13 Best Camera Bags in 2023 (For Daily Use, Travel, & More)

Every photographer, from beginner to pro, needs the best camera bag for their gear. Photo equipment is expensive and fragile. So you need to take care of it. That means you need a good camera bag every time you leave the house.

The BAGSMART backpack is the best option on our list. It’s a stylish bag with a casual design. The inside is spacious, with enough room for several cameras and lenses. You have interior padding for protection. And the price is excellent value for your money.

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What Is the Best Camera Bag?

Whether taking pictures for fun or heading to your next pro shoot, you need the best bag to carry your stuff. But with so many types of camera bags available, finding the best one can be difficult. So it’s best to think about what you need to carry.

How many cameras and lenses do you need to take with you? What extra camera gear do you need? And where are you going? If you answer these questions, you’ll get closer to finding the best bag for you.

We’ve included a wide range of camera bags in this article. We have several camera backpacks. They are an excellent choice for many photographers. And they are the most popular type of bag.

We have backpacks for hiking and international travel. We have messenger bags for street photographers and photojournalists. And we have roller bags to take the stress out of traveling. Plus, we have sling bags for easy movement and a camera hard case for extra security.

Here’s an overview of all the best bags on the list. We have a detailed description of each camera bag in the section after. And we’ve finished the article with a FAQ section to fill in any knowledge gaps. All so you can find the best camera bag!

13 Best Camera Bags

We recommend all the camera bags on this list. Every camera bag suits a different photographer. And we’ve included a wide variety of bags.

There are camera bags for casual and professional photographers. There are bags for days out with your camera. And you’ll find camera bags for international travel. And don’t worry if you have a budget. We have bags priced across the spectrum.

The BAGSMART backpack is currently the camera bag we like most. It’s a stylish camera backpack with excellent storage capacity and protection. And it also gives you excellent value for money.

It’s a great option for everyone, from casual street photographers to serious pros. So there’s no mystery why more and more photographers are strapping on this camera backpack.

This backpack gives you ample storage space for your gear. You can fit two DSLR or mirrorless cameras in there. And there’s still enough space for several lenses and a flash unit or two.

The front section has pockets for smaller accessories. There’s a pouch at the rear for your laptop or tablet. And there’s a strap for your travel tripod.

The front section opens completely. This makes it easy to access your cameras. And the bag has anti-theft zips that lock together. They put your mind at ease when traveling in an unknown country.

The padded dividers keep the gear protected on the inside. And the Velcro allows you to customize the interior to suit your gear.

The outer polyester is water-resistant to protect your gear against light showers and splashes. But you need to attach the waterproof cover if the weather turns really bad.

It’s also a convenient size. You can use the BAGSMART camera backpack on the bus or train without getting in people’s way. And it’s the perfect size for hand luggage when you fly.

Check out our full list of the best camera backpacks.

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2 is a stylish and sophisticated camera bag. It has a simple yet professional look. And the single-strap design makes this messenger bag a convenient choice. You won’t look out of place at professional events.

It keeps your photography gear protected. And it’s easy to access your cameras at short notice.

With a classic messenger bag design, it has one shoulder strap. The strap is padded for comfort so you can carry a heavy load. And there’s an under-arm strap that gives you more support.

The front flap opens upward, making it easy to access your camera. And there’s a clip lock to keep it closed.

The interior has three FlexFold dividers. They keep your gear organized. And the padding protects them against knocks and scrapes.

It’s a spacious messenger bag. So it has enough room for a couple of cameras. They could be compact cameras or larger DSLR cameras.

The Messenger V2‘s quality is much higher than your average messenger bag. The material is strong and durable. And it is completely weatherproof. That means your expensive equipment is protected even in the worst weather!

If you want to see more bags in this style, see our article on the best camera messenger bags.

The BAGSMART canvas shoulder bag is the best camera back for casual shooters. It’s a convenient size. But it’s still spacious enough to house everything you need while out shooting.

It’s ideal for street photographers on the prowl. And it’s a great option for film photographers. You can sling the bag over your shoulder when you set off. And it sits at your hip so you can access your camera at a moment’s notice.

There’s ample space for your camera. It could be a full frame mirrorless camera with a lens for street photography. Or it could be a classic 35mm film camera with extra rolls of the best film rolls.

