While being a professional, semi-professional—or even an amateur—photographer can seem like a fun, glamorous job where you pack up at a moment’s notice to shoot an exciting event or fly to a dramatic location shoot, the truth is, the “packing up at a moment’s notice” is more difficult than it sounds. Not only do you have to consider what travel arrangements you have to make and personal items to pack, but also what equipment you need. Typically it will require not only a camera but also lenses, lighting equipment, tripod, camera-cleaning gear, batteries, SD cards, and much more including in some instances, a drone. The best camera backpack can be a photographer’s best friend on the road and on the job. In many ways, a well-chosen camera backpack becomes a photographer’s assistant on any photoshoot.

Finding the best camera backpack for your equipment is essential. Not only does it have to protect your expensive equipment with padded compartments, it also has to keep your important accessories well-organized and easy to access. It will also have to accommodate your laptop, and in some cases, it may need to carry a change of clothes and personal items for overnight trips. If you are hiking to a remote location, your camera backpack may double as a hiking or camping backpack and have to hold more supplies, including your water bottle and other essentials.

For a photographer, choosing the best camera backpack is a little like interviewing for an assistant. While you may not need to ask what its five-year plan is—you certainly hope that you are choosing the right one for the job. We’ve made the selection easier for any photographer by putting together a list of tried and true camera backpacks that have passed muster for real photographers on-the-go.

Editors choice

1. USA Gear DSLR Camera Backpack

9.60 / 10

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One of the best camera backpack choices today comes from a name we trust for transporting our essential gear. The USA Gear DSLR Camera Backpack has a sleek, modern design that is more streamlined and less bulky or heavy. It has roomy, customizable storage space with padded dividers, and a designated camera compartment for DSLR cameras. A convenient top compartment can hold fast-access items such as your phone and keys. A zippered side opening allows quick camera access so you need never miss a shot. Mesh pouches hold your smallest items while you organize other accessories with dividers that can be removed, added, and rearranged to best suit your needs—all in a lightweight, durable nylon reinforced with thick padding to protect your important and expensive equipment. A rain cover is included to protect your gear in extreme weather conditions.

The USA Gear DSLR Camera Backpack also has a designated laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6-inches. A tripod holder with straps and foot holder is included, as well as a luggage handle slot for easier airport navigation on rolling luggage or carts. The backpack is TSA-approved and sleek enough to fit below your airline seat.

This lightweight, durable camera backpack has soft, breathable shoulder straps that are padded for comfort and fully adjustable. The tuck-away strap features let you decide how you wish to carry the backpack with an option for one-shoulder or sling-style carrying. A waist strap helps to evenly distribute weight and aids in balance for all-day wear during travel, hiking, or out on the job. A side pocket can hold a small tripod or your water bottle.

The USA Gear DSLR Camera Backpack is one of the best camera backpack choices today for modern design and lightweight, comfortable convenience.

Key Features

  • Camera backpack with sleek, stylish modern design and tuck-away strap for one-shoulder option
  • Roomy customizable storage space with padded dividers and laptop compartment
  • Top compartment for phone, keys, and important items
  • Zippered side opening for fast access to camera
Specifications

  • Material: Nylon
  • Compatible With: DSLR cameras
  • Color(s): Black and blue, black and black, black and red, black and green, black and orange, and black and purple
  • Brand: USA Gear
Pros

  • Sleek, stylish appearance with black exterior and bold colors on this inside in 6 color options
  • Durable reinforced metal zippers and non-slip rubber pulls
  • Includes tripod holder
  • Comfortable adjustable strap and included raincover
Cons

  • Bottom of the backpack could use additional padding
  • Mesh pouches are included for smallest accessories rather than zippered pockets
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Premium pick

2. Endurax ShellX P01 Extra Large Camera Backpack

9.50 / 10

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The Endurax ShellX P01 Extra Large Camera Backpack may be the best camera backpack for drone photographers. It features an extra-large capacity with a specialized zone for Mavic drones such as Mavic Air, Mavic Spark, and Mavic Pro. A detachable layer prevents drones from shaking or jostling. A top compartment for quick access can fit a DSLR camera with attached lens. Interior compartments fit two pro-sized cameras, up to eight lenses, and three flashes. All dividers are detachable for customization.

The Endurax ShellX P01 Extra Large Camera Backpack has a heavy-duty, waterproof polyester construction and includes a waterproof rain cover for extra protection. It has a padded back for comfort and a PVA-armored front panel protecting both the upper and lower compartments to keep even the most sensitive gear safe and secure.

