7 Best Roll Top Camera Bags in 2024

Roll-top camera backpacks take their styling cues from the world of outdoor sports. Roll-tops find their origins in waterproof sacks loved by watersports enthusiasts. When applied to camera backpacks, the roll-top often contributes to weather resistance. And it offers some possibility for expanding the carrying capacity. But this usually comes at the cost of some weatherproofing.

Roll-top camera backpacks usually offer two main sections. One with access through the roll-top. And one through a main access point. This is usually where you find the padding for your camera gear. The best ones add several options for camera storage, and some have side-access points.

We spent weeks researching, testing, and reviewing the best camera backpacks available. And we’ve put together this list of the best ones with roll-tops to help you choose. Our top pick in this category was actually the overall winner in our whole review. It has style, great camera protection, and loads of adaptability.

What Is the Best Roll-Top Camera Backpack?

We’ve chosen the seven best roll-top camera backpacks available for you to consider. Before we look at them in some detail, here’s a summary of what we like about them. We’ve tested them against a range of criteria to help make your choice easier.

Our Favorite Roll-Top Camera Backpacks

Now let’s look in more detail at those roll-top camera backpacks. Remember, we have an in-depth review of each one on our site. You’ll find the link to the individual bag review at the end of each section in this article.

The Wandrd Prvke Camera Backpack is a product that stands out due to its exceptional quality and design. It’s the latest version of the Prvke and builds on the original’s success.

The quality of the Prvke is evident from the moment you lay your hands on it. The materials used, including the zippers and buckles, are all solid choices. They reflect the brand’s attention to detail. It’s reassuring to know that your expensive camera equipment is well-protected.

The Prvke’s versatility is another significant selling point. You can use it as a regular roll-top backpack or convert it into a camera backpack with the addition of a camera cube. The camera cube itself can function as a small bag, adding another layer of convenience.

However, the 21L Prvke might not be the best for professional photographers who need to carry multiple pieces of equipment. It’s designed more for the adventurous traveler who also happens to be a photographer. For those needing more space, larger versions are available. And there is a range of sizes for the cubes as well.

The Wandrd Prvke is not just a camera backpack. It’s a well-designed, high-quality product that caters to photographers and adventurous travelers alike. It’s a stylish, practical, and versatile solution for your camera storage needs.

In our full review of the Wandrd Prvke, we gave it a score of 85.3 out of 100. It came out top of all the camera backpacks we tested. If you would like to see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

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

The Tenba Fulton V2 Camera Backpack is a perfect blend of simplicity and durability. This roll-top bag is designed for everyday use, making it an ideal choice for street photographers. It’s lightweight and weather-resistant, a testament to Tenba’s commitment to creating reliable and strong camera bags. However, its minimalist design means it lacks storage space for personal items.

The Fulton V2’s strongest feature is its light weight. High-quality, water-repellent materials ensure the bag remains dry. The bag’s security is another plus. The rear-access design offers excellent protection against casual theft, making it a safe choice for urban photographers.

The design aesthetics of the Tenba Fulton V2 Camera Backpack are one of its strengths. It’s available in Black Camo, Black, or Tan Olive. The bag’s roll-top design gives it a smart urban appeal.

The bag’s build quality is exceptional. It’s crafted from durable materials that offer superior weather protection. This makes it a great choice for photographers who are often out in the elements. However, the bag’s lack of storage space for personal items might be a drawback for some photographers.

Despite its limitations, the Tenba Fulton V2 Camera Backpack offers good value for money. It’s an affordable, high-quality camera bag that delivers on its promise of strength and reliability. Whether you’re a city photographer or an outdoor adventurer, the Fulton V2 is a camera bag worth considering.

In our full review of the Tenba Fulton V2, we gave it a score of 76 out of 100. Its weakest area was in the range of additional features. But it scored well for value for money. If you would like to see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Thule Covert 32L is a rugged and durable choice for outdoor photographers. With its heavy-duty construction and vast storage capabilities, it’s perfect for adventurous trips. The Swedish brand, Thule, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality outdoor equipment. And this is clearly reflected in the Covert.

The roll-top design adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, ensuring your gear stays dry even in heavy downpours. It’s not fully waterproof, but its highly water-repellent outer material can withstand prolonged exposure to rain. Combined with its solid build and durable materials, the weight of the bag is justified.

Because it has to be said that the Covert is on the heavier side. It weighs 4.7 lbs (2.14 kg) even before packing your gear. This could be a potential drawback for those who prefer a lighter load. This is partly offset by the adjustable shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a hip belt. These help to distribute the weight evenly, making it more comfortable for long hikes.

The price tag might seem steep at first glance, but considering the quality, durability, and versatility it offers, it’s a worthy investment for outdoor enthusiasts. The Thule Covert 32L Camera Backpack is a testament to Thule’s commitment to quality, making it a reliable choice for photographers who love to explore the great outdoors.

In our full review of the Thule Covert 32L, we gave it a score of 75.4 out of 100. You can see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed by reading our article on the best camera backpacks.

The Tenba DNA 16 is a blend of functionality and style. Its chameleon-like design allows it to fit in effortlessly in both social and professional settings. The unique front camera insert is a standout feature, providing discreet and easy access to your gear. But the camera compartment somewhat limits space and lacks robust padding.

