Best Travel Camera Bags

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Buying Guides

When you’re on the move, your camera gear is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, ensuring that your equipment is safe, organized, and easily accessible is crucial. This is where a high-quality travel camera bag comes in. The right bag not only protects your gear from the elements but also makes it easier to carry everything you need, from lenses to tripods and even personal items. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best travel camera bags available, each offering unique features to suit different needs.

  1. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 is a game-changer for photographers who need a versatile, weatherproof bag. This bag is designed with adaptability in mind, featuring customizable dividers that allow you to organize your gear to your liking. The expandable capacity is perfect for those days when you need to carry extra equipment or personal items.

Why It’s Great:

  • Weatherproof: Made from durable, weatherproof materials, this bag can withstand the elements, keeping your gear safe even in challenging conditions.
  • Customizable Dividers: The FlexFold dividers let you organize your equipment exactly how you want, ensuring that everything has its place.
  • Expandable Capacity: The bag can expand or contract depending on your needs, making it ideal for both short trips and extended travels.

Ideal For: Photographers who need a bag that can adapt to a variety of situations and environments.

  1. Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II

For professional photographers, the Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW II is a top choice. This bag is all about modularity, with a design that allows you to attach additional pouches and accessories as needed. The all-weather cover ensures your gear stays dry, while multiple access points make it easy to grab your camera quickly.

Why It’s Great:

  • Modular Design: The bag’s exterior features attachment points for additional pouches, allowing you to customize your setup.
  • All-Weather Cover: Protect your gear from rain and dust with the included all-weather cover.
  • Easy-Access Points: With multiple entry points, you can quickly access your camera and lenses without having to unpack the entire bag.

Ideal For: Professional photographers who need a highly customizable and durable bag for all conditions.

  1. Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L

The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L is designed in collaboration with travel photographer Peter McKinnon, making it a perfect blend of style and functionality. This bag features an expandable design and customizable interior, ensuring that you have plenty of space for both your camera gear and personal belongings.

Why It’s Great:

  • Expandable Design: The bag can expand to accommodate more gear, making it suitable for both short trips and extended travels.
  • Customizable Interior: The bag’s interior can be tailored to fit your specific gear setup, ensuring everything is secure and organized.
  • Multiple Access Points: The bag offers easy access to your gear, whether you’re grabbing your camera or a lens.

Ideal For: Travelers who need a stylish, spacious, and functional camera bag that can carry both gear and personal items.

  1. WANDRD PRVKE Series Backpack

Adventure photographers will love the WANDRD PRVKE Series Backpack for its rugged design and practical features. This bag is built to withstand harsh conditions, with weather-resistant materials and a roll-top closure that keeps your gear safe and dry.

Why It’s Great:

  • Weather-Resistant Materials: The durable materials used in this bag make it ideal for outdoor adventures, protecting your gear from rain and dust.
  • Roll-Top Closure: The roll-top design allows you to adjust the bag’s capacity and provides an extra layer of protection against the elements.
  • Side Camera Access: Quickly grab your camera from the side access point, perfect for capturing those spontaneous shots.

Ideal For: Adventure photographers who need a durable, stylish, and weather-resistant bag.

  1. Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro V2.0

The Think Tank Photo StreetWalker Pro V2.0 is designed with urban photographers in mind. Its slim profile makes it easy to navigate crowded environments, while the dedicated laptop compartment ensures you can work on the go.

Why It’s Great:

  • Slim Profile: The bag’s narrow design makes it perfect for navigating through crowded city streets.
  • Tripod Attachment: Carry your tripod securely with the built-in attachment system.
  • Dedicated Laptop Compartment: A padded compartment keeps your laptop safe, making this bag a great choice for photographers who need to edit on the go.

Ideal For: Urban photographers who need a compact and practical bag for city shoots.

  1. Shimoda Explore V2 35 Backpack

The Shimoda Explore V2 35 Backpack is all about adaptability. With an adjustable torso height and modular camera inserts, this bag can be customized to fit different body types and gear setups. Its water-resistant materials make it a reliable choice for outdoor photography.

Why It’s Great:

  • Adjustable Torso Height: The bag’s torso height can be adjusted to fit different body sizes, ensuring a comfortable fit.
  • Modular Camera Inserts: Customize the bag’s interior with inserts that fit your specific gear setup.
  • Water-Resistant Materials: Protect your gear from the elements with the bag’s water-resistant construction.

Ideal For: Outdoor photographers who need a bag that adapts to their body and gear requirements.

  1. Tenba Solstice 24L Backpack

The Tenba Solstice 24L Backpack is lightweight and designed for comfort, making it ideal for long travel days. It offers rear access to your gear, keeping it safe from pickpockets, and features a weatherproof base to protect your equipment when you set the bag down.

Why It’s Great:

  • Lightweight Design: The bag is designed to be lightweight and comfortable, even when fully loaded.
  • Rear Access: Access your gear from the rear of the bag, which adds an extra layer of security in crowded areas.
  • Weatherproof Base: The reinforced base protects your gear from water and dirt when you set the bag down.

Ideal For: Photographers who prioritize comfort and security during long travel days.

  1. Manfrotto Pro Light RedBee 310

The Manfrotto Pro Light RedBee 310 is a compact yet spacious camera bag, perfect for travel photographers who need to pack light. It features multiple access points and modular dividers, allowing you to organize your gear efficiently.

Why It’s Great:

  • Compact Yet Spacious: The bag offers plenty of room for your gear without being bulky.
  • Multiple Access Points: Quickly access your camera and lenses from various entry points.
  • Modular Dividers: Customize the interior with dividers that fit your specific gear needs.

Ideal For: Travel photographers who need a compact and efficient bag for their gear.

  1. Ona The Camps Bay Backpack

The Ona The Camps Bay Backpack is a perfect blend of style and functionality. Handcrafted with leather accents and a customizable interior, this bag is as beautiful as it is practical. It’s a great choice for photographers who want a high-quality bag that stands out.

Why It’s Great:

  • Handcrafted Design: The bag’s design is both stylish and durable, made with high-quality materials.
  • Leather Accents: The leather accents add a touch of luxury to the bag, making it a statement piece.
  • Removable Dividers: The interior dividers can be adjusted or removed to fit your gear setup.

Ideal For: Photographers looking for a stylish, high-quality camera bag that doesn’t compromise on functionality.

  1. Billingham Hadley Pro 2020

The Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 is a timeless classic, known for its water-resistant canvas and customizable interior. This bag is perfect for photographers who appreciate craftsmanship and need a reliable bag that will last for years.

Why It’s Great:

  • Water-Resistant Canvas: The bag’s canvas construction is not only durable but also water-resistant, protecting your gear from the elements.
  • Customizable Interior: The interior can be tailored to fit your gear, ensuring everything is secure and organized.
  • Classic Design: The bag’s design is timeless, making it a stylish choice for any photographer.

Ideal For: Photographers who appreciate timeless style and craftsmanship in their gear.

Conclusion

Choosing the right travel camera bag is essential for protecting your gear and ensuring that you have everything you need for your photography adventures. Whether you’re an urban photographer navigating crowded streets or an adventure photographer braving the elements, there’s a camera bag on this list that will meet your needs. Each of these bags offers unique features, from customizable interiors to weather-resistant materials, ensuring that your gear stays safe and organized no matter where your travels take you.

Investing in a high-quality camera bag is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring that your valuable equipment is protected so that you can focus on capturing those perfect shots.