This roomy backpack keeps you perfectly organized with many small pockets for photography equipment, a 17-inch laptop compartment, a 9.7-inch tablet compartment, a multi-functional side pocket, an accessory organization pad, and mesh side pockets to hold a water bottle and a tripod.

The Endurax ShellX P01 Extra Large Camera Backpack is easy to carry, with adjustable straps, comfortable padding, and a suppressible waist strap. The bottom of the backpack is reinforced with a wear-proof standing pad so you can set the backpack down for it to stand alone while you work.

This is one of the best camera backpacks for hiking into beautiful locations with all of your camera and drone equipment ready to go!

Key Features

  • Hiker-style camera backpack with top quick access compartment for 2 pro-sized cameras, up to 8 lenses, and 3 flashes
  • Protection for Mavic drones and camera
  • PVA-armored front panel
  • Mulitple storage compartments for photography equipment
Specifications

  • Material: Waterproof polyester
  • Compatible With: Mavic, Tamron, Sigma
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Endurax
Pros

  • Two-mesh side pockets for water bottle and tripod
  • Side-flip pocket for drone tools
  • Tough, waterproof fabric and included waterproof rain cover
  • Includes accessory organizer pad
Cons

  • Could be improved by including more dividers
  • Backpack is heavy even when empty
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Best value

3. GOgroove Digital SLR Camera Backpack

8.75 / 10

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The GOgroove Digital SLR Camera Backpack is one of the best camera backpack choices for bold style and vivid colors. It has a fully padded camera storage compartment for SLR cameras including Nikon, Canon, and Olympus. A fast-access side closure allows you to retrieve your camera quickly so you never miss an important shot. It also has a dedicated tablet pocket with impact-resistant padding. An accessory storage compartment has fully customizable padded dividers to store all of your essential equipment in any way that you prefer. It has zippered accessory pockets, a zippered front pocket for your phone, keys, and other important items that require fast access, and a side tripod holder.

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The GOgroove is not only stylish, it’s also designed for comfortable all-day wear. It has padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh. You can also choose to tuck one strap away and wear the camera backpack in a sling design. The straps are adjustable up to 35 inches to fit any size.

This stylish backpack comes with a waterproof rain cover so there are no worries about getting caught in a storm. It has a durable construction, heavy-duty buckles, and reinforced handles, zippers, and stitching.

This is the best camera backpack to combine fashion with functionality. It’s available in vibrant pink, sky blue, and bold purple.

Key Features

  • Stylish camera backpack with vibrant color and dual purpose design
  • Customizable interior accessory pockets, and tablet or small laptop compartment
  • Zippreed storage pockets, easy-access front pocket, and tripod holder
Specifications

  • Material: High-quality nylon
  • Compatible With: SLR cameras, Canon, Nikon, Olympus
  • Color(s): Pink, Blue, Purple
  • Brand: GOgroove
Pros

  • Adjustable wearing as a backpack, or sling-style bag
  • Includes waterproof rain cover
  • Heavy-duty buckles, and reinforced zippes and handles
Cons

  • Colors are not always true to pictures, some users received less vividly colored fabric
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4. Tarion Waterproof Camera Backpack

9.15 / 10

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The Tarion Waterproof Camera Backpack is one of the best camera backpacks for exceptional weather-resistance. It features a durable waterproof canvas fabric and IPX5 waterproof rain cover—perfect for extreme weather conditions.

The Tarion Waterproof Camera Backpack has a thickened outer layer for extra impact protection. The extra-large capacity interior features a camera compartment for DSLR camera, a customizable accessories storage compartment with three layers of EPE-padded dividers, inner pouches to store small accessories, and a dedicated laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches. A mesh side-pocket stores your tripod. A roomy side-pocket offers easy access for important items. Extra inner pouches store your small accessories such as batteries and SD cards. The inner compartments are removable, making this a serviceable and stylish backpack to use as a daily backpack for work, school, or for travel.

The Tarion Waterproof Camera Backpack has a comfortable-to-carry design with ergonomic back support, S-shaped shoulder straps with comfortable padding, and an adjustable chest strap for more even weight distribution. It is comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time, even when it’s carrying all of your essential equipment and extras.

The extra-large capacity makes this backpack one of the best camera backpack choices for carrying all of your gear for daily use, travel, or hiking. The expandable drawstring top delivers an extra ten percent of space for over-stuffing.