The strap and buckle keep the gear secure. And the padded dividers make sure the cameras and lenses don’t knock against each other. You can also remove the dividers to give yourself more space inside.

The shoulder strap can be adjusted for the perfect fit. And there are extra zipper pockets for your accessories. The BAGSMART canvas bag is a classic shoulder bag with a fantastic price tag!

The Shimoda Explore V2 35 is the best camera backpack for hiking. It’s big and spacious. It has convenient features for hiking photographers. And it’s one of the most protective backpacks on the market.

Whether you shoot landscape photography or just love heading into the wilderness with your camera, this backpack is for you. (You might also like our Wonderful Wildlife e-book.)

The Shimoda has a removable padded compartment for your camera gear. It can fit two full frame camera bodies. And there’s enough space for the best landscape lenses.

You can adjust the dividers to fit the gear you have. And you can remove the compartment from the backpack completely. So it can double as a normal traveler’s backpack.

The side and rear openings give you easy access to your gear. The side pocket lets you take out your camera without putting the bag down. And the rear opening gives you full access to your stuff. So you don’t need to rummage around.

All hikers know how unpredictable weather can be. But thankfully, the Explore V2 35 is fully waterproof. So you can keep hiking come rain or shine. And you don’t need to worry about your camera gear getting wet. It’s the best camera bag for outdoor photographers.

The MOSISO backpack has a unique hardshell design. It keeps your gear extra safe from external dangers. And it’s spacious enough for professional photographers. You can use it for pro photography and videography cameras.

The main backpack compartment has a rigid outer case. This hardshell design protects the contents of the bag against knocks and damage. That makes it a good option for train and plane travel.

It’s also completely waterproof when zipped up. So you can walk around in the rain for hours, and it’ll keep your gear dry.

The internal dividers are thick with padding. This keeps the gear in position and stops them from knocking against each other. And each divider has Velcro attachments to customize the layout. So you can change the interior to suit different types of photoshoots.

The front section opens up to provide full access to the main bag. It also has several zipped pockets for smaller accessories. You also get a pouch for your photo-editing laptop. And there’s a water bottle pouch and a strap for your tripod.

The MOSISO is a tough and durable camera backpack. The design is stylish and functional. And it comes in many different colors. Its popularity is no surprise, especially with its low price.

The Peak Design Everyday sling bag is a fantastic option if you want a small and sleek camera bag. As a sling bag, it’s a smaller version of a messenger bag. It looks sharp yet inconspicuous. And it keeps your cameras protected.

Street photographers love this bag. And it’s a great option if you’re into film photography. The shoulder strap has a quick-pull adjustment clutch. This allows you to change the tightness in a fraction of a section.

The metal buckles keep the strap and bag together securely. And the bag has special abrasion-resistant zips. So they still work after years of use, even in wet weather.

The sling bag only has room for one camera, especially if you’re using a larger camera model. You can fit several point-and-shoot cameras if that’s what you prefer. And the padded dividers keep everything safe and sound.

The Everyday Sling is the perfect bag to throw over your shoulder when you head out. You don’t stand out as a photographer. And it’s a super convenient camera bag. Check out our article on the best sling bags for more like this.

The Lowepro Tahoe BP 150 is another brilliant camera backpack. It’s a lightweight bag for casual photographers.

It has decent storage space for your camera and lenses. And there are plenty of pockets and pouches for other bits and bobs. Plus, it has a more-than-reasonable price tag.

The main storage section is separated into two areas. The lower section is for the camera and lenses. It has thick padded dividers for protection. And these can be adjusted and removed if necessary.

The upper section is one large space with a zip to seal it off. And the front of the bag also has a laptop and tablet pouch.

The exterior of the bag is well-padded. This means your gear is safe within. And the polyester is weather-resistant. So it’s protected against splashes, spray, and light rain showers.

You can adjust the shoulder straps that are padded for comfort. And the bag itself is lightweight. The Tahoe BP 150 is a lightweight backpack for casual photography or long walks in the countryside.

The Neewer rolling camera backpack is a unique entry on this list. It’s a 2-in-1 bag that doubles as a roller case and a backpack. It’s big and spacious. It has plenty of protection. And it’s the best camera bag for international travel.

The case has two roller wheels and a handle for easy transportation over flat ground. The wheels operate smoothly. And the handle can be adjusted and retracted completely. So it’s ideal for moving through airports.

