack is an excellent choice as a travel backpack. It’s also ideal for wildlife and outdoor photographers.

Its robust outer frame offers solid protection, while the interior could use slightly more padding. But it has weather-resistant X-Pac VX-21 outer material. And it includes a waterproof cover to ensure excellent weather protection. So it’s ideal for outdoor expeditions and air travel alike.

The Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 does have its drawbacks. The butterfly opening design may frustrate some photographers. And the dual opening on the front could limit the bag’s flexibility and capacity.

On the other hand, some photographers love the order and ease of use they provide. It’s also worth noting that this bag is pricier, which could be a deterrent for some.

Despite this, the bag has many strengths, making it a worthy contender for those seeking a reliable travel camera backpack. This includes robust shoulder straps and useful features like a laptop sleeve, tripod strap, and water bottle holder.

Plus, it’s endorsed by world-renowned photographers. So, all in all, the Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 is a solid investment for photographers who prioritize durability and weather protection.

In our full review of the Gura Gear Kiboko V2.0 22L camera backpack, we gave it a score of 72.9 out of 100. You can see how it compares to others we reviewed in our article on the best camera backpacks. You’ll also find details of all the bags we tested and how we made our choices.

The Tenba DNA 16 DSLR camera backpack perfectly blends style and functionality. This bag is the epitome of versatility. It transitions between various scenarios effortlessly, making it ideal for travel and street photography.

It is designed for on-the-go photographers and offers a unique front camera insert that opens like a mailbox. This provides easy and discreet access to your gear. 

Durability is another strong suit of the Tenba DNA 16. It’s built to last, from the bustling streets of New York to the extreme cold of Antarctica.

It doesn’t just look good, but it’s also made to protect your camera gear in any weather condition. Made from weatherproof materials, it promises to withstand all environments. 

Despite its robust build, the Tenba DNA 16 keeps a low profile. Its sleek design blends seamlessly into any setting, making it less likely to attract unwanted attention. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who prefer to keep a low profile while traveling.

But the Tenba DNA 16 has its drawbacks. Its camera compartment is rather small. And the padding is thin, which may not provide adequate protection for your gear. This makes it more suitable for photographers who carry minimal gear.

In essence, this is a well-rounded camera backpack for travel photographers. Its unique design, durability, and versatility make it a worthy contender in the market. But its limited camera compartment might be a deal-breaker for photographers with more extensive gear.

In our full review of the Tenba DNA 16 DSLR camera backpack, we gave it a score of 72.5 out of 100. If you would like to see how this compares to the other camera backpacks for travel we reviewed, then check out our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ camera backpack is a product of photographers’ insights. And it’s an ideal travel companion.

It’s lightweight. It’s made from high-tech weatherproof materials. And it offers superior protection for camera gear. It’s designed to accommodate mirrorless cameras but can also fit a full frame DSLR.

This backpack is not just about protection. It’s also about convenience and organization. It has various dividers, allowing you to customize the space according to your needs.

It also features a laptop and tablet section. And both are padded for extra protection.

But the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter isn’t just about functionality. It’s about responsibility too. The main component, the external fabric, is produced in a carbon-neutral factory. This makes it a great choice for the eco-conscious photographer.

But, like any product, it’s not perfect. Some may find its design a bit mundane.

Also, accessing the main flap requires removing the bag, which can be inconvenient for some. But these are minor issues and don’t overshadow its overall performance.

In our full review of the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ Camera Backpack, we gave it a score of 72.1 out of 100. See how we came to this decision and how it compares to other travel options with our review of the best camera backpacks.

Conclusion: The Best Camera Backpacks for Travel

An ideal camera backpack for travel isn’t necessarily about being able to change lenses quickly or how easy it is to attach your walking poles. The best hiking camera backpack isn’t necessarily the best travel bag.

Let’s face it, most travel to far-flung places is by plane. So we need to be confident that our gear will be safe and easy to carry through the airport and onto the plane. That’s why some of our top picks are about capacity rather than convenience.

That said, what impressed us most at ExpertPhotography is just how good the best camera backpacks are. They turn up again and again, whatever category we are looking at.

We love these top three camera backpacks for travel. But we think you’d do well to check out the others to find the perfect solution for your needs.