Key Features

  • Camera backpack with rugged, water-resistant fabric and water-proof rain cover
  • Includes designated laptop compartment for 15.6-inch laptop
  • Extra-large capacity with removable inner compartments
  • Back and side openings for convenient access
Specifications

  • Material: High-density waterproof nylon
  • Compatible With: DSLR camera compartment and compact compartment
  • Color(s): Gray and Brown
  • Brand: Tarion
Pros

  • IPX5 waterproof with raincover
  • Remove the inner compartments to use as a daily backpack
  • S-shape padded shoulder straps with ergonomic back support and adjustable chest strap
  • Shock-proof EPE inner lining
Cons

  • Laptop compartment is not padded
  • Number of storage pockets needs improvement
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5. Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and Laptop Backpack

9.00 / 10

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The best camera backpack for superior protection for your sensitive equipment is the Case Logic SLRC-206 SLR Camera and Laptop Backpack. This backpack cradles your camera and accessories with extra-cushiony memory foam padding and extra-thick customizable interior dividers. It also features a unique hammock-style support for your SLR camera that keeps it suspended above the bottom for extra impact protection for your delicate LCD screen. It fits a DJI Mavic Pro drone, making this an ideal choice for drone photographers. A dedicated laptop space is conveniently included and fits laptops up to 17 inches.

This camera backpack features a durable construction of waterproof nylon. A waterproof EVA base protects your equipment and allows the backpack to stand upright. A durable hook and industrial-strength straps hold your tripod securely in place.

The Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack is comfortable to carry even for all-day wear or for hiking to a dramatic location for photographs. It has comfortably padded, adjustable shoulder straps with breathable mesh, and an air mesh back panel for extra long-wearing comfort. A uniquely innovative strap management system keeps extra strap lengths from hanging loose even when the backpack is adjusted for people of small stature.

The rugged styling, comfortable breathability, and extra-secure padding for equipment protection make the Case Logic Camera and Laptop Backpack one of the best camera backpack choices for delicate equipment.

Key Features

  • Waterproof backpack with memory foam-padded camera compartment for SLR cameras with attached lens
  • Includes dedicated drone compartment
  • Unique interior hammock system suspends SLR for impact protection
  • Includes laptop compartment for up to 17in laptops
Specifications

  • Material: Waterproof nylon
  • Compatible With: SLR camera and Mavic pro drones
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Case Logic
Pros

  • Waterproof EVA base for free-standing function
  • Padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh
  • Adjustable dividers for customized interior
  • Includes tripod hook and strap for secure carrying
Cons

  • Extra thick, cushiony dividers leave less room for accessories
  • Does not unzip wide open so removing/adding items is more difficult
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6. G-raphy Water-Repellent Canvas Camera Backpack

8.60 / 10

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The G-raphy Water-Repellent Camera Backpack is one of the best camera backpack choices for a retro, vintage appeal on the outside with all of the most convenient modern features on the inside. It has a durable, water-repellent canvas construction with retro-style buckles and thick cotton interior padding to protect your valuable equipment. It features comfortable padded shoulder straps and back pad with breathable mesh and customizable padded dividers to protect and organize your accessories. Two small pouches hold batteries, SD cards, and other small items. A designated laptop compartment keeps your laptop of up to 15-inches secure and protected. Best of all, a convenient zippered back pocket allows quick access to your camera so you need never miss a shot. A side pocket can hold items that you need fast access to, such as keys and your phone. Sturdy, dual SBS zippers keep all of your important gear safely secured.

The G-raphy Water-Repellent Camera Backpack has mesh side pockets to hold your water bottle and a small tripod. An anti-slip pad protects the bottom of the backpack from wetness, dust, and dirt. It includes a durable hook to hold your sunglasses or water bottle. Back straps can hold larger tripods, tent, or a sleeping bag, making this one of the best camera backpack options for hiking, camping, or traveling.

The waxed canvas of the G-raphy Water-Repellent Camera Backpack protects all of your important gear. It is weather-resistant and resists scratching or tearing. An included waterproof rain cover further protects your equipment in extreme weather conditions.

The G-graphy Water-Repellent Camera Backpack is one of the best backpack camera designs today for modern functionality and convenience combined with a stylish, vintage appearance.