The backpack’s design is cool and casual yet offers ample space for your gear. Its unassuming exterior allows it to blend into various environments without sticking out. Plus, it doesn’t scream “camera bag,” making it perfect for city environments. It comes in two colors—Black and Navy Blue. Both colors align with the bag’s chameleon ethos.

The Tenba DNA 16 DSLR is built to last. It features weatherproof materials and a roll-top design, ensuring your gear stays dry regardless of the weather. The exterior is made of Tenba’s all-weather Helix TPU-coated nylon fabric, offering excellent resistance to abrasion, tears, and low temperatures. This, combined with the roll-top design, makes for a highly weather-resistant bag.

However, the bag’s compatibility with cameras and lenses is somewhat limited due to its unique design. It’s more suited for casual photographers who carry minimal gear. But for those who value functionality and weather resistance over tons of space, the Tenba DNA 16 backpack is worth considering.

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

The Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ is a great solution for photographers who value convenience and durability. It’s a product of Gura Gear’s commitment to solving weight issues associated with carrying camera gear. This backpack has been designed with the mirrorless camera market in mind, making it an ideal daily bag for carrying necessary gear.

The Kiboko City Commuter stands out due to its attention to detail. Made with high-tech nylon/polyester laminate, it’s waterproof and carbon neutral. The bag’s padding uses Artilon foam, which is known for its lightness and resilience. It also comes with a generous amount of dividers for customization and sections for both a laptop and tablet.

But it’s not perfect. Some may find its design plain, and accessing the main flap requires removing the bag. But these are minor issues and don’t detract from its overall quality.

One of the bag’s best features is its roll-top design. This gives the bag a modern and fresh look while also providing an extra layer of protection for your gear. As for its build quality, the bag uses durable components from respected manufacturers like YKK, Duraflex, and Fidlock.

The Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+ camera backpack is a solid choice for photographers. It offers a great balance of weight, size, and protection. It’s definitely worth considering.

In our full review of the Gura Gear Kiboko City Commuter 18L+, we gave it a score of 72.1 out of 100. The basic bag offers much better value for money than if you add a hip belt and other accessories. If you would like to see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

The f-stop Dalston is a roll-top camera backpack that has an urban appeal. Its design is simple and lightweight, making it a suitable choice for urban explorers with minimal camera gear. But it falls short when it comes to additional features, which are lacking in comparison to other backpacks in the market.

The Dalston’s strength lies in its lightness. Despite having a 21L capacity, it weighs just 1.8 lbs (0.8 kg), which is impressive. The outer materials are robust and provide a good degree of weather protection. It also comes with a padded laptop sleeve.

However, the Dalston has its fair share of weaknesses. The finish of the materials feels synthetic. The bag also struggles with layout and access issues. And the camera insert could do with more padding.

When it comes to design and color options, the Dalston falls short. With only two color choices that are not particularly appealing, it fails to resonate with its target audience, the trendy urbanite.

In terms of durability, the Dalston’s external materials are commendable, but the build quality leaves room for improvement. The seams and stitching are exposed, making them prone to wear and tear.

The f-stop Dalston does have some positives, but it doesn’t quite live up to the expectations for its price point. It may be a good fit for some, but there are better options available.

In our full review of the f-stop Dalston, we gave it a score of 60.6 out of 100. If you would like to see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

The f-stop Dyota camera backpack is lightweight with a stylish design. Weighing only 2.8 lbs (1.8 kg), it’s one of the lightest camera backpacks we’ve tested. Its modern, roll-top design is undeniably attractive and scores well for waterproofing.

However, it falls short in terms of functionality as a camera backpack. Its main weakness lies in the level of protection it offers. The Dyota comes with a foam internal sleeve but lacks padding on the bag itself. This means your gear is only protected on three sides, leaving it vulnerable to side impacts.

The bag’s design and color options are worth mentioning. Its canvas-like appearance and a choice of three colors—Battleship Gray, North Sea Blue, or Rooibos Tea—make it quite appealing. But it’s the bag’s functionality that leaves a lot to be desired.

The Dyota’s accessibility is limited. The side zips do not offer easy access to your gear. The opening is narrow and there’s no flap to allow easy access. This, coupled with the lack of side padding, makes it a less than ideal choice for photographers who value the safety of their gear.

The f-stop Dyota may be a good fit for those seeking a lightweight, stylish backpack for light use. But it falls short as a dedicated camera backpack. Its lack of padding and limited accessibility make it a tough sell for serious photographers. Its price point further adds to the list of drawbacks, making it difficult to recommend.

In our full review of the f-stop Dyota, we gave it a score of 58.5 out of 100. If you would like to see how this compares to the other bags we reviewed, read our article on the best camera backpacks.

Conclusion: The Best Roll-Top Camera Backpack

Choosing a camera backpack is a really personal decision. We won’t all agree on what “stylish” means. And our priorities will vary according to our different needs.

In assessing these bags, we’ve considered the three most important aspects of any camera backpack. We’ve looked at how well it protects your gear, how easy it is to access your gear, and how comfortable it is.

We’ve then thought about the relationship between those criteria and the cost of the bag. With all of those things considered, we’ve given our top recommendations for you.

We really recommend that you read the full reviews of the camera backpacks you’re interested in. There you’ll see what they’re really like to use and how we came to our conclusions.

It’s a tough choice because the quality is so high. But we’re pretty confident that one of these top three choices will meet your needs if you’re looking for a roll-top camera backpack.

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