But you also have the two shoulder straps. These transform the case into a backpack. And they give you more freedom of movement when you hit a busy city center.

It’s a spacious case that lets you travel with all the gear your need. You can get four full frame cameras in there. And you still have space for everything from wide-angle lenses to telephoto lenses.

The dividers are thick and offer plenty of padding. They can be removed and adjusted to fit your gear. And there are extra pouches for laptops, chargers, and mini tripods. There’s even a tripod strap on the side.

It’s a strong case with a rigid structure. And the bag is completely waterproof when sealed and zipped. You don’t need to run for cover if the heavens open. And your equipment is safe and sound inside.

The Neewer rolling backpack is the ultimate travel bag for photographers. It’s so convenient you can use it for train travel or even local photoshoots.

The size is perfect for airline hand luggage. But it’s also strong enough to be checked as hold luggage. Plus, you also get excellent value for your money. Every jet-setting photographer needs this camera bag.

Photographers suffering from wanderlust should see our full list of the best travel camera bags.

The Tenba DNA 16 Pro Messenger is a robust camera bag for busy professionals. It has a simple yet smart design. It’s stylish and professional. It has excellent safety features. And it’s the perfect camera bag for photographers on the move.

The main bag section has two padded dividers. There’s only enough room for one camera. But it can carry full frame DSLR or mirrorless cameras. And there’s enough space for two or three large lenses.

There’s also a pouch for your computer. There are extra pouches for files and portable hard drives. And the shoulder strap uses memory foam for a comfortable experience. So you can carry a heavy load without chaffing or fatigue.

The main flap has clip locks to lock it down. And there’s a trolley strap for long-distance travel. It’s also water-resistant and has a rain cover, so downpours are no problem for this bag.

The DNA 16 Pro is one of the best messenger bags for photographers. It’s a popular bag with event photographers and photojournalists.

The Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 350 is one of the best camera bags for people who love the outdoors. It’s ideal for country walks, hillside hikes, and bike rides. It’s a dedicated photography bag with ample space for your camera and lenses.

You have enough room for a large camera, like a full frame DSLR. And you can easily get three lenses in there with it. But it also has space for everything an outdoorsy person might need.

The lower section is designed to store your photography gear. It has thick padded dividers you can adjust for a custom layout. But you can remove the entire padded section. And this transforms it into a normal backpack.

The upper section allows you to store anything else you need. There’s enough room for a change of clothes, a packed lunch, and a pack-away rain jacket.

The bag also comes with its own all-weather cover. This keeps everything dry if it starts to rain or snow. There’s a strap for your carbon fiber tripod. And you have a pouch for your water bottle.

The size and storage space make it a good option for longer trips. And it easily fits under a plane seat. So you can use it for hand luggage.

The Flipside Trek BP 350 is the perfect camera backpack for adventurous people. It’s a versatile backpack. And it’s one of the best bags available.

The Shimoda Action 50X is the best camera bag for backpackers. Whether trekking through Central America or roaming the Far East, this is your best option. It has all the storage you need for photo gear, clothes, and other essential items.

This camera backpack has a removable section for your camera and lenses. You can take it out completely, giving you more space inside. Or you can insert it into the lower section of the bag.

It has padding and dividers for protection and organization. And it gives you enough space for several travel cameras and lenses.

You gain access to the camera section via the rear opening. And there’s a side opening to grab your camera without removing the backpack.

There’s a good amount of storage space in the top section. There’s an expandable roll top that gives you even more storage space. And the laptop pouch is another handy feature.

The bag itself is water-resistant. That means it protects against showers. But you might have to find shelter if you’re caught in heavy rain for long periods.

The Action 50X is a hardy backpack for intrepid photographers. It will take you and your gear to the edge of Earth and back.

The Vanguard VEO Discover 41 is a simple solution for photographers who don’t want to be weighed down. It’s a small, single-strap backpack. It carries a good amount of equipment. And it’s a convenient bag size for people on the move.

It can carry one large camera with two or three lenses. The internal dividers have a thick layer of padding. So your gear is protected. And they can be moved around with the Velcro connectors.

The front section also has a pouch for your tablet. And the side opening also gives you access to the camera while wearing the bag.

The bag has water-resistant material, protecting against light rain. And you also get a waterproof rain cover for protection in really bad weather.

The shoulder strap is well padded, giving you a comfortable experience. And there’s an under-arm strap for more stability when walking.