Key Features

  • DSLR, SLR canvas camera backpack with reinforced lining and retro look
  • Removable padded dividers and thick cotton interior padding
  • Side-pockets for water bottle and tripod transport
  • Quick access zippered pocket for fast camera retrieval
Specifications

  • Material: Water-repellent waxed canvas
  • Compatible With: DSLR, SLR cameras
  • Color(s): Gray and brown
  • Brand: G-raphy
Pros

  • Water-repellent canvas with included raincover
  • Fast camera access so you’ll never miss a shot
  • Includes sunglasses/waterbottle hook
Cons

  • Backpack is heavy
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One of the best camera backpack choices with a vintage look is the Tarion Camera Backpack. This backpack features a sturdy build of weatherproof canvas with buffalo leather detailing. It fits SLR and DSLR cameras and has a roomy interior with EPE protective padding and hook and loop dividers to protect all of your sensitive equipment and accessories. It has a unique design with a quick-access front opening with dual zippers. A designated laptop compartment keeps your laptop of up to 15-inches safe and protected.

This beautiful, stylish backpack has an interior padded compartment with foam partitions that can be rearranged for customization for the best protection for your accessories. An expandable inner top drawstring gives extra space for gear, while inner pouches hold your smallest accessories to keep them safe and well-organized. Tripod straps at the bottom of the backpack safely and securely transport your tripod. Pockets and flaps feature magnetic snaps for secure closure.

The Tarion Camera Backpack has comfortable padded shoulder straps with air-flow mesh for breathability as well as an air-mesh back panel to prevent sweating. A waterproof rain cover provides extra-protection during bad weather conditions.

This backpack is stain-repellent and easy to clean. It’s extensively padded to protect your camera and laptop while you work, play, hike, or travel. This is one of the best camera backpack choices that is both functional and stylish.

Key Features

  • Versatile camera backpack with laptop compartment, and space for SLR and DSLR cameras or camcorders
  • Two large interior pockets with padded hook and loop dividers for camera and accessories
  • Tripod carrying straps on backpack base
Specifications

  • Material: Weatherproof canvas and buffalo leather
  • Compatible With: SLR/DSLR cameras
  • Color(s): Khaki or green
  • Brand: Tarion
Pros

  • Includes rain cover
  • Adjustable strap to enlarge capacity
  • Stylish, vintage appearance
Cons

  • Magnetic snaps on the top flap make it hard to keep the flap open when retrieving items
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8. Bagsmart Anti-Theft Camera Backpack

8.25 / 10

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The best backpack camera to combine style and smart protection for your sensitive equipment is the Bagsmart Camera Backpack. This backpack features an upper section for clothing or personal items, a designated camera zone for DSLR camera with 70-200mm lens, a laptop compartment for up to 15-inch laptop, storage for 3-4 standard lenses, and a padded, organized accessories pocket. It also features dual side pockets for a water bottle and tripod. The space for camera accessories is fully customizable with padded dividers. Remove the dividers to use the Bagsmart Camera Backpack as an everyday backpack or travel backpack. It is TSA-approved for carry-on.

The Bagsmart Camera delivers smarter protection for your camera and accessories with a fully padded interior. It has an anti-theft zipper-and-hook closure that’s fully lockable with a user-friendly design to secure your important equipment. The cinch-top closure, easy-access side pocket, and full front zippered flap provide three access points for convenience.

This stylish backpack has shockproof bumper padding on the bottom for further impact protection. The shoulder straps are adjustable and padded for comfort. An adjustable chest strap is included.

The Bagsmart Camera Backpack offers more than security. It also offers style, with a durable canvas construction in a selection of color choices including black, blue, gray, khaki, and olive green.

This is one of the best camera backpack choices today in a unisex style that any photographer will appreciate.

Key Features

  • Water-resistant canvas backpack with dedicated pockets for DSLR camera and 15-inch laptop
  • 3 Access points including cinch-top, side pocket, and full-zip front pocket
  • Large side pockets for water bottle and tripod
  • Anti-theft design with mettal hook attachment to side and front zippers
Specifications

  • Material: Heavy-duty canvas
  • Compatible With: DSLR cameras
  • Color(s): Black, Blue, Gray, Khaki, Olive
  • Brand: Bagsmart
Pros

  • Includes adjustable chest strap
  • Luggage handle strap and rain cover included
  • Padded accessories pocket with customizable dividers
Cons

  • Fit is tight for camera with 500mm lens attached
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9. Koolerton Professional Canvas Camera Backpack with Removable Case

8.10 / 10

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One of the best camera backpack designs is the one that doesn’t scream, “Camera Backpack!” but instead looks like a fun and stylish daily backpack with a cute black and white print including polka dots with a snow plaid base. The Koolerton Professional Canvas Camera Backpack has a removable separate camera case with padded dividers to hold a DSLR or SLR camera. The independent camera case has customizable padded dividers to protect and organize all of your important accessories.

The Koolerton Professional Canvas Camera Backpack also features a padded laptop compartment that holds a 15.6-inch laptop. It has secure internal pockets and pen holders to keep your items neat, organized, and easy to access. The backpack fully opens in the middle so you can insert the camera bag for a photo session, or remove it to use the backpack as a daily backpack for school or work, or to use for travel or hiking. It has a durable canvas exterior with a non-slip pad at the bottom as well as a quick-releasing strap system for your tripod. A waterproof rain cover is neatly hidden in a bottom seam pocket so you can quickly pull it up to protect your backpack from rain and severe weather conditions.

This cute, functional backpack is designed for breathability with a heat-dissipating construction and padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh. It’s one of the best camera backpack choices for all-day wear for travel or hiking. The cute style and design that doesn’t look like a camera bag provide additional security for your expensive and essential camera and accessories.

Key Features

  • Attractive camera backpack with removable insert bag for camera and lens
  • Customizable velcro storage padding in removable bag for accessories
  • Inluded raincover in hidden seam, and front pocket for keys and phone
  • Front compartment for 15.6 inch laptops
Specifications

  • Material: Canvas
  • Compatible With: DSLR, SLR
  • Color(s): Black and white print
  • Brand: Koolertron
Pros

  • Versatile design with removable inserts lets the backpack be used as a daily backpack as well as camera bag
  • Quick-releasing bottom tripod holder
  • Trendy, updated appearance with fun black and white polka dots disguises camera bag for security
Cons

  • Zipper quality needs improvement
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10. Altura Camera Backpack with Laptop Case

8.00 / 10

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One of the best camera backpack choices for a lightweight, streamlined fit that’s comfortable to carry is the Altura Camera Backpack with Laptop Case. This backpack is durable and water-resistant with reinforced stitching for extended use. The adjustable shoulder straps are padded for comfortable wear.

This camera backpack features a protective, padded interior with modular inserts that are customizable to suit all of your equipment needs. It offers universal DSLR or mirrorless camera storage, including Canon, Nikon, and  Sony. A dedicated padded pocket on the inside front flap holds a laptop of up to 14 inches. A side pocket carries your tripod or monopod with a strap to keep it safe and secure. Multiple interior pockets, including a transparent accessory pocket, makes it easy to organize your equipment and accessories, such as lens filter sets, memory cards, cleaning kit, and extra batteries and charger.

The Altura Camera Backpack offers exceptional storage for transporting a mid-sized camera, laptop, and your entire array of essential photographic accessories. The padded shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to evenly distribute weight for comfort even for all-day wear while the water-repellent nylon material protects all of your important gear from the elements.

This lightweight, streamlined backpack may be the best camera backpack for traveling. It is TSA carry-on approved and has dual zipper sliders that connect with luggage locks for enhanced security.

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Key Features

  • Durable, water-resistant backpack with padded modular inserts
  • Stores a DSLR or mirrorless camera such as Nikon, Canon, Sony
  • Dedicated side pocket for tripod or monopod with safety strap
Specifications

  • Material: Weather-resistant nylon
  • Compatible With: Universal for DSLR cameras, Canon, Nikon, Sony-Mirrorless
  • Color(s): Black
  • Brand: Altura
Pros

  • Includes mulitple storage pockets
  • Reinforced stitching for durability
  • Lightweight but durable with streamlined style for comfortable carrying
  • TSA carry-on approved
Cons

  • Laptop compartment is not highly padded
  • May be too shallow for extra-large DSLRs
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Choosing the best camera backpack is essential for a photographer, not only to protect expensive and delicate equipment while on-the-go, but also to make organizing and accessing that equipment fast and easy. You have to choose the right backpack for your particular camera size and type, ensuring that it will safely store your camera with the lens in place so you are ready to snap a photo at an opportune moment. It must also keep your equipment and accessories safe and well-organized. A great shot won’t wait for you to shuffle around in your bag looking for the right lens.

When it’s time to choose the best camera backpack for your camera and equipment, there are many important features to consider.

Pockets, Pouches, And Placement

Camera and accessories are not only fragile, they are also expensive. Keeping them safe while on-the-go is essential. The best camera backpack will feature protective padding to keep the equipment safe from impact. Look for a padded compartment for your camera and a separate compartment to hold your accessories. Ideally, your camera compartment will have a fast-access zippered flap so you quickly pull it out when you need it.

A great accessory compartment will have padded dividers that you can move and customize to separate your equipment in a way that best keeps it safe and makes it easy for you to keep organized.

Besides camera and accessory pockets, the best camera backpack will have a designated laptop storage pocket with padding and velcro straps. Be sure to choose one that will fit your size laptop or tablet. Some also include a space for a drone, which is essential for drone photographers.

Most camera backpacks also have additional interior pockets or pouches for your smallest accessories, including such items as batteries and SD cards to keep them securely in place and easy to locate. A top or front compartment should be available for quick access to important items like your keys and phone.

Most camera backpacks feature either a side pocket or a strap carrying system for your tripod. Some offer both options.

High-Quality Characteristics Of The Best Camera Backpack

Besides having great organizational and protective interior features, the outside of your camera bag should be durable and weather-resistant. Most will feature heavy-duty canvas or a more lightweight water-resistant nylon construction. Look for backpacks with a protective rain cover that makes it waterproof in extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, or sleet. Extra padding on the bottom or non-slip rubber pads will help to protect the gear inside your bag when you place it on the ground. Your camera backpack should also be comfortable for all-day wear, with padded, breathable mesh shoulder straps and an optional waist strap for weight distribution and balance.

Some backpacks offer important extras such as luggage straps so you can secure your backpack in place on a rolling suitcase for travel convenience, and lockable zippers for security.

Finally, the best camera backpack for you should suit your style. Choose from sleek, modern backpacks or cool, retro backpacks with a vintage appeal. Some offer tuck-away straps so you can choose to wear it shoulder-style when you wish. Some styles are masculine, while others appeal to more feminine natures, or you can choose a unisex model that will work with any style.

No matter what you are looking for in a backpack you are sure to find the right one with the many fine options available today. Your best equipment deserves the best camera backpack to take it out on the road—or the plane, or the trail, or wherever you’re going to find that winning shot!

FAQ

Q: Do I really need a dedicated camera bag instead of a good backpack?

A beginning photographer without a lot of extra equipment may be able to use a simple backpack until they know for certain they wish to pursue the art further. But when a beginner’s hobby becomes something more, the best camera backpacks have much more to offer than a typical backpack. They are specifically designed with dedicated compartments to safely house your camera, lenses, tripods, filters, batteries, speedlights, and even drones. Delicate equipment requires the protection of a bag that’s weather-proof and designed to keep accessories from bumping, scratching, and jarring. Many come with high-grade zippers to prevent theft as well as ergonomic designs to be easier on your back.

Q: What features make a great camera backpack?

When choosing one of the best camera backpacks, be sure it offers adequate space and dedicated protective compartments for the gear you use, or adaptable padding you can arrange the way you need. You should also find one that’s durable enough to hold up to years of action, travel, opening, closing, and carrying through all sorts of weather conditions while also being lightweight enough to not add extra weight to your already heavy equipment.

Look for comfortable, padded straps and a waist strap for extra support. Many people also look for security features such as a camera backpack that doesn’t shout out, “Expensive equipment inside!” or bags with zipper locks.

Q: How long should a good camera backpack last?

We all know we get what we pay for and that is never so true as it is for a good camera bag or backpack. When choosing one of the best camera backpacks, spending more for your initial investment will almost always save you money in the long run. While you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a bag just because it looks good or it’s a popular brand, a good camera backpack that offers durability, protection for your equipment, and an ergonomic design for comfortable wear will cost a little more than a cheap bag, but it will last longer, offer better protection for your expensive equipment, and will feel much more comfortable to wear during travel and on-the-job.

Q: What should I carry in my camera backpack?

Besides your camera, for most photo shoots you’ll also need to carry any additional lenses you might need, lens wipes, lights—including an LED headlight—notebook, tripod, spare batteries, memory cards, and filters. You should also have a bottle of water to stay hydrated while you work, especially if it’s outdoors in hot weather. Bring along a waterproof cover for your backpack to provide extra protection in case of rain.

Some of the best camera backpacks include dedicated laptop compartments if your work requires you to bring along your laptop or tablet.

Q: How should I pack my camera backpack?

The best camera backpacks come with plenty of dedicated equipment pockets, or padded separators you can arrange and customize to suit your equipment. Be sure to place all of your delicate lenses and other equipment in closely fitted compartments to prevent jostling. Many photographers also wrap lenses in lens cloths before packing for extra protection. Be sure each compartment has adequate padding. Your camera lenses should point upward or sideways rather than down and your lens caps should be in place.

Only bring the equipment you know you’ll need so you can minimize weight.

Finally, toss a couple of silica gel pads into your backpack to prevent moisture.

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