The VEO Discover 41 is the perfect little bag for popping out with your camera for a short period. It’s a really useful camera bag for photographers. And you get excellent value for your money.

The Pelican Air 1525 is a fantastic hard case for camera equipment. It’s solid as a rock. It’s waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof. And yet, it’s lightweight and easy to transport. So it’s exactly what you need for long-distance travel with precious gear.

The inside is spacious enough for many cameras and lenses. And you have plenty of space for other gadgets. The padded dividers help you organize equipment. And the padding keeps them protected against knocks and scrapes.

You can also opt for the foam interior. This allows you to create custom spaces for each piece of equipment.

You have nothing to fear if you check the case in as hold luggage. It’s strong enough for any knocks along the way. And it has a valve that equalizes the pressure inside the case.

It’s also completely waterproof. So it protects against rain. But it can also be completely submerged! That’s thorough protection.

Not all photographers need a hard camera case. But it can be exactly what you need for international travel. The Air 1525 is the best camera hard case. And that’s why it’s one of the best camera bags for photographers.

Check out the full article on the best camera hard cases.

FAQs on the Best Camera Bags

Finding the best bag isn’t easy. There are so many things you need to consider. It can be difficult to find the perfect camera bag. That’s why we’ve answered these frequently asked questions on camera bags.

What Types of Camera Bags Are There?

Camera bags come in many shapes and sizes. There are many types of camera bags. And it’s best to find which type suits you best.

A camera backpack is a great place to start. Backpacks are now the most popular type of camera bag with photographers. They offer plenty of storage room. They’re easy to carry. And they leave your hands and arms free.

Messenger bags remain popular with photographers of different types. The single strap and easy access to your camera make them a top choice for street photographers and photojournalists. They are also stylish and unassuming. That’s good for photographers wanting to be discreet.

Shoulder and sling bags are similar to messenger bags, only smaller. They are also popular with concert and street photographers and journalists. They hang over one shoulder and lay at your hip. This gives you quick and easy access to your camera.

There are excellent camera bags for men. You can find stylish camera bags for women. There’s an excellent selection of camera bags for hiking.

And the travel camera bag market is alive and kicking. Plus, there are some fantastic camera hard cases to choose from.

Are Camera Bags Waterproof?

The level of water resistance varies from bag to bag. Some camera bags are not waterproof at all. So you have to be really careful using the bag in bad weather. Even light rain showers can soak through to your gear. And that will cause problems.

Thankfully, most bags do offer some protection against rain. You can see the levels of protection in the image below. This shows how much rain a bag can withstand.

Also, bag manufacturers know photographers need protection against the elements. That’s why many include a waterproof rain cover.

Do Photographers Need Camera Bags?

The answer is yes. You might be tempted to use a normal backpack to carry your gear. And while that might be okay for a day out or a short trip, we don’t recommend it.

Cameras and photography equipment are expensive and fragile. Even a minor knock can cause damage. So dedicated camera bags offer more protection.

They have padded dividers to separate each item to prevent them from moving around or knocking against each other. And the best camera bags also have extra storage space for laptops, tablets, and other accessories.

You can carry everything you need in one bag. That’s why it’s worth investing in a good camera bag.

How Many Camera Bags Do you Need?

Beginners and casual photographers will be fine with one camera bag. They can survive with a good camera backpack or messenger bag. But as you grow as a photographer, you might need different camera bags for different occasions.

Short days out with your camera could turn into long photography trips abroad. And that means you might need a bag better suited to air travel.

You might also need a bigger bag for professional photoshoots. As you develop as a photographer, your equipment catalog will grow. You might need several cameras for one job. And you might need an array of lenses and accessories.

It’s best to start with one good camera bag. Then you can add, change, or upgrade as you progress through the photography ranks.

Conclusion: The Best Camera Bag

There’s a camera bag here for every photographer! You have the Peak Design Everyday V2 if you prefer a messenger bag. And there’s the BAGSMART shoulder bag if you want something small and casual.

The Shimoda Explore V2 is perfect for hiking with your camera. And the Neewer rolling camera backpack is the best for air travel.

But the BAGSMART backpack is the best camera bag on our list. It has a simple style that goes with everything. It’s spacious and has plenty of dividers for protecting your gear. And it’s the best-value photography backpack on the